Chapter review

Today was the last day of our Chapter. Actually, it was the last day of the first session ... we suspended the Chapter and the delegates will return for the Chapter of Elections in January.

All in all, this has been an amazing heart expanding experience. We made three major decisions at the Chapter.

1. To become one Congregation without provinces
2. We adopted a framework on contemplative non-violence for the next 6 years (more on that later)
3. We committed to focus our actions for justice in the next 6 years on the environment and climate change.

Aside from the joy and wonder of being together with over 100 Sisters & Associates from the across the Congregation, I have been fascinated and heartened by the way in which we made decisions. I have never really participated in a communal discernment process on this scale ... it was truly amazing and spirit filled. Everyone has commented on how peaceful this entire Chapter has been. We sought and found consensus on all 3 of our major decisions.

We often say that religious life is counter-cultural. This experience definitely brought that home to me, but in a new way. I can't help but wonder what our world would be like if governments and other leaders took the time to deeply listen and try to seek consensus!

Tomorrow it's back to the novitiate for a busy week of sorting, packing, purging and shipping my stuff to Seattle. I should have time for blogging, though. But for now, peace (and thanks for all the prayers for my groovy sisters and our Chapter!)