In the past year we have seen the move to two associate co-coordinators in both the Central and Eastern Regions. In June we will see the completion of Winnie Odo’s second term as associate co-coordinator for the Eastern Region. We, the leadership team, are very grateful for Winnie’s many years of creative and generous service to and with associates and sisters. We extend to Winnie our best wishes for a future full of hope and continuing service in new and wonderful directions.
A highlight of the January 2015 General Conference was the two-day workshop with Father Anthony Gittins, CSSp. All Province and Region team members were invited to attend this workshop. Father Gittins has taught Theology and Cultural Anthropology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago since 1984 and he is the author of many books. His new book, Living Mission Interculturally – Faith and Culture, will be published in the spring. It was a gift that all members of our Administration Team participated in this workshop with the hope of sharing it in some way with all our membership.
Blessed are you, winter, dark season of waiting, you affirm the dark seasons of our lives, forecasting the weather of waiting in hope.
Blessed are you, winter, you faithfully guard a life unseen, calling those who listen deeply to discover winter rest.
Blessed are you, winter, frozen and cold on the outside, within your silent, nurturing womb you warmly welcome all that longs for renewal.
Blessed are you, winter, your bleak, barren trees preach wordless sermons about emptiness and solitude.
Blessed are you, winter, you teach us valuable lessons about waiting in darkness with hope and trust.
Blessed are you, winter, season of blood red sunsets and star-filled, long, dark nights, faithfully you pour out your beauty.
Blessed are you, winter, when your tiny snowflakes flurry through the air, you awaken our sleeping souls.
Blessed are you, winter, with your wild and varied moods, so intent on being yourself, you refuse to be a people-pleaser.
Blessed are you, winter, when ice storms crush our hearts and homes, you call forth the good in us as we rush to help one another.
Blessed are you, winter, your inconsistent moods often herald spring’s arrival, yet how gracefully you step aside when her time has come.