An infusion of hope in abundance characterized the gathering of Sisters of Charity from across the United States, Canada and Belize, Central America, who met in Leavenworth, Kan., July 16-19. The group of 46 vowed, consecrated religious represented women who joined their respective communities since 1970. “70s & Beyond” participants came from 10 different Sisters of Charity communities, all members of the Charity Federation that trace their roots to Sts. Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac and Elizabeth Ann Seton.  The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCLs) hosted the gathering at their Mother House.

“We spent our time looking at what the deep heart of Charity means for each of us,” said Sister Ann Woodford, Sister of Charity of Halifax, Nova Scotia, “and what it will be for the future.” She appreciated that the gathering allowed time for personal reflection, group reflection and contemplation.

“There was a great infusion of hope,” Sister Ann said. “We are excited about the possibilities of how our charism/spirit will be actualized in the future.”

In sessions facilitated by Sister Maureen Hall, SCL councilor, the sisters identified that trust in God and risk will be essential for the future. “Our journey together isn’t about answers,” observed Sister Roma De Robertis, Sister of Charity of the Immaculate Conception, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, “but to share the questions.”

Sister Barbara Schrader, SCL, said what’s important is to be willing to ask questions about the future of religious life even if “we don’t know what’s on the other end of the question mark. Coming together allows us to breathe energy that reignites the spirit.”

The sisters expressed that the meeting was an ideal time for networking. “It was great to be with a group of people who entered religious life around the time I did,” said Sister Mary Elizabeth Lawrence, Sister of Charity of Seton Hill. “It was good to network and to know there is somebody else out there who shares our commitments and that there is a future we anticipate together.”

As described by Sister Bonnie McHugh, Daughter of Charity, “I had the opportunity to meet a lot of people going the same direction. The gathering was like a family reunion,” she added, “where I met my cousins in different Sisters of Charity congregations, all of whom came from the same foundation.”

Sister Mary Benedict, Sister of Charity of New York, noted that the sessions helped broaden the definition of what ministry to persons who are poor means and for participants to get in touch with their own poverty. Sister Roma agreed that the 70s & Beyond gathering helped deepen awareness of the Sister of Charity spirit and the relationship with other sisters across the Charity Federation.

“The meeting resonated with a strong commitment to a future,” Sister Ann concluded. “Even though we are not sure what it will look like, everybody wants a Charity future and will work toward that goal.”  

The 70s & Beyond group meets every three years.