As Sheila Sees It

Congregation Leader Sheila Lemieux has been preparing for this 21st Chapter for the past three years, along with Assistant Congregation Leader Terry Donohue and the Congregation Council. “It began with the initial movement towards being Congregation,” she said. “The 2002 Chapter Act on governance called us to explore possible changes in governance if our lived experience warranted it.”

Three years is a long time to be working towards “being congregation.” Perhaps that is why she was so surprised at how quickly the Chapter came to consensus on the issue. “Although, to put it in context,” she said, “everyone has been faithfully praying to the spirit, so perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised. When we do that, the Spirit takes us seriously.”

The vote on becoming one Congregation without provinces was the peak moment of the Chapter for Sheila, but she has also been impressed by our coming together in other areas. “We’ve been of one voice and one heart,” she said. She has been particularly impressed by our clarity and energy around focusing on mission.

Sheila’s first Chapter was the 1974 Chapter in Haverstraw, NY where we developed our Statement of Direction. “We got our impetus from reclaiming our foundress which gave
shape to our charism of peacemaking,” she said. She also sees our current Chapter as being marked by tremendous energy around shaping our future. “I’m so proud of our Sisters and Associates,” she said.

Likewise, she is proud of all the work that has gone into making this Chapter run so smoothly. “There was a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes,” she said. “I salute Ann Rutan, Kristin Funari and all the other members of the Chapter Planning Committee for their phenomenal work.”

Sheila is looking forward to a new life after May 1st. “I will be living out our charism by taking care of my dear mother who physically needs my presence,” she said.

Thank you Sheila for your graceful style of leadership. Not to mention your graceful dancing at the Talent Show
Tuesday night!