Our October meeting was two very full days of reflection--though we did make time to celebrate Sr. Mary Anne Powers’ birthday!
We heartily endorse Sr. Rose Mary Sullivan’s call to recommit ourselves to some aspect of the 2016-2021 Orientation. We hope all Sisters and Associates will let her know which aspect of the Orientation will be their focus for this year. You might consider having a simple ritual for the recommitment. Rose Mary notes that the Associates have already described actions they have taken.
“Sparks on Fire” Retreat Held at St Joseph Renewal Centre
St Joseph Renewal Centre in Mabou, NS, welcomed Associates from across the Maritimes on the last weekend in September. Sisters Theresa Sampson, Catherine MacEachern and Isobel McLellan also participated in the Retreat. Sr. Eleanor McCloskey and Associate Coordinator Anna Rowley facilitated the Retreat on the theme of “Sparks of Sacred Fire”. It was a lovely weekend of education, prayer, reflection, discussion, remembering, sharing stories, looking at photos, musical entertainment from the Sisters neighbours (we had a kitchen party!), some square dancing, a visitor and gratitude for our Congregation de Notre-Dame history.
The CRC (Canadian Religious Conference) has been circulating a petition asking that the female superiors general attending the Synod of Bishops on Young People have the same voting rights as have been granted to non-ordained male superiors general. Click on this petition from “Groundswell” to read an explanation and check the groups and organizations supporting the effort. Beginning October 18, the petition will be hand delivered to bishops, cardinals, and all voting members attending the Synod, as well as to Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, Secretary General of the Synod.
