MID-ATLANTIC COMMUNITY CONVERSATION CIRCLES January 19, 2015 to February 27, 2015 TOPIC: Institute Leadership Conference Letter Participants Guide Goals: 1. To engage in a process to probe the vision expressed in the letter from the Institute Leadership Conference, November 20, 2014 2. To prepare for the March 2015 Consultative Gatherings Introduction In October the Leadership Team shared a plan to address questions raised about our relationship to the Institute at the March 2015 Consultative Gatherings. Subsequently, the Institute Leadership Conference (ILC) sent a letter to all Institute Communities in the November 20 th issue of Mercy Now inviting us to consider one center of authority and one leadership team for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas by 2023. The ILC letter offers us both a longrange goal and an invitation to begin considering the many possibilities this reality may open for us as Institute. In this Conversation Circle we invite you to begin to break open what this long-range goal may mean and to engage in the same visioning process which led the members of the ILC to this realization. Your reflection and sharing will prepare us for further conversation at our next round of Consultative Gatherings where we will address this and other Institute realities. First, some important facts from the letter: This vision is related to the 2011 Chapter direction: To initiate a study to examine the future governance needs of the Institute with consideration of the current number, role and compositions of the Institute Leadership Team (ILT) ; It is also a direct response to the 2011 Chapter question: God of Mercy, of Wisdom and Mystery, where do we need to be led now to come to both a deeper response to our Critical Concerns and a radical embrace of our reality? ; In 2023 our membership will be approximately 1500 sisters with about 150 under the age of 70. This reality will impact the number of leaders able and needed to serve our Institute and ministries; Our decision-making processes need to be more nimble and timely. We want to ensure resources to serve those in need; Present administrative infrastructures result in redundancy and are not sustainable for the future; The reality of seven centers of authority (one ILT; six CLTs) does not always foster effective decision-making. 1
How to Prepare for the Conversation Circle 1. In preparation for this Conversation Circle please read and reflect on the Institute Leadership Conference letter dated 11/20/14 and the comments listed on the Institute Website. (attached pages 3-7) 2. Read and reflect on the questions below before coming to the Conversation Circle. 3. The discussion will be led in three distinct parts by the facilitator. Part One: ILC Reflection Process (from October, 2014 ILC Meeting) 1. How old will I be in 2023? Where will I be living? If I am in a ministry, what is the ministry? If I am retired, where will I be? 2. As I look back on the 2023 Chapter, what are the decisions that were made that felt like good news? Part Two: As I now reflect on the ILC letter and the long-range goal to consider one center of authority and one leadership team for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas by 2023 1. What feelings arise in me? What do I find inviting? What do I find challenging? 2. What questions, thoughts, insights arise for me? 3. What will this journey toward oneness require of me personally? What can I offer to support this journey? 4. Utilizing my imagination, what future can I imagine for us as Sisters of Mercy of the Americas? How might I express this in poetry, music, art or other media? Part Three: (After 5 minutes of silence ) As I consider this proposal that there be one center of authority and one leadership team for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas by 2023, what Scripture passage, event or reading from Catherine McAuley or our faith tradition comes to mind? 2
November 20, 2014 Dear Sisters, We, women of mercy, have discovered a new relationship among us, and we pray that the bonds we formalize today will endure, will enliven us, and will serve our church and touch our world. --Founding Document, July 20, 1991 How many times we have repeated these words since proclaiming them on July 20, 1991! In rituals, talks and informal conversations we have reminded one another of these poetic and prophetic words that speak of our bond of union and charity as Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. In our 2011 Chapter Declaration, we crafted a similar sentiment when we affirmed that we are growing in consciousness of the interdependence among us and all creation. As leaders, we have heard you, our sisters, say with curiosity at times and at other times with a bit of frustration when will we be one? While we do not have the final answer or the final word, we said to one another at our recent Institute Leadership Conference that we see ourselves beginning the conversation now to consider one center of authority and one leadership team for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas by 2023. How did we arrive at this consideration? During the past six months, the Institute Leadership Team and the Community Leadership Teams have engaged with one another about how we might act differently to deepen our unity, foster collaboration, streamline decisions and enhance effectiveness as we respond to needs. Quite a while before the 2011 Institute Chapter, the Institute Leadership Team and Community Leadership Teams had a conversation about the strengths and drawbacks of aligning the timing of our Institute Chapter and Community Assemblies. In March 2014, we further discerned this possibility and we concluded that there are "bigger issues" that we face in our governance as Sisters of Mercy. Some of these issues include the need to: name a vision now that will be viable in 10 years; evaluate resources, both human and financial; for example, though we are confident that we will continue to have new members, in 2023 our membership will be approximately 1500 sisters with about 150 under the age of 70; recognize that the reality of seven centers of authority (one ILT; six CLTs) does not always foster effective decision-making; and, assess administrative infrastructures that at times results in redundancy and are not sustainable for the future. 3
