The Council of Women Religious

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The August 22, 2003 Council of Religious, Diocese of Raleigh, meeting was called to order by Sr. Barbara Marie Cady.  Song, prayer and reflection provided a spiritual focus for the group.

 The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and accepted as written.

 Correspondence received from Sr. Mary Jean Korejwo and Sr. Loretta Jean Schorr were acknowledged.  Both thanked the Council.  (Loretta Jean Schorr, C.D.P., 245 Lincoln Avenue, Apt 704, Pittsburgh, PA).

 Joan Price, Diocese of Raleigh Office, requested a representative form the Council for the Endowment for the Poor Committee.  Discussion regarding the circumstances of the request were unknown and Sr. Barbara Marie will inquire as to the date of the meeting, task of the committee, etc.  Sr. Mary Jean Korejwo has agreed to serve on this Committee.

 Committee Reports followed:

 CELEBRATION COMMITTEE:  Sr. Janet Schemmel encouraged everyone to sign up for the September 20, 2003 (9:30-2:30 pm) Day of Enrichment Event to be held at Apex featuring Sr. Melannie Svoboda.  “Give Yourself the Gift of a Healthy Spirituality” is the topic.  Sr. Joanna Walsh will assist with nametags.  Sr. Mary Jean placed the invitation in the NC CATHOLIC.  There will be a reception for Sr. Melannie from 6:30-8:00 pm on Sept 19^th.  Order of the day for Sept 20^th – invocation by Sr. Mary Margaret, introduction by Sr. Mary Jean.  Intertwined will be vocation promotion, highlighting the Council itself and the sale of books written by the guest speaker.

 Guest speaker for the year 2004 will be Sr. Dolores Klein, SCA.

 Jubilee Celebration:  Sr. Janet will contact the Bishop seeking a date for the event.  Religious celebrating 25, 40, 45, 50 55, 60 years of profession are encouraged to forward their names to the committee.  The event is meant for all to celebrate consecrated life.  The date will be published as soon as possible.

 Updating the Sisters:  Sr. Attracta is scheduled to lead a workshop November 22, 2003.  The topic is Immigration.  More information will be sent via email when available.

 Communication Committee:  Srs. Mary Therese and Joanna shared their committee’s report.  In light of the research there is a need to create a vocation culture.  Former presumptions have changed.  Today’s five aspects include – pray with you, evangelize, experience working with you, mentoring and inviting.  There is a need to focus on youth.  Some of this information will be incorporated during the Sept 20^th workshop.  Sr. Barbara Marie requested to join this committee since she has been asked by her community to serve on vocation promotion.  A plan of action created by the committee was distributed.  A vocation information document was distributed.  The committee is seeking vocational materials from local communities.  Send them to Sr. Mary Therese, 3008 Old Raleigh Road, Apex, NC 27502.  Packages of information will be collated and placed where young folks gather, such as Short Journey, Topsail Beach and Avila.

 Sr. Mary Jean gave an update regarding the mail program via the computer.  Easiest way, please note:  send information to

maryjean@raleighcouncilofreligious.com

A listing of the sisters in the diocese was distributed.  Corrections will be forthcoming.

 Sr. Mary Jean quoted from the national newsletter of the Retirement Fund for Religious and noted the reasons for the 14% decrease in the campaign collection.  “Less money, increased need, more communities eligible to receive money and stress on the national economy.”  The need for the fund remains.  Volunteers are requested for this year’s presentation which is designated for 12-13-03.

 New business included a table discussion regarding the needs and desires for future presentations for the sisters.  Addressing the roles of the Council and its helpfulness to individual sisters was touched upon.

 Sr. Margaret Gallagher will contact Sr. Damian regarding the timing of the December retreat at Avila.  Over the course of time attendance has decreased.

 Sr. Mary Margaret indicated that at the Day of Enrichment (9-20-03) a table will be available regarding The Woman’s Task Force.  Following the event it will be noted the amount of energy and passion to discern further activity.

 Time Table:  Council meetings are scheduled for November 21, 2003 – February 27, 2004 and May 21, 2004

 Sisters in attendance – Sr. Mary Margaret Weber, Sr. Mary Therese Brown, Sr. Janet Schemmel, Sr. Mary Jean Korejwo, Sr. Barbara Marie Cady, Sr. Margaret Gallagher, Sr. Joanna Walsh and Sr. Mary Ann Czaja

Submitted by Sr. Mary Ann Czaja