Name: Sister Betsy Pawlicki
Sister Betsy Pawlicki was born and grew up in upstate New York. This instilled in her a lifelong love of anything connected to the Buffalo Bills. She went to college in West Virginia and was the Director of Residence Life at University of Notre Dame. She is currently living in Hyde Park and a practicing labor lawyer with Katz, Friedman, Eagle, Eisenstein, Johnson, & Bareck in Chicago. She is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsanawa.
-
How were you called to your current ministry/service?
After ministering in various direct services settings with the materially poor, I recognized anew the need for legal advocacy for workers and those seeking employment. Several friends, coworkers and Sisters suggested that that I consider such ministry. So I did. Dialogue and discernment with my religious congregation led me to law school and now the practice of law. -
What are the biggest obstacles to peace?
Our inability to recognize that all of humankind is created in the image and likeness of God.
Our reluctance to fully engage and wrestle with the challenging questions and issues of our day. -
What is the biggest challenge your organization faces?
Providing legal services to working people who need, but may not be able to afford, them. -
Describe for us a typical day.
The practice of law is not nearly as sexy as it is depicted in the prime time TV shows! Most days are spent researching legal issues and drafting lengthy documents (called "briefs") to judges or arbitrators. While I have taken cases to trial, that is not an everyday occurrence. -
How do you get the news?
Listen to NPR every morning. Read the newspaper during my morning commute. -
How do you nurture your faith life?
Daily prayer with the scriptures and regular "Godtalk" with others. -
Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t know.
I am a proud and loyal fan of all things associated with my hometown of Buffalo (NY)--especially my 12 nephews and nieces, the Buffalo Bills, and the Buffalo Sabres. -
Last good book you read?
Double Crossed: Uncovering the Catholic Church's Betrayal of American Nuns by Kenneth Briggs -
What were you like in High School?
I didn't much care for high school. During those years my primary interest and time investment was Girl Scouts. I loved camping, the outdoors and service projects of all sorts. School was something I had to do in between scouting events. I could get decent grades without having to do much work outside school hours, which was just fine with me. -
What is your favorite comfort food?
Cheese (real cheese, not "cheese food) and crackers. -
Share a favorite quote that inspires you.
"Do what you feel in your heart to be right—for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do and damned if you don't." Eleanor Roosevelt
