Chapter of Elections - Day Two Update

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)

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - Chapter of Elections Agenda

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