By: Sr. Maryellen Kane
The annual Leadership Assembly of the U.S. Federation – originally planned to be held in Scottsdale, Arizona – was held virtually from November 4th through November 6th, 2020. The annual Leadership Assembly consists of all the leaders of our 20 congregations under the U.S. Federation. The theme of the Leadership Assembly was “Mission Meets the Moment.” The opening prayer and video, which featured photos from our member Congregations, reflected our response as Sisters of St. Joseph to be a visible sign of love at this challenging moment for our world. In sharing the state of the heart and reading the signs of the time there is a readiness to be about a revolution of tenderness for the life of the world.
Thursday continued with a presentation by Sr. Mary Pellegrino (Baden). Sr. Mary’s presentation was built upon her article “Esther’s Gamble.” Using Esther as a model, the Leadership Assembly reflected on the call to move from a worldview of empire to one of neighborhood, to move from a mindset of scarcity to abundance.
Friday was devoted to the business of the Leadership Assembly. The day began with a focus on the Federation’s common Novitiate Program. As the program has just completed its twentieth year, this was a good time to reflect on the needs of the program as it moves forward into the future. The Leadership Assembly also discussed expanding the U.S. Federation office to include a national JPIC coordinator. The U.S. Federation’s Treasurer’s report was given, and time was spent clarifying roles in the Federation’s new structure.
While the pandemic curtailed some events the Federation’s offices ability to change over to the virtual realm kept the mission moving forward. This is reflected in the 2020 Annual Report.
As the Leadership Assembly closed, the gathering of almost 90 Sisters of St. Joseph from across the United States and Canada all affirmed that we are made for this moment.
[Sr. Maryellen Kane is the executive director of the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph]
