July 14, 2006
Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse

Following are summaries, highlights, quotes and photos from Friday, July 14, of the Gathering.

Friday morning opened with a Charism Reflection by Judith Metz, who briefly outlined the two-year process that has brought us to this point. Judy then shared the quotations of various Sisters, Associates, and small groups from this process. She ended with a quotation from St. Vincent: “The Community of Charity is not now what it was in the beginning, and is not yet what it will be when God has perfected it.” For the rest of the opening session Mary Ann Daly, a New York SC, gave a dramatic presentation on the lives of Sts. Vincent and Louise, highlighting how God transformed each founder’s weaknesses and giftedness to create an even bigger and better gift to the world. For Vincent, his former weakness of ambition later became an asset, because he had cultivated connections with rich and powerful allies who could support his work. His fear of personal poverty was transformed into zeal to lift others from poverty; his “lack of gentleness” was harnessed into assertiveness for social justice. Louise’s childhood fear of abandonment and her sense of not belonging spurred her to provide homes for many; her scruples and doubts led her to greater trust in God’s providence. Mary Ann also highlighted the fact that Vincent, and even more especially Louise, did not simply attempt to help the poor; they also set up systems and structures that enabled their work to continue into the future. In concluding her presentation, Mary Ann noted that founding or refounding a religious community requires “poets, prophets and pragmatists: St. Francis de Sales had the original poetic vision; Vincent the prophetic zeal to move governments and societal barriers to achieve it; and Louise the pragmatic organizational skills to keep it going. She urged us all to follow their example in our movement toward the future.

Reflection Circle discussions followed where the groups discussed: How does the Charity charism shape my life, my identity, my ministry? How does the Congregation as a living, evolving organism reveal that we are meeting our grace in these times?

Quoting some of the participants afterwards:

“People who observe Sisters of Charity see a great involvement in life. The Sisters are very much a part of life.” (Associate Viola Elizondo)

“I see a real openness in our Community to the Spirit leading us to where we ought to go.” (S. Mary Barbara Philippart)

“I stay in religious life because I feel I have become a Sister of Charity…remembering the journey makes me smile!” (S. Louise Akers)

After lunch at the baked potato and salad bar sharing at the open mics centered on daring to risk a caring response. One sister suggested that possible growth points could come from reflecting on times we have not met our grace. Another expressed a desire that we be more involved in the political process. A third commented that as a member of the community it is difficult to risk alone unless the person is supported by the group, while a fourth sister noted that she struggles with fidelity to the church in this time, feeling that our charism calls us to speak the truth to power.

An overview of our Future Planning journey by way of PowerPoint followed. Beginning with the desire to merge with the sisters in Bedford in 2003 the presentation carried us through Fall Congregational meetings, interviews, small groups, and theological reflection to prioritizing our values and hopes. Five focus areas that emerged, along with the suggested goals and broad action steps were named. The SC Vision and charism’s consistent connections were highlighted. Focus committee presentations that follow are seeking to bring the five year plan to life. If we achieve these goals will we be closer to enfleshing, incarnating our vision by the Chapter of 2011? Familiar music from the experiences played in the background…”Deepen the vision, O God, set our hearts on fire.” “In your Spirit, O God, guide and direct our path.”

The Mission Focus Committee’s presentation was prayerfully centered around the song “Because We Love God” by Kathy Sherman, csj. The committee processed in led by the dancing of John Miriam Jones and carrying heart signs with letters on them spelling out the word Mission. The Mission statement from 1979 was read as well at the Committee’s preamble and goal. Monica Gundler explained the first action step focusing a process to determine the Congregation’s sense of mission and how the mission can best be made visible and tangible. Joanne Koehl explained the second action step focusing on the congregation dreaming of what venture it sees itself engaged in to best meet the needs of the poor and underserved. The final action step was explained by Rita Hawk, focusing on spirituality, particularly in the parish; and what they congregation can do to support the spiritual lives of those with whom we minister.

The Advocacy Focus Group used a PowerPoint presentation to introduce their goals and action steps presented by Louise Akers and C.J. Willie, co-chairs. Using Vatican II documents they gave voice to the responsibility that each of us has to change patriarchal (unjust) structures, wherever they exist, and also that the sufferings of our brothers and sisters are our suffering also. Because of the current problems of immigration, they wish to use that as the focal point of their action steps. Humor was supplied by the use of quotes from earliest church history about the inferiority of women. These goals are not something new to us, but there is a call to risk more, from both individual community members and the community as a whole. Quotes follow from the two presentations:

“When we do ministry we try to give life, but also receive life.” (S. Louise Akers)

“In beginning to formalize our action steps, we are attempting to meet our grace.”
(S. Ann Christopher Joseph)

“I was impressed with the prayerful way they both presented their material.” (S. Mary Alice Stein)

Quotes from the delicious picnic supper:

“It was a nice time to relax and get to know each other.” (Sophie Henrich, Pre-Entrance)

“Food is delicious! I enjoyed seeing all the red hats.” (Associate Joan Jerome)

“I'm more-n-full!” (S. Redempta Wittberg)

We have to be open to God if we are to ‘meet our grace’. The refrain of the hymn sung throughout the mission presentation, ‘because we love God’, reminds us that we have to be so in tune to what God asks of us, it all depends on that. Our task is to be open to God.” (S. Vincentia Roney)

"I'm in the convent 70 years, and I never experienced anyone tell the story of Louise in such a grand manner, with full details giving a vivid picture of a woman that is hard to forget." (S. Mary Rose Hovanec in Bedford)

"I was most impressed with the challenges, the fears and sense of not belonging that Louise struggled with all her life. She confronted her fears with her faith in Divine Providence." (S. Stephen Ann O'Malley in Bedford)

"Louise was the 'brains' behind Vincent." (S. Dorothy Macey in Bedford)

“The mission continues and the new energy for it that is coming from Associates and newest vowed members seems so right for our times. I love the positive approach to mission. ‘The charity of Christ impels us’, and in this spirit we can more deeply look at the areas we have neglected, and claim our own negligence as daughters & sons of the Church.” (Associate Dee Sizler)

“What struck me was the idea that we should dream together to the margins and acknowledge the living reality of being sacrament – a truly Eucharistic presence in the world.” (Sophie Henrichs, Pre-Entrance)

Future Planning Presentation Reactions:

“The enthusiasm and commitment of the members of the Future Planning Committee is a true gift. Hopefully, the energy will be transformed into ministry—service to all God’s people—especially to the people of Guatemala!” (S. Sarah Mulligan)

“I feel we’ve taken a gigantic step for the future which we haven’t realized yet. I think the community eyes are open.” (S. Joan Cain)

“I like the PowerPoint because of those who have a hearing loss. This makes it more inclusive.” (S. Mary Lee Krall)

“The questions from the Mission group really are asking us to go deep into our hearts and our history. I was so glad that they also acknowledged the linkage to all the other Action Steps.” (Associate Lynessa Gallagher)

Photos from the Charism Encounter

Judith Metz, SC

Mary Ann Daly, SCNY

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Photos from the Reflection Circles

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Mission Focus Committee Presentation

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Advocacy Focus Committee Presentation

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Red Hat Party

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