The following day we listened as Margaret Mary Kimmins OSF gave a very comprehensive and reflective report of our Congregational journey in these past five years. She spoke of changes, the challenges of the Covid pandemic and the violence of racism that has brought us to this Chapter moment and the need to continue moving forward with God’s grace and the desire to enter more deeply into a process of transformation.
Margaret Mary stated, “The invitation is clear. Recognize that all people need dignity, to be treated fairly, to be welcomed, and to belong to each other—equity, diversity, and inclusion. We learned, and continue to learn, during this time that when we sense resistance, that resistance is in the cutting edge of grace. Pay attention! We have to let go and listen to what not only needs to change in us but what needs to change in our world. We are one, together, united in our common home.”
Click this link to view the videos Chapter Presentations and print out the presentations by David and Margaret Mary.
2021 Chapter Directional Statement and gratitude to the members of the Writing Committee
The Chapter Directional Statement is posted to the Chapter 2021 webpage and is available in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Click on this link 2021 Chapter Directional Statement for a printable copy.
We express our thanks to the members of the Writing Committee, Marinêz Arantes da Silva OSF, Gwen Melhado OSF and Jo Streva OSF for their time and work in drafting the statement. Also deep gratitude to Meg Guider OSF (Joliet Franciscan) who served as the translator for the Writing Committee.
Communications Director, Denise Bunk-Hatch, is preparing an announcement card with the Directional Statement and a listing of the members of the former and newly elected leadership team. Denise will also develop a brochure with the Chapter Directional Statement.
We also thank the writers and editors of the Chapter Report and for Denise’s work in formatting, editing, doing the layout and design of the report. It truly captures our journey together over the past five years and through this Covid pandemic.
Gratitude to the Audit Committee and for the Financial and Actuarial Presentations
We are grateful to the members of the Audit Committee, Teresita DeSouza OSF, Maria Helena dos Santos OSF and Patricia Shirley OSF. Also for the pre-Chapter Zoom presentations by Chris Treichel OSF for the Financial Report and for Pat Klemm OSF for the Actuarial Report.
Blessed with the Memorial Presentation
If you have not had the opportunity to watch the video presentation, In Memory, click this link Memorial Video to watch. The video, produced by our Archivist, Ellen Winger, is a beautifully touching tribute to our Sisters and Associates who returned to the heart of God between Chapter 2016 and Chapter 2021.
Recognition and Praise for the Chapter Liturgy Committee
Much planning, preparation, translation, recording and technology went into the many beautiful reflections and prayers for Chapter. Click on the following link to view the Chapter Prayers.
Committee: Colleen Brady OSF, Nancy Christopher OSF, Maureen Clare Hall OSF, Dayanne Santana OSF, Jo Streva OSF and Jeanne Williams OSF
Portuguese Translators: Patricia Reid OSF and Sheila Vincent
Spanish Translator: Sr. Olga Sanchez CMS
Videographer: Colleen Brady OSF
Recording Participants/Readers
Brazil: Claudia Cristiane (Portuguese), Ariana Muñoz (Spanish), Wanessa Mereb (English)
Jamaica: Maureen Clare Hall OSF, Donna Haynes (English), Tenecia Hewitt (Portuguese), Yanique DaCosta (Spanish)
United States: Lucy Cardet OSF and Alba Luz Mejia (Spanish) Nancy Christopher OSF, Jeanne Williams OSF and Jo Streva OSF (English), Maria Pereira dos Santos OSF and Sheila Vincent (Portuguese)
Recording Participants/Musicians and Cantors
Brazil: Dayanne Rodrigues Santana OSF and Suzanne Alves Da Silva OSF
Jamaica: Allison Wallace, organist; Celia Cools-Lartigue OSF, drummer, Singers – Sisters at Immaculate
United States: Colleen Brady OSF (English), Alba Luz Mejia (Spanish), Sheila Vincent (Portuguese)
Videographers for the Nominee Presentations
Denise Bunk-Hatch and Ellen Winger did a marvelously professional job recording the nominees for their presentations to the Chapter.
Thank you to Translators
We are truly blessed with the many translators who worked with us during the Chapter.
Portuguese Translators: Meg Guider OSF, Sheila Vincent, Janice Jolin SMIC, Janis Jordan SMIC, Joana Dalva A. Mendes SSJ, Joe Rozansky OFM, Nancy Schramm OSF, Bill Vitalli and Rita Schneider IHM
Spanish Translators: Margarita Gomez rmi, Maria Elena Larrea OSF and Ana Maria Paredes
Gratitude for our Secretaries
We extend our thanks to our Congregational Secretary Kristen Luther, for her diligent work on the daily Chapter minutes. Gratitude goes to Odette Haddad OSF, General Secretary, for doing the Opening Roll Call and to our Chapter Secretaries Lucy Cardet OSF and Lilian Cristina Pinheiro OSF for their review of the daily minutes and for the other roll calls during Chapter.
Appreciation for our Table Facilitators and Chapter Facilitator
The Communal Discernment was significant to our table conversations and the Table Facilitators were very significant in leading this process throughout the days of Chapter. We appreciate the time and commitment given to the facilitator training sessions and to the daily meetings with our Chapter Facilitator.
Colleen Brady OSF, Odette Haddad OSF, Lucy Cardet OSF, Liliane Araújo Costa OSF, Margaret Magee OSF, Clêusa Alves da Silva OSF, Aldenir Mota Ribeiro OSF, Cindy Matthews OSF, Patricia Shirley OSF, Judith Terrameo OSF, Mary Lou Lafferty OSF, Pat Klemm OSF, Teresita DeSouza OSF, Bernadette Schuler OSF, Jeanne Williams OSF, Solange Helena de Oliveira OSF, Rosimeire Dias Nolêto OSF, Lilian Cristina Pinheiro OSF, Maria Helena dos Santos OSF, Patricia Reid OSF, Margaret Mary Kimmins OSF, Joyce Ramage OSF, Helen Roberts OSF, Elizabeth Schumacher OSF and Marlene Weidenborner OSF
Special gratitude and deep thanks to Connie Gilder SSJ, our Chapter Facilitator, for all her work with the Chapter Planning Committee, her facilitation of the Assemblies, the facilitator training sessions and many, many other meetings preparing us for the Chapter.
Nix Management
We could not have done our virtual Chapter without the good women at Nix. We were truly blessed with highly professional, competent, patient and flexible people. So kudos to Kim Ritter, Michelle Welter, Molly Hackett and Lynne Payne.
Final Thoughts
While reflecting upon the immense generosity of so many contributors to Chapter 2021, we are grateful to Margaret Magee OSF, for her untiring collaboration in coordinating the many details throughout the entire Chapter process. We are especially thankful to all our sisters, associates and partners in mission who supported the Chapter participants with daily prayer.
So, now let us move toward an emerging future together trusting that the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit who inspired us during Chapter will continue guiding us to “Behold I Am Doing Something New…Listen!”
Peace and All Good!
Goianira, Dolores, Gwen, Jo, Joyce, Rosimeire, Maria Isabel, Sheila, Marlene, Margaret, Pat
The Members of the 2021 Chapter Planning Committee
