It was another real homecoming April 5-7, 2013. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity’s Delegates and Alternates actually arrived from the 4 directions by foot, car and plane for one last meeting in preparation for our June 2013 General Chapter at our Motherhouse in Manitowoc, WI. (Our General Chapter occurs every 6 years for the purpose of promoting suitable renewal and treats major Congregational business matters.)
In typical Franciscan fashion, first on this weekend’s agenda was a social! Of course, Community Director Sister Louise Hembrecht also warmly welcomed all of us home. St. Francis Chapel was the setting for a candle-light Night Prayer. Several selections of Taize music highlighting the Easter octave’s festive spirit of joy were sung with grateful hearts.
Important to this meeting was the review of the General Administration 
Report-a collection of all the Congregational happenings and work that has transpired since the last General Chapter. Sister Ritarose Stahl, Sister Judanne Stratman and Sister Lorita Gaffney were elected to be the ‘official examiners’. Chapter Planning Committee (Sister Mary Edith Schimpf, Sister Anne Marie Selinsky, Sister Camilla Wolfgram, Sister Myra Jean Sweigart and Sister Natalie Binversie) provided leadership and managed many behind the scenes arrangements in conjunction with members of the General Administration.
Much of the remaining time was spent in preparing presentation papers and sample ballots on submitted proposals from the Community. Major topics were discussed and worked on in 4 committees- Growth, Administration, Ministry and Community.
Sunday included a practice session on parliamentary procedure, a review of significant manuals to be used in June and announcements on the details of final work assignments and deadlines. Our Community Chapter begins June 16, 2013. We invite you to please continue to pray with us.
St. Francis, pray for us.
Note: Can you name any of the Sisters pictured in these photos?
