Day 4–Charity Federation Meeting–Leavenworth, Kansas

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“Living in Pentecost Times – Religious Life for the Future” was the title of her prepared remarks. Among highlights, Sister Donna, who has served in leadership roles in her community and is a clinical psychologist, said or asked: Like the disciples following Pentecost, we need to take the risk and leave the “upper room” of our stability and mindsets. Community must serve as a restorative force, an agent of healing in a retributive world. Can we ignite the passion within one another [and our communities] to stretch the limit of our compassion and move more deeply into the shattered reality of today’s world?

The more we venture into the heart of the mission, the more we experience pain and hurt … However, there is more life than death in every situation … Sometimes the only way to stand is at the foot of the cross. How will the world be different because you are here? Because the “Charities” are here?

We are called to show that it’s possible to counter the retributive world. If we are going to have any meaningful life, we have to do this. What if we were to break out in mission in different ways?

What do we fear if we constantly call ourselves to communal conversion? We can be that healing restorative force in the world, building communion with those who are different from us.

It is a time when so much can happen in our congregations that is movement out of the “upper room.” Forgiveness informs our way of being in relationship with one another, with the Church and with God. To the extent that we fail at this, we are placing peace at risk in a global world. We have to figure out ways to initiate healing conversations. Forgiveness frees us for mission.

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Deep table conversation followed with sharing among the larger group. Afternoon – Day 4 A panel of responders continued the conversation Sister Donna prompted in the morning.

Sharing their reflections and raising new questions and challenges were Sisters Eileen Haynes, SCL; Sister Teresa Kotturan, SCN; and Sister Mary Beth Kubera, DC-St. Louise. Their thoughts centered on the question of what are the next steps in collaboration to be in mission to the urgent needs of today. “What is the risk for mission that God is asking for the [Charity] Federation?” Sister Mary Beth asked.

Sister Teresa invited the group (as Jesus did the disciples) to “cast your nets to the other side of the boat.” Sister Eileen asked, “Where are we as Sisters of Charity now that we could live and work together beyond a House of Charity?” The afternoon continued with further discussion, approval of the updated Charity Federation Strategic Plan in principle, and review of selection criteria and process for initiating a new Federation initiative. The session closed with small group meetings of members of each congregation to discuss the Strategic Plan.

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Evening – Day 4 Mass celebrated the conclusion of another full day of presentations and sharing. A banquet and musical entertainment by the SCLs closed the evening.

P.S. A few readers have asked which devotional goods we actually reach for — it's The Catholic Company; take a look here if you want the current details.