Take a Deep Breath, Listen, Then Speak: How to Have a Difficult Conversation

Includes a Live Web Event on 05/12/2026 at 1:00 PM (EDT)

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    • Individual - $45
    • Sisters Aging Well Together - $45
    • AIG Staff - Free!
    • AIG Faculty - Free!

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Sometimes, the most profound act of ministry is simply being willing to have the conversation. Difficult conversations are an unavoidable part of life, yet most of us never learn how to navigate them well. For those called to serve others, it can be challenging to address conflict, set boundaries, or deliver unwelcome news. If you have ever dreaded a hard conversation or avoided one altogether, this webinar will provide practical, compassionate guidance. It will help you develop the communication skills needed to speak with clarity and confidence, even under pressure. Just as importantly, it will emphasize the human side of difficult dialogue: how to regulate your emotions, care for your own well-being, and approach challenging moments with empathy rather than defensiveness. 

We will discuss how to:

• Enter difficult conversations grounded and prepared.
• Listen deeply and respond thoughtfully — honoring both the truth and the dignity of the person.
• Communicate honestly while honoring the relationship.
• Manage your own emotional well-being so you can remain present and grounded in challenging moments.
• Preserve and even strengthen relationships in the midst of hard exchanges.

Presented by Sr. Mercedes McCann, RSM, PhD

*This webinar is cosponsored by NRRO and is free to all members of a Religious Congregation. Please see registration instructions for details.

Mercedes McCann, RSM, Ph.D.

Leadership Relations

Saint John Vianney Center

Sr. Mercedes McCann, RSM, PhD, is a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.  She holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Seton Hall University, a master’s degree in psychology from Marywood University, and a Religious Studies degree with a concentration in Sacred Scripture from St. Charles Seminary. She currently manages Leadership Relations in the Consultation, Education, and Outreach Department for the Saint John Vianney Center. Sr. Mercedes has extensive experience facilitating small and large groups for religious communities, including Chapters and Assemblies. She frequently speaks to groups of religious in the United States, Latin America, Europe and the Pacific Rim on topics such as boundaries, change and transition, emotional development, and the spirituality of aging. Her particular interest is the intersection of spirituality, ministry, community, and good mental health in religious life.

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