Grace, upon Grace, upon Grace... These words summarize a movement of God’s Grace in the Province’s 40WomenForward movement. It begins when Sister Ann Marie Strileckis offers to be a member of the Province Vocation Committee. It continues at the Summer Assembly at a lunch meeting of the Committee. Sr. Ann Marie mentions that she has had a group of young women who have been asking for “more” in their faith development. Sr. Mary Ann Rossi suggests Quonnie, the perfect place for this. These young women had been gathering with Sr. Ann Marie: hence the “Pray and Play” day at Quonnie. As a follow up to this great day, Srs. Ann Marie, Kathleen Dorney and Mary Ann Rossi traveled to Federal Court in Hartford to witness Mary Oo and her brother become citizens. Mary’s family is part of the Karen Community who worship at Sr. Ann Marie’s parish. Mary is also a student at St. Joseph’s University where Sr. Kathleen Dorney served as Campus Minister.
Aware that human actions are putting the earth in peril, we pledge to work with others in a spirit of dialogue:
- to safeguard the earth and the equitable sharing of resources;
- and to ensure quality of life for all humanity, indeed for all creation.
Hence, we plan to take concrete action and remain loyal to our Chapter orientation (2011-2016) pertaining to simplicity for mission.
While pursuing our commitments to various important issues, we are aware that it is urgent that we take action against climate change. For 2014-2015, within the framework of the UN Conference on Climate Change in Paris, we are committed to raising awareness in our areas and to taking action in order to slow down climate change. Each province and region will include at least one concrete measure in its Plan of Action.
We also pledge to develop the spirituality which underlies this orientation in connection with the charism of Marguerite Bourgeoys.
The Year of Consecrated Life begins the weekend of November 29-30. In the USA, that’s Thanksgiving Weekend and for the Church, the First Sunday of Advent.
All over the world the Church will gather for the three-pronged focus of this year:
Let us join with Pope Francis on Saturday, November 29, 2014 in an Opening Prayer Vigil.
On Sunday, November 30, 2014, we can join with our individual Diocese’s Opening Mass and invite our lay friends to join us.Check your diocesan websites for the place and time.
