Soundings Update...and Reflecting on CSSJ Communicators Meeting

After a week in sunny California, it’s time to get back to reality. Our meeting of CSSJ Communicators was wonderful. It is always a gift to be together with women and men, lay and religious who are so committed to furthering the mission and message of the Sisters of St. Joseph. We are a faith-filled group, a hardworking group and also a fun-loving group. And we made time for all of this during our days together.

Pat Nelson, CSJ, from Los Angeles was our keynote speaker. I think she really got us all hooked on her message when she started by reading mission statements from various CSSJ congregations across the country. It was both astounding and affirming to hear how similar these statements are. We weren’t so much surprised as we were in awe of how we really are ONE – how women from diverse areas of the country who until recently have barely known each other – consistently come up with such similar language to express the core of who we are.

I published the latest issue of Soundings Update from California and am just now getting to post the link online. http://www.csjboston.org/su_June-10-2009.CV01.pdf
Even with all the ways I use technology, it never ceases to amaze me that I can actually do my ordinary office work three time zones away. The feature article in this issue is about The Literacy Connection, one of our nine Sponsored Ministries . Each spring they conclude their year with a celebration of gratitude and achievement for all who have been part of The Literacy Connection. It is always a dynamic celebration.

I thought I'd also share pictures to give a glimpse of the beauty of Southern California. Everywhere throughout the grounds of the center where we were meeting are spectacular flower gardens. I included this one at the left because for me it symbolizes the spirit of possibility and promise that seemed to permeate our gathering.

This is Seal Beach, CA. where we had supper one of the evenings during our conference.

Above is the restaurant where we ate. Below is the view from the pier at Seal Beach.

And...just in case anyone is wondering if we did any work...this Rob, the Communications Director for Orange, CA, displaying a summary of the work we're taking home as we continue the conversation...