As the ILT reflected on and discussed these issues they brought a visioning process and their own best thinking for the future to the 2014 October Institute Leadership Conference (ILC). The visioning process invited ILC participants to place themselves in 2023, asking: how old would individuals be; where would persons be living and in what ministry might they find themselves; what decisions had we made at our recent Chapter of 2023 that felt like "good news"? Creativity and reality mingled and we began to ask each other very seriously, What structures of governance need to be operative by that time? We are eager to explore this concept with you to discover what you think and how you might envision our future. We do not have processes in mind at this time, yet we do want to start conversations throughout the Institute. We look forward to how our communal perspectives might take shape and intend to create engaging and participative processes for all of us to be part of the conversation and planning for the future. We are aware that the 2011 Chapter directed the ILT to initiate a study to examine the future governance needs of the Institute with consideration of the current number, role and composition of the ILT. Certainly the theme of this letter relates to this Chapter Action and our upcoming work for the Chapter of 2017; this is one step in that process. Catherine McAuley, always our trusted adviser, counsels us, Let us take one day only in hand, at a time, merely making a resolve for tomorrow; thus we may hope to get on taking short, careful steps, not great strides. As we continue our short, careful steps we ask for your prayer and support. In turn, we commit to good communication, a simple style of engagement, and a mutually respectful way of helping one another share the truth in love. In all our considerations, we recognize that governance is only a means to facilitate our mission to those most in need. With God s tender mercy guiding us, we trust that our mission of Mercy and our life together can be enhanced and strengthened through this process. In Mercy, The Institute Leadership Conference 4
INSTITUTE WEBSITE COMMENTS (These are copied in the chronological order beginning with the most recent comments) Marilyn King said: I remember discussions at the time of the formation of the Institute that favored that we all be one Institute rather than various communities, so the idea is not new. Therefore, I am grateful for the realistic assessment being proposed now. The personnel reduction and financial savings area big motivation for the move. There is, of course, the challenge of finding ways of supporting a sense of community if all the regional borders vanish. My greatest hope, however, is that as we continue to find ways of governing ourselves we listen even more intently for the ways God is calling us to be prophetic witness to the gospel by the way we live. December 06, 2014 Mary Haddad said: Thank you for inviting the conversation on our future. The call of Pope Francis taken from "The Joy of the Gospel", section 26 and 27, is in need of our attention and consideration. He speaks of ecclesial structures..."good structures are only helpful when there is a life constantly driving, sustaining and assessing them. Without new life and an authentic evangelical spirit, without the Church's fidelity to her own calling, any new structure will soon prove ineffective." He continues..."i dream of a "missionary option", that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church's customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today's world rather than for her self-preservation." From this perspective, we need to be missionoriented in our planning, and it seems to me that our ability to do that will be greatly diminished by 2023. December 01, 2014 Katie Mindling said: What a joy to see in print and on the visible horizon what have been our spoken hopes and dreams for further oneness and the consolidation of leadership. Would that there might be a way/process to flesh this out sooner than 2023 and maximize our focus on ministry and chapter mandate to flesh out our response to the expressed critical concerns of our times. Thank you to our CLT/ILT! 5
November 30, 2014 Joy Clough said: I'm happy to see we're moving beyond timeline considerations in this discussion, so I'd like to say that I think you pose an interesting question when you ask "What decisions had we made at our Chapter of 2023 that felt like 'good news'?" Three ideas came to mind: We commissioned PREPARED laypersons to take over our sponsorship responsibilities for many/most/all of our sponsored ministries. (I know some work is afoot in this regard and can only encourage focused, vigorous attention to this effort.) We launched a Refounding Sisters of Mercy (RSM) community composed of Institute members, associates, and companions (each maintaining their particular call/form) under 65 years of age...not separating this group canonically from the Institute, but empowering them by delegation of authority and provision of financial resources to conduct their own affairs (community life, ministry, new member development) in ways that made sense to them