Extended Council 2011 : Day by Day

The last day of the Extended Council 2011, every participant entered the meeting room with a heart bubbling with gratitude to God and for each other for the enriching experiences of the Extended Council 2011. The last part of the Extended Council 2011 observed the evaluation of the entire meeting. Every participant articulated the gratitude they felt… >>>

Formation: Initial and Ongoing. The day’s proceedings focused on Initial and Ongoing Formation.  S. Philomina, the General Councillor responsible for Formation, shared both her own experience and that of the General Team as they met with Sisters in formation in various countries and provinces.  One important point that needs to be kept… >>>

Today in Chambéry, three communities, the historical Sainte Marie des Monts among them, are moving to the new “Résidence Bois Joli,” in the commune of Jacob Bellecombette. Twenty-three sisters of the French Province, along with one religious of another congregation, are going to live in the new building, erected to respond… >>>

The day was set in motion with a re-reading and reflection on the ideas S. Christine Anderson, fcj, introduced to the assembly in her sessions yesterday. The group was directed to pay attention and note answers to the questions: What makes you anxious? Where do you see the movement of God? If we, as leaders, are to live “drawn by God” and… >>>

The 18th of October was a very valuable day for our formation in the role of leadership as Sisters of St. Joseph and also to look again at leadership exercised together with our Sisters. Through the input of the facilitator, the dynamics she used, and table reflections, we developed the theme, shared our experiences and reflected on our practice of… >>>

S. Christine Anderson, a member of the Faithful Companions of Jesus from Scotland, brought her expertise to the facilitation of the day dedicated to the topics of Leadership and Membership. S. Christine currently directs an international leadership programme in Rome for religious superiors and members of general councils and has facilitated dozens… >>>

At the dawn of Oct. 16 the Extended Council set out to explore two Italian missions south of Rome, the communities of Ceprano and Fisciano. Given the location of the two towns, a visit to Monte Cassino was not only possible but part of the program. The community in Ceprano is nearing a century and half of existence, having already completed 140 years,… >>>

Yes, 361 years should be celebrated ! Nevertheless, we don’t even want to remember the history or sing praises of our pioneer Sisters and Founder, nor celebrate the journey of the thousands of women who have preceeded us. The words of Sr. Sally, our Superior General, at the opening celebration of our 200th anniversary have already done this.… >>>

Sister Donna Hoffman, General Treasurer, was present at the Extended Council Meeting to inform us of the reality of the finances of the Congregation. She highlighted the important aspects related to our assets. She said we are living in a time of instability and economic crisis. Our investments and savings have been negatively impacted by the global… >>>

In the afternoon of October 15, 2011, the International Communication Commission (ICC) gave their report to the members of the Extended Council. Their report reveals the various issues the ICC is involved in. “The website as an instrument of international communication” has developed during the later years and “it is the hope of the… >>>

The Extended Council 2011 provided a golden opportunity for the leaders of the Congregation and share in small and large conversation circles on leadership. This was an excellent way of being interconnected and partnering with Congregational leadership. Sharing at in depth level, the energies, frustrations, challenges and support systems enhanced our… >>>

For the first time at an international meeting, the Extended Council experienced the use of video conferencing through Skype, to connect members of the international JPIC committee with the assembly. A great deal of preparation by the General Council, the ICC and JPIC, including a few test conferences, helped to make the meeting successful. The members… >>>

A characteristic of the Extended Council is that the Sisters who coordinate and represent the Provinces, Regions and Missions are invited to reflect on the diverse situations which touch the life and ministries of the entire Congregation, to perceive the calls, expectations, hopes and activities which need a response. In their sharing and considerations,… >>>

The day witnessed the Extended Council assembly studying four articles that were published by the UISG (International Union of Superiors General) after the Theological Seminar held in Rome in February 2011. The General Council had invited the participants of the Extended Council to read and reflect on the following articles which would be used as a… >>>

The theme of the day was different ways we are moving into the future, including the topics of meetings of newer members, emerging new forms of religious commitment and partnering with other groups. One item which engendered animated discussion was that of an international meeting of the newer members. Reflecting on past experience, members of the… >>>

The members of the Extended Council were led to recall the history of our Congregation which began its existence in 1646, in villages in the Auvergne region of central France. It quickly grew by leaps and bounds, in spite of many hardships, to the flourishing community it is today. An enactment of this early history of the Congregation by some sisters… >>>

The century-old community at Veroli, south of Rome, welcomed the members of the Extended Council, on their first visit to our sisters in mission. Here the group was introduced to the legacy of our sisters whose service has impacted the local society for decades. Beginning in 1947 the community of Veroli has received numerous elderly women and cared… >>>

A panel of three sisters reflected on their experiences of living as missionaries in three different countries on three different continents: Bolivia, Brazil and Liberia. This presentation gave the participants a deeper knowledge of mission and its challenges, thus indicating a sustainable approach towards requirements for mission. For the individual… >>>

This was a day set aside to appreciate our missionaries, Sisters Luiza Rodrigues (Tanzania), Maria Inez Leite Ramos (Mozambique), Lila Bork (Sweden) and Celine Kalathoor (Czech Republic), who have lived in the missions for decades . They spoke about their passion, the challenges of transition, threats they have faced, their fears and vision for the… >>>

The input of S. Fernanda on Mission moved the reflection that continued through the morning session to another level. She challenged everyone by her presentation of many concrete aspects of Missionary life. All were led to reflect on her provocative words: “Is it a paradox? We live the gospel (and the charism) within the context of our own cultural… >>>

An Italian member of the Comboni Missionaries, S. Fernanda Cristinelli who lived and worked in Africa for 20 years, nine years in Kenyaand eleven in Uganda, gave input to the assembly on the topic of Mission. There was something unique in the way S. Fernanda introduced the topic. She noted that the words “mission,” “frontiers”… >>>

S. Sally opened the 2011 Extended Council on 6th October, with an expression of gratitude to all the leaders present for the service of leadership they offer in their provinces, regions or missions. The General Team is hopeful that this Extended Council, a special time the congregational leaders spend together reflecting and sharing the realities of… >>>

The 5th October at noon the gates of the Convent Enrico De Ossòopened for the participants of the 2011 Extended Council. The gorgeous building and its serene ambience appeared all set to host the big event. At the entrance the pillars held WELCOME banners written in more than 6 languages which stood out from the beautiful bouquets of birds of… >>>

The Extended Council meeting of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry is being held from October 6 through 22, in Rome, Italy. In addition to the General Council, the leadership from the fourteen Provinces, the four Regions and the four Missions are all present for sharing, reflection and study of the theme Mission... called to be itinerate… >>>

As the preparatory process was on for 2011 Extended Council letters were sent out by the General Council to prepare for the event based on the theme chosen Mission… called to be itinerant on challenging frontiers which called to reflect on many essential needs of the Congregation. The letter dated 19 June 2011read , the General Council is very… >>>