Sustainable Future

This morning I woke up to a light dusting of snow on the ground … in late April! As we prepare to celebrate Earth Day this week, I find my spirit yearning for buds of green and spots of color that will finally signal that spring is coming to Chicago.

Thankfully I was able to spend Holy Week and Easter with my Sisters at our regional center outside of Seattle.  Spring had already sprung in the Pacific Northwest.

We were blessed to have a fresh crop of daffodils that were planted last fall by Sister Noreen.  This was particularly poignant, as Sister Noreen passed away this winter.  As we enjoyed the daffodil centerpieces on our Easter table, the story was shared about the daffodils.  Apparently, when she planted them in planters last fall, some had thought that the pots were too shallow for the daffodils to take root.  Yet Noreen knew what she was doing and made her plans accordingly.  The daffodils were able to put down their roots and flower right on schedule. Even though she was celebrating her first Easter in heaven, we were able to enjoy the flowering of her vision.

It seems to me that there is a delicate balance between setting down roots of practicality and sustainability and holding fast to the vision.  Our mission and ministry as women religious requires both, whether we are just starting out or reaching the end of our religious life.

I invite you to read about some seeds that are being planted for mission and ministry in the 21st Century.  In this edition of our E-Newsletter:

• We offer some details about our upcoming July national gathering on Mission and Ministry with Yolanda Tarango, CCVI when we will spend time dreaming and pondering our shared vision.
• We have some exciting news to share about steps the Giving Voice Core Team has been making to set down sustainable roots for the future. 
• Debbie Warner, CND shares her reflections on always being prepared for mission and ministry. 
• And more!