Catholic Connection – June 21, 2022 – Hour 2
Sherry Brownrigg fills in for Teresa Tomeo. Sr. Mary Elizabeth Endee talks about the GIVEN Institute and their Leadership Forum taking place in Philadelphia this week. Samantha Kelley tells us about her organization, FIERCE Athlete, and the important work they do.
Segment 1 – Intro and News
Segment 2 & 3 – The GIVEN Institute’s Leadership Forum in Philadelphia
The GIVEN Institute seeks to activate the gifts of women that both the world and the Church are very much in need of. The primary goal of the GIVEN Institute is to help young women receive the gift that they are, realize the gifts they’ve been given, and respond with the gift that only they can give. This mission is materialized through an annual event called the GIVEN Catholic Women’s Leadership Forum, a week-long event set to take place June 21-25 in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, click here.

Sister Mary Elizabeth Endee, FSE, is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. She lives at the Community’s Motherhouse is in Meriden, CT. Currently, Sister Mary Elizabeth is the Director of Vocations for her Community. She also works with young women in prepostulancy, the initial phase of vocational discernment. Sister Mary Elizabeth is a Marriage and Family Therapist and serves as Director of the Franciscan Life Center, a psychiatric clinic which is one of the apostolic outreaches of the Community.
Segment 4 & 5 – FIERCE Athlete Promotes True Identity and Femininity in Female Sports Amidst 50th Anniversary of Title IX
FIERCE Athlete exists as an organization that promotes truth and beauty in the realm of women’s athletics. While Title IX opened many doors for women since it was enacted by Congress on June 23, 1972, the past fifty years have also seen an increase in messages and policies that are toxic for female athletes. FIERCE Athlete desires to talk about the goodness this law has brought about, while also addressing the many issues women in sport face today. Using the teachings of the Catholic Church and Theology of the Body, FIERCE hopes to be a bridge between sport and faith, be a reliable and supportive community, and properly equip an army of fierce, integrated female athletes to positively impact the culture of women’s athletics.

Samantha Kelley is the President and Founder of FIERCE Athlete.