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Daily Summary
| July 26, 2008 |
submitted by Sister Kathleen Kunze
The opening prayer included the entire international community of School Sisters of St. Francis. Each province and each country within the province was named, as well as the ministries of the sisters and associates serving there. After each naming, the delegates prayed, “We hold you present.”
International Team Sharing
The International Team began their presentation by quoting Response in Faith: “The President and the Vice-Presidents have as their primary concern to focus the mission call of the sisters of our Congregation and animate them to live the radical claims of the Gospel.” And animate the delegates they did! Through a powerful powerpoint presentation they called the delegates to be present with open minds, hearts and wills in responding to the needs in a multicultural world. In sharing what is happening in the world of our provinces, they brought a greater awareness of the reality of the School Sisters of St. Francis community throughout the world. At the tables the delegates addressed the question, “What gives us energy for the next two years?” They also addressed a second question, “What challenges do we face as we create a future together?” The International Team ended their presentation by saying that we believe we have a future; let’s listen with our ears and hearts and keep moving toward how we will get there.
Listening and Questioning the Nominees to the General Assembly
The Provincial Assembly delegates divided into five groups to hear the nominees to the General Assembly address given questions and direct questions from the delegates. The questions included: What awarenesses, sensitivities, and skills do you bring? What is the contribution of the U.S. Province to the General Assembly? What are your beliefs concerning the future of the School Sisters of St. Francis? What issues facing the U.S. Province now will have an impact on the entire congregation?
Social Justice Committee Report / Dialog on Immigration
The committee report began with a powerpoint presentation on immigration showing many pictures of School Sisters and associates with people of other cultures. The table discussions addressed what was done in Area Communities and personally. From an open floor discussion suggestions were made to the committee on how to carry through more ideas to move forward our involvement in immigration.
Franciscan Action Network
We are members of Franciscans across the country who will take public action on issues of peace, care for creation, and on behalf of people who are poor and marginalized.
Holistic Health
Throughout the Provincial Assembly the Holistic Health Committee provided activities in the early morning and in the evenings. They created sessions that had something for everyone from praying, to listening, to asking questions, to fun and dance.
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