Why a catholic dialogue?
The word catholic means universal, or concerning the whole.
While this blog will often focus on issues within the Catholic faith (with a big `c`), I hope that the dialogue can be truly catholic with a small `c`. Think of catholic as being an adverb, describing a dialogue where all are welcome, and all voices can be heard!
Pope Francis has shown us the importance of taking our faith beyond church walls and into the world. The dialogue, therefore, will not be limited to “things Catholic”. It will also explore that ever-changing, ever-challenging intersection between religion, faith, and the world we live in.
Who am I?
My name is Isabella R. Moyer. My husband and I have been married for thirty six years and have five children and six grand-children. We live in a small prairie town in Manitoba, Canada. I am the past president of the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities. I began this blog in December, 2010. Since then, I have written for the Prairie Messenger, NCR Today and US Catholic.
Where do I stand?
I have been on both sides of the ideological divide in the Catholic Church. I understand the passion for change, and the zealous defense of tradition. I also know that black and white debates and apologetics deepen divisions more than promote unity.
I`m finding more and more truth in the gray area of the respectful `in between`, that sacred space where open dialogue seeks to better understand the other and to search for the common grounds of belief.
Dialogue, not debate
Social media and the airwaves are full of angry diatribes where debates are won by the loudest and most forceful voice. All are welcome to sit at the table of this blog and partake of the conversation, as long as your intentions are to promote a healthy dialogue and not hurtful debate.
May the Spirit of wisdom and peace be our guide!
CONTACT: catholicdialogue@yahoo.ca
catholic dialogue 
There is so much in the Catholic church that needs challenging and changing.
But it would be a shame to throw the baby out with the bathwater. So, as the daughter of a very prominent lay Catholic (deceased many years ago), and as someone who lapsed years ago and did not want to bring her children up in a faith that considered ‘everyone else’ to be a non-Catholic – I have a fun project in mind.
The revival of the confession concept – through the latest App. I plan to turn this into an International Speech in April – if it works out that way!
Hi Jenny. This latest App is intriguing…as is your project. Please do keep us posted!
Hi Isabella – just a note to say that I have nominated you for a blogging award called the Versatile Blogger. I’m not much for these type of things – preferring just to write, as probably you feel as well, but am compelled to not break the rules and do love your blog – always stretches me and makes me think. http://communicatingacrossboundariesblog.com/2012/02/25/versatile-blogging-and-hugs/
Thanks so much, Marilyn! I love the idea of being `versatile`…..sounds so `catholic`, in the true sense of the word! 🙂
And major congratulations on your awards also. SO deserved!!!
I very much appreciate your columns in the Prairie Messenger, Isabella.
And I very much appreciate YOUR columns in the PM, Joe! To all our readers, Joe Gunn is the Ottawa-based executive director of Citizens for Public Justice, http://www.cpj.ca, an ecumenical organization that promotes justice, peace and the integrity of creation. His columns give much needed information and insight to current social justice issues, especially with regards to present government policies. Thanks, Joe!
Hello Isabella! I have nominated you for the Food for Thought Award! I hope you’ll participate – I’d love to hear what you have to say! Here’s the link: http://wp.me/p1OXNv-yT
Thanks!
Hi Isabella,
Thank you for your write-up about the great Joy-ous Richard Joyal; I lived with him as chaplain for Marianists at Bangalore, India for six years; I feel his loss because he was unassuming all the way; a great missionary in the truest sense; only yesterday I happened to hear of his demise! With loving regards, Paul Kattukaran
Dear Fr. Paul,
I’m so sorry for not responding until now. The pain of Richard’s death is still raw. He was a wonderful person and dear friend. He shared his love for India with us all. I’m so glad that you were blessed to spend time with him. I pray that his spirit of joy will live on in the many lives he touched. Peace to you….and blessings on your works!
Isabella
Isabella,
I am incredibly happy to have found this blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I used to participate in the comment section of the NCR and now can’t. Then,, your article appeared, leading me to your blog! YESSSS!!!!!!!
Now, I have another place to go to read the thoughts and comments of those who are interested in an open conversation about our Church.
Dear isa, thank you so much for the beautiful rememberance of my much beloved Uncle Ray! My mom had told me how touching it was but I haven’t had a day to just sit and read and cry and grieve and celebrate his life until today. Tomorrow would have been his 76th birthday, so today I cry but tomorrow I will be joyful in thoughts that he is celebrating with Mary, and my grandmother! It was so lovely to see you at the funeral, please stay in touch, I have joined your email list and now follow you on Twitter. I really enjoyed your article about being off the grid as I take today “off the grid”!
Hope the move is going well. Much love, Jocelyne
Dear Jocelyne,
It was so good to see you, too. The years melted away when we saw you! Ray was such a family man, and loved you all so much. Yes, we will make sure to stay in touch.
With much love, and continued prayers for you and your family….
Isa
Greetings from Vancouver, Isabella. You said the magic word ‘in between’. Pope Francis is a great Pope in chipping away some of the ‘primitive’ way of catholic thinking and reaching out to the youth. I am all ears to a dialogue.
Greetings from Manitoba, Perpetual! I LOVE Vancouver, and wish I was there. The prairie cold has been harsher than usual this winter. Welcome to the dialogue, and thanks for the Follow!