The Crossing Place

Chapter of Election - Day Four Update

2009-01-29T22:06:00.000-05:00

After the gathering prayer, facilitator Joyce DeShano CSJ, gave a bridge from yesterday to today. Delegates continued communal discernment and discussed possible team configurations.

After a lunch break they returned to complete discussions and elect two more of the Congregation Leadership Team members: Kristin Funari CSJP and Coralie Muzzy CSJP.

After singing Come! Live in the light! Sheila Lemieux presented the new Congregation Leadership Team asking each the following:

________ (name of Leadership Team Member), do you accept the service of ministry as Congregation Leadership Team according to our Constitutions?

Response: I, ______________, do so accept this call.

Margaret Byrne, as newly elected Congregation Leader, then addressed the assembly.

Delegates and the new Congregation Leadership Team did a co-commissioning promising the following:

Chapter Delegates to Congregation Leadership Team:

In your service as our Congregation Leadership Team, will you commit yourself to live and lead the Congregation according to our charism and Mission and wholeheartedly embracing the acts of the 21st General Chapter?

Response of Team: We do accept this call.

Congregation Leadership Team to Membership:
Sisters, holding us and one another in full membership in this Congregation,will you commit yourself to living according to our charism and missionand wholeheartedly embracing the acts of the 21st General Chapter?

Response of Team: I, ______________, do accept this call.

Sending Forth
Confident of God's faithful love, go forth, then, to face the future with gratitude and hope. (Constitutions # 12)

All sang "We Are Called."

Sheila and Terry thanked the Chapter Planning Committee, Ann Rutan as Chair of the committee, all the sub-committees (Transportation, Environment, Nursing, Hospitality, Liturgy, Communications and Secretarial as well as those who helped take photographs) and Chapter facilitator Joyce DeShano CSJ.

Sheila officially decommissioned the Chapter Planning Committee and closed the Chapter of Elections 2009 with the Seeds of Peace Acts accepted and the new Congregation Leadership Team elected.

There was a Mass followed by dinner and a social. Departures will be tomorrow morning.

Chapter of Election - Day Three Update

2009-01-28T22:27:00.000-05:00

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.

Chapter of Elections - Day Two Update

2009-01-28T22:26:00.000-05:00

Greetings from San Alfonso Retreat Center. After the gathering prayer, facilitator Joyce DeShano CSJ, gave a bridge transitioning from yesterday to today. Delegates then had their second small group sharing with nominees.

After the lunch break, Joyce spoke some more about communal discernment and moving the process forward. She reviewed the concept of "radical receptivity," of accepting now whatever the unknown outcome will be while holding and being okay with the uncertainty until clarity crystallizes.

There was quiet reflection as delegates considered the question:

"Where do I notice clarity within myself around the nominees?"

Delegates began the process of determining which nominees might be emerging as members of the team. They also shared candidly what qualities they hope might be balanced among the team members.

The evening session will be a ritual of gratitude for outgoing Congregation Leaders.

Please know that the Congregation is held closely in our hearts as communal discernment continues in preparation of electing the Congregation Leadership Team.

A Universal Greeting from the Gandhi Foundation (provided by Mary Ann Mulzet SSJ and used at Chapter on Monday,

January 26, 2009)

I offer you peace
(Face palms forward, elbows bent)
I offer you friendship
(Cup hands palm to palm, elbows bent)
I offer you love
(Draw hands forward from heart)
I hear your needs
(Cup hands behind your ears)
I see your beauty
(Cover eyes with hands, then uncover)
I feel your feelings
(Arms cross chest, fingertips to shoulders)
My wisdom flows from a higher source.
(Move right hand, palm down, from head past face to meet upfacing left palm at chest, fingertips forward.)
I salute that source in you
(Palms together in prayer position)
Let us work together
(Fingers interlocked as two-handed fist)

Thursday January 29, 2009 - Chapter of Elections Agenda

2009-01-28T22:19:00.000-05:00

8:15 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Gathering prayer
Bridge from Wednesday
Overview of the day

Invitation to quiet reflection and journaling

Continue to elect members
of Leadership Team

Review of team configurations
Opportunity for reflection/journaling
Table conversation

12:00 noon LUNCH

2:00 p.m. Continue and complete election
Celebration Ritual

BREAK

4:00 p.m. Celebrative liturgy

6:00 p.m. Dinner

7:30 p.m. Social

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 - Chapter of Elections Agenda

2009-01-27T22:17:00.000-05:00

8:15 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Gathering prayer
Bridge from Tuesday
Overview of day

Prepare for electing first
Member of Leadership Team

Individual reflection/journaling
Table conversation

Election of Congregation Leader

Blessing and celebration

12:00 p.m. LUNCH

2:00 p.m. Gathering mantra

Review of team configurations
Opportunity for reflection/journaling
Table conversation

Election of second team person

4:00 p.m. Liturgy

6:00 p.m. Supper

Social

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - Chapter of Elections Agenda

2009-01-26T22:14:00.000-05:00

8:15 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Gathering prayer

Bridge from Monday
Overview of day
Communal reflection on
prior day’s work

BREAK
Interaction with Nominees in
large group

12:00 noon LUNCH

2:00 p.m. Gathering mantra
Prepare for creating straw
Team configurations

Begin table work on configurations

4:00 p.m. Liturgy

6:00 p.m. Supper

7:00 p.m. Continue work of afternoon

Social

Chapter of Elections - Day One Update

2009-01-26T21:18:00.001-05:00

After a gathering prayer, Congregation Leader Sheila Lemieux reconvened the 21st General Chapter at 9:00 am at San Alfonso Retreat Center in Elberon, NJ.

Sheila recalled the powerful Trasna theme for us and noted that, "We have chosen to walk together into that which we cannot see. We chose as one body to embrace the unknown road believing that we are being led by God's spirit."

"The invitation before us at this Election session of the 21st Congregation Chapter is to discover how and where the Spirit of God is leading us today as we select the leadership who will embrace and shepherd us through unknown paths as well as challenge us for Mission during the next six years."

Sheila thanked the eight nominees "who have demonstrated by their lives and ministries a passion for the Mission of the charism."

Sheila and Terry did the roll call of the delegates. Nominees were called forth.

Joyce DeShano recalled highlights from the summer Chapter and then reviewed the basic components of communal discernment. Ann Rutan, Chairperson of the Chapter Planning Committee, recalled the decision of the Chapter this summer to become a Congregation-without-Provinces. She also highlighted the two Seeds of Peace: 1) Growing in Nonviolence and 2) Care of Creation and Climate Change. She reminded the delegates of the Qualities for Elected Leadership agreed upon at the Chapter this summer.

Sheila reviewed the Chapter Procedures that were approved in August and reminded delegates that election of the leadership team would take place by absolute majority.

Each nominee responded to the four questions below. Included also are brief summaries of some of their responses.

As you reflect on the decisions of the Chapter, including the decision to become a congregation without provinces:

What two primary challenges will this place on the newly elected team?

Remain open to possibility; invite participation in substantive, meaningful ways, leaving no one behind
Strike balance between time and energy of nuts and bolts of structure with inspiring to act on Seeds of Peace
Create adequate communication-foster feedback
How we care for another
Furtherance of living our mission, of Seeds of Peace
Call forth to greater interdependence
Creation of a leadership team that will work well together
Commitment to contemplative stance requires tremendous ongoing discipline
To make this serious new moment, almost a re-founding, a moment of life in the Congregation

How does the team model a new way of leading in the Congregation and in the world?

Releasing the charism, Seeds of Peace in the world
Inviting connections within the Congregation
Re-engage the excitement and spirit of Chapter that led to the decisions and the Seeds of Peace

What part of the unfolding responsibilities for the new team do you find absorb the greatest part of your reflection and discernment?

Congregation-without-Provinces decision means making major changes in how we do things day-to-day and in light of economic and environmental realities in the world today
We must find new ways to invite and incorporate new members in this new moment
How do we keep our hearts and minds engaged with one another to lead us to new possibilities we haven't visualized yet?
There are many unknowns now and for the next 6 years and beyond. Having patience as we move forward knowing we will not have all the answers
There is no blueprint, but our founders did not have one; trust that it can be broken down into steps and that answers will reveal themselves
Potential for development of relationships internally and externally.
The reality of our diminishment does not diminish our mission, our spirit.
Technology needs to be brought up to speed so it can be more of a tool, an asset.
This is about all of us, emerging stronger, more vibrant, more attractive to other people committed to doing good things.

