The Council of Women Religious |
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The Council of Women Religious for the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina |
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1. Attendance: Bishop Burbidge, Srs. Barbara Marie, Mary Ann, Joanne, Mary Therese, Margaret, Joan, Mary Jean.
2. New Members of Council: Srs. Shirley, Mary Ann, and Gerry
3. Opening prayer … lead by Sr. Joan
4. Introductions of members present to Bishop Burbidge
5. Discussion of the “recent history” of the Council of Religious and Women Religious in our diocese … a. Strengths: we are a “voice” for the church in the diocese; we are a “voice” for the women religious of the diocese; we are grounded in service to and a love for the people of the Church of Raleigh; our “passing on the gift” program was a strong effort to promote vocations; the annual jubilee life and to honor those who are Jubilarians; the council is very welcoming of sisters who come to the diocese and also provides recognition when a sister leaves the diocese; we serve as a means of communication with the sisters through the council … including prayer requests; our website is a means of communication with the sisters and “the internet world”; each women religious represents the church to other lay people and often we are the only other voice for the church; at one time we were a “consultative body” and worked with the Priest’s Council and the Diocesan Pastoral Council; we have provided study days for women; we are a “voice” for women religious who have no “direct” connection to the church of Raleigh because their ministries are outside of schools or parishes or central office.
b. Weaknesses: have become a “non-consultative body” even on issues which directly affect women religious; we have not been able to promote vocations “along-with” the diocesan promotion of vocations to the priesthood; until two weeks ago, we were not linked on the diocesan website; we are “not known” among the people and clergy of the diocese, except in the places where we work
6. Response of Bishop Burbidge… Re-emphasis of his gratitude for the sisters and all the knowledge he gained from our meeting in Cary in September; feels that his appreciation and support need to be acknowledged not only in his words but in his style of leadership. He feels that he needs the knowledge the women religious have because they work in so many different areas and with so many kinds of people, in order to make decisions. He wishes to work with us particularly in the following areas: a. short term consultation (will be followed later by a consultation for long-term changes … perhaps a synod) b. promotion of vocations to consecrated life (several ideas surfaced which will be part of the next Council meeting making c. c. the Jubilee Celebration a more significant event in the diocese d. one day a year in which the women religious gather with their Bishop. He encouraged us to “be creative in our thinking” in all the above areas. He encouraged the Council Co-Chairs to keep in contact with him. He encouraged the Council to call him and ask, if we feel that in a given situation, we should have been consulted and were not. We agreed with him on the distinction between “consultation” and “decision” …. we are happy to leave the “decision” to him.
8. Other business: a. Reviewed Jubilee responsibilities b. Suggested that invitations be sent to all “Heads of Departments” at the diocese; and college Campus Ministers
9. Next meeting… Feb. 28th 12:30-3 Catholic Center |
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