As the sadness of Pope Francis' death fades, it has been replaced by the joy of a new Pope from the United States of America. And this month we share our thoughts on our new Pope, our hopes, our first impressions, and our reflections on what the future may hold given this new reality. Sister Nancy Stiles leads a discussion which includes Holy Union Associate, Tina Silvestro, and podcast producer, Ken Gustin. Then we open the discussion to include Sisters Christine Lacroix, and Fran Cavey as well as Fall River Associate, Nancy Dube and New York Associate, Leida Toro. We are filled with hope for this new shepherd, chosen under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

This month we explore the story of Lighthouse School, originally known as the Holy Union Special School. From its founding by Sr. Theodora Martel, SUSC (Sr. Gabrielle Lucie) in 1967 in the basement of the Holy Union Sisters' retirement home in Lowell, MA to its current incarnation serving 225 children and their families on their N. Chelmsford campus, Lighthouse has provided specialized services for students who struggled to fit within a traditional learning environment. Sr. Joan Guertin, SUSC is joined by Scott Bartis, CEO of Lighthouse School in N. Chelmsford, MA, and his Director of Operations, "Jeep" Tarmey, to discuss the remarkable journey of this wonderful school. Sr. Theodora's deep empathy for children with learning challenges set a tone which continues today, based on kindness, patience, and a commitment to creating a place of belonging for so many children for nearly fifty years.

Are you one of many Catholics who have questions about the Jubilee Year of the Church (2025)? What is a Jubilee Year? Why is it significant? What is asked of us during this year? How can we participate in it? Well, in our April episode, Called to Be... 's producer, Ken Gustin, talks with Fr. Edmund Derosier and Sr. Joan Guertin to explore these and other questions. Fr. Derosier is a longtime friend of Holy Union and his former parish in Ayer / Shirley, MA has been a major source of support for Holy Union's schools in Cameroon, Africa. We're so grateful for his participation in this rich discussion.