Updates

Promise Groups

March 2008. Nothing would be happening with the Promises if it wasn’t for the individual work of each person involved. It is so energizing to hear of each Group’s movement toward action. Yes, it has taken time and sometimes seemed too slow, however the waiting and listening allows for birthing of something new. The issues in front of us are complex and it takes time to discern and peel apart the layers. The following is a bullet-point summary of what each Promise Group is engaged:

Unity & Reconciliation

March 2008. State of the Heart (a prayer practice of the Sisters of St. Joseph) developing materials for the website; helping promote in local communities and other venues (e.g. meetings)

Focused effort on developing 'tools of reconciliation'

Standing with People who are Poor

March 2008. Focused effort on immigration; looking at the 'New Sanctuary Movement' and the Bishop's document, 'Strangers No Longer.'

Looking for op-ed/media opportunities to address immigration issues

Ecological Justice

March 2008. Preparing for energy audits in each local community

Promises Coordinating Committee

March 2008. The Promises Coordinating Committee (PCC) is aware of the work being done on many levels with regard to the Promises. We, as a Community and with our co-ministers and friends, seem to be listening to the Spirit�s movement and discerning how to approach the many complex issues brought before us in light of ecological justice, unity and reconciliation, and standing with people who are experiencing poverty. The following outlines some of the movements unfolding at this time.

(1) Quarterly Project
Recently, a booklet was mailed to each community titled �The Transformative Power of Forgiveness.� This is also available on the Congregation�s website. It is the hope of the PCC to provide a reflection/project once a quarter that touches on all three Promises. Whereas this recent project is obviously focused strongly on unity and reconciliation, it also touches on the other two Promises. Upcoming projects include a reflection on Islam (for April/May 2008) and a look at immigration (for January 2009). Each of these projects will be developed to share within the local community as well as at a regional level, inviting friends and co-ministers to share in the resource.

(2) Regional Focus
Sisters will be responsible for disseminating information in the region and helping to coordinate regional events. It is the hope of the PCC that more activity will take place on a regional level, since it is in the area where you live and minister that relationships are built. This is ideal for sharing the abundance of resources we all have, the message of the Promises, and working specifically to enhance your region�s individual needs.

(3) Regional 'Justice Movie Night'
With the effort of Maria Elena Perales (Justice Coordinator) and Robert Cogswell (Director of Communications), each region has available to them the opportunity to plan a monthly movie night, mimicking the 'Friday Night Movie' in Orange. This is a wonderful way to invite and introduce others to the Promises and to the issues facing our world today. If you are interested in bringing this to your region or ministry, the DVDs and study packets are available through St. Joseph Library (Orange). If you need help preparing this program, please contact a Sister in your area, Maria Elena, Robert, or anyone else on the Promises Coordinating Committee.

Foundational work has continued during these past months. So much has been done and there is so much more to do. Keep up the good work and the Promises will continue to unfold as the Spirit shows us the way.