Holy Spirit Sisters (SSpS) of the Australian Province gathered together recently for their Provincial Assembly and Chapter meeting with the focus on discerning God’s Dreams for the Province.
“The theme of our Assembly and Chapter was ‘Recognising God’s Dream for our Province in our Present Reality’,” says Sr Sarita.
“So we looked at all the aspects of our present reality – the reality of religious life in today’s world and how it impacts our Province in our present situation. We had some good discussion, sharing and input, reflecting on our Congregation from the beginning until now. The experience was really enriching.”
Sr Sarita says the Chapter was enhanced by excellent facilitation, and also by a period of preparation in the months leading up to it.
“We found the Pre-Chapter preparation very helpful,” she says. “It really prepared the whole Province to reflect together and to own the Chapter and to feel that we’re all doing it together.
“It was also wonderful to have mission minded Lay members who are involved in our Institutions, presenting their Reports. By sharing about the current realities of our Institutions and how they try hard to integrate the business aspects with a true focus on mission helped us to discern what is God’s dream for us and in which we way God is leading us.”
SVD Provincial, Fr Henry Adler, was also present at the SSpS Chapter meeting and says it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Arnoldus Family in this region (the SVD and SSpS were both established by St Arnold Janssen).
“I had the opportunity to address the Chapter and it was a great opportunity to focus on our collaboration and the work we’ve been doing,” Fr Henry says.
“We are looking forward to continuing to work with the SSpS as one Arnoldus family.”
Sr Sarita says out of the 38 members in the Province, 20 Sisters actively participated in the Chapter, from various parts of Brisbane, Alice Springs, Sydney and Melbourne.
“It was a great time for us to gather together, because we are spread all around the country with our different ministries,” she says.
“It was also a meaningful celebration of our multiculturalism. We are from 17 nationalities and so this gathering was very enriching. We had some time for recreation together, which was very enjoyable.”
Sr Sarita says the Chapter experience was characterised by an atmosphere of prayer and reflection.
“We spent a lot of time listening to God and each other, discerning prayerfully where God is leading us,” she says.