What do you hope for from the leadership of the membership achieving the decisions of Chapter?

All Sisters and Associates will be active participants in this change.
Call to faithfulness, listening, hearing, doing
Decisions of Chapter are the responsibility of all members
Leadership resides in the heart of its members; deepest hope is full engagement of all
Hope to maintain momentum, work is just starting
Release charism far and wide
Keep alive the Spirit of the 21st General Chapter-increased love, care and concern, mutual respect

What else is in your heart and mind that you want to speak to?

Willing to do whatever God calls me to
"We face the future with gratitude and hope." Good things lie ahead.
Open to serving in leadership, but also more than willing to serve the Congregation in any way
Hopeful, confident, excited
We are on the threshold of a new moment; part of the whole, of something bigger we can align with.
Our Chapter Acts are so relevant and needed in our world today.
Deep belief that grace of office goes to elected leadership and those in membership. Whoever is elected, the team will work.
Conflicting feelings of hope, joy, energy, opportunity and challenges, pain of realities that will be part of leadership
Honored to be invited and part of the process

Delegates shared heartfelt gratitude, awe and love to the nominees for their willingness, their honesty, their courage and their strength. Each nominee brings different gifts. All are highly valued and respected.

There was time for Mass and for quiet table sharing and reflection.

The delegates will have the first small group session with nominees this evening.

Monday, January 26, 2009 - Chapter of Elections Agenda

2009-01-25T22:09:00.000-05:00

8:15 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Gathering Prayer

10:00 a.m. BREAK

10:30 a.m. Overview of Chapter days
Procedures
Chapter Decisions
Setting context
Introduce focused sharing by Nominees
Sharing of Nominees around
prepared questions
Closing mantra

12:00 noon LUNCH

2:00 p.m. Gathering mantra/song
Continue focused sharing by Nominees
Time for individual reflection,
journaling, table conversation
Preparation for small group
conversations with Nominees

Ritual prayer

First session with small group

4:00 p.m. Liturgy

6:00 p.m. Supper

7:00 p.m Second session with small group

Social

Sunday January 25, 2009 - Chapter of Elections Agenda

2009-01-23T22:08:00.000-05:00

3:00 p.m. Arrival of Delegates
6:00 p.m. Supper
7:30 p.m. Evening social

Keeping our Chapter in Prayer: Supporting our Nominees & Delegates

2009-01-10T15:45:00.008-05:00

Greetings from the Raisins CSG in Bellevue! As we gathered this morning for our CSG prayer experience in anticipation for the Chapter of Elections, we were inspired by the reading from Passover Remembered:

Set out in the dark.
I will send fire
to warm and encourage you.
I will be with you in the fire
and it will be with you in the cloud.

You will learn to eat new food
and find refuge in new places.
I will give you dreams in the desert
to guide you safely home to that place
you have not seen.

An Invitation

Each of us has (or will) participated in the January CSG prayer process in our 3 geographic areas. Meanwhile, our nominees and delegates are themselves continuing this communal discernment process and preparing for the Chapter of Elections in just two weeks.

Given our distance from one another, the Raisins CSG thought it would be a nice idea to open up a conversation using the Internet as a way to share our hopes and prayers with each other easily across the miles.

Please join us here for this conversation over the next two weeks. The comment box is open! You can leave a comment on the blog and read the others as well. Our idea is to offer our prayer and support to the nominees, delegates and entire Congregation. If you don't see the comments below, click here or on the comments link at the bottom of this post.)

Some suggested Conversation Starters

What are your hopes at this time in our history?

What prayers/words of encouragement do you have for our nominees and delegates?

How will you continue to prepare and participate in the second session of the Chapter?

Please join us in this online conversation.

In Love & Peace,
The Raisins CSG

(present at our January 10 meeting - Julie Codd, Margaret Dimond, Susan Francois, Carmel Little, Doug Johnson)

TIP: If you want to leave a comment, click on "post a comment" in the comments section. Write your comment - don't forget to sign your name!. Then, select "anonymous" from the available options, and click "Publish your Comment."

Chapter Review

2008-08-12T20:52:00.003-04:00

The Crossing Place Chapter Blog will continue to be available so folks can review the happenings of the Chapter. Here are a few shortcuts to some of the posts you may want to read/listen to/watch:

Listen to podcasts of our 3 main keynote speakers:

Watch videos:

2003-2008 review video from Sheila's presentation
Lest We Forget video of Sisters & Associates who died in the past 6 years

Newsletters from the Chapter can be downloaded to the right in the sidebar.

Thank you, everybody!

2008-08-07T21:57:00.000-04:00

Our hope-filled, joyful experience of The Crossing Place is the gift of so many - of each of the committees that worked so hard to make this a hospitable, beautiful time, of each Sister and Associate who brought energy, truth, and openness to the spirit into our gatherings, of our gifted facilitators and all the Chapter staff.

Thanks to all, but most especially Thank you! to Sheila, to Terry and to the Chapter Planning Committee and Subcommittee for leading us as we made the crossing to our new life as One Congregation!

Our Gifted Musicians

2008-08-07T21:55:00.003-04:00

Our gifted musicians, Mary Ann Mulzet, Annie Welch, Carmel Little, Mary Therese Breuning, Charlotte Davenport and Maureen Brennan kept us tuned and prayerful. A CD of songs written for the Chapterby Annie, Carmel, Mary Therese and Rosalie McQuaide will soon be available.

Peace Presence at the Great Lawn

2008-08-07T21:52:00.005-04:00

Who could have prepared us, the non-natives in this part of the U.S. for the setting of our Peace Presence on August 6th? We were to be at the Great Lawn for this service which would honor our commitment to Care for the Earth and remember the atrocities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Instead of standing on a grassy lawn, we were seated in a tiered arena in front of a platform framed between two lowsized square turrets. In the framed background we had an ever changing ocean view with sail boats, speed boats and even a far-away tanker passing through.

Alexandra Kovats, Terry Moran and Annie Welch led us through songs, prayers, readings, poetry and a litany of peacemaking, all of which were exceptionally relevant and truly touching. Cindy Zipf of Clean Ocean Action spoke movingly of the imperative to protect the great and beautiful oceans of the world. We sang “We shall overcome” to the wonderment of Boardwalk passersby and completed our liturgy by singing “Peace before us” as we looked at the peaceful and endangered ocean.

Becoming a Discerning Congregation

2008-08-07T21:48:00.003-04:00

On Thursday morning, Facilitator Joyce DeShano led us in a wonderful reflection on what it means to become a discerning congregation. A condensed version of her presentation will be shared as a DVD in the September CSG process, along with written materials.

Joyce shared that our nomination and election process will require a mind shift in light of our Chapter decision to become a Congregation without provinces. “It’s no longer just about the women you know best,” she said. Drawing from her personal experience with her Congregation’s
merger, she suggested that we try to avoid thinking in terms of “my province” when surfacing names for potential leaders. “That’s hard to shift.”

Communal discernment is both an attitude and a process. Joyce listed three attitudes required for communal discernment: radical receptivity, openness to the spirit, and deep trust. As a process, communal discernment is a choice among goods, never about winners and losers, and always about a CALL.

She encouraged us to call ourselves to create a discerning congregation for the next six months. “This responsibility applies to everyone, Sisters and Associates,” she said, “not just delegates and nominees.” There was a great deal of discussion at tables and in the larger group about how to
go home and communicate the spirit and experience of the Chapter to those unable to attend.

In the afternoon, we began to consider what qualities might be needed for leadership in the next six years. “Keep in mind,” Joyce said, “the qualities you need now may be quite different than what you’ve needed in the past.” She invited us to consider qualities in four categories: relationships, organization, vision, and team building.

On Friday, we will review the drafts of the Chapter Act documents on nonviolence and care for creation. We will also review the nomination and election process that we will use over the next 6 months through our CSGs. There will also be an opportunity to begin surfacing names of
potential nominees.

Francena Dodd, Bridgetta Rooney and Eileen Bryne
work on the next steps.

Terry Reflects

2008-08-07T21:40:00.005-04:00

Reflecting on these two intense weeks of Chapter, Assistant Congregation Leader Terry Donohue is surprised, delighted and overwhelmed by our unanimous decision to become a Congregation without Provinces. After six years in office and two years of intense planning for the Chapter Terry says, “I’ve found such energy, such life in us.”

