CHAPTER CHAT # 3 COMPILATION
Question 1
Where have these experiences led us?
Boston
(Question 1 & 2)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
British Columbia
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
To a deeper understanding of our interrelatedness, interdependence with all.
Right Relationship is so Biblical...and so stated in our Constitutions.
We must be aware of and supportive of the many differences we encounter.
Experiences have certainly changed us in the past.
Elizabeth, Vincent, Louise would be so encouraging of who we are and who we wish to
become with today’s challenges.
“Hazard Yet Forward” still applies! Do it in whatever way one can.
We are more inclusive. We are gentler with each other.
That we are not diminishing but we are all evolving.
We desire more concrete actions of how we truly and individually live out our corporate
stances.
Previous assemblies have been about humans (us) and the impact/change on us.
Barbara Fiand was exceptional in her challenge for us to begin thinking differently — best
lead in to discussion on right relationships.
Beginning to trust that we are on our journey, conscious recognition that all Sisters of
Charity (including those gone before) continue to be truly present with us.
Growing awareness on a cosmic level that we are all united in love (also citing LCWR
article Cup of Love — we are all in this together.
Awareness that God is already with us, we are all connected (globally) and instant
awareness exists in our world (through media)
We are feeling more grounded; have a deeper understanding of what the new
consciousness or world view is and how we are all evolving into newness. We have felt
affirmed in our role as prophetic women religious and confirmed that the work we are
doing is in line with that vision. After each assembly, there was a sense of confirmation
g)
Cape Breton
(Question 1 &2)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Caritas
(Question 1 & 2)
a)
b)
Halifax
(Question 1 & 2)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
New York
a)
b)
that we are challenging unjust structures and working to model and effect important
change in our community and society. As a local community, we are faithful to our
commitment to each other to work toward non-violence in all areas of our lives.
We remind ourselves, to ask the question after each decision at meetings, “how will this
decision affect the poor?”
Deeper understanding of interdependence; awareness of suffering; people are lost.
Experience has led to being in touch with Vincent, Louise and Elizabeth; past experiences
with the sisters in school laid a foundation and nurtured growth.
Experiences have changed us; awareness of earth/creation; collaboration with other
groups; communication essential.
More gentle approach in gathering.
New Cosmology has led to larger vision.
World view has changed, has been broadened, more inclusive; greater appreciation of
creation.
Interconnectedness; reverence and respect for persons and creation; each has a part of the
truth.
The conversation among us has sharpened our awareness and deepened our relationship
with creation, respect for other cultures, increased our awareness of the role of systems, and
highlighted for us the importance of interconnectedness, interdependence and
interrelatedness.
We have grown in a deeper awareness of the mystery of God’s presence in everyone and
everything.
Technology aids us to know global reality and how connected we are.
It takes time for an ideas/new awareness to take root in us.
Education is very important.
As a group, we are moving from “me” to “we”.
We have long desired to live within a contemplative stance in all that we do. This is key to
establishing right relationships. There is an active piece to living a contemplative stance.
Wellesley
Question 1 & 2)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
I keep picturing the sisters going to McNabb’s Island and feeling within me something of
that same call to something new and yet having to trust the unknown.
Change sometimes invites us to be different; often times it forces us.
These experiences have called us to be more open minded, better listeners, more honest
with one another and not afraid of “deeper conversations”.
Elizabeth would “be sooooooooo impressed” with her daughters today!
We are called to be more aware of our world and planet.
To keep hope alive within me and with others.
Our congregation is being stretched as never before or so it seems to me.
Right Relationships are being expanded to include all of creation.
Collaboration with others is the only way for us to continue our good works.
The need to be better informed and educated re today’s issues.
Awareness .... Awareness .... Awareness
Question 2
How have they changed us, touched us?
