CHAPTER LOGO
You see in the banner above our Chapter 2020 logo and theme. We thank Camille Robinson of Kingston, Jamaica who was our graphic artist. We are also grateful for all the input that we received in developing this logo and theme.
CHAPTER FOCUS AREAS
The responses from the most recent Assemblies have helped to refine the focus areas for Chapter 2020, "Behold, I Am Doing Something New...Listen!" One such refinement was "Presence as Gift" which many felt was not needed as a "stand alone" focus area. Rather, it is integral to all of the focus areas and is foundational. Also, you will note the addition of the focus area "Interculturality." Again, this seemed to resonate with many as an important focus area for the Chapter to discuss.
The following articulation of the topics are listed below. We offer these topics for your continued prayer, reflection and sharing as we move toward Chapter 2020.
As a way to continue to explore these topics, we invite you to use the following three questions as a lens:
- WHY is this topic important?-for me, for us and for the world?
- WHAT may God be inviting me (us) to DO as we embrace the outcomes of these topics?
- HOW may God be compelling me (us) to LIVE DIFFERENTLY as we move into the future embracing these focus areas?
CHAPTER FOCUS AREAS
The gospel as lived through our Franciscan-Clarian spirituality, our mission, vision and charism impels us to address:
INTEGRAL ECOLOGY
- By developing a new paradigm for being sister and brother to all creation and not exploiting Earth or its resources;
- By growing in our understanding of environmental justice and advocacy through partnering with others and plumbing the resources such as Laudato Sí and the Amazon Synod;
- By developing common and concrete actions locally and globally.
INTERCULTURALITY
- By listening to the call to honor the dignity and integrity of all people;
- By respecting and embracing all forms of diversity (ethnic, generation, gender, religion, race, etc.);
- By witnessing to hope by being authentic, prophetic, peacemakers.
LEADERSHIP
- By deepening relationships with one another and the quality of our life together for mutual empowerment, congregationally and with others;
- By nurturing and promoting a model of servant leadership within the congregation and beyond.
In conclusion, we return to our Franciscan and Clarian sources to explore Integral Ecology, Interculturality, Leadership and to seek a more balanced expression of the feminine and masculine dimensions of our life, our church, and our world.
DISCERNMENT AND ELECTION OF LEADERSHIP
The process for Discernment and Election of Leadership that will be used at the Chapter was presented, discussed and affirmed by all Assemblies. To view a one page outline of the process click on the following link for a printable copy:
Following are links to the Consensus Table summaries from each Assembly.
NUMBER OF SISTERS SERVING IN ELECTED LEADERSHIP
A number of responses throughout the Assemblies raised the question of the number of sisters serving in elected leadership. The CPC discussed this issue and has determined that this topic needs further discussion prior to Chapter 2020, so that the Chapter Body may vote on the issue at the beginning of Chapter. To this end the question regarding the number of sisters serving in elected leadership will be a part of the March, April, May 2020 Assemblies. We will use the Communal Discernment Process to address this concern.
Important information to assist in this Communal Discernment will be sent prior to the next round of Assemblies for reflection and preparation (eligibility, guiding documents, experience of current leadership and demographics).
The CPC is developing a Discernment Booklet which sisters will receive by mail in late February or March. This booklet is offered as a tool for your ongoing reflection regarding elected leadership at this moment in our history.
FUTURE ASSEMBLY DATES
Easton, PA - March 6, 7, 8
Tampa, FL - March 28, 29
Brazil - April 18 to 21
Allegany - April 25, 26
Jamaica - May 2, 3
BALLOTS TO AFFIRM THE FULLY ENGAGED
The ballots to affirm the Fully Engaged Participants were emailed by Kristen Luther on December 16, 2019. If you have not received a ballot click this link to print the
Print out a copy and mail, fax or scan to Goianira Silva OSF, P.O. Box W, St. Bonaventure, NY 14778. Ballots must be signed and returned by January 22, 2020.
HOUSING FOR CHAPTER
The request was made through the evaluation from the last Chapter that we not use the apartments at St. Bonaventure University and to consider using local motels. In discussion with our sisters in Brazil, they are comfortable with staying at the campus apartments. Also, the associates have agreed to be housed on campus.
The Housing Committee is looking into housing sisters either at the Motherhouse or at a local motel. We have found that many sisters can be housed at the Motherhouse and the committee would like to offer first consideration to those sisters with mobility concerns or other needs. The Housing committee will not be sending out a housing form for sisters, rather they will be contacting sisters individually to discuss housing accommodations.
Associates planning to attend Chapter will receive a Housing form for the campus apartments. Housing accommodations for our sisters from Brazil is being arranged through their Regional Leadership.
An Attendance Form for Associates will be sent out to Associates via email by Jeanne Williams OSF and Kathy Doyle.
THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING
We are grateful to all the sisters and associates who have responded to the request for volunteers to serve on the various committees in preparation for Chapter. CPC liaisons or committee chairpersons will be contacting you with further information.
FOR YOUR READING AND REFLECTION
We offer the following article by Fr. Adroaldo Palaoro SJ, Director of the Ignatian Center of Spirituality, entitled
We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections on our Chapter theme or on the Chapter Focus Areas for future CPC newsletters.
FUTURE CPC MEETING DATES
February 7-8, 2020 St Clare, Tampa, FL
March 13 Zoom call
May 15-16, St Clare, Tampa
July 17 Zoom call
July 25 St Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY
