The past ministries of Katrina’s Dream reflect a commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and inclusive community inspired by her legacy. These ministries, rooted in Katrina’s pioneering spirit, blend theology, environmental action, and advocacy for the marginalized, continuing to inspire global impact. Key initiatives include:
Celebration of Life for George Swanson
We honor the life of George Swanson, a brilliant theologian, scientist, and wordsmith who passed away during the early days of the 21st-century Great Pandemic. Known for his boundless passion for Early Christian principles and forward-thinking vision, George’s legacy is celebrated through a communal LoveFeast format he crafted with William and Helene Swanson. This gathering, inspired by a past event at Dunphy Park in Sausalito, California, invites loved ones to share a meal, stories, and blessings, reflecting George’s commitment to faith, justice, and community. Join in this heartfelt remembrance to honor George and all those lost during challenging times.
India Spirit and American Will
The Katrina’s Dream – India initiative began when Rev. Magda Kamble invited William and Helene Swanson to visit the Garrison Church at Camp Deolali in August 2012. Their December visit, marked by William’s sermon on Indian family values, sparked a partnership with the Bishop of Nasik to establish this program. In 2014, Helene, blessed by Bishop Pradip L. Kamble, presented “Indian Spirit and American Will” to the Diocese of Nasik clergy, advancing women’s rights advocacy before her U.S. pilgrimage for the Equal Rights Amendment. By December 2015, Helene launched Katrina’s Dream – India, earning recognition for her global women’s rights efforts. Today, she organizes a women’s empowerment summit aligned with the Beijing Declaration, continuing the mission to foster justice and equality.
Millennials at the Helm Sustainable Practices
This initiative embodies the environmental stewardship legacy of the SwansonFamily . Harry de Boissiere-Rudl Inspired by family traditions at their ancestral Hetloo Farm and sustainable practices in Maine, Harry joined Anna Combi in 2015 to launch the Blooming Biodiversity permaculture program with the “Solutionaries.” Their impactful tour across over 50 West Coast locations integrated permaculture, music, and community projects to foster regenerative ecosystems, later expanding globally to Hawaii, Peru, and beyond. Harry’s work continues to drive sustainability and social impact, rooted in his family’s values.
Olof’s Brothers Love Feast
While researching his book 10 Blessings for the Church, George Swanson discovered the Ecclesia Common Cathedral program in Boston, which William encountered while staying at Rev. Kathryn Piccard’s home during his studies at Episcopal Divinity School. Inspired by the service and George’s 2010 vision for a similar gathering, William and Helene, drawing on their extensive experience working with the homeless, created Olof’s Brothers’ Love Feast to honor Rev. Katrina Swanson and her son George. Supported by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Sausalito Vice Mayor Jonathan Leone, Christ Church Sausalito, and donations from Sausalito Starbucks, the weekly Saturday event welcomes all for coffee, pastries, and fellowship. Harry de Boissiere-Rudl sustained the program during Helene’s 2014 U.S. pilgrimage for the Equal Rights Amendment, embodying Katrina’s legacy of inclusivity and service to the marginalized.
Prison Law Reform
The Prison Law Reform Programs encompass initiatives like Natural Causes Killed Victor, a folk opera by George G. Swanson addressing incarceration’s harsh realities, and the “Close the Death Chamber” candlelight vigils at San Quentin Prison, led by William Swanson and Jim E. Adams since 2011. These efforts, rooted in theological and social justice perspectives, include William’s discussions on the death penalty at the 163rd Diocese of California Convention in 2012 and a growing collection of articles on prison torture worldwide. Following William’s passing in 2013, the program is being re-envisioned to continue advocating for humane treatment and reform for the incarcerated.
Vocation Vacation
We highlight ministries inspired during travels, reflecting the transformative vision of the Swansons. Initiatives include William G. Swanson’s 2010 letter to Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal addressing environmental crises post-Deepwater Horizon and Hurricane Katrina, sparked while researching his paper The Big Burb Theory of Gardening at Episcopal Divinity School; the 2012 inception of Katrina’s Dream – India, prompted by Rev. Magda Kamble’s invitation to visit the Garrison Church in Camp Deolali; and the Think Tank Thuto project, born from a 2008 dinner with Bishop Musunda Trevor Mwamba at Lambeth, leading to advocacy at the 76th General Convention in 2009. These efforts blend faith, justice, and global outreach, embodying Katrina’s legacy.
