Called (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Called to Be Courageous w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Carolyn Woo
11 snips
Mar 6, 2026 Dr. Carolyn Woo, former CEO of Catholic Relief Services and academic leader who left tenure for global humanitarian work. She recounts leaving security to follow a risky calling. Short reflections cover discernment practices, trusting God amid fear, strategic leadership that scaled impact, and the church’s role in development.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Service Shaped By Maryknoll Sisters
- Carolyn Woo learned resilience watching Chinese women in her family solve problems with few resources.
- As a teen she cleaned boat people's feet and taught factory girls English through Maryknoll sisters' mobile clinics and classes.
Unexpected Call From CRS While Dean At Notre Dame
- Carolyn describes being recruited from academia to become a CEO-candidate for Catholic Relief Services despite lacking international development experience.
- She was a Notre Dame dean, joined the CRS board when it first opened to laypeople, then was unexpectedly shortlisted for CEO.
Write Down Joys And Fears During Discernment
- In discernment, record joys and fears as they arise instead of overanalyzing decisions.
- Father Ken Molinero advised Carolyn to carry a notebook (or use a phone) to capture spontaneous thoughts during prayer.