ASEC News & Reflections

ASEC is serving Catholic Sisters in 10 sub-Saharan African countries, providing access to educational opportunities. There is much to celebrate regarding the work of ASEC and the impact of Sisters who are benefiting from our programs.

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ASEC Sisters teach children how to dance at St. Peter Clavery School in Mikumi, Tanzania

Dance in African Christianity and Culture as Explained by an ASEC Sister

Feb 16, 2023: [Kenya, Zambia, USA] After being with ASEC for a year, I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much about Catholic sisters, African culture, and some of the unique and beautiful traditions of Catholicism in Africa. One thing that I’ve noticed is the power of incorporating dance into graduations, mass and religious celebrations in Africa. I wanted to know more.

Staff members pose with the DISC assessment chart after the team development conference on February 2, 2023.

ASEC US Staff Learn About Work Styles in Development Training

Feb 7, 2023: [USA] The Collective 180, a consulting group that helps foster positive workplace relationships and environments through assessment-based training and development, spent two days with US ASEC staff recently. This is what we learned.

SLDI alumna Sr. Elizabeth Wambui in charge of the counseling services offered at the Reuben Center in Mukuru, Kenya.

ASEC Staff Visit Kenya for Convening, Graduation and Site Visits

Jan 13, 2023: [Kenya] ASEC Sr. Program Manager Dr. Rosemary Shaver and Finance Manager Betsy Hartshorn were grateful for the opportunity to visit Kenya and see first-hand how ASEC sisters are transforming their communities.

Sisters join in prayer during a 2018 HESA workshop in Uganda.

Deciding to Become a Nun: The Process

Jan 10, 2023: [USA] If you have ever wondered about the process of becoming a nun, you are not alone. It turns out it takes a lot of commitment, dedication and time to prepare before taking one's final vows.

Pope Benedict XVI was elected to the position following the passing of John Paul II in 2005.

Pope Benedict XVI, Who Preached About Christian Love, Passes

Jan 5, 2023: [USA] Just like those who came before him, and after, Pope Benedict XVI had the enormous task of leading the Catholic Church in a complex and ever-changing world. This can never be considered easy and it is important to take a moment to honor his service after his recent passing.

Sr. Lucy presented the progress of her current research to ASEC staff during a recent visit.

Visiting Scholar visits ASEC Headquarters, Presents Progress on Catholic Research

Nov 16, 2022: [Uganda, USA] Sr. Lucy's research may be able to help congregations in Uganda better prepare women religious for the work of their ministries.

Stock photo by Jesse Orrico, Unsplash.com

Late Sister, ASEC Founder to Donate Body to Science

Oct 27, 2022: [USA] When Sr. Margaret Gannon's decision to donate her body to science was announced at her memorial, some wondered, "Can she do that?" The official answer from the Catholic Church is, "Yes, yes she can."

ASEC Staff and Sisters representing several African countries and the U.S. gave a virtual toast to celebrate Sr. Joyce Rita and Sr. Clare as they depart the organization.

ASEC hosts farewell celebration for Nigeria and Kenya Program Coordinators

Oct 20, 2022: [Kenya, Nigeria] Although good-byes are often sad, ASEC Sisters understand well their vows of obedience and living by the will of God. So when it comes time to part ways, farewells have become more of celebrations at ASEC, for the time spent and service given by women religious.

Sr. Margaret Gannon instructs HESA students in Nairobi at HESA orientation.

ASEC Founding Member, Emerita Board of Director Called Home to the Lord

Oct 17, 2022: [] Sister Margaret Gannon, Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Scranton (IHM), Ph.D, died Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Sr. Margaret was a pillar of ASEC, having helped create the organization in its inception and serving as a board member thereafter.

Dr. Rosemary Shaver, ASEC Senior Program Manager, successfully defended her dissertation on September 23, 2022.

Senior Program Manager is awarded Ed.D., doctoral award

Oct 3, 2022: [USA] HESA and Scholarship Senior Program Manager Rosemary Shaver, Ed.D. received her Doctorate in Education from Wilkes University after successful defense of her research on the perceived impact of service learning programs on higher education learners. Through her research she was able to find that it is a transformative experience that promotes self-examination, dialogue, and skill development among participants.

ASEC Executive Director, staff, country coordinators and SLDI program participants meet via Zoom to discuss how the program is helping congregations succeed.

SLDI Participants meet with Executive Director, Share the Impact of Computer Technology Workshops

Sep 6, 2022: [Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, USA] ASEC Sisters from Zambia, Tanzania and other countries in Africa have gathered recently for Basic Technology workshops as a part of the SLDI program. Last month they met with ASEC Executive Director Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia to discuss what they learned and why it is important.