Assembly Times
1:30 – 4:30 USA and Bolivia
12:30 – 3:30 Jamaica
2:30 – 5:30 Brazil
We will gather as a whole 30 minutes before the session begins to allow some time to check in and greet one another.
Schedule of Assemblies
We will continue to meet by Zoom in 3-hour segments each day. The focus of the Saturday 3-hour session will be the work of transformation.
Saturday
During the Saturday session, we will meet in breakout rooms twice—once as a “Home Breakout Room” and once as a “Consensus Breakout Room.”
The first breakout will focus on two questions:
- In what ways has our work of transformation in the past made us free enough to embark upon an unknown path? (Name one example)
- What would keep us from the work of transformation?
The second breakout room will focus on two questions:
- What would it look like if we committed individually and corporately to become a transformed Congregation?
- Do we desire this and are we ready for it?
We will have an opportunity to hear brief feedback from each Consensus Breakout Room Conversation.
Sunday
During the Sunday session, we will take some time to poll participants on the question of the number of persons needed in leadership at this time. The question has been raised several times and should be decided before we begin Chapter in July. We will be using a program called “Zoom Polling” which will provide immediate results of the leanings of the group.
The major focus of Sunday’s session will be the First Calling of Names. This profoundly sacred process will be done within the context of prayer and reflection. Please review the “Calling of Names” video which outlines the communal discernment process to be used at Chapter.
In preparation for the First Calling of Names, it is important that you review the Discernment for Nomination Booklet, which was given earlier to every sister. Note that the booklet is a timely companion to the work of transformation.
Zoom Tutorials
A series of tutorials on the use of various Zoom functions have been scheduled. We ask that you take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to better utilize Zoom, particularly regarding the use of Zoom polling and the chat function. Dates, times and links for these Zoom tutorial have been emailed to sisters and associates.
Initial Planning for the possibility of a Virtual Chapter in 2021
Leadership has been in contact with UISG (International Union of Superiors General) to address the question regarding virtual chapters and elections. Earlier CICLSAL (Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life) stated that virtual elections would not be allowed. Subsequent to the statement, many religious institutes have petitioned Rome to reconsider in light of the need to hold elections because of already delayed Chapters. Further information will be shared when it becomes available.
Leadership has also been in contact with NIX Conference and Meeting Management regarding using them to create the platforms necessary for a virtual Chapter and to provide oversight of the process. Again, more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Next CPC meeting: Saturday, March 5, 2021
With gratitude and love,
The Chapter Planning Committee