The connections among us are powerful, she says, and the best part of her ministry has been getting to be at home with each of us in each place of the Congregation, learning the passions and people, being touched by how we listen to one another, speak our truth, and are heard.

Terry and Sheila have created a remarkable partnership in ministry that makes use of their very different skills and styles. Terry likes to focus on the details and the doing, to get started on her list of tasks and carry it through. Sheila is more open-ended, tuned to the big picture, likely to come in with an unexpected question or new idea. As we have all learned, the partnership works beautifully. “I’ve learned so much from Sheila,” Terry said, “about flexibility, about
patience, about being a leader.”

The biggest challenge for her as Assistant Congregation Leader was to figure out what she should be doing. “There’s no job description,” she said, “so it has been an experience of learning - learning to trust, learning to listen, learning to let go of what I planned and be open to the moment.”

Terry is still focused on the work to be done before May; when all is completed, she’s considering taking some time to volunteer at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, to help protect this endangered species. She is also hoping to study non-violence, and she would love to spend time with Sisters and Associates in our One Congregation.

Wherever the future takes you, Terry, we are so grateful for your thoughtfulness, warmth and friendship, for all those note cards, as well as for all the tasks you’ve completed so very well and with such openness to the Spirit!

Schedule for Friday (August 8)

2008-08-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

Friday, August 8, 2008
Beginning a nomination and election process

7:00 - 8:30 Breakfast in dining room
7:30 Optional liturgy in Anacon room
9:00 Morning prayer in Chapter room
Process for beginning a nomination and election
1:00 Lunch - leisure
3:00 Continue morning work
4:30 Adjourn the Chapter
4:45 Liturgy to open the 125th Anniversary
6:00 Supper

Video: 2003 to 2008

2008-08-06T22:38:00.002-04:00

On the first day of the Chapter, Congregation Leader Sheila Lemieux shared a video prepared by Communications Director Paulette Krick that summarizes the years since our 2002 Chapter. You can now watch this video online below.

Talent Night

2008-08-06T22:27:00.007-04:00

Abundant talent kept us laughing and singing Tuesday night:

Mary Thorne, Ann Taylor, Barbara Haase and Bridgetta Rooney are the Red Hat Society;

Olivia Killeen, Joan Ward and Barbara Moran are transformed by masks;

Dorothy Verna, Sukyi Hur, Susan Francois and Chero Chuma rap “The Formation Rap”;

and the inimitable duo of Sheila Lemieux and Bridgetta Rooney dance as only they can.

As Sheila Sees It

2008-08-06T22:24:00.002-04:00

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!

Filling in the Blanks

2008-08-06T22:13:00.001-04:00

After two glorious days’ vacation (swimming, horse races, sight-seeing, sleeping late) we convened as Gathering II, a somewhat smaller group of 111 Sisters and Associates, to fill in the blanks from the broad outlines of our Gathering I agreements.

We began with a historic reflection on how we have released the charism since the 2002 Chapter. Then in quiet reflection and table sharing, we gathered preferences for the Congregation’s action focus for 2008 - 2014. The preferences were gathered and grouped,
discussion in the group as a whole fleshed out the preferences and one major focus point emerged for our work over the next six years:

Care of the Earth, recognizing a connection between climate change and issues of poverty.

As previously named in Gathering I, contemplative nonviolence will be the framework for our lives together as Congregation.

Two groups of “wisdom weavers” worked on the details of these potential Chapter Acts and, on Wednesday morning, turned the work over to writers.

Meanwhile the remaining group brainstormed about areas that will need attention as we become a Congregation without Provinces: Congregation gatherings; communication and technology; and caring for one another.

Suzanne Golas, Maureen Boggins, Charlotte Davenport and Terry Moran
work on the Care of the Earth statement.

Louise Dumont: All Those Chapters

2008-08-06T22:04:00.004-04:00

Louise is one of several Sisters at this Chapter who have the distinction of having been at every Chapter since 1968/69. At the time of the Special General Chapter in 1968, Louise attended the Chapter at St. Michael’s as assistant to Sister Helen Gorman in Our Lady Province. This Chapter was in answer to the call for renewal after Vatican II.

The regular four-yearly Chapter of 1970, held in England at Mary Ward College, was the first that allowed observers. This Chapter made two momentous decisions – Louise says “recognizing Mother Clare as our founder was the most exciting moment of my life,” and the return to the title “of Peace” rather than “of Newark” was close behind.

Chapters in 1975 (Haverstraw, NY) and 1978 (Seattle University) advanced our commitment to justice and began the six-year cycle of Chapters.

The Centenary Chapter of 1984, “Remembering, Renewing, Risking,” was another special highlight for Louise. Margaret Byrne was unanimously acclaimed Congregation Leader and many unexpected talents unfolded in the course of the centenary celebrations!

Chapters in Seton Hall, NJ (1990) and Bellingham, WA (1996) developed significant commitments to social justice. Our London Chapter in 2002, with its emphasis on the Well
of Integrity, Rivers of Peace and Fountains of Hope led to our work here.

Louise says that a Statement of Direction written in 1974 was a significant turning point for us in its focus on peace and justice; concepts which have developed over the years.

Our Constitutions is the most wonderful document, Louise says, bringing our charism to bear on our vows and on every aspect of our lives. Louise feels we continue to grow and build on the themes we’ve developed over the many Chapters, that the Holy Spirit has guides us well and that she’s never come away from a Chapter feeling disappointed, or dissatisfied.

Now as we move into being a Congregation without provinces, Louise sees that our Contemplative Stance, enhanced through prayer and the quality of our listening and association with each other, will guide us well.

Schedule for Thursday (August 7)

2008-08-06T18:00:00.000-04:00

Thursday, August 7, 2008
Creating a Discerning Community

7:00 - 8:30 Break
7:30 Optional Liturgy in Anacon room
9:00 Morning prayer in Chapter oom
Presentation on creating a discerning community
1:00 Lunch - leisure
3:00 Continue morning work
5:30 Overview of Friday's work, Closing mantra
6:00 Supper, Planned Entertainment

Tuesday

2008-08-06T08:07:00.003-04:00

Our Communications Committee decided to take a short break so that we could enjoy the Talent Show Tuesday night! We'll have pictures later ... let's just say that everyone outdid themselves!

On Tuesday we continued our discussions on Releasing the Charism and broke up into two small groups (Nonviolence and Care for the Earth) and one larger group (Being Congregation) for brainstorming and writing. We will continue this work today.

We will have full content up for Tuesday/Wednesday tomorrow morning (Thursday).

Stay tuned ....

Schedule for Wed (August 6)

2008-08-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Releasing the Charism for mission

7:00 - 8:30 Breakfast in dining room
7:30 Optional liturgy in Anacon room
9:00 Morning prayer in Chapter room
Continuing process to Release the Charism for Mission
1:00 Lunch - leisure
3:00 Continue morning work
5:30 Overview of Thursday, Closing mantra
6:00 Supper
7:00 Peace Presence on Great Lawn

Schedule for Tuesday (August 5)

2008-08-05T14:27:00.003-04:00

Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Releasing the Charism for Mission

7:00 - 8:30 Breakfast in dining room
7:30 Optional Liturgy in Anacon room
9:00 Morning prayer in Chapter room
Continuing process to Release the Charism for Mission
1:00 Lunch - Leisure
3:00 Continue morning work
5:30 Overview of Wednesday, Closing Mantra
6:00 Supper
7:00 Talent Show

Saturday: Goldilocks, the Clump and Polarities

2008-08-04T22:19:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, August 2nd, the Chapter considered the proposal for the election of new leaders recommended by the Chapter Planning Committee. Specifically, the proposal would:

extend the terms of the current leaders to May 1, 2009
reconvene the Chapter in January 2009
set the date of transition for May 1, 2009

Co-facilitator Jean Alvarez shared the CPC’s description of this as the “Goldilocks” proposal: not too fast, not too slow, but just right. She invited us to return to our Italian Piazza for conversation. We then formed a “human continuum” by standing in different parts of the room depending on our preference: “too slow” on one end, “too fast” on the other end, and “just right” in the middle. Jean described the mass of Chapter attendees in the middle of the room as a “human clump,” indicating a clear preference for the Goldilocks proposal. After some group discussion, Chapter participants voted unanimously to approve the proposed timeline.

