March 8, 2007
Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse

Following are summaries, highlights, quotes and photos from Thursday, March 8 of the Chapter.

Finance Session
"We are so blessed!" These words have been heard many times since Chapter started yesterday, but they became even more true today as we listened to the presentation by Tim Moeller on the finances of the Sisters of Charity. He gave one of the most comprehensive reports we have ever received. Through a Power Point presentation, he took us through the present and also into the next ten, twenty and thirty years. He presented a picture of past successes, due to the wonderful women who went before, and also gave us some insights into the challenges that we would face in the future. The fact that he gave them to us now, means that we have time to look ahead, to prepare, and to continue to be good stewards. Tim answered all the questions of the Sisters, and in his usual style gave responses that satisfied those who had asked. Thank you, Tim.

"His presentation was, credible, clear, concise, a professional tribute to his expertise. He did so in language and charts that all could understand and provided us with information we have wanted to have for years. He told it like it is"
- S. Suzanne Donovan

"Tim not only brings to this office his expertise and gracious willingness to be of assistance, but also has invested himself in the mission and charism of the Sisters of Charity, often referring to `our' Sisters."
- S. Barbara Hagedorn

Governance Session
The Thursday afternoon session on Governance began with the present leadership council detailing their various involvements and activities. This was followed by a discussion led by S. Carmelita, our facilitator, addressing the issue of surfacing names for elected leadership from the floor.

The discussions at the table were centered around four topics: Congregational Leadership 2) Congregational Offices 3) Networks 4) CBSM. In our table discussions, we were asked to keep in mind, as we engaged in dialog with one another: to have discerning listening, intentional speaking; and be conscious of self-monitoring of behavior.

“Hopeful, but still a long way to go!”
- S. Ruth Kuhn

“I think we need to revert to the old way of having the Chapter of Affairs before the Chapter of Elections so that the Sisters nominated for office will have a better sense of our expectations and hopes for them based upon the Chapter of Affairs.”
- S. Barbara Huber

“Evolving challenge! Streamline the structure – but also have commitment to strengthening and supporting the relationships.”
- Table 20

Thursday Evening
Play - Two Women in Time: The Story of Elizabeth and Louise

Sister Lynne Mancinelli wrote and directed the play “Two Women in Time: The Story of Elizabeth and Louise.” The premiere performance of Sister Mancinelli’s play Thursday evening in the Chapel was remarkable and poignant. The “imagined” conversation between Elizabeth Seton and Louise De Marillac was deeply moving as they traversed the many obstacles and decisions necessary for their development as mothers, wives, sisters and women of profound faith. Sister Martha Walsh portrayed Louise De Marillac. Sister Winnie Brubach played Elizabeth Seton. Both performances were infused by the spirit of their foremothers. The audience was transfixed as well as transformed as the actors held everyone in thrall with their outstanding performances.

“The play tonight gave insight into our foundresses, their struggles and similarities. It was also an experience in appreciating the variety of gifts we have as Sisters of Charity. One of the night nurses in assisted living told me that when she made her evening rounds, every Sister was watching the play on TV.”
- Sister Joyce Brehm

“The thing that keeps coming back to me is that, even though the story is bigger than me, I felt connected to Louise and Elizabeth in a very real way.”
- Sophie Henrichs, pre-entrant

“The play gave me the opportunity to touch the hearts of the women upon whose shoulders we stand.”
- Sister Dee Sizler

Sisters Winnie Brubach and Martha Walsh in costume.

Sister Winnie Brubach performing in the play.

Sisters Winnie Brubach, Lynne Mancinelli and Martha Walsh.

back to top