Chapter of Election - Day Three Update

After the gathering prayer, facilitator Joyce DeShano CSJ, gave a bridge from yesterday to today. Delegates continued communal discernment and differentiating between the nominees for the Congregation Leadership Team.

Nominees were formally recognized and thanked for their generosity and willingness to stay in the process and available to the Congregation during the long communal discernment process. The Congregation is blessed to have eight strong, intelligent, gifted women as nominees.

After lunch Sheila Lemieux instructed the delegates on the voting rules and procedures and read Constitutions 93 and 94. The first Congregation Leadership Team member, Congregation Leader, was elected. As she was 25 years ago Margaret Byrne CSJP was unanimously elected Congregation Leader by acclamation, followed by a formal written ballot.

Delegates continued communal discernment and differentiation in preparation for the next votes. After a break and Mass, they returned to elect two more of the Congregation Leadership Team members: Terry Donohue CSJP and Anne Hayes CSJP.

There will be an evening social tonight after supper. Voting of two more Congregation Leadership team members will take place tomorrow.

Prayer of Gratitude to Nominees (Mary Ann Mulzet SSJ)

Andrea, Anne, Corky, Kristin, Margaret, Maureen, Norah, Terry, We thank you and our God for your openness and your willingness to continue in this election process. We affirm the gifts of leadership that you exhibit daily as well as your continued discernment. We promise you our ongoing prayer and support as you continue to serve the congregation, the church, and the world through your presence and God's activity through you.

Song: The God Within You by Denise Ann Roberts May the God within you keep you safe. May the God within you give you peace. May the God within you hold you close And fill you with the love and strength you need.