The "clump"

Facilitator Joyce DeShano remarked that the proposal “contains some hidden generosity” in terms of the women who have agreed to “put their lives on hold.” Our current elected leaders who have agreed to continue serving until new Congregational leadership is in place were then invited on the stage and blessed by the Chapter body in a spirit of gratitude.

The rest of the day was devoted to the question of who would attend the January Chapter session: only those required (delegates, alternates, nominees who are not delegates, and staff) or those required plus 10 sisters and 2 associates from each region chosen by lottery. Several values and questions were raised in our discussions, including the values of inclusion and participation, the financial cost and carbon footprint of bringing people to New Jersey, the importance of a participatory CSG process prior to January, and the possibility of video-conferencing. The Chapter body was fairly split on the issue in our first two leanings,
with these various values held in tension.

Jean shared some thoughts with us on “polarity management,” as a framework for reflection when you are caught “betwixt and between” two competing values. We then took a third leaning, and it was clear that there was movement towards continuing the Chapter for Elections in January with only the required attendees. In a formal vote, the delegates unanimously decided that only the required attendees - again, delegates, alternates, nominees, and staff - will gather at the January session. Joyce suggested that we share with those at home that we “truly tried to discern this issue and spent a lot of time on the question.” The process for surfacing names, sharing information about potential Congregational leaders, and receiving comments from all in the Congregation will be designed in Gathering Two of the Chapter, August 5-8.

Saturday: Peggy O'Neill, SC Accepts Peacemaker Award

2008-08-04T22:15:00.004-04:00

On the last day of Gathering One, Saturday, August 2nd, we continued to work hard, but we also put on our party clothes to have our formal portrait taken, we shared a beautiful Eucharist and we celebrated in a banquet, highlighted by the presentation of the Peacemaker Award to Peggy O’Neill, a Sister of Charity who has been accompanying the people of Suchitoto, El Salvador, for more than 20 years.

The award and a check for $5000, given in recognition of an outstanding contribution to peacemaking in the spirit of Margaret Anna Cusack, was presented in Spanish by Terry Donohue (with help from Amalia Camacho on the translations). “Peggy embodies a commitment to peacemaking,” she said, citing her untiring work to create the Centro Arte para la Paz in Suchitoto as a place of healing to nurture the culture of peace among people who have suffered so much from war.

Peggy has long collaborated with CSJPs, from Margaret Jane Kling and Andrea Nenzel in the 1980s to Eleanor Gilmore today, and many in the room had met her during the two Congregational Experiences she and Eleanor led or during a PazSalud brigade.

In accepting her award, Peggy shared with us some wonderful stories from her time in El Salvador. Once in the war years she was with a group that had to hide out overnight. She found herself with two women, one a mother with a young child who had brought along a stack of tortillas. No one else had any food. Peggy told the mother she should save the tortillas for the child, but the mother said no. “Tonight we share the bread,” she said, “tomorrow we will share hunger.” Those shared tortillas were Eucharist, said Peggy, and that spirit of courage and giving is why she hopes to spend the rest of her life with the people of El Salvador. Congratulations, Peggy, y gracias!

Peggy, Lelia Walsh & Laurette Bergin

Peggy & Eleanor Gilmore

Saturday: A View from the Tent at Oakwood

2008-08-04T22:13:00.002-04:00

This morning the grass appears grey with the glint of moisture from overnight rain, the trees around this green square are still and silent except for a slight quiver in the topmost leaves. This early, the birds are singing, but there is little evident movement from them as if they are reluctant to intrude on the awakening beauty of the day.

Behind me, Oakwood Hall, our dorm, is already alive to the new day - early comings and goings, the fragrant aroma of freshly-brewed coffee and the quiet purr of a Trasna Transport Trolley waiting for its first passengers. I am surrounded by tranquility as I let my eyes follow the patterns made by the ever-brightening sun on the building across from me. In a few places my eyes are assaulted by the fire-red glow in the windows of Redwood Hall, then as I move my eyes to the front of the building I see the five saplings closest to me - they are bursting with life and vibrant energy. Because there are so many older trees around, the young trees remind me that we, too, are in the process of unfolding, of becoming, growing stronger now that we have realized our deep-felt hope of being a Congregation without Provinces.

The sun, rising above the corder of Redwood Hall, suddenly touches the top of the telegraph pole on Cedar Avenue and I’m totally entranced by the spidery cobwebs between the wires, all sparkling with a thousand diamonds, sending lasers of red, blue, green, purple into the surrounding trees. Surely the beauty of Creation is surrounding me this early morning. Thank you, God!
by Eileen Byrne

Schedule for Monday (August 4)

2008-08-03T17:00:00.000-04:00

Note: We will be posting the schedule for the Chapter each day one day early.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Proposed Free Day

Video: Lest We Forget

2008-08-03T07:27:00.004-04:00

For our opening prayer Thursday morning, we watched a video showing the face of each Sister and Associate who has died since the last Chapter. The video was prepared by our Communications Director Paulette Krick. The images and accompanying music, “standing on the shoulders of those who’ve gone before,” brought tears to many faces in our meeting room. You can watch the video below:

Schedule for Sunday (August 3)

2008-08-02T17:00:00.000-04:00

Note: We will be posting the schedule for the Chapter each day one day early.

Proposed Free Day

Pictures: Group Photo

2008-08-02T14:27:00.002-04:00

We gathered Saturday morning for a group photo that will be used as the cover for our 125th Anniversary Calendar.

Saturday: Blessing Our Leaders

2008-08-02T14:22:00.003-04:00

Our facilitator, Joyce DeShano, noted that the proposal we just voted on "contains some hidden generosity" in terms of the women who have agreed to "put their lives on hold" an additional four months. Sheila & Terry then invited the members of the Congregation Council and Province Teams to join them on the stage. The entire Chapter Body then blessed them in love and gratitude, with Alexandra Kovats leading us in a beautiful blessing dance. Watch the video below.

Saturday: Newsflash on Proposal Vote

2008-08-02T14:17:00.002-04:00

The following recommendation came before the Chapter late this morning:

We, the Delegates of the 21st Congregation Chapter of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, affirm the movement of the Congregation as a whole and of the Chapter participants to approve the proposal on a timeline for elected leaders. This proposal includes:
extend the terms of the current leaders to May 1, 2009
reconvene the Chapter in January 2009
date of transition would be May 1, 2009

The recommendation first came to a vote (by show of hands) of the Chapter Body. There were 128 yes votes, a unanimous vote.

The recommendation then came to the delegates. There were 38 yes votes, also a unanimous vote.

Saturday: Timeline Proposal

2008-08-02T14:10:00.003-04:00

On Saturday morning we took time to read the latest version of document titled, "A Proposal to the Members for a timeline for Election of New Leaders." We then spent time in another "Italian Piazza" style conversation and large group discussion on the proposal. You can download a PDF copy of the proposal here.

Friday: Chapter votes to become “A Congregation without Provinces”!

2008-08-02T08:11:00.003-04:00

Today, August 1, 2008, Chapter participants voted unanimously to become a Congregation without Provinces, a vote that was officially ratified by the unanimous YES of Chapter Delegates. After the moment of decision, the Chapter joined in singing “The Summons” (“Will you but come and follow me if I but call your name?”) and then, weeping and grinning, we enveloped each other in a CSJP group hug.

We began the day in prayer with a beautiful musical setting of the Chapter Prayer by Rosalie McQuaide. Facilitator Joyce DeShano led us through the long background of the proposals before us. Then we held what Jean Alvarez called an Italian Town Meeting, moving from group to group to hear each others’ thinking. Coming back to the whole, we listened to comments, took a first leaning, and voted.

Later in the day we were able to agree quickly that the first elected member of the new Congregational Leadership Team (CLT) will be Congregation Leader, that the Team will name one member as Assistant Congregation Leader and that the Team will choose the location of the Congregation office. More discussion was needed to set the size of the CLT at 5. A new proposal surfaced, to name an Associate to the Team for non-canonical matters, but the group agreed that this was not the time to make such a decision. At the end of this long, emotional day, we rejoiced that we had made our decisions in such peace and joy in the presence of the Spirit.

The delegates vote.

Alexandra Kovats and
Gladys Hughes celebrate.

Friday: Our Chapter Staff Keeps Us Happy

2008-08-02T08:01:00.004-04:00

All the beautiful liturgies, power point presentations, meticulously prepared documents, and excellent processes don’t just happen: they happen because of the talent and dedication of our wonderful Chapter staff. We thought you might like to know a little more about them!

