Sister Deborah Humphreys, SC-StE welcomed the Sisters to the fourth day of the Federation annual meeting. After introductions at the table, Sister Florence Hee, OSF presented the theme of the morning prayer and faith sharing: confronting racism.
In the first session of the morning, Seton Heritage Ministries Board Chair Sister Jane Iannucelli, SCNY shared an update of their work. The current priorities for Seton Shrine are to engage young people through re-enacting stories of Sisters and sharing images of Sisters in present-day ministries, not just to retell the history. Sister Jane also explained the 5 year road to shared governance of Seton Shrine and announced that Sister Donna Geernaert, SC-H will assume the role of Seton Heritage Ministries Board Chair.
A slideshow of photographs from House of Charity in New Orleans highlighted the work of Sisters and volunteers over the past year. During the session on ministry opportunities, the Daughters of Charity described the needs in Mississippi and the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth described needs in Haiti. Holmes County, MS is a poor county with high unemployment with a great need for help in the medical center, educational opportunities at the prison and school, and home visits with senior citizens. Haiti suffers from widespread poverty, with communities devastated by natural disasters. Current opportunities include nursing, teaching English, and supporting projects to provide clean water and goats to families in need.
The Assembly of the Whole planning committee solicited feedback from the Sisters regarding the meeting budget, marketing and engaging Sisters and Associates, and facilitating participation and translation.
With the aid of the Federation Archivists, Seton Shrine has created a booklet highlighting the 13 community histories. The next printing of the booklet will include the history of the Sisters of St. Martha of PEI.
Throughout the day videotaped messages from grassroots Sisters were viewed. These Sisters joined in on the ongoing conversation on current realities of the Federation, suggesting intergenerational mentoring, more collaborative ministries, a shared Federation formation and novitiate, and inter-congregational living may be beneficial for the future of the Federation.
In the last session of the day, tables groups prioritized current realities and actions for moving into the future and what the implications are for the next 10 years.
The Sisters boarded a bus to visit the campus of Mount St. Vincent for a tour of the SCNY archives and cemetery, a Pentecost Prayer service, and a dinner with a recognition of service and choral music.
