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Message from the Federation OnGoing Formation Committee |
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As this committee brings its work to a close, we would like to share with you our "State of the House". The following is an attempt to be accountable for the initiatives we furthered during the last three years. Thank you for the privilege of serving on this committee.  Associate Directors' ProgramThe Ongoing Formation Committee took responsibility for developing programs for Directors of Associates. A national gathering was held every two years and a regional gathering was recommended for the alternate years. This committee initiated a survey of Associate Directors which yielded valuable data. All the Leadership and Directors received the raw data from this survey, which can serve as a resource for further development.Aging in the CharismFour DVD's have been published to date, each illuminating one of the six core values of Sisters of St. Joseph. We have received very positive feedback from Congregations who have used them with local and Motherhouse communities, Associates, nursing staff, volunteers, and lay employeesAt the Federation Event, all copies were sold and new orders were taken. It was apparent that many members who attended the Event had not heard about this resource. It is an excellent tool for mission integration, particularly in sponsored works related to healthcare and aging. Two more congregations are needed to volunteer to complete this series, with the topics, Receptivity to Grace and Animating Love. We strongly urge you to be one of those congregations. We hold a TreasureThis program is facilitated by one or two Federation presenters and is oriented toward strengthening local community living. This day-long program offers a toolkit with easily understood resources such as sharing the State of the Heart and the State of the House, prayer services and processes helping groups to animate community life. Part of the program is the presentation via DVD that contains a dialogue between Patricia Byrne (Baden) and Anita Kurowski (Rochester) on the early documents and life in community.This day-long process grew out of the initial formation survey and is oriented toward filling the gap between new members and more seasoned members. This program is a collaborative effort of the Initial Formation Committee and the Ongoing Formation Committee and is available to your local community and/or your congregation by contacting the Federation office. Federation RetreatThis committee developed a Federation retreat, called Quickening the Grace. It consists of the following topics: Global Reality, Spirit and Spirituality, History, Mission and Ministry. This retreat was never implemented because of the economic crisis. The Executive Director agreed to develop this in an alternate format, such as a webinar so that it can be used locally or regionally, perhaps as a Lenten or Advent series, combined with sharing the State of the Heart. You will be notified when this resource is ready for use.Contact PersonsIn an attempt to improve communication with members and the ongoing formation committee, each Congregational Leader was asked to appoint a sister in the congregation to be a liaison with the ongoing formation committee. In some cases, these liaisons were a good support to the committee. This vehicle was eventually discontinued because it was not as effective as we had hoped. With the development of online services in the upcoming new Federation website, these issues will be resolved.In ClosingIt has been a privilege serving as members of this committee. Life-long learning is an important element of our life as Sisters of St. Joseph. As we move together into the future, it is imperative that we become a learning community, reflecting together on the signs of the times through the eyes and heart of our charism - that all may be one.Sheila Briody, SSJ (Rochester)
Janet Mock, CSJ (Baden)
JoAnn Tabor, CSJ (Orange)
October 23, 2011 |
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