Jean Alvarez, co-facilitator, is familiar to all of us from the three Chapters she and Nancy Conway, CSJ guided us through. Jean says that she has been drawn back to us again and again by her sense of connectedness to us and our charism. Since Nancy’s election to leadership of her own Congregation, Jean has set up the Lake Erie Brain Performance Institute with a colleague. We wish her life and light in this exciting venture.

Joyce DeShano, Terry Donohue and Jean Alvarez confer over plans.

Joyce DeShano, Chapter Faciltator, is a Sister of St. Joseph (CSJ) of Cleveland, OH. Before becoming a full-time facilitator, Joyce spent 30 years in health care and administration. She loves her present ministry of walking with Congregations. Joyce relaxes with cooking (she is a gourmet cook and even carries a cook-book or two around with her!). Joyce says children are her spiritual guides: she is a very loving aunt.

Paulette Krick, Congregation Communications Director, has been a Sister of Charity of Leaveanworth for 34 years. She was the first Congregation Communications Director both for her own community and for us. Paulette enjoys movies, loves hiking, the outdoors, and playing guitar. She also loves biking, though a recent separation from her bike led to her working full time through this Chapter from a wheelchair.

Jan Linley, Congregation Office Manager, is providing her usual calm and cheerful presence in the midst of our storm of activities. Jan worked for us when Suzanne Golas was Congregation Leader and returned happily to help Sheila and Terry keep the Congregation organized. In her spare time, Jan is writing a book, she loves cats, and she is an expert Staples shopper.

Mary Ann Mulzet, Liturgy Coordinator, is a Sister of St. Joseph of Philadelphia (Chestnut Hill). She works with Chapters, Conferences and national events in music and liturgy. Mary Ann recently returned from Lyon, France, where her Congregation celebrated their 200th Anniversary. Mary Ann finds our Chapter challenging and energizing; she likes being with us as we move toward the future.

Schedule for Saturday (August 2)

2008-08-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Note: We will be posting the schedule for the Chapter each day one day early.

Saturday, August 2, 2008
Proposal on Timeline

7:00 - 8:30 Breakfast (Dining Room)

9:00 Morning Prayer (Anacon Room)

9:45 Proposal I on Timeline

Break (30 min)

1:00 Lunch/Leisure (Dining areas)

3:00 Continue morning work

Break (30 min)

5:00 Eucharistic Liturgy

6:00 Celebrative Dinner/Peacemaker Award

Friday: Our Home Away From Home

2008-08-02T07:51:00.005-04:00

Monmouth University has been our home morning, noon and night this week. We have enjoyed the wonderful service of the dining hall staff, the friendly smiles of passers by and the beautifully manicured gardens. All in all, we have felt very welcomed.

You might find yourself wondering about this place – just as they are surely wondering about those Sisters of St. Joseph of “The” Peace (as the digital welcome sign says!).

Monmouth College was founded during the Depression in 1933 to provide higher education to those local students who could not afford to go away to college. In 1995, Monmouth was granted university status by the State of New Jersey. Today Monmouth offers 29 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs on a small personal scale – the average class size is only 21 students. Students come from near and far, with students from 23 states and 31 foreign countries.

In 1993 Dr. Rebecca Stafford became the first female President of Monmouth, a post she held for 10 years. The student center where we have been meeting is named after her.

Martin Luther King spoke at Monmouth in 1966. The focus of his speech was that we had “come a long, long way; but ... that we still have a long, long way to go…” (was he talking about Trasna?).

In 1981, the building which has been host to our lovely evening concerts, Wilson Hall, became the home of Daddy Warbucks in the movie Annie. When Annie first enters the opulent mansion, she says “I think I’m gonna like it here,” a feeling which each of us most likely shares.

The formal gardens of Wilson Hall, a Beaux Arts castle
built by Woolworth President Hubert Parson.

Suzanne Golas makes a selection
from the well-stocked salad bar.

Mary Ann Wallen, Sue Vadas and Laurette Bergin
enjoy the variety of good cooking offered in the dining room.

Friday: The Vote

2008-08-01T22:03:00.003-04:00

Watch the historic vote to become one Congregation without provinces.

Friday: Newsflash .... We are One Congregation!

2008-08-01T16:14:00.005-04:00

The following recommendation came before the Chapter this afternoon:

We, the Delegates of the 21st Congregation Chapter of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, affirm the movement of the Congregation as a whole and of the Chapter participants toward becoming a Congregation-without-Provinces. We hereby decide to be a Congregation-without-provinces.

We understand that, with this decision, the Congregation is moving into a period of experimentation regarding governance that will allow for further participation and development in planning for the future direction of our Congregation.

The recommendation first came to a vote (by show of hands) of the Chapter Body. There were 131 yes votes, a unanimous vote.

The recommendation then came to the delegates. There were 38 yes votes, also a unaimous vote.

The Chapter Room then erupted into a round of applause and an extended period of celebration and hugs.

Friday: Congregation Without Provinces Proposal

2008-08-01T14:20:00.003-04:00

On Friday morning we took time to read the latest version of document titled, "A Proposal to the Members for How Governance Functions in the Congregation-without-Provinces." We then spent time in table discussions and an "Italian Piazza" style conversation on the proposal. You can download a PDF copy of the proposal document here.

Music: Chapter Prayer Song

2008-08-01T14:17:00.002-04:00

During our Friday morning prayer, we sang a song written by Rosalie McQuaide, CSJP based on our Chapter prayer. Listen to the song in the video below (warning, the lighting is not good in the video, but you can hear the song just fine!).

Video: Where "Annie" was filmed

2008-08-01T06:58:00.004-04:00

1981, Monmouth University’s ornate and historic Wilson Hall became the setting for the opulent mansion of Oliver Warbucks in the John Houston film Annie.

Monmouth University's Website has a video clip shows the wonder and awe experienced by Annie as she arrived at the manor for the very first time. Watch it here.

Thursday: Releasing the Charism

2008-08-01T06:27:00.004-04:00

On Thursday, heads and hearts enriched by the words of Sheila Lemieux, Nancy Sylvester and John Dear, we began the work of mapping the path for the next six years. For our opening prayer, we watched a video showing the face of each Sister and Associate who has died since the last Chapter. The images and accompanying music, “standing on the shoulders of those who’ve gone before,” brought tears to many faces in our meeting room.

Chapter Facilitator Joyce DeShano and co-facilitator Jean Alvarez introduced the work of the day, to collaborate toward naming a focus for the work and prayer of the Congregation over the next six years. We gathered suggestions in table groups, then were asked to move to a different table with different people where we listed possible areas for focus or themes.

While we had lunch, Joyce and Jean worked on grouping and sorting the papers presented by the tables. In the afternoon session they told us “from the summaries of the small table groups, it is evident that the two strands of focus from Chapter 2002, Rivers of Peace and Well of Integrity, have evolved into a braided, integrated whole at the Crossing Place.”

From their first presentation and further discussion by the participants, we reached consensus on the major Congregation focus for the next six years:

We are committed to deepening our contemplative commitment to non-violence. The specific language and approach remain to be worked out; it will most likely include a combination of study, prayer and action for non-violence.

Jean and Joyce next asked the group whether one or more specific issues for action should also be adopted by the Chapter, in addition to this overall Congregation focus. There was general agreement that we should look for one issue as a focus for action, especially during our 125th anniversary celebration.

The Chapter will work later on selecting the specific issue.

Thursday: That First Chapter

2008-08-01T06:24:00.001-04:00

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.”

Thursday: Associates Meet and Greet

2008-08-01T06:18:00.003-04:00

The 29 Associates attending the 2008 Chapter met for lunch on Wednesday, and found the “meet and greet” opportunity exciting. Our reporter met with Audrey Kettell, Lorraine Casey, Kathy Allard, and Mary Thelwell, who said that it was great to put names to faces, to enjoy lunch together and to have their picture taken. For some it was a chance to meet up with some of the friends they had made at the last Chapter in London or on one or other of the Congregation Programs of the past two years, and, for Audrey, a welcome return to the joy she experienced when she visited both US Provinces some years ago. All four associates spoke about how comfortable they are with each other, how freely they can talk (even more freely than with their friends who are not CSJP associates) and how exciting it is to feel so close.

They are incredibly appreciative of the inclusion and acceptance they feel in relation to all of the CSJP community. The associates new to Chapter are really experiencing the wonder and surprise of having an opportunity to reflect, to know the power and effectiveness of contemplation – and to realize this is something they will take home with them.

