These materials build on Module One and Module Two which looked at the stances, ways forward, and horizons that are before religious life today.
“Grace of Transformation,” Monica Brown -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFyHHx7LnSA
Introduction to “The Secret Language of Trees” (play from 0:00 – 2:15) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HiADisBfQ0&t=137s
“The Evolutionary Task: To Raise the Powers of Love Upward,” Liz Sweeney, SSJ, LCWR Occasional Papers Winter 2016 (Article is provided below)
For LCWR Zoom gatherings, small group will share on this article using these questions:
Deep change is in progress. Nearly fifty years ago Lawrence Cada S.M. and a group of colleagues published a seminal contribution to social and organizational change entitled Shaping the Coming Age of Religious Life (1979). A central premise of the work is that each age in the history of religious life arose in response to dramatic social change in the church and in the larger cultural and political arena. The seeds of the next dominant image of religious life emerge from a period of ambiguity and crisis in which the dominant image of religious life seems no longer suited to the aspirations of the age.
The present social context is both chaotic and liminal. At a time of division, polarization, and deconstruction of social institutions, there is a profound spiritual hunger. The findings from the LCWR leadership teams interviews suggest an evolution of consciousness that is deeply spiritual. The shifts underway in understanding of identity, mission, and charism are contributing to recognition of the value of presence and awareness that being, the very substance of who a person is, is of far greater value than what one does. As consciousness shifts, there is awareness of how truly interdependent and fragile the world is. The emerging paradigm calls for a more expansive and mutual form of collaboration, not only with other religious entities but with many other movements and organizations that value the common good and God’s dream of love and justice.
The interview data reflect intentional emphasis of relationship, mutuality, interconnection, communion, and union with God. This shift calls for greater sharing of resources, recognition of diverse gifts and competencies, and moving from a need to control to walking side-by-side with other deeply spiritual and gifted persons who see the world and God’s people with eyes of compassion. These “seeds” present in the data may contribute to defining the next “coming age of religious life.”
– Anne Munley, IHM, excerpt from Learnings from the Journey -- The LCWR Leadership Team Interviews: Findings, Implications, and the Persistent Call to Transformation
You must register ahead of time in order to receive the link to the Zoom session.
When a wise woman leads, she calls a circle together and makes a place for stories to be shared, hopes to be uttered, and revelations to unfold.
When a wise woman leads, she leads from stillness-where she has gathered herself, mined her experience for its insight, and turned her wisdom into story.
When a wise woman leads, she listens to the voice and hears the spirit.
she steps up and out, even when the path ahead is rugged or unclear.
When a wise woman leads, she dares to be vulnerable,
dares to be real, dares to speak from a place of unknowing.
When a wise woman leads, the experience of the journey
is as important as the arriving.
When a wise woman leads, she thinks with her head,
ponders with her heart, decides with her soul.
When a wise woman leads, she knows when to leave,
when to let go, and when to push on.
When a wise woman leads, she speaks with the intensity of fire, the freshness of air,
the groundedness of earth, and the depth of the sea.
When a wise woman leads, she bears witness to our oneness,
and chooses what is best for the common good.
She is a tempest against injustice, a torrent of hopefulness,
a wellspring of wisdom.
She leads for the benefit of every sentient being,
that life will be sustained, that well-being will prevail,
that goodness will shine over all our days. -- Jan Phillips, 2015
Allow approximately 25 minutes for this conversation in groups of 4-5
Participants briefly introduce themselves and then share ideas on the following questions using contemplative dialogue. Please allow each participant in your group an opportunity to speak once before anyone speaks a second time. After all have spoken, participants listen carefully to what was shared and note the emergence of shared wisdom in the dialogue.
Allow approximately 10 minutes for a few people to speak.
Facilitators invite anyone who would like to share briefly about one key insight that emerged in the breakout session conversation that might be helpful for all to hear. Keeping the insights brief will allow the group to hear many of the key insights.
Allow approximately 25 minutes for conversation on the same questions as Round One in groups of 4-5. (The groups will be different from Round One.)
Allow approximately 10 minutes for a few people to speak.
Holy God, open our hearts to deepen our call and recognize your presence among us. May we draw upon our wisdom and experiences as we respond to the questions of today and the concerns of tomorrow. Give us freedom to speak openly, to act boldly, and to listen compassionately as we explore ways forward. All glory, honor, and praise are yours, Holy God, for all ages. Amen.