IHC Assembly 2020

Remembering Sunday IHC Assembly 2020

Submitted in Peace & JOY! By Kathryn Clare, IHM

Sunday morning dawned with thunder and lightning in Utah, a small foretaste of what was to come.

Our Assembly opened peacefully enough with powerful prayer: "Spirit of Imagination, we gather together in prayer and in love..." The poem, "Dark Night of the Soul" from St John of the Cross was pondered. The song, "Behold, I Make All Things New Omega" by Alana Levandoski was heard. And we let go as hearts remained open, "We move into our day with Love's urgent longing. Amen."

A presentation followed on the "due diligence" the Board of Trustees had done regarding structures and Option C by Sherry Purcell, Stephanie Glatt, with thanks to Jill Whittington and other Board members involved in this subcommittee of the Board. The rationale for the Option C was given, along with a detailed plan of how it was to be implemented. There was much flexibility along with acknowledged unknowns in the plan, but a strategic response to most possibilities was shared. There was "Proper Planning for Implementation" with Action Steps revealed. There was inclusion of "Building Diversity" in the Plan and timelines. There was an Action Plan for "Sustainability," and there were Six "Board-Staff Partnerships" proposed, three of which were "Ministry Transition Teams," along with Action Steps. Several IHMs volunteered to be part of these teams or help in implementing this plan in any way possible. I foresee several ZOOM Discussion Meetings in our futures as an Assembly, to keep abreast of what is happening, as well as to be involved as we all desire to make this a reality, with any changes needed to correct course along our journey.

After our small groups had discussions about this proposed Option C, we took two votes, one that had a clear majority for approval of this Option, as well as approval of the Plan for Implementation. Our day and votes were encapsulated in times of quiet reflection and contemplation, which gave us ear to the Spirit and where She was calling us to in our future.

There was much soulful jubilation as we ended our day with Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" video of flash mob in France 2012. HALLELUJAH!

Submitted in Peace & JOY! By Kathryn Clare, IHM

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