There is a feeling that this is a different Chapter from 2002, with a different tempo, free and exciting – this may be due to the fact that we are all wide-eyed and wondering where
we are going!

Schedule for Friday (August 1)

2008-08-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Note: We will be posting the schedule for the Chapter each day one day early.

Friday, August 1, 2008
Proposal on Congregation-Without-Provinces

7:00 - 8:30 Breakfast (Dining Room)

9:00 Morning Prayer (Anacon Room)

9:45 Becoming a Congregation-without-provinces

Break (30 min)

1:00 Lunch/Leisure (Dining areas)

3:00 Continue morning work

Break (30 min)

5:45 Overview - Announcements

6:00 Supper

Thursday: Introducing our Process

2008-07-31T14:14:00.004-04:00

Thursday morning, Jean Alvarez introduced our process focusing on the question of "What are the footprints we want to leave over the next six years." We then spent our morning in two table group discussion sessions. Watch and Listen to Jean's introduction below ... we'll have more information here later about our day.

Prayer: Reading from "The Cloister Song"

2008-07-31T13:52:00.002-04:00

During our Thursday morning prayer, Janet Richardson read Margaret Anna's Cusack's words from "The Cloister Song". Watch the video below:

Schedule for Thursday (July 31)

2008-07-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

Note: We will be posting the schedule for the Chapter each day one day early.

Thursday July 31, 2008
Releasing the Charism for Mission

7:00 - 8:30 Breakfast (Dining Room)

9:00 Morning Prayer (Anacon Room)

9:45 Chapter Session/Process

Break (30 min)

1:00 Lunch/Leisure (Dining areas)

3:00 Continue morning work

Break (30 min)

5:45 Overview - Announcements

6:00 Bar-B-Que Outside/Evening Social

Wednesday: Audio Podcast of John Dear's Presentation

2008-07-30T22:00:00.002-04:00

Press the ">" key in the box below to listen to John Dear's presentation to the Congregation Chapter.

Wednesday: Living Nonviolently

2008-07-30T21:35:00.004-04:00

John Dear, SJ we were told this morning, “believes and lives peace through justice.” He is the “internationally recognized voice for peace and nonviolence” and is the author of many books on the subject.

Today John Dear urged us as CSJPs to speak the truth, resist war, practice nonviolence, pray, and follow the nonviolent Jesus. We have no need to be afraid in our mission as peacemakers, he said. We have our own Constitutions which should compel us to take a stand, be the voice ofpeace in our poor world which at this time is living in an Orwellian nightmare of war.

We are blessed in having such a powerful heritage from Margaret Anna Cusack, an historic peacemaker. The question for us as we follow her lead is how to become stronger voices for peace. We have to ask how our life as a Congregation fits into the life of Jesus.

John spoke dynamically and passionately about formative influences in his journey into nonviolence – Martin Luther King, the Berrigan brothers, and Ignacio Ellacuria, who told him bluntly he could no longer be for the reign of God unless he could stand up publicly and actively against the anti-reign; silence would be complicity in war.

In our own lives we can harbor violence about the smallest things so we must work towards becoming communities of nonviolence. In order to be faithful to the journey, John asked us to be:
contemplatives of peace, full time activists, students and teachers of active nonviolence, visionaries of nonviolence and prophets of peace.

John asked us to make our lives a journey of peace, to breathe peace as we walk in the footsteps of the nonviolent Christ, remembering those who have led the way in our recent past – Dorothy Day, Gandhi, Daniel and Phillip Berrigan and Martin Luther King, who said “the choice is no
longer violence or nonviolence, it is nonviolence or nonexistence.”

John asked us to think and talk in our table groups about five questions:
1. How do I define gospel nonviolence?
2. When have I experienced it?
3. What’s the most difficult challenge for me on the journey
of nonviolence?
4. Jesus – was he violent or nonviolent?
5. How can we take another step, this week, on the road
to active nonviolent peace?

Responding to comments from table groups, John said that we in America and England live in a
world of total war and there is a subtle spirituality of violence all around us. We are urgently needed as leaven for the new church of peace, because war is not the will of God.

In the afternoon, John focused on the Beatitudes, saying that Gandhi read Matthew, Chapters 5,6 and 7 every day, and we would do well to do likewise.The Beatitudes – the teachings of Christ our peace – are the blueprint for nonviolent action. Can we as a peacemaking community fulfill the demands of these beatitudes? He ended the day by asking us to reflect on
the following powerful and disturbing questions:

How are we already living out the beatitudes of peace?
How do we love our enemies?
What is our image of God? Is our God non-violent?
How are we peacemakers?
What decision by the Congregation will help us become
beatitude people?

John Dear’s powerful witness and challenge was followed up by an invitation from Annie Welch and the Liturgy Committee to consider taking the Pax Christi vow of nonviolence. This will be considered as we continue in the Chapter process.

Wednesday: Party Pictures

2008-07-30T21:21:00.004-04:00

After a day of contemplative dialogue, it was time for a party. Top to bottom, Julie Codd and
Terry Moran join Maureen Brennan in song; Susan Whitsell tunes up; Margaret Healy with bartenders Chero Chuma and Mindy McDonald; Francis Scanlon, Ann Rutan and Bridgetta Rooney
relax in style.

Wednesday: Virtual Chapter

2008-07-30T21:18:00.002-04:00

As we gather in the Chapter room each day, we see colorful ribbons with the names of each sister & associate who is unable to be physically present with us due to ministry, family or health concerns. We have certainly felt the power of their prayer carrying us through these first days.

Did you know, however, that even though they are not here with us at Monmouth College, they are able to follow the Chapter closely via the internet? Our 21st General Chapter is also our 1st “Virtual Chapter.” Our communications committee has set up a Chapter blog called “The Crossing Place.” You can access the blog by clicking on the Chapter logo at the bottom of
our CSJP website. It contains articles from the daily “Crossings” newsletter, audio recordings of our keynote speakers (called “podcasts”), short video clips of prayer rituals, and pictures of our Chapter events.

The Chapter blog has received more than 50 visits (or “hits”) each day of the Chapter, from familiar places such as Federal Way, Jersey City, and Derbyshire. Bob Chambers has even accessed the blog from Kuwait where he is currently on a business trip!

Angie Picardo sent these words by e-mail from Everett, Washington: “I LOVE the Chapter on the internet. ... I feel I am participating with you all even though I am not there physically. Now I am not only with you in Prayer and Spirit I am with you on the internet.”

Video: Blessing John

2008-07-30T14:13:00.000-04:00

Alexandra Kovats, CSJP blessed John Dear before he addressed the Congregation Chapter on Wednesday Morning. Watch the video below.

Prayer: A Reading from our Constitutions

2008-07-30T14:08:00.001-04:00

Click the play button below to experience Breege Leddy, CSJP reading from our Constitutions during our morning prayer on Wednesday.

Music: "Being Peace"

2008-07-30T13:59:00.002-04:00

We began our prayer time Wednesday morning singing "Being Peace" by Mary Therese Breuning, CSJP. Click the play button below to sing along!

Schedule for Wednesday (July 30)

2008-07-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Note: We will be posting the schedule for the Chapter each day one day early.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008
John Dear, SJ

7:00 - 8:30 Breakfast (Dining Room)

9:00 Morning Prayer (Anacon Room)

9:45 Keynote - John Dear

Break (30 min)

1:00 Lunch/Leisure (Dining areas)

3:00 Keynote - John Dear

Break (30 min)

5:45 Overview - Announcements

6:00 Supper/Informal Gatherings

Tuesday: Who's In?

2008-07-29T19:54:00.006-04:00

What’s the fashion accessory of this Chapter? What guarantees you a seat on a Trasna Transport Trolley? Surely by now you have some idea.... No? Well, you just need to look around you at the number and variety of canes. There are black ones, brown ones, multi-colored ones; rigid canes, canes that fold up (and explode into opening without even lifting a finger to push a button!), canes made of wood, of steel, of aluminum, canes with well-curved grips and canes with knobs on. Having a cane is the big status symbol right now!

Then there are the wheelchairs - such beautifully crafted machines, seats that are padded (or not!), arm rests, foot rests, and even leg rests for those who can’t stay on a bicycle!

Finally, there have been sightings of walkers, tripods (no zimmers that I can see) [ed. note for Yankees: a zimmer is an English style walker]. Some people will do anything to be noticed around this place!

Where else but here at Chapter would you get such attention to comfort and such respect for injured members! Indeed, going on, moving forward, we are crossing over - and we’re making that crossing in a grand variety of ways.

Tuesday: A Process of Contemplative Listening

2008-07-29T19:52:00.005-04:00

Nancy Sylvester, IHM addressed the Chapter on Tuesday. Weaving the Transa poem into her presentation, she guided us through a process of contemplative listening. "Transitions. Crossing Overs. Trasna. The Crossing Place. Consciousness Waking," she said. "I suggest they are describing the same reality, and the choice to cross over is the choice to become the holy rising in our midst. That is our challenge, the challenge of all of us who have come to this new consciousness at this point in our history."

Nancy shared her belief that women religious are uniquely positioned to approach this crossing place for two reasons.

The compressed time frame in which we have shifted our awareness from pre-modernity to modernity to post-modernity – all in the last 40 to 50 years.
Our capacity to move forward from a contemplative space.

She noted that we as a Congregation have spent time discussing and reflecting on how we want to live from a Well of Integrity these past six years. She believes that it is crucial to live out of the contemplative stance if we are to move forward and cross over.

"In the poem," she said, " we are asked: 'Why go on? Is life not short enough? Why seek to pierce its mystery? Why venture further on strange paths risking all? Why be a pilgrim still?' The only answers that make sense come from the well of integrity – from a contemplative heart."

In the late morning and afternoon sessions, Nancy invited us to enter into a contemplative listening process. She prefaced this portion of the day by suggesting that we practice spaciousness and hospitality. "Take in and make welcome that which you find unpleasant or uncomfortable," she said. "Stay with it, be spacious with it, welcome it because it's going to tell you a lot about yourself."

She guided us through a personal reflection on the following question: "When I imagine the possibility of becoming a Congregation-without-provinces I feel …" She likened this heart-focused process to taking a geological core sample, going deeper and deeper with the same question. We anonymously recorded our responses on pieces of paper which were taped to the wall of our meeting space.

Nancy then guided us through a group listening and inquiry process focused on the question of becoming a Congregation-without-provinces. "It's not about whether you want to do it or not do it," she cautioned us. "The question before you now is how you feel about it."

Many of those present were filled with gratitude for the open manner in which participants shared their feelings. "We learned that there was a span and intensity of feelings," said Mary Thorne, CSJP. "Overall we appreciated everyone's honesty and the process."

Nancy closed by sharing her belief that "out of your Well of Integrity, you will 'see' in new ways how to enter the River of Peace and, trusting together, you will have the light you need for your first step."

To learn more about Nancy and her work with Engaging Impasse: Circles of Contemplation and Dialogue, visit their website.

Tuesday: Audio Podcast of Nancy Sylvester's Presentation

2008-07-29T19:49:00.001-04:00

Press the ">" key in the box below to listen to Nancy Sylvester's presentation to the Congregation Chapter.

Monday: Audio Podcast of Sheila's Presentation

2008-07-29T14:49:00.002-04:00

Press the ">" key in the box below to listen to Sr. Sheila Lemieux's "State of the Congregation" address to the Congregation Chapter.

Tuesday: Process with Nancy Sylvester

2008-07-29T13:59:00.006-04:00

Tuesday morning we were blessed to have Nancy Sylvester, IHM share her thoughts with us about this holy place where we find ourselves ... the crossing place, Trasna. We'll post more about her presentation here later.

In the late morning Nancy invited us into a process of contemplative listening around the question, "When I imagine the possibility of becoming a Congregation-without-Provinces I feel." The process was heart focused. As Nancy said, "It's not about whether you want to do it or not do it. The question is how you feel about it. It's not about analysis or decision making, but why you feel the way you feel."

After time for an individual guided reflection, we gathered for knee to knee conversations and then posted our reflection sheets on the wall of our meeting room.

Picture: 3 Founders

2008-07-29T13:52:00.003-04:00

This picture is hanging in our Chapter Room between the Crossing Place Banner and display about the Peacemaker Awards. It depicts pencil sketches of each of our three founders: Margaret Anna Cusack, Mother Evangelista and Bishop Bagshawe. At the bottom it says: "The very name Sisters of Peace will, it is hoped, even of itself, inspire the desire for peace and a love for it." -Margaret Anna Cusack.

Monday: Three Challenges from Sheila

2008-07-29T06:29:00.001-04:00

Congregtion Leader Sheila Lemieux gave the Chapter her “State of the Congregation” report on Monday, with a theme of “Releasing the Charism.” “We gather in abundance,” she said, “we gather for a feast, we gather to be transformed. This Congregation Chapter is the public occasion when we release the charism in new and different ways.”

Sheila noted that Crossing Place serves as rich metaphor for this time as we are called to go deeper and be truth-tellers and called not just to tolerate our diversity, but to draw on its power.
She gave us three challenges:

She challenged us to interpret the charism in light of contemporary needs
She challenged us to direct possible reconfigurations to mission, to releasing the charism
She challenged us to give expression to our oneness as Congregation by selecting one focus or mission to mark the upcoming 125th anniversary of our foundation.

In the 2nd phase of Sheila’s report, a DVD prepared by Congregation Communications Director Paulette Krick movingly summarized our work as Congregation to fulfill the commitments made in our Well of Integrity and Rivers of Peace Chapter Acts (this DVD will be available to all).

Finally, Sheila challenged us to move beyond our comfortable identities and boundaries, to expand our horizons for the sake of mission. “Perhaps the deepest purpose of religious life,” she said, “is to cooperate with God’s grace and allow ourselves to evolve to a level of consciousness that sees everything as interconnected, intertwined and interdependent.”

Our first day concluded with a beautiful liturgy in which all participated, celebrated by Fr. Terry Moran,
CSJP-A.

Monday: Crossing Over

2008-07-29T06:21:00.001-04:00

We gathered in a courtyard of Monmouth University on the New Jersey Shore amid banners with multi-colored streamers, each with the name of one absent Sister or Associate. There were dancers in shimmering tunics, there were Sisters and Associates, women and men around the garden pathways and there was a bridge to cross. This was the Gathering, held in a context of prayer, reflection and song – a beautiful chant written and sung for us by Annie Welch, CSJP-A -- that called us to go forward, move on. This was truly a memorable moment as we waited for our names to be called, to cross over the bridge and to proceed to the conference room.

Our meeting room, the centre of our world for the next two weeks, welcomed us with the 1996 Peace Quilt, colorful depictions of our Chapter logo, beautifully mounted extracts from Trasna and ten banners around the room. Twenty-four round tables, with delightful centre-pieces, provided another feast for the eyes and united us further with our “saints in glory” who have died since Chapter 2002 and were remembered with name cards and candles.

Our meeting began with thanks for all who have worked to make this Chapter a memorable time and continued with welcomes by St. Joseph Province Provincial Maureen Collins and Chapter Planning Committee Chair Ann Rutan.

Monday: Getting Started

2008-07-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Over 150 Sisters and Associates gathered at Monmouth College in New Jersey over the weekend in anticipation of our 21st Congregation General Chapter.

Committee members arrived one day early on Saturday, July 26th to ensure that everything was ship shape for our two week stay on campus. Sheets, towels and hospitality bags were placed in the rooms. “Trasna Transport” drivers learned how to maneuver their golf carts and tried on their pink baseball caps. The Chapter Room was beautifully decorated, and the tent outside Oakwood was assembled for our social gatherings. Last but not least, the registration committee sorted out who was who and where they were to go.

The rest of the crowd weathered thunderstorms, airline delays and cancellations to arrive on Sunday, July 27th. As the storms continued outside, old friends reconnected over a nice cup of tea or hot coffee in the lounges and hallways of the dormitory. It was a time of reunion, reconnection and celebration. We have come from far and near to Monmouth College, a place new to each of us although close to our beloved Stella Maris Retreat Center. Really though, we have come home to our extended CSJP family.

Podcasts

2008-07-28T22:14:00.004-04:00

In addition to the video clips down below, we are posting some audio clips as well via our "Chapter Podcast." We'll have short interviews with Chapter Attendees and other sounds from the Chapter. Look for this box on the right hand side of the page:

To play the most recent podcast, simply click on the ">" button in the box above.

To see a list of available podcasts, click on the "posts" button.

