The impact of SCJs in North America
“What is the gift we bring to the Church in North America and how do we sustain it?”
This was the theme that emerged as the SCJ administrations of Canada and the United States talked about the superior general’s 2013 visitation to North America. It’s the theme they chose for the continental assembly that will close the visitation.
For over 20 years the administrations of Canada and the United States have held joint meetings, generally twice a year, to discuss topics of common concern, share news about members and ministries, and dialogue on issues of the worldwide congregation.
The general visitation, and its concluding assembly, was one of the primary agenda items of the November 14 meeting held at a retreat center near Toronto.
Similar continental gatherings have already been held in Europe and Asia, and will soon take place in Africa and Latin America. In Europe, SCJs discussed the impact of secularity. In Asia, the theme centered on the growth of the congregation in an Asian context. Next June, African SCJs will explore what it means to be a religious in Africa.
The North American assembly will take place at the end of September. More details will be made available soon.
If you are unable to display the brief slideshow above, click here to go to the photo gallery.
New, but familiar
Recently we noted that Fr. Bill Marrevee was appointed to a second term as regional superior of Canada. Last week, the regional council was appointed. As Fr. Maurice Légaré notes, the names should sound familiar; the entire council was reappointed to a second term:
1st Councillor: Fr. Claude Bédard
2nd Councillor: Fr. Richard Woodbury
3rd Councillor: Fr. Paul Tennyson
Donor care center in the news
St. Joseph’s Indian School in South Dakota is in the process of developing a donor care center in Sioux Falls. The center is a means of expanding the school’s fund raising efforts from direct mail.
“We’re looking at other ways to raise money, and we came up with the idea of a donor care center,” said Kory Christianson, executive director of development. “It will involve social (media), web, online, inbound and outbound calling.”
Kory was quoted in an article in the Sioux Falls Business Journal online. To read the full article, click here.
A new collaboration
Echoing a project initiated by Fr. Tom Garvey years ago in the United States (Sacred Heart Communities in Collaboration), representatives from three religious communities who share the spirituality of the Heart of Jesus met at the SCJs’ Generalate on November 16.
During a recent gathering of the superiors general in Rome, Fr. José Ornelas Carvalho, SCJ general, invited members of other communities based in Sacred Heart spirituality to dialogue on possible collaborative efforts. Such collaboration could focus on formation or ministry with the laity. Together, said one of the organizers of the meeting, the communities could create an updated, contemporary theological expression of Sacred Heart spirituality.
The group is only in the initial stages of discussion. They will meet again on January 23 at the SCJ Generalate.
Click here to read more about the effort.
Have you visited SHSM (website) lately?
Several months ago Sacred Heart Southern Missions updated its website. The following story about the work of the SHSM Thrift Store, is one of several recent posts:
“Sacred Heart Southern Missions Thrift Store has been an important part of the ministries offered from the earliest days of our work in northern Mississippi. Besides serving the poor with low cost clothing, shoes and household items our Thrift Store extends free services especially to families affected by disasters: floods, fire and tornadoes. Free service is also extended to shoppers who demonstrate an inability to pay even the small prices for needed goods.
“’We care deeply about our customers,’ says Thrift Store manager Debra, ‘and treat each one with dignity and respect.’ The Thrift Store, like our food pantries, is a vital service for individuals and families whose meager incomes can sometimes leave little for food, clothing and household items after rent, utilities and transportation expenses are met.
“Some customers come to the store with little to spend. Some come with nothing but their need. All are thankful that this crucial service is staffed and stocked. As frequent customer Shirley says, ‘They don’t do this for profit. They only want to help everyone. We all need help from time to time. We all need to help each other as much as we can because the Lord Visits Here.’”
Click here to visit the updated SHSM website.
Upcoming meetings and events:
November 22-23, Provincialate Offices closed for Thanksgiving
December 18-19, Provincial Council Meeting
December 24-26, Provincialate Offices closed for Christmas
December 31 – January 1, Provincialate Offices closed for New Year’s
2013:
January 29-30: Provincial Council Meeting
March 13: Local Superiors Meeting
March 14: Provincial Council Meeting
April 8-9: Mission Education Conference, St. Joseph’s Indian School
April 30 – May 1: Provincial Council Meeting (budgets)
Week of June 3: Province Election Assembly.
2014:
July 7-11, 2014: Provincial Chapter
