Gatherings and Retreats during March

Written on: March 31, 2022

Lent began on March 2 with Ash Wednesday. During these first weeks of Lent we have been uplifted on our journey through beautiful reflections on the Sunday readings from our Sisters. We are so grateful to those who have shared their insights with us, and enhanced our understanding of this special time.

On March 9th and 16th, over 40 Sisters and Associates had an opportunity to gather in person, and through Zoom to explore questions related to the Synod that is taking place in the Church through the leadership of Pope Francis. With Synod 2021-2023, Pope Francis invites the whole Church into a dialogue on how the People of God journey together with the Holy Spirit to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Traditionally, Synods were mostly directed inward with the participation of bishops, priests and others within the structural church. This time, Pope Francis has asked for input from all the Church- specifically from those who are “on the margins,”  and those whose voices are often lost or ignored. Through the sharing of experiences and hopes for the Church, those attending were energized and engaged. Sisters Barbara Schiavoni and Eileen Spanier are working on synthesizing the key ideas within the  responses. Thank you for your participation in this important process.

St. Patrick’s Day saw the return of the Staff retreat. Debbie Adams facilitated the day, beginning with a meditative prayer. Sister Denise Roche then presented an inspiring reflection on the mission of Jesus and the mission of St. Marguerite and how their missions intertwine with our own. The afternoon session, led by Sister Bridget Connor, focused on how our personality preferences, although pretty set, can adapt and change throughout our lives and changing circumstances. This process was illustrated through some intriguing questions and then some fun activities to help us fully understand the concepts being presented.

Sr. Rita Margraff provided a prayer to end our day, a day full of  introspection, learning, mission awareness, and sharing with one another.

Thank you to those who arranged such a wonderful event.

This entry was posted in News and tagged: Church, Good News, Holy Spirit, introspection, margins, mission awareness, personality, Pope Francis, Prayer, Presentation, Retreat, St. Marguerite, Synod