Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) "Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America"

The 2012 LCWR Assembly begins today in St. Louis, Missouri and concludes on Saturday. The theme is Mystery Unfolding: Leading in the Evolutionary Now (click here and see page 4).  To learn more about the LCWR click here.  

The above video found on You Tube is a beautiful tribute featuring numerous supporters who choose to stand with the sisters. Photos are from prayer services, vigils, peaceful demonstrations, Masses, and other gatherings in support of women religious in the United States in May and June 2012 in response to the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith's assessment of the Leadership Conference  of Women Religious and various other investigations and criticisms of Sisters in the U.S. 

Sr. Mary Charlotte Chandler, RSCJ former member of the Society of the Sacred Heart Provincial Team is one of the many sisters' featured in this short promo for an exhibit that ended earlier this year.  Sr. Chandler served with eight other religious sisters on the Women & Spirit History Committee.   While the touring exhibit has ended there is a DVD entitled "Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America" which was narrated by our very own Sacred Heart alumna, NPR senior news analyst and ABC news political commentator Cokie Roberts.  

“From the time the Ursulines arrived in New Orleans in 1727 up to today, women religious have made an incalculable contribution 
to this nation. Running schools, hospitals and orphanages from America’s earliest days, these women helped foster a culture of social service that has permeated our society. Over the centuries these courageous women overcame many obstacles—both physical and cultural—to bring their civilizing and caring influence to every corner of the country. Understanding and celebrating the history of women religious is essential to understanding and celebrating the history of America.”

          ~ Cokie Roberts, news analyst, author and Sacred Heart alumna 

Collaborating with the RSCJ

Maggie Sieger Kaspura, AASH Interim National Office Director and MER enjoyed
 being with members of the Society and Network of Sacred Heart Schools in St. Charles, MO

Last April, Society of the Sacred Heart U.S. Provincial and AASH Honorary President, Sr. Paula Toner, RSCJ, invited me to attend a collaborative meeting with members of her Provincial Team, as well as incoming Provincial Sr. Barbara Dawson, RSCJ. We met on Sunday, July 8th in St. Charles, Missouri, home of the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne.  The participants included Sr. Paula Toner and a few members of her provincial team: Sisters Susan Maxwell, Mary Charlotte Chandler and Mary Kay Hunyady, as well as Sr. Shirley Miller, RSCJ Director of Mission Advancement and Ms. Therese Meyerhoff, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the U.S. Province.  Joining us from the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, Madeleine Ortman, Executive Director and Dr. Joseph Ciancaglini, Chair of the Network Board and Head at 91st Street. 

In mid July, I was invited to attend the Society's Provincial Assembly in St. Louis as one of their constituency collaborators, to be back at the Shrine to attend mass with over 230 RSCJ's and witness the Leadership Blessing Ceremony.  Yesterday, August 1st, Sr. Barbara Dawson and her new Provincial Team began their three year term.  Read more here about the New Leadership Team for the Society of the Sacred Heart, U.S. Province 

As you may know the U.S. Provincial of the Religious of the Sacred Heart serves as the Honorary President of AASH and is an advisor to the Board of Directors.  On behalf of the Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart, I want to publicly say "thank you" to Sr. Paula Toner RSCJ and her team for their leadership and devotion to all the "children of the Sacred Heart."  Please know that as you prepare to transition into new roles within the Society you will be in our hearts and prayers. 

To our new AASH Honorary President and U.S. Provincial, Sr. Barbara Dawson, RSCJ and her Provincial Team, Sisters Meg Causey, Sheila Hammond, and Diana Wall, rest assured that the AASH looks forward to continuing our support and promotion of the various ministries served by our beloved Society.