Global Coordinating Group meeting
September 30-October 2, 2008 at the Centre International in LePuy

The Global Coordinating Group Origins

The Global Coordinating Group had its origins in an emerging need to shepherd at an international level the growing relationships and activities of our global CSSJ family. These included but were not limited to plans for the succession of our UN NGO Representative; the work of the International Justice and Peace Team; the creation of sustainable relationships among sisters, ministries, local communities, congregations/ provinces, etc.; partnerships and joint activities; invitations to shared missions; the International Centre in LePuy; and an international volunteer program in our CSSJ spirit.

Early in 2008, with the encouragement of Assembly 2007 and acting together so that the initiative would have a strong international base, Janet Gagnon, Lorraine Delaney, and Kathy McCluskey invited the leaders of the federations, international congregations, and the congregation of Argentina to a meeting at which we would talk about how we might “shepherd the emerging international relationships and activities” of our global family. The invitation was met with enthusiasm by everyone and the “Global Coordinating Group” met September 30-October 2 at the Centre International in LePuy. Sharon Becker and Kathy McCluskey represented our US Federation leadership.

The participants at the initial gathering in Le Puy were: Valerie VanCauwenberghe, Canadian Federation; Margaret Kane, Hamilton; Madeline Georges, French Federation: Marie Paule Rascle, Institut de St. Joseph; Gabriella Canavesio, Italian Federation; Odetta Turc, Aoste; Kathleen McCluskey, US Federation; Sharon Becker, Orange; Angela Caputo, Argentina; Bernadette Walsh, Annecy; Lorraine Delaney, Chambery; Janet Gagnon, Lyon; Carol Zinn, UN NGO Ministry; Mary Diesbourg, International Centre; Donna Ciccalese, Translator; Simone Saugues, Translator

This first gathering of leaders in our global CSSJ family was thrilling. With the help of translators and the presence of our UN Representative and a staff member from the International Center, we engaged quickly and deeply. Everyone seemed to sense that coming together is a powerful grace being offered by God at this moment in time. We talked about the synergy of CSSJ relationships and the power of our voice at the UN. In prayer, many spoke of the way our global unity is an act of mission, a strong witness and agent of the oneness of all people and of the whole creation. We agreed that our emerging relationships and activities need to shepherded at a global level and organized for sustainability.

By the end of the meeting, we had developed a simple mission statement:

Here are the Decisions made at the end of the first meeting:

• Together we will constitute the Global Coordinating Group for the Congregations/Federations of Sisters of Saint Joseph.
• We will work in 4 subgroups made up of 3 people with one serving as coordinator. The subcommittees are accountable to one another and everyone is responsible for ongoing communication among the members of this group as well as all the sisters and associates around the world. The coordinator’s role will rotate among the members.
• One subgroup will companion the UN Ministry and the International Justice and Peace Team. At present the main work of that group will be to facilitate the transition to a new NGO Representative. We affirm that:
  • The next Representative should come from the Global South – Argentina, Brazil, India, or Mexico.
  • Financial support for the NGO should come from all congregations as they are able
  • The monies and budget will continue to be managed by the US Federation, since the UN is in the US
  • The new representative needs ongoing support (from Carol and others)
  • All sisters and associates should be informed of this direction and plan and the invitation should be offered to sisters in/of the Global South
  • A subgroup of the GCG is delegated to carry out the processes needed to implement this selection and transition
  • The GCG will hold the UN ministry in its care and receive reports/accountability from the Representative Members: Angela, Gabriella, and Madeline


• One Subgroup will companion the efforts for Shared Missions and a CSSJ Volunteer Program This group will facilitate inclusive communication about opportunities to be in mission together around the world. We agreed that, for the immediate future, the US will nurture the fledgling International Volunteer Program (Exchange Program). Members: Kathy, Lorraine, and Margaret
• One Subgroup will companion the International Centre The existence of the GCG will enable the current board, which is composed of a representative group of leaders like the GCG, to transition to a board made up of more sisters who are not in leadership. It is hoped that this would result in board members with greater expertise in critical areas (ex. Finance, development, facility, etc) and more time to offer support to the Centre and the staff. At the same time, the direct link with the leaders of the congregations would be maintained. Janet, Kathy, and Valerie will process this with the current Board at the December meeting.
• Marie Paule shared that the Institut de St. Joseph can not very much longer hold the patrimony of our common heritage and that she would like to plan with the Centre and the Global Coordinating Committee. This is one of the central founding purposes of the Centre. As our international activity increases and we share programs, the Centre may offer fewer programs and concentrate on pilgrimages, other opportunities for people from different countries to reflect on the charism and mission in the world, preservation and increased access to our common patrimony in Le Puy. Members: Janet, Marie Paule, and Valerie
• One Subgroup will facilitate shared Formation efforts. Conversation throughout our session revealed the need for shared personnel resources and experiences in the area of initial formation. This subgroup will help to identify the needs and connect all of us in response. Members: Bernadette, Odetta, and Sharon

more recent events