Boston
Combined with Question 1
British Columbia
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Becoming deeply aware that God is already with us
Historically we came from a culture of separations and we now recognize we aren’t
separate
Recognizing that the world is in you, not you in the world
We have been nourished, given much food for thought as we continue to pray and reflect
on the assembly experiences/readings/resources in order to deepen our understanding of
issues presented through the assembles. We use the Tonglen form of prayer.
Right relationship means to us equity not equality, as we strive to challenge to unjust
structures in our midst and to educating the various publics to this reality that right
relationships are just relationships. We are stronger in our stance to speak against the
injustices such as homelessness, health care, human trafficking etc.
Our thinking has changed from either/or to both/and as we move away from dualistic
thinking and acting. Our intuitions and insights have been affirmed as we grow in our
knowledge and understanding of the process of evolution. There is not a hierarchy of
evolution but an ongoing process of evolution and humanity is no longer at the top!
Cape Breton
Combined with Question 1
Caritas
Combined with Question 1
Halifax
Combined with Question 1
New York
a)
Wellesley
Combined with Question 1
The question arises of right relationships with the Church. We tend not to want to talk
about this difficult topic. Individually, we are in many different places as Roman Catholic
Religious women in relationship to the Church. How are we being called in relationship to
Church?
Question 3
What have we learned?
Boston
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
To live more honestly with one another.
We have no other option than to line in “right relationship” with ourselves and all of
creation.
So many systems are not working and we in our own way are a part of those systems.
We need to be more conscious and intentional in all that we do.
The evolutionary story must be our story right now.
That corporately and individually we have power to do so much more.
Growing understanding of how cosmology is part of our right relationships.
That we must reject domination in all its forms.
That we have so many words and NOW is the time to put them into action for the common
good.
We must let the pain of the world truly break our hearts and then put our lives into
perspective.
k)
l)
m)
n)
o)
p)
q)
r)
s)
British Columbia
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Cape Breton
a)
b)
That we must look at our own structures within community and not just move chairs
around.
Living in right relationship is challenging.
We are being stretched globally/cosmically today.
“We must be the change we wish to see” Gandhi.
That we must use the knowledge we have and not wait. The time is NOW
It takes discipline to be in right relationship — with myself, others around me, into the
world/cosmic community — but what a wondrous ripple effect it can bring about.
Awareness frees us to reach out to make love visible in the present moment.
We are ONE family in need of so much respect, love, concern, etc.
We are not truly living if we are not in touch with the pain of the world.
That we can’t do this alone
We may be close to being one Percent Tipping Point that can bring about change
Reflect upon that we’re calling forth our evolutionary potential
Reminder from Donna Markham: “What have we got to lose?”
Multicultural circles can offer us a whole new world view (help in reconstructing our
relationships and searching for new ways to work together with others
We can make choices — there will be risks
We have learned that there are three essential elements about the new cosmology that we
need to continue to integrate into our daily living = communion, differentiation and
interiority. The new consciousness of God with us and the God relationship with all in the
universe is integral to our spirituality as we move forward into the future. Much in our
theological understandings needs to change but change is slow process, taking eons.
To be prophetic women we are called to continue to integrate the many aspects of being
prophetic: to hold in tension our alternate vision, to stay rooted in our gospel tradition as
well as our SC history and charism, to receive confirmation from others and to keep
ourselves grounded in the reality of the pain of the poor among us.
Systems are not working
No person is an island; every person is part of the whole picture
c)
To put into effect what we have been taught; not self-centred
Caritas
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Unity not necessarily sameness
Learned to be more conscious of evolution of others and their stories
Have become more understanding; relationships take time
Need to educate — greater awareness and respect for all in our world
New understanding of interdependence
Halifax
a)
We are learning how to live contemplatively and interdependently with all creation —
persons, nations, organizations.
Neither personal nor corporate transformation is simple or easy.
We are aware of a different approach to elected leadership — more empathy, compassion,
support for team.
We are learning how to use communication/social media to faster relationships among us
and beyond.
Most problems are global and need co-operative solutions.
