Celebrating our Unity: It is such a joy to spend time with Sisters and Associates from all three regions. Some I know very well. Others I am just getting to know. We are having our Chapter at a hotel and the other guests are very curious about this group of joyful people who obviously love one another. Talk about gospel witness!
Renew our life and spirit: Last night we celebrated the first ever profession of vows at a Congregation Chapter, with not one but FOUR professions! It was such a hope filled moment to witness the first profession of my Sisters Katrina, Juliana and Sheena and the final profession of Dorothy. All I can really say is .... God is very good.
Reflect together on the call of the gospel: We are beginning our Chapter with input to help us reflect on our call as Sisters and Associates of St Joseph of Peace at THIS particular moment. Yesterday, our Congregation Leader, Sister Margaret Byrne, inspired and challenged us: "Here at this Chapter we have an
opportunity – more than that, an obligation – to begin again, to think anew about what the call to go deeper asks of us." And today, Fr. Anthony Gittins invited us to consider discipleship, hope, community/communitas, and the Spirit. He said, "You cannot privatize the good news. If it is good news, you need to put your life on the line."
Wow. The Spirit is moving. We have been each day with a period of silent contemplative prayer. Our conversations have been rich and challenging, as we encourage and inspire each other to live out this line from the Chapter prayer we have been praying for many months: "St Joseph, dreamer and practical one, help us live our dreams into reality." Amen. So be it. Amen.
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