Schedule for Tuesday (July 29)

2008-07-28T21:00:00.000-04:00

Note: We will be posting the schedule for the Chapter each day one day early.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Nancy Sylvester, IHM

7:00 - 8:30 Breakfast (Dining Room)

9:00 Morning Prayer (Anacon Room)

9:45 Keynote - Nancy Sylvester

Break (30 minutes)

1:00 Lunch/Leisure (Dining areas)

3:00 Continuing Process

Break (30 minutes)

5:45 Overview - Announcements

6:00 Supper/Informal Gatherings

Video: Blessing Sheila

2008-07-28T19:57:00.002-04:00

Alexandra Kovats, CSJP blessed Sheila Lemieux before she addressed the Congregation Chapter on Monday Morning. Watch the video below.

Music: "Come and Journey With Us"

2008-07-28T14:30:00.007-04:00

Annie Welch, CSJP Associate, has composed a mantra especially for our 125th Congregation Anniversary. We are singing this mantra throughout our Chapter gathering. Watch this video to hear the mantra (and sing along!).

Video: Crossing Over during our Opening Procession

2008-07-28T14:23:00.004-04:00

Pictures: Opening Procession

2008-07-28T14:20:00.004-04:00

We gathered this morning outside our meeting room to begin our experience of the "Crossing Place." As each person's name was read aloud, they crossed over the bridge and into the meeting rooms. Here are some pictures.

Schedule for Monday (July 28)

2008-07-27T08:00:00.002-04:00

Note: We will be posting the schedule for the Chapter each day one day early.

Monday, July 28, 2008
Releasing the Charism for Mission

7:00 - 8:30 Breakfast (Dining Room)

8:45 Gathering for Opening Ritual Outside

10:15 Presentation by Sheila Lemieux

Break (30 Minutes)

1:00 Lunch/Leisure (Dining areas)

3:00 Liturgy of the Word

Continuing Process

5:00 Liturgy of the Eucharist

6:00 Special Supper

Registration Photos

2008-07-26T17:06:00.001-04:00

Schedule for Sunday (July 27)

2008-07-25T10:11:00.001-04:00

Note: We will be posting the schedule for the Chapter each day one day early.

Gathering I

Sunday, July 27

1:00 PM Registration Opens

6:00 PM Supper (Dining Room)

Welcome to The Crossing Place

2008-07-14T17:23:00.007-04:00

Welcome to The Crossing Place, the blog for the 21st General Chapter of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. The Chapter Communications Committee plans to use this web page to communicate the happenings at the Chapter. Beginning July 27, you will find here ...

Daily Schedule (posted one day ahead)
Daily Chapter Newsletter
Pictures of daily events
Podcasts (short audio recordings of presentations and conversations)
Video (short video recordings from the chapter; DVDs of the presentations will be mailed to each province office)
And other assorted odds and ends.

Until then .... Peace!

Suggestions and Reminders for the Congregation Chapter

2008-07-14T17:00:00.002-04:00

For those who will be attending the Chapter, a few suggestions and reminders.

Registration begins on Sunday, July 27 at 1:00 p.m. Please do not arrive before 1:00 p.m.
The opening ceremony for the Congregation Chapter is on Monday morning, July 28 beginning at 8:45 a.m.
The rooms have overhead lighting only. You may wish to bring a reading light for convenience and comfort.
Laundry facilities will be available in each dorm.
The dorms and meeting rooms are air conditioned and can be cool. If you find such air conditioning uncomfortable, do bring a sweater and heavier sleepwear.
If you require medication, please bring enough for your entire stay at the Congregation Chapter.

Additional items to pack (or consider packing):

Umbrella and rain gear (poncho or light jacket)
Hat or protection against the sun for your head
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Chapter Information Booklet (UK attendees: Please remember to pack this in your hand luggage for Customs)
Constitutions
Acts of the 20th General Chapter
May 22nd mailing from the Chapter Planning Committee (Includes Questions and Answers, plus Appendices)

"Dropping In"

2008-07-07T22:53:00.001-04:00

If you are planning on "dropping in" at the Chapter on any given day, please let Ann Rutan know what day you are going to do that, and if you plan on taking any meals at Monmouth University.

She needs to have this information because you will need an I.D. to get on the grounds, we need to have an accurate meal count each day and we need to be-sure we have sufficient seating arrangements to accommodate you.

Thank You!

Trasna Tapestry

2008-06-30T10:23:00.001-04:00

This picture is a backdrop of a crossing place.
You are standing at the foot of a mountain
with a pathway cutting through it, the swirling mist hides the view.
To your left is the spring of your birth and the
summers of youth and the paths of middle age.
On the right are the colours of the autumn of your life,
with a pathway lined with tall long lived evergreens.
The skies are the embers of dawn and sunset; night hangs ever
present above, where your star shines brightly.

I hope you enjoy your journey, whichever path you take.
-John Bailey, September 2005

Statement by the Artist about "Trasna," a tapestry commissioned by Sacred Heart Province.

Congregation Chapter Prayer

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Spirit of God,
you breathed over the waters
and gave light, life and beauty to the earth,
breathe on us now,
drawing us forward to the crossing place,
moving us in hope and trust to that place
where we will encounter you in our Congregation Chapter.
Come with your spirit of wisdom, love and unity;
come with strength and vigour,
with lightness, courage and faith.
Inflame our hearts, enlighten our minds
that our actions, words and decisions
may glorify you and serve your people
with justice and in peace. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Convocation - Twenty-first General Chapter

2007-09-17T17:16:00.003-04:00

September 12, 2007

Dear Sisters and Associates,

Let the trumpets blare! Let the drums beat and the bells toll! Today is a special day for the Congregation. Today I am convoking the Twenty-first General Chapter. Today, together, we approach Trasna, the Crossing Place of Chapter 2008. Come!

There is significance in convoking the Congregation Chapter on the Feast day of Our Lady. Mary serves as our model of faith in that she listened, pondered, and contemplated the word of God in her life, and witnessed to it in action (Constitution, 35). As we call upon Mary's intervention for us during this Chapter year, we are reminded by the witness of her life that she too, was invited many times by God to cross over into the unknown.

Because of the wisdom of our foremothers we come together every six years. Our Constitutions describe the Congregation Chapter as the highest decision-making body in the Congregation. They remind us that we gather for several reasons: we gather to witness to our unity; we gather to renew our life and spirit; we gather to reflect together on the call of the gospel and because of that prayerful reflection, we gather to make decisions in fidelity to our charism (Constitution, 100).

During the next ten months we are all invited to participate in prayer, reflection and in the various processes that will come to us from the Chapter Planning Committee. The critical work of the Chapter begins now, not just when we gather at Monmouth University July 28th to August 8th 2008. From this day forward your participation in meetings related to Chapter content (e.g. CSGs, Area Meeting, Assemblies, etc.) is the work of the Congregation Chapter. Throughout these months we ask you to reflect and share your wisdom and vitality around two significant areas of focus:

how do we desire to strengthen and deepen our call to action around rivers of peace and well of integrity
and how do we, as vowed members, desire to relate to and to organize ourselves for the sake of mission?

Given the level of input that we are asking from the Congregation prior to our coming together at Monmouth, the timing of the election process and other decisions may be later than for previous Chapters. Our journey this year is going to be different in many ways. The virtues of patience, flexibility, and trust in the fluidity of the processes will be foremost as we move forward together.

In a real sense our participation is a communal response to obedience. In God's providence we are given this particular time in history as blessing and challenge. Your participation is a declaration of your trust in God's faithfulness to work among us. Your participation is a commitment to the Congregation of your desire to join together to cross over to shape our preferred future. We are confident that the strength of our coming together will be robust enough to risk crossing over into the unknown for the next six years. It is in this time, given our present realities, that we are called to make a difference and to influence what is happening to suffering people around the globe and to an anguished planet so that the good news of the Gospel of Peace may be known and embraced. What more important time in the life of the Congregation than now?

Today as I convoke the Twenty-first General Chapter I invite you once again to look and probe the meaning of the Chapter theme in light of the two critical focus areas that have been named. Let the theme, Crossing Place, reverberate through your present reality through a variety of lenses: the transitions in your personal life; the transitions that are happening throughout the Congregation; and the suffering that continues to escalate in our world and on our planet. May we be united daily as we pray the Chapter Prayer and call on the God of new life to walk with us in the days and months ahead. The Crossing Place - Come!

God's peace to each of you,

Sheila Lemieux, CSJP
Congregation Leader