In preparation for Chapter, we Sisters and Associates, prayed the Chapter Prayer 2015 and invitations for prayer were sent to all parishes. I believe this enabled us to enter into Chapter with hearts free and fresh with enthusiasm, hearts that carry hope and peace.
We entered into Chapter with a beautiful ritual and listened to Sr. Sandra’s inspiring address. Responding to this, we were invited to write a word or thought that spoke to us and place it on dividers which were transported to McKinley Hall where they remained throughout the Chapter. As part of the ritual we called on our foundresses, founders and deceased Sisters on whose shoulders we stand to be with us. We prayed a litany and after each name, the response was “Be with us.” So many of our deceased Sisters were named — I felt strengthened we called up each Sister.
Our individual portraits were displayed outside our meeting room. Every day there were more photos, all with smiling faces, “joyful women.” This collage showed unity and strength to me.
The work of our facilitator Sr. Yvette Bellerose and the Chapter Design Committee was much appreciated. The pre-Chapter group work was well planned and feedback from the topics, such as vision and mission statements, the vulnerable, legacy, and more, helped greatly in the Chapter processes.
Sister Marilyn Kearns