We are beginning to live into the new cosmology and are aware of the interconnectedness
we have with each other and the planet in general.
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
New York
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Wellesley
a)
b)
It is extremely different to see things through the eyes of the new cosmology. It is no
longer “same old, same old.” We are more connected with all things than we might have
previously thought.
The manner in which the LCWR handled their response to the doctrinal investigation was a
lesson in right relationships.
Without right relationships, the consequence is tension in which nothing good happens.
At the anti-trafficking workshop, the presenter spoke of the need to treat each person as
though she/he has a spark of God within.
Our new process of Chapter elections is an example of living in right relationships.
To listen more deeply, more kindly.
We do have the power both individually and corporately to bring about some change right
here and right now.
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Give the time needed and not to loose hope too early. It is worth the struggle.
“Great Shifts” are right here, right now for all, especially within communities.
Important to try to understand the beliefs and practices of others especially in today’s
world’s situations. Not easy but we must try.
We must move from comfortable to uncomfortable.
For some of us the new cosmology is so challenging but we are staying with it.
Question 4
Where are we being called?
Boston
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
British Columbia
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
To let ourselves be challenged by today’s issues.
To have the courage to witness to our counter cultural way of life and not become part of
the status quo.
To look at our own SC structures and make those changes which will enable/challenge us
to live what we profess.
To do what we have always done – to meet our God in the here and now and always
mindful of the “principle end for which we called” ....
To seriously consider how we will structure the SC Foundation.
To stay better informed, to broaden our vision so that we might be agents of change.
To be challenged as to the “kinds of cars we drive”, where we buy our food, etc.
To work collaboratively with others so committed to these greater issues.
To live contemplatively.
To a change of heart (i.e. Doing Heart Math — type of meditation)
“Until we feel deeply the pain of the other — we will not change.” Vanier
Feeling deeply about destruction/loss of all creatures (i.e. trafficked women, homeless,
poor, animals)
Called to a deep compassion. Conscious awareness of how we’ve reverence the other – in
the capacity of listening and responding
Viewing obedience as a re-seeing our relationships with all other beings on our planet
Experiencing a cosmic reverence
g)
h)
i)
Cape Breton
a)
We are being called to live a contemplative stance and to let the Spirit move us forward
with an alternative vision and ways of acting to effect change. We are called to be whole
makers. We feel called to embrace a stance of equity by working toward justice for all
especially where there is pain in our world today. We are called to live love and to right
relationships.
We feel called to continue to pray and act that right relationships will become a reality
among SC’s and that our charism of love will be more visible among us. As a congregation,
we wonder if the focus on cosmology is causing impatience and division among us. We
ponder the question of how can these new insights be integrated into our current ministries
when many we serve are grounded in the “old paradigm”. Is not our call to service
inclusive and caring for all without judgement?
In summary, we are feeling a call to continue to integrate our last Chapter Statement (2008)
“to bring about structural change in the unjust systems that cause poverty in all its forms”
and to live more faithfully our Constitutions statement 43 ... “to develop a sensitivity
towards those whom the world oppresses, to right great ways or small the injustices we see
around us ..........”
b)
c)
Education; need to shift our thinking to new understandings that can help repair the lack of
right relationships in our world
Interdependence
Speak and urge local communities to be aware of need for change in actions
Caritas
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Advocacy, collaboration; conscious of global responsibilities
Be conscious of effects of positive energy
Take risks, be stretched, and broaden horizons
Better balance in life (personal level and as part of a larger community)
Greater awareness and respect; education re cosmology
Halifax
a)
To continue to deepen relationships with creation, the world and others and to live
contemplatively with all and to make decisions in light of new awareness.
To continue broadening our vision, bringing new ways and values to every group we are
b)
c)
d)
e)
New York
a)
b)
Wellesley
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
part of recognizing the influence we SC have even with diminishing numbers.
To keep chipping away at injustices where we meet them.
To identify and restore right relationship with Church.
We are challenged to look at what blocks us from changing.
Right relationships are calling forth in us the capacity to be creative and life giving.
Wrestling with right relationships is a challenge to work with diversity. Diversity is an
important element in living community.
Right relationships are connected with our taking corporate stances as we have done in the
past. What would it take to change our attitudes?
What is God calling us to in Chapter 2014? Not too sure but we must let that question stir
in our souls every day.
To be challenged by the new concepts re: world/planet coming to light.
To continue to be true Sisters of Charity faithful to the Gospel and our Constitutions. We
have all we need right there to carry on.
To a new universal love for all ... to welcome it all not to be afraid.
Respect for everyone and everything that God created.
To a greater interdependence, interconnectedness ever more right now.
To work in collaboration with ....
To be contemplative with these mighty questions.
To keep hope alive for all.
Let ourselves be truly challenged as religious in today’s World..
Additional Comments
Boston
British Columbia
The right relationships and needs of the world we talked about were:
1.
Right relationship to one another in community. This will involve deep listening at chapter
tables and whenever we have conversations that matter, putting aside confrontational
approaches of the past. The video of Pat Kozak’s was helpful in that regard, i.e., speaking
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
the truth to each other but gently.
Right relationship to church. Our way of talking about being church seems to be getting
less polarized. It is too soon to know the Francis effect as far as women in the church,
clericalism and being letter of the law is concerned. We do need to continue to struggle for
right relationships in the church but also to be astute and with a long-term vision about it.
Right relationship to our human context, the planet. We need to grow into an awareness of
what a “right relationship” to the planet consists of. For some, cosmological spirituality has
replaced previous forms of piety/spirituality. But it is not helpful if those for whom this is
the overriding concern nag those who are not where they are, or who express their concern
for the planet in other ways. (Pro-life movements appear to have made this mistake but
focussing only on one aspect of the issue.) If everything is interconnected, then right
relationship to the planet is connected to the poor, the church, peace, trafficking etc. There
are a thousand ways to bring the humans and the earth into right relationship.
Right relationship of nation to nation, and nation to its people. We are conscious of the
critical need of right relationships in Syria, in the Ukraine, in the Sudan. We are dong a bit
in regard to this area of right relationships, but our talk and where we put our energy
doesn’t seem, for most of us, to point to a large concern.
Right relationships of one human to another, where wrong relationship means oppressive
power as in trafficking, bullying, scapegoating, abuse. We have a fair amount of awareness
and some of us are taking significant actions. We are not finished with “great ways and
small” yet!
Elizabeth counselled us to grab the grace of the day whatever it is. Elizabeth, Vincent and
Louise all taught us by example to:
a) Walk into the area of need till you’re in deep
b) Listen to it, immerse in it, get to know it from the inside
c) Then you will be able to see what needs to be done (“creatively unto infinity”)
Such a process is a model we could follow.
In the Okanagan, our associates don’t share ministries with us but they are righting
relationships in a variety of ways in their worlds. We are all in the business of righting
relationships in one way or another all the time.
8.
The congregation and our associates are not called to anything new and different as a result
of Chapter 2014. We are called to the “same old, same old” but with renewed concern, with
as much renewed energy as we can muster. We need to listen anew, to deepen the charism
in us, to capitalize on our growing wisdom as we get older. We need to broaden our
generativity, to give birth again to, to nourish, to guide and support, play the role of elders
and play it well.
Cape Breton
We have a dream, What’s our dream?
Interdependence and interconnectedness of relationships
Status quo not good enough — old ways not working
Call to passionate action
Get people talking about change
Education — learning and teaching new ways
Caritas
Attention given to the Right of Right Relationships
Write a dialogue re focus
Right Relationships begin at home; don’t stay there
Respect
Bringing earth and space together
Persons close to Christ were distressingly human
Halifax
Appreciation of each person in community
Interdependence, interconnectedness and interrelatedness
Enough talk — act
New York
Wellesley