Thursday: That First Chapter

Do you remember your first Chapter experience? For some, it may have been the 1984 Chapter, which was marked by that electric moment when Margaret Byrne was acclaimed as Congregation Leader. For those experiencing Chapter for the first time at this moment of Trasna, what has the experience been like so far?

Connie Fraser was invigorated by Nancy Sylvester and John Dear and excited for the rest of the Chapter. “I am very confident that this wise and learned group of women will make the right choices,” she said.

Chero Chuma has been having a great time meeting sisters and associates from the UK who she had only interacted with via e-mail before. She also felt personally challenged by Nancy’s presentation to “be compassionate and accept my fears in a different way.”

Frank McCann shared that he is still learning what it means to be an associate - building relationships and making connections. “This is my fourth conference in two weeks,”
he added, “but this one is the most personally fulfilling and focused.”

Lois Jablonski said that as an associate, she feels very included. “I feel like we’re able to make a statement along with the sisters about releasing our charism.”

Dorothy Verna has “enjoyed meeting the sisters and associates from all 3 provinces, spending time and conversing with them.” Susan Francois echoed this sentiment. “I am in awe at the timing of this Chapter in my own journey,” she added, “What a wonderful capstone for my two year congregation experience of the first congregation novitiate. I feel very blessed.”