Sister Catherine Ferguson, SNJM

Catherine Ferguson, SNJM has been a Holy Names Sister for more than 50 years. During that time she has been a high school teacher and administrator, worked for justice and peace in her congregation, in Pax Christi International, Brussels, Inner City Law Center, Los Angeles, and founded UNANIMA international, an NGO that does advocacy at the United Nations on behalf of women and children, immigrants and refugees and the environment. She also served in leadership in her congregation as a Provincial Superior in Washington State and as congregational leader.

Catherine is a native of Seattle, Washington, and currently resides in Spokane. In her work for justice Catherine has traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia. Her experience in Latin America was researching the reality of Christian base communities for her doctoral dissertation. Other travels provided the base for the advocacy work she did and the United Nations and with her religious congregation. She has also served as a consultant for other NGOs doing advocacy work at the United Nations.

What calls you to NETWORK? Where do you find inspiration in this work?

Its commitment to work for systems in the U.S. government that are just and equitable for all. And NETWORK’s visibility in lobbying on Capitol Hill and deep roots in Catholic social teaching.

What do you like to do outside of NETWORK?

Bird training my dog in agility, rally and truffle hunting and volunteering with organizations working for justice for immigrants and refugees.