February 2009
February 26, 2009
Thursday Thoughts
Why is it that when women religious communities select new leadership, it doesn't make a splash in the local, national or international news? Most women religious communities have missions that affect the very health and well-being of the globe. Perhaps the reason why people think sisters are not of this world is because they don’t hear about what goes on in their Communities. In a lot of ways the Sisters are more in tune with this world than those outside their community.
Two years ago Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet gathered from all over the world to report and reflect on our previous 6 year goals and to determine our direction forward for the next 6 years. Our actions from this meeting have everything to do with the health and well-being of our globe. The leadership team that we just selected is charged to help us actualize our vision within its tenure of office.
If you want to know what is going on in the world, look to the Apostolic women religious communities. If you want to know how to solve problems of the world with integrity, subsidiarity and in an economical way, look to the women religious as well.
Where do you find us? In board rooms, heads of health care systems and universities, on the streets, in the shelters, ministering in prisons, working at food shelves. We are in the center of everywhere. Our presence is about love. Our message is about love. Our mission and vision are about love. Our gift to the world is love. We live it out in your neighborhood as well as in each corner of the globe. Join us!
Possumus
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February 19, 2009
We Can
Last week, two of our board members were discussing the world’s problems. One member said to the other: “The only way out of this mess is if everyone pitches in. I think if we band together we can actually make a positive impact.”
Given today’s era of stress and discouraging news, I’m heartened by folks who take time to interpret the daily cairns through Christ’s lens. With courage and compassion we simply move forward down the path that Jesus took — offer help to those in need.
What more can I say, except, We Can!
Possumus!
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February 8, 2009
How Can I Help?
It’s easy to abdicate responsibility to “the government” and blame “them” when solutions fall short. However, blaming others often masks the reality that solutions can be found in our own behavior.
We live in a time when everything about who we are counts. Either we stand up this very day to help solve problems or we become part of the problem. Yes, it’s easy to say, but incredibly hard to know where to start.
I find great comfort in knowing that all great things begin small—take the giant redwood or majestic oak trees or, for that matter, all life. We all begin small.
I'm committing to take one tiny step forward and notice those around me—at home, work, the grocery store, next door, at the corner shops, etc. I’ll ask myself, “Do they look happy, stressed, tired? Did my presence enhance that moment in their day?” It may be that patterns begin to develop. For example, are my neighbors stressed out from worry due to physical safety? Cost of food? Childcare? Is there a pattern that leads me to the next level of questions and thoughts of action that I can take? Bottom line for me is, how can I help?
What if the solution really does rest within each of us? I, for one, am willing to be part of the solution.
Possumus
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