SND Forward in the United States

Sisters from the Chardon and Toledo Provinces born 1950 or later were invited to a weekend leadership experience at Lial Renewal Center from July 19 – 21, 2013. During their time together Sister Mary Kristin and Sister Mary Shauna shared with the sister participants information on the cycle of religious life and important aspects of our congregation when considering revitalization. The group of approximately 65 sisters then participated in a process of sharing called “The World Café” discussing what the vision of revitalization might look like in the United States. The rest of their time together was spent in dialogue and reflection about who we are and who we want to be in the future to advance the Reign of God in our cultural context of the U.S.

Comments about the experience from some of the sisters follows:

Sr. Eileen Marie Quinlan, Notre Dame College, Chardon Province
“It is a graced time to remember together what we share, and to have an opportunity to dream over shared future. As we get to know one another’s lights and shadows, we trust the Good God to walk with us. “

Sr. Mary Cynthia Shaffer, Jacksonville Florida, Toledo Province
“The entire experience was great! The energy was contagious! I was enriched by Sister Mary Kristin’s sharing on our worldwide congregation. And I was grateful for the time to embrace our shared reality, to dream and vision for our future. It was a dynamic experience connecting and collaborating across provinces.”

Sister Mary Dolores Mikula, Nicaragua, Chardon Province
“I found this SND Forward weekend to be revitalizing, hope-inducing, and very helpful. I live at a distance and love the opportunity to reconnect with my sisters and share SND charism, community, and mission. I know this sounds a bit over the top, but it helped me to “fall in love again” with Notre Dame! I feel reconnected, renewed, and recommitted. I see our potential and feel very hopeful!”

Sister Patricia Marie McClain, Lial School, Toledo Province
“I appreciated being invited to be part of the leadership of our future. All of us are leaders and need to be part of the process. The energy among us as SND’s is powerful. We know there will be “change” and it is energizing walking into it together rather than fearing it alone.”