“Vote Our Future”: Nuns on the Bus Stop in Brentwood

Next Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 2:30 p.m., NETWORK’s Nuns on the Bus & Friends — a Catholic advocacy group that tours the country, speaking with people about social justice issues — will be making a stop in Brentwood at the Sisters of St. Joseph property to showcase New Hour, a nonprofit organization that offers support to current and formerly incarcerated women, as well as their children and families.

This year’s event will be themed “Vote Our Future.” The Nuns will call on attendees to be multi-issue voters, helping to protect the freedoms necessary for a future where all can thrive.

The event will also celebrate all the ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph, such as the Long Island Immigration Clinic and the Refugee Resettlement Program — just two of many — which touch on social justice issues relevant to voters.

“I have been a Nun on the Bus since it started in 2012,” shared Sister Janet Kinney, CSJ, director of the Long Island Immigration Clinic. “I ride the bus with my Sisters because I believe passionately that as faith-filled women of the Gospel, we must use our voices in the public forum and encourage our fellow Americans to use the power of their vote in this critical election year. For me, it is a graced opportunity and a privilege to be an ‘NOTB’ and journey with other justice seekers who desire to stand and work together to effect the common good for all.

The stop in Brentwood will be just one of 20 during the eighth tour of Nuns on the Bus, and it will be their first physical tour in six years.

“The work being done here on our campus is work of great hope for our future,” said S. Tesa Fitzgerald, CSJ, president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, who will be speaking at the event. “As we look at this election season and at any moment where our voices are needed, we are constantly asked to think of the future. Our future is built on the work of each other being there for one another as dear neighbors.”