Dr. Jill Plummer on Women Religious’ Contributions to Catholic Feminist Identity

Screenshot from Dr. Plummer’s presentation.

On April 18, Call To Action hosted Dr. Jill Plummer, an assistant professor of Catholic Studies at Sacred Heart University. Plummer presented “The Formation of a Catholic Feminist Identity, Sister Betty Carroll, RSM” and then engaged in a thoughtful discussion about Carroll’s legacy and the leadership and contributions of women religious. Many attendees also shared their personal stories and histories of Carroll, the sisterhood, and the priesthood.

The reforms of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) ushered in an era of possibility for Catholics worldwide—but not without its challenges. Women religious and lay Catholic women led many of the progressive movements advocating for reform within the church. Among these reforms were broadening the role and education of women religious; a fuller understanding of gender, inclusivity, and feminism; and the ordination of women to the priesthood. The story of Sister Betty Carroll, RSM is just one part of this story. 

An advocate of education and women’s ordination, Carroll served as the president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and also held leadership positions with Women’s Ordination Conference, Federation of the Sisters of Mercy of America, and the Sister Formation Conference.