March 7, 2007
Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse

Following are summaries, highlights, quotes and photos from Wednesday, March 7 of the Chapter.

Opening Ceremony
The 2007 Chapter of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati began with the opening song “Now is the Time,” a theme that was easily carried through in the welcome by President S. Barbara Hagedorn. “Now is the time for God to be with us. Now is the time for our Chapter,” S. Barbara said as she called the five-day business meeting, held every four years to make decisions regarding the future, to order.

Facilitator S. Carmelita Murphy, OP, also used the opening song’s lyrics in her introduction. Using Elizabeth Ann Seton’s frequently spoken words, “be prepared to meet your grace,” S. Carmelita told the chapel filled with Sister delegates and Sister and Associate observers/collaborators, “Now is the time to be so careful to meet our grace. Now is the time to go deeper and look wider … Now is the time to stay in the process of conversation and dialogue even though we have real differences. Now is the time to surrender our murmurs and mumblings to be so careful to meet our grace.”

S. Carmelita outlined the values framing this year’s Chapter, which included creating a contemplative atmosphere where Sisters can work together and assisting delegates in having a sense of Congregation as a whole system while addressing individual paths and elements. Her introduction was followed by roll call for the delegates and then the president’s address.

In her address S. Barbara asked Sisters and Associates in the midst of the chaos in the world today, how do we find grace? She mentioned a number of reflections she used to contemplate this question, including how are we called to witness to the charism, and what keeps us from responding with fervor? S. Barbara concluded by asking if we are ready for these conversations and conversions? “We find ourselves in a situation so new. Let us do our best and God will do the rest as we meet our grace.”

Following the address those in the chapel processed in silence to the Cedars Room.

The soft ringing of bells accompanied the Sisters as they processed silently from Chapel to Cedars auditorium to begin Chapter 2007. Sister Mary Ann Humbert guided the group through a centering breath exercise and blessed the room. Sister Carmelita Murphy began the session by asking the Sisters, who sat at round tables, to introduce themselves and ask each other “What is something of your deep longing for this Chapter?”

Sisters roll call and blessings to each other during the opening ceremony.

Sister John Miriam Jones leads silent procession from the Chapel to the Cedars Room.

Procession, Inclusion Process and Reflection Time
Sister Shirley Dix expressed: “My hope for our Community is that we enjoy each other, that we reach out to the God in each other, and that we deepen the place within us so that we can bring peace to one another.”

Sister Louise Lears said, “Let’s do something really bold that makes us excited and a little bit nervous.”

Sister Marty Gallagher, who enjoys the writings of the 4th century Sufi poet Rumi, said: “Rumi reminds us that ‘what separates us from honesty is fear.’” Sister Marty suggests fearless honesty during Chapter 2007.

Sister Marie Tessmer recalled her white water rafting days: “There are periods of calm on the river and then come the rapids. If you’re smart, you’ll lean into the rapids and keep paddling. You might fall out, but until or if that happens, you keep paddling.”

Sister Karen Marie Sammons summed up many of the round table recommendations: “Listen to the heart of each person and respect each other’s dignity.”

Sisters process in silence to the Cedars Room.

Sisters ask each other, "What is something of your deep longing for this Chapter?"

Four-Year Report
Since everyone had received the written report in advance, S. Barbara Hagedorn offered a few summary comments before asking the delegates to consider the reflection questions at the end of the Four-Year Report. After a brief sharing at their tables, delegates were invited to make comments or raise questions. Following this, facilitator Carmelita Murphy summarized the responses as a call for greater information, and suggestions for different ways of thinking about the Four-Year Report in terms of approach and content.

“The report focused my attention to all the Sisters of Charity are doing to make Christ present and to all the ministry that is being done.”
- Joan Wessendarp

“Clearly we have made significant contributions in a hurting, wounded world. As we make meaning of the report, we need to accept the Spirit’s invitation and encouragement to dig more deeply and lovingly.”
- Marge Kloos

“I appreciate how our delegates and leadership demonstrated that we ‘walk our talk.’ The facilitators of tonight’s session were flexible to re-schedule the approval of the four-year report to tomorrow after more financial information is reported. I am grateful we are listening to each other.”
- Cathy Cahur

Sisters discuss the reflection questions at the end of the Four-Year Report.

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