July 16, 2006
Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse

Following are summaries, highlights, quotes and photos from Sunday, July 16, of the Gathering.

Quotes from Open Time Activities

"Open time allowed me to visit with people I hadn't been able to before. It was very good." (Associate Viola Elizonda)

"I live at the Motherhouse and know about and have experienced many of the opportunities available. Instead of going to one, this time gave me a chance to have a very meaningful dialogue with another Sister friend from out of town" (S. Vincent de Paul)

"I found it very meditative. Judy's sense of history came through as she interwove Margaret's sayings and verses from the Magnificat. Carol Brenner and Mary Bookser interspersed quotes and poetry from Mother Margaret. It was meditative." (Vincent Marie Willman who attended "Margaret's Suite: A Reflection on Mother Margaret George's Early Life" by Judith Metz)

"This is magnificent--the wood in the balcony and cabinets. If there were an antiquities expert who could estimate the value; it would be in the thousands! Also, we need to be careful not sit on the chairs--they're too delicate!" (Catherine Erger who visited the Renovated Art Room)

World Café - Highlights

“What risks are we being called to today to enable us to move beyond our current unjust and oppressive structures in Church and society?” This was the question addressed by the 40 guests at the Advocacy Committee’s World Café. Conversations at tables of four often centered around personal challenges to more courageous risk-taking. Some spoke of ways in which the Community of Charity might take greater risks in order to challenge unjust structures and begin the long, slow process of systemic change.

“Creating a positive future begins in human conversation,” is the principle on which the World Café is founded. This international movement is designed to bring people together in conversation about significant issues. A Café conversation is “a creative process for leading collaborative dialogue, sharing knowledge and creating possibilities for action in groups of all sizes.” The ultimate goal is to raise awareness and move participants to take action to create a more just and compassionate world.

The Café process seemed a natural outgrowth of the Advocacy Committee’s proposed goals and action steps – a useful tool for those involved in social justice education. Present at the tables were Sisters from Mother Margaret Hall, Associates, Sisters who were seasoned social activists and some ready to “take the next step” and become more directly involved in social justice issues.

Quotes from the World Cafe

As “guests” of the World Café reported to the larger group, comments included:

“We have to risk being open to one another, but we also have to acknowledge when we don’t support what may be a popular position within a group or in the Community.” (S. Ruth Hunt)

“We have to remember that no one of us has the whole truth. We each have a piece of the truth and together, we come closer to the truth.” (S. Mary Michele Fischer)

“We can’t label one another. Once I’ve labeled a person, the dialogue is over.” (S. Florence {Rose} Izzo)

Quotes from the Evening Enjoyment

Good food! Good drink! Good music! A good time was had by all. (S. Donna Collins)

Everyone had such a wonderful time. Music is a universal language to be listened to and sung to and danced to. Thanks to the Fun Committee for planning a fun evening. (S. Karen Hawver)

The energy and joy of all the dancers during the Beer Garden symbolized how much life there is still among us. (S. Rose Marie Hewitt)

Summary of Panel Presentation and Open Mics

A panel of representatives from each of the Future Planning Focus Groups offered clarifications and presented tweaking of their goals and action steps based on reports from the reflection circles. Each panel member commented on the affirmative comments and helpful suggestions they received. They assured the assembly that every effort would be made to integrate the action steps of the various focus groups as effectively as possible.

Comments during the open microphone time included a reminder of the need to identify what of the material presented is matter for chapter; a prompt to be sure to include all life issues; a call that each person claim personal responsibility for carrying out what we affirm; and a query as to how we will be able to unite in these actions steps with other members of the Sisters of Charity Federation.

All Goals and broad Action Statements were affirmed by the Gathering participants!!

Quotes from the Panel Reflection Dialogue

“It was a joy for me to see how all of the committees worked together as one to try to meet the feelings and needs of our focus sessions. For me, this Gathering was a true blessing in that we were open and honest with each other for the good of all.” (S. Marie Karen Sammons)

“It was affirming to hear that the small reflection group concerns and affirmations were heard and taken into consideration by the groups. I liked the comment by Louise Akers “The vision of Jesus continues to challenge us as Margaret and Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Sisters of Charity – “to see through new lens.” (S. Louise Zaplitny)

“The panel appeared to give attention to the information provided from the reflection circles, doing a wonderful job of collating. Presenting affirmations as well as concern, giving us hope for our future.” (Anonymous)

Quotes from the Sunday Evening Prayer

“Beautiful! Nuturing! Life-giving! Hope! Courage! Meeting Our Grace!” (S. Cathy Cahur)

I have been left longing for the ministry of women working in the Church. After everything we have seen & heard, the opening song tonight summed up what fills my heart – ‘There is a longing in our hearts, O Lord’ for all of our goals to be realized” (S. Katrinka Gunn)

“God has truly been revealed during this time of Gathering & the evening prayer joining us with the people of the world was a climax” (S. Jacqueline Riggio)

Sunday Evening Prayer Highlights
Sunday’s closing prayer led by S. Donna Steffen included S. Jeanine Selzer’s reading of Ezekiel 47:1-13; S. Martha Glockner and Associate Elaine Temming dialoguing John’s Gospel of the Samaritan woman, played by S. Carol Wirtz with water jar; a guided reflection on the five focus presentations, followed by planting seeds of personal gifts, and a South African hymn, We Are Marching.

back to top

 

Emerging Directions: Panel Reflection Dialogue

 

back to top

 

 

Community Evening Prayer

 

back to top

 

 

Community Supper in Solidarity with the Poor with Almsgiving

 

back to top