“. . . Participants at the Heart of Creation”

Kathie Shute, CSJA

On Saturday, September 30, associates, sisters and agrégées gathered at the Motherhouse to offer a very special welcome to Annie Kaufmann, CSJ, and twelve associates who traveled from New Mexico to join in our celebration of 150 years of CSJ presence here in Boston. It was a joy-filled day — moments of quiet prayer, of shared stories, and deepening bonds of friendship and community; and a time to enjoy the delicious lunch prepared and served by Boston associates!

In offering her deeply reflective morning of prayer, Mary Catherine MacGillivray, CSJA, invited us to consider the significance of community in our lives: “The deepest nature of the soul is relationship. . . . We are not outsiders cut off from everything but rather participants at the heart of creation. Each of us brings something alive in the world that no one else can.” ¹ Together, we pondered key questions and shared personal reflections: What are the most important components in building and maintaining a thriving community? As a CSJ Associate, Sister or Agrégée, how am I called to contribute to creating community?

We are most grateful to all who shared this wonderful day – truly a flaring of unifying love!

¹ John O’Donohue, Reflections on Belonging