We Celebrate Women!
United Catholic Youth Ministries celebrates Women's History Month by, first, acknowledging the crucial role of women in the world and the Catholic Church. Thanks to women religious communities and lay women, there would be a lack of ministry leadership as women make up the majority of ecclesial ministry leadership. Unfortunately, women have encountered a lot of discrimination in history and much of that still needs addressing today. It is important for us to uphold the human dignity of women.
At UCYM, we are blessed that more than 75% of our leadership are strong leaders who are women. We thank them and the many other women on our staff and board of directors for their leadership and commitment to our mission.
At UCYM, we are blessed that more than 75% of our leadership are strong leaders who are women. We thank them and the many other women on our staff and board of directors for their leadership and commitment to our mission.
Claire Labbe President |
Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB Interim Vice President |
Carolina Perez Associate Executive Director |
Lisa Boris Associate Executive Director |
International Women's Day
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Happy International Women's Day! It is no coincidence that the majority of our leadership is women. Ministry in the Catholic Church would not exist without women who generously and faithfully answer God's call to serve. Today especially, we celebrate the life and ministry of all women in leadership at UCYM. We could not do what we do without you - thank you, all!
Spotlights on Women
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Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA (1937–1990) was a dynamic Catholic sister, educator, evangelizer, and prophetic voice for racial justice in the Church. Born Bertha Elizabeth Bowman in Canton, Mississippi, she converted to Catholicism as a child and later joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. She became one of the first African American members of her community.
A gifted teacher and scholar, Sister Thea earned a doctorate in English and devoted her life to proclaiming the Gospel through education, music, and public speaking. She traveled widely, challenging the Church in the United States to confront racism and to embrace the gifts of Black Catholic spirituality—especially through preaching, storytelling, and sacred song.
In 1989, while battling terminal cancer, Sister Thea famously addressed the U.S. bishops, calling them to greater inclusion and justice with joy and courage. Her witness continues to inspire movements for unity, dignity, and authentic belonging within the Church.
Her cause for canonization was opened in 2018, and she is now recognized as a Servant of God.
A gifted teacher and scholar, Sister Thea earned a doctorate in English and devoted her life to proclaiming the Gospel through education, music, and public speaking. She traveled widely, challenging the Church in the United States to confront racism and to embrace the gifts of Black Catholic spirituality—especially through preaching, storytelling, and sacred song.
In 1989, while battling terminal cancer, Sister Thea famously addressed the U.S. bishops, calling them to greater inclusion and justice with joy and courage. Her witness continues to inspire movements for unity, dignity, and authentic belonging within the Church.
Her cause for canonization was opened in 2018, and she is now recognized as a Servant of God.
Iconic WomenGreta Thunberg
Hillary Clinton Malala Yousafzai Hedy Lamarr Oprah Winfrey Harper Lee Marjory Stoneman Douglas Amelia Earhart Dolores Huerta Tarana Burke Alice Ball Eleanor Roosevelt Jane Goodall Sojourner Truth Friday Kahlo Betty Friedan Shirley Chisholm Madam C.J. Walker Nellie Bly Leontyne Price Juliette Gordon Low Ella Baker Maya Angelou Sacagawea Billie Jean King Harriet Tubman Laverne Cox Rosa Parks |
Iconic Catholic WomenSaint Anastasia
Saint Emily Saints Felicity and Perpetua Saint Gemma Saint Gertrude Saint Jacinta Marto Saint Joan of Arc Saint Josephine Bakhita Saint Julie Billiart Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Saint Léonie Aviat Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque Saint Martha of Bethany Saint Martha Wang Luo Mande Mary, Mother of God Saint Mary Magdalene Saint Photina Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne Saint Scholastica Saint Teresa of Avila Saint Teresa of Calcutta Saint Therese of Lisieux Saint Veronica Blessed Marianna Biernacka Servant of God Dorothy Day Servant of God Emilia Wojtyla Servant of God Julia Greeley Servant of God Mary Lange Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA |
