The beauty and colors of the trees and bushes outside were reflected by the autumn decor and ambiance in our gathering room. The handouts included the full text of the 2016 Chapter Acts, excerpts from our SNJM Congregational Policies and Guidelines on charism and associate commitment, reflection questions and other texts.
The focus of the morning session was the environment, gift of our Creator, in the light of the 2016 General Chapter Acts and Scripture. With ritual and songs based on the Book of Genesis, we viewed Laudato Si, A Canadian Perspective, a superb video, followed by a reflective presentation on openness, welcoming and caring for the Earth, our Mother, during which, we heard the urgency to act in our day-to-day lives. The video included a very informative four-page general summary of Laudato Si.
In the afternoon, the focus was on our SNJM Charism of education in the faith, with a reference to Sunday’s Gospel from Luke. “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” We heard the call to share our faith, to live our faith, especially within the context of the 2016 Chapter Acts, in whatever path of life God has called us (married, single, religious), attempting to cast fire on the earth as Marie-Rose did.