Annual Reports

The theme for the 2019 LCWR assembly proved to be prophetic: “Imagining Leadership in a Global Community.” The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and our deepened awakening to systemic racisim have clearly shown the interconnectedness of humanity and creation. 

The coronavirus has had a particularly profound impact on our lives. As the pandemic spread, leaders have been tapping into their creativity and imaginations, finding new streams of connection and solidarity in our global sisterhood.

The 2018 LCWR assembly gave us a theme rich in layers of meaning: Being the Presence of Love:  The Power of Communion. We felt that power of communion as we processed in silence together and stood on the steps of St. Louis’ Old Courthouse, witnessing against the evils of racism. Our assembly theme would continue to unfold for us throughout the year ahead. As our country and world grew seemingly ever more divided, we women religious witnessed to and were witnesses of the power of communion. 

The 2017 LCWR assembly encouraged our conference to continue exploring the emerging narrative of communion. We could not have imagined then, the different ways communion would be required. The hurricane season would devastate Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Fires would ravage California. As we prepare for our upcoming gathering, we watch in disbelief as the volcanic activity in Hawaii bursts out lava. And the list of natural calamities is endless if we turn to the rest of the world.

Like budgets and calendars, annual reports communicate something about who we are and what we value. They’re intended to render accountability. They tell the story of where our time, our energy, and our money went. They recall our aspirations and reflect our reality. They are a snapshot of a segment of an organization’s life, and read from year to year they unfold a unique narrative of mission, vision, values, and activity. 

Mystery and Transformation

The journey continues! From our 2015 assembly we move from meeting the thirsts of the world through the springs of the Great Deep bursting forth, those waters of life flowing in and through us, to living the mystery of transformation -- our 2016 theme. Those waters meeting the thirsts of our world took the shape of a multitude of works, services to the world through our conference’s central office, and through the regions’ individual members.

Nashville, 2014: LCWR members gathered from all parts of the country to reflect on “Holy Mystery Revealed in Our Midst.” The hotel ballroom pulsed with the Spirit, as hundreds of women listened in contemplative space for Holy Mystery to reveal deeper wisdom.

Throughout this past year, the “Francis Effect” touched the minds and hearts of all peoples around the globe. With simple words, humble actions, and loving embraces, Pope Francis welcomed everyone to the heart of God as did Jesus in his own culture and history. LCWR members joined the rest of the world in witnessing the transformation generated by one, single, faithful follower of Christ, our brother religious, Francis.

Navigating the Shifts 

During last year’s assembly, Barbara Marx Hubbard described a world in flux in the midst of comprehensive paradigm shifts poised for a cosmic break through. Putting her presidential address in that context, Pat Farrell, OSF suggested tools to help us navigate these tumultuous times with trust and a spirit of adventure:  contemplation, prophecy, solidarity with the marginalized, community, non-violence, and joyful hope.

Our LCWR annual assemblies are bookends, holding between them a variety of texts. A theme connects the volumes, but each is penned with the distinct flavor of a specific region. Sometimes, as was the case this year, there is a turn of events that leads to a surprise ending, or more accurately, to a still-evolving story line that we construct together. Mystery is the predominant genre.