Under the direction of Sister Bernadette Kenny, RSHM, the 2009 institute, “The Religious Institute and Its Works: Canon Law and Civil Law Organizational Stuctures,” is a week-long residential program designed to promote professional development to women in religious leadership positions, particularly in the areas of corporate, civil and canon (church) law.

“The Institute is designed to enable participants to gain a new perspective on the role and responsibility of leadership, help them create a network of peers, and have the opportunity to interact with others who share similar responsibilities and challenges,” said Sister Bernadette. “Guests will also have the chance to enjoy the beautiful Misericordia campus, and enjoy a range of cultural and recreational activities available in the area.”

All faculty members for the program are nationally recognized experts in the fields of canon and civil law. They include:

Sister Bernadette is an attorney who exclusively represents Roman Catholic religious congregations in civil law. She is a member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Marymount College, a master’s degree from Manhattan College, and her Juris Doctorate from Fordham University School of Law.

Deborah M. Cerullo, SSND, JD, JCL, is an attorney and canonist who represents primarily religious institutes and their sponsored works. Sister Deborah received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island, her Juris Doctorate from Boston University, and her Licentiate of Canon Law degree from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. She is a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, and has served on the law faculties of Notre Dame and Boston College.

Kelly Connors, pm, JCL, is a member of the Sisters of Presentation of Mary and serves as a canonical consultant to dioceses and religious institutes. Sister Kelly is currently completing her Doctorate in Canon Law at Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Providence College, a Master of Theological Studies degree from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, a Master of Comparative Law degree from the University of Ottawa, and her Licentiate of Canon Law degree from Saint Paul University, Ottawa.

To register, please contact Thea Kahn, Center for Adult and Continuing Education, at (570) 674-6161 or e-mail tkahn@misericordia.edu for more information.