Journeying Toward Chapter

By Sisters Barbara Hagedorn

to listen deeply and speak from the heart. The weekend began in chapel as we gathered in a large circle for a simple, powerful ritual centered on letting go and healing.

Since Chapter preparations began in April 2022, the symbol of the map has been the image that has guided us. We started on this journey at the Spring Forum and have made significant stops along the way as we prepare for the Chapter April 1622, 2023. In the opening letter of this issue of Intercom, S. marge expresses: “With the momentum of this past year’s planning at our back, we find ourselves grounded by our sacred roots and firmly planted in the soil of possibility.” our journey thus far has been one of exploring dreams and ideas that will enable us to best live our mission into the future.

The Chapter Planning Committee – Sisters monica Gundler, marge Kloos, Kathy Pinto, Carol Wirtz and co-chairs Annie Klapheke and Barbara Hagedorn – with facilitators Debbie Asberry and lisa Negsted have guided the process. What are the “stops” we have made and how have they helped us prepare for the Chapter? The committee planned with the awareness that religious life is changing and we need to be open to new ways of doing things.

Starting in spring 2022, we began to explore questions such as: What has already changed or is going to change for us? What is over? What will ensure continuity for what really matters? What can we do so that the change will be good for us and for the world? Conversation Circles were organized for Sisters and Associates to gather in person or by Zoom to share their reflections on these questions and others offered by the planning committee. each stop along the journey helped us go deeper to shape what our path forward might be. The participation of the whole was critical in bringing forth ideas of what might be possible.

Sisters spent significant time together at the Discernment Retreat in January 2023. This was a new way for us to gather to prepare for Chapter. The planning committee designed the retreat in response to the Sisters’ strong desire to discuss topics and give concrete suggestions that will move us to action, and to be with one another in a contemplative space

We also wanted to reflect on what we need in leadership for our future. How might leadership and membership engage with one another in new models of decision-making?

To help us explore this question, S. Nancy Conway, CSJ, joined us virtually for her input. In her clear, open and lively manner, she presented different ways of making decisions and spoke from her own experience as a congregational leader. S. Nancy shared reasons why certain decisions were made and the challenges and lessons learned when things could have been handled differently. Considering what S. Nancy shared, we now ask what are possible implications for us as we look ahead to the next four years?

The participants left the retreat knowing we had spent sacred time together in an important place on our journey. Now with April 2023 quickly approaching we carry that spirit with us to the Chapter where we see what is possible for our future.