for their future as the enduring Institute in the Church and world. To balance the move toward centralization, we contemplatively revisited the early history of Mercy foundations, endorsed the concept, and launched or confirmed small clusters of Mercy folk grounded in mission and responsive to local needs in their living arrangements and ministries. Kathy Thornton, RSM said: Thank you for bringing this forward. It promises to be a major task, but it has the potential for deepening the unity that is already among us. November 25, 2014 Linda said: Thank you for your clear and thoughtful letter. I support one center of authority and one leadership team for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. I think we already have a vision articulated in our Constitutions, Chapter enactments and the Institute Leadership Conference Leadership Perspective document. Some of my initial hopes are: that by the actual Chapter decision we have done the work for the canonical and legal framework and administrative structure to facilitate being one so that we can elect the leadership for this new reality. I would prefer a decision much earlier than a 2023 Chapter. All the harmonizing of by-laws and the work of collaborating and integrating the functions among the seven centers of authority for new membership, finance, communication, justice, higher education, and secondary/elementary education could shorten the time; that the Institute Leadership Conference as the current elected leadership of all seven centers of authority and responsibility continue their collaboration and decision-making to enhance effectiveness by reducing current administrative redundancy in light of the journey toward one center for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, and that the animation of the life and mission of the members, associates and Companions in Mercy in their daily lives and geographic locations not be lost in the movement forward. 6
November 24, 2014 Joy Clough said: I believe the timeframe suggested by the ILC is realistic, perhaps ambitious. This is only 9 years hence, only 2 Institute Chapters. The complexities concern not only our own structures but those of all our sponsored works. A great concern of mine is that we not incur again the tremendous financial cost of reconfiguration - costs that the ILT has since acknowledged ran far beyond expectations and that were felt not only by us as Institute and Communities but also imposed on our sponsored works who had to engage lawyers etc. to change corporate documents and deal with local government requirements, which for several entities meant multiple states. November 23, 2014 Martha Milner, RSM said: While I would prefer a shorter time frame, I do understand the complexity of civil and canon law involved. Providing just compensation for hundreds of Mercy employees, developing participative structures, and dealing with corporate entities will take time. We will need to be patient and resolve to assist the effort with our best wisdom and thought. Blessings to all of us. November 22, 2014 Amy Hoey said: Thanks to the ILT/ILC for the nudge to something I've dreamed about. I'm confident we can work out the details and rejoicing that (with apologies to Christopher Fry) we are about to take "the longest stride of soul we ever took." Who could dispute that "affairs are now soul size. The enterprise/is exploration into God." November 22, 2014 Mary Kilgariff said: This vision of oneness is exciting, realistic, all inclusive and life-giving. Our past experiences with the formation of the Institute and regional communities has fostered much experiential learnings that have helped pave the way towards further transformation into one governance structure. I too would encourage and support a shorter timeframe. November 21, 2014 Charlene Dazols, RSM said: Rather than repeat I completely agree with Mary W. I say go for it in 2017. More sisters would be alive to celebrate the event. We are more than ready. I was delighted to read your letter. Charlene Dazols November 21, 2014 Doris Gottemoeller, RSM said: This strikes me as a bold but reasonable plan, just what we have come to expect. The incredible work that went into forming the six Communities will not be lost, since it has brought us--and is still bringing us--to an appreciation of the value of an up-to-date infrastructure in supporting our life and mission. 7
November 21, 2014 Mary Waskowiak, RSM said: We are already one in so many ways of spirit and relationships. I strongly support, even urge, the ILT/ILC to consider a shorter timeframe. How about the next Institute Chapter in 2017? I support a shorter timeframe only because I believe we are ready for it. Blessings! November 21, 2014 Nancy Hoff said: I fully support this vision and am excited about it but, like others, wonder about the reasons for choosing 2023 and whether this time frame could be shorter. Why wait until we are 1500 sisters with most over 70 unless there is a very good reason to do so? Thanks to the ILC for initiating this conversation. Edwardine Weaver said: It is necessary to move the vision forward. It would be helpful to know how the year 2023 became the target date. Is it possible to shorten a viable timeline? November 20, 2014 Patricia Oliver said: A very Spirit-filled step toward a viable Mercy Future. It speaks well of following the charism of Catherine. November 20, 2014 Mary Anita Iddings, RSM said: A dream coming true. However adding 10 years to 90 years takes me out of enjoying the outcome but my prayers will be with you from wherever I am. November 20, 2014 Judy Morasci, RSM said: Very great vision for the future. I only wish this timeframe could be shorter. So many of us will be older and may not able to participate as we would now. Blessings November 20, 2014 Mary Aquin O'Neill, RSM said: I would hope that this move could be accomplished in a shorter time-frame. It seems to me that many of the sisters who are good at such large-scale thinking and organization will be very old by 2023. Respectfully, Mary Aquin November 20, 2014 Beverly Palumbo, RSM said: Large super human strides have been taken these many years...let us go forward as you suggest...we are Institute. Thank you. November 20, 2014 Phyllis Doyle, RSM said: A realistic look towards the future of our Institute! The step by step "short strides" of the process will get us there. - 8
MID-ATLANTIC COMMUNITY CONVERSATION CIRCLES January 19, 2015 February 27, 2015 INSTITUTE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE LETTER Opening Prayer Opening Song: Leader: In Every Age (Janet Sullivan Whitaker) Substitute: Age to Age (Janet Vogt) Your call, O God, is our life. Last summer, as the Mid-Atlantic Community, we were called to widen our embrace of a future full of hope. And now, the future beckons us as Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. With Mary s open faith, we begin to ponder the vision of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, gathered into one community in 2023. We will be turning this vision over and over in our hearts, drawing on the wisdom of our dear Catherine McAuley, and of one another, for the courage to imagine, to question, to wonder. Dialogue with Catherine: Sister: One community in 2023. What will it look like, feel like, ask of me? Where will I be living? Who will be living with me, and how will we be sharing vibrant community life? What loss will I be experiencing? What newness will be enriching me, stretching me, offering me growth? Catherine, how will I be sustained? Catherine: There has always been a marked Providential guidance in our journey! We have ever confided largely in Divine Providence, and shall continue to do so. We have one solid comfort amidst all this tripping about, our hearts can always be in the same place, centered in God, for whom alone we go forward or stay back. Sister: One community in 2023. In what ministry might I find myself? How will Mercy be reaching out to the suffering of our time...committing our lives and resources to act in solidarity with those who are poor? What will that look like? Catherine, how will we find the means for our mission? Catherine: God will never let you want for means to do His work. Put your whole confidence in God. God can bend and change, form and reform any of his creatures to fit them for the purpose he designs. Sister: One community in 2023. What decisions will we have made that feel like good news? What creativity and hope, compassion and courage, will impel us? What imagination do I bring to the vision? How will our legacy of union and charity empower us? 9
Catherine: The union which exists among you will draw down the favor and blessing of heaven. The tender Mercy of God has given you one another. The Spirit of unity is the true spirit of the Order...the true spirit of Mercy...which God so graciously caused to flow on you. Sister: Catherine. All: So many questions, Catherine! My heart is full of longing and excitement, anxiety and hesitation. Be with us in the exploration into God s bottomless mercy, into a future full of hope. My dear ones, you have given all to God without reserve. Nothing can happen to you which God does not appoint. Join me in singing the prayer that holds my surrender to God s merciful love: My God, I am Yours for time and eternity. Teach me to cast myself entirely into the arms of Your loving Providence with the most lively, unlimited confidence in Your compassionate, tender pity. Grant me, O most merciful Redeemer, that whatever you ordain or permit may be acceptable to me. Take from my heart all painful anxiety. Suffer nothing to sadden me but sin, nothing to delight me but the hope of coming to the possession of You, my God and my all, in Your everlasting kingdom. Amen Pause for 5 minutes of Quiet Reflection: As I ponder one community in 2023, what stirs in me? Begin Conversation Circle Sharing of Response to Discussion Questions At the end of the conversation Closing Prayer Leader: A new call stands on my doorstep ready to enter my life s journey. something in me welcomes this visitor: the swiftness of the coming the boldness of the entrance the challenge it offers, something in me fears this visitor: the unnamed events of future days the wisdom needed to walk love well the demands of giving away and growing 10
ALL: A new call stands on my doorstep. with fragile caution I move to open the door for its entrance. my heart leaps with surprise, joy jumps in my eyes, for there beside this new call stands my God with outstretched hand! God smiles and gently asks of me: can we walk this together? and I, so overwhelmed with goodness, can barely whisper my reply: welcome in! Suggested Closing Songs: 1. Nothing Is Impossible by Jaime Cortez (found on itunes) 2. We Give You Thanks by David Haas 3. Thanksgiving Song by Mary Chapin Carpenter 4. Your Call My God is Life by Dina Altamiranda, RSM (Women of Mercy, Women of Hope on Institute Website) Chorus Your call, my God, is life that I want to share with the poor of the Earth, with those most in need, with the marginalized, share with all equally. You call me by name And I want to follow your voice, I m not afraid of the surrender you demand when calling me. My trusting response will be: to give myself to others, to serve others. (Chorus) I hear your call and I want to follow your voice I want to respond to you through the poor and the helpless, with all my brothers and sisters, I want to spend this life that you have given me so that I can live it to its fullest. (Chorus) 11