Josephine Barbiere, Lauren Hanley, Maryellen Kane

What deep conversations do we need to have to move us into the future? Given who we are, given our realities at this time, given our willingness to invest in a future we may never see but about which we care deeply, where do we want to spend our precious resources - our time, energy, assets, and lives - in the coming years? Date of Meeting __6/29/20______Number of Participants ____3____

Names of participants: Josephine Barbiere, Lauren Hanley, Maryellen Kane

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

• Moving out of our Death Denial and planning on how we will pass on our Charism and Mission for the sake of the Gospel. We need to ask the hard questions. Who do we need to partner with at this time, ? 3 affirmed • Renewing our commitment to the Urban poor even as our traditional ministries are no longer with us. Using money from the sale of our City properties ( St. Joseph H.S, St. Francis de Sales Convent) to create an Endowment or Foundation for Urban Ministry. 3 • Using our resources to create centers in different geographical areas to provide spiritual and theological training to Lay people so that the work of the Gospel will continue. These centers could also provide services for the needs of a particular community . • If we are to use Communal Discernment as our preferred way of decision making , which we all agree we should, we need more practice and experience with it. More practice needs to be done before the Chapter 3

Why are the areas listed important to you?

We have put many resources into our land, we have preserved them for future use and we hold them as sacred. We believe that we need to put resources into the development of people, helping them grow in their discipleship. We want to see this happen over the 4 counties of Long Island

Chapter Conversation Response Form Date of Meeting: June 25, 2020 Number of Participants: 8 Names of Participants: Helen Byrne, Pat Chelius, Paul Marita Ducharme, Joan Hroncich, Miriam Anna Morgan, Pat Rizzo, Pat Turley, Pat Walsh,

Areas to focus our energy on for the next 5 years: 1. Establish a Spirituality Center in Brentwood. Possibly consider Our Lady of Grace building 2. As we sell some of our property, use the money to: a. Hire more aides to take care of the elderly and sick Sisters, especially those in Maria Regina; and pay the aides a living wage. b. Pay off Community debts such as the cost to renovate St. Joseph Convent and any other debts. c. Empower women and children, e.g. support the Learning Connection and provide scholarships to high school and college students. 3. In the light of the changes that will be made in the future we feel that all our Sisters should have input before a final decision is made. Example: We are concerned about the appointment of the Community Life Coordinator. We feel that the Sisters should be able to elect the person who will hold this position. The areas listed are important to us because we are concerned and responsible for one another and we want to be sure that all of our Sisters (both the elderly and younger Sisters) are taken care of.

Chapter Conversation Response Form What deep conversations do we need to have to move us into the future? Given who we are, given our realities at this time, given our willingness to invest in a future we may never see but about which we care deeply, where do we want to spend our precious resources - our time, energy, assets, and lives - in the coming years?

Date of Meeting: June 25, 2020 Number of Participants: 5

Names of participants:

Sister Ann Murphy Sister Brigid O’Meara Sister Helen Rooney Sister Rose Viceconte Sister Barbara Haran

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

It is important to focus on the Legacy of our Community. This would include merging and/or completion as well as establishing foundations or trust funds for the poor and the continuation of our ministries etc.

5 people affirm the above.

Why are the areas listed important to you?

It is important because it involves our congregational and ministerial life.

Chapter Conversation Response

Date of Meeting June 10, 2020 Number 2

S. Margaret O’Donnell S. Joan Hackett

Areas:

The continued study of our owned property (Fr. Brady was not announced at this time) It seems we have a great many properties with very few sisters living in them.

Liturgy and Prayer –We feel there is a hunger for more opportunities for spirituality. With the pandemic how we are going to work this out will be a great challenge for those given the responsibility.

Without a doubt the need to move forward with peace and justice issues and the needs of the poor.

Chapter Conversation Response Form Please send your response forms to S. Barbara Yander on or before July 10, 2020. Barbara would prefer to receive your responses by email at: [email protected] What deep conversations do we need to have to move us into the future? Given who we are, given our realities at this time, given our willingness to invest in a future we may never see but about which we care deeply, where do we want to spend our precious resources - our time, energy, assets, and lives - in the coming years?

Date of Meeting 07/10/20_ Number of Participants ___7_____

Names of participants: Lynn Caton, CSJ; Mary Walsh, CSJ; Patricia Turley, CSJ; Tesa Fitzgerald, CSJ, Carole Lassared, CSJ; Connie DeVivo, CSJA; Maureen O'Shea, CSJA

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

We discussed several areas that we’d like to see the congregation focus our energy. Each was affirmed by a people:

• Anything that is a concern of God, should be a concern of ours • Our relationships with all, people and creation are to be rooted in who we are of women rooted in the Gospel. • When we partner with others, we must not lose our identity which is lived out in our charism of of Love of God and Neighbor without distinction • We need to have hard conersations about our relationship with the Church, both the institutional church and all the people of God. Who are we in this church? What can we do for social change in the church? How can we build bridges, rather than rivers? • We should research ways to not sell our Brentwood property, rather research how it can best be used to provide for those on the margins and leave an inheritance for our dear neighbors. • Partner with experts to develop a structure to capture and utilize the deep wisdom of our elders; not just sister but the wisdom of the elders in all our circles. • Honestly assess our resources and listen deeply to each sister’s dreams so these resources can be spread to be used to allow sisters to “divide the city” and heal the ills of the world. We need to trust each other with our resources to do the work to which we’re called. • Invest in youth • Be a community of welcome. Are we living our life in a way that others would want to join us as associates, agrégée or vowed religious? Do we believe in the future of religious life? • Partner with other CSJ congregations in ministries we hold in common to expand our reach to those living on the margins.

Chapter Conversation Response Form

Date of Meeting – July 10, 2020 Number of Participants – 2

Areas to focus on for the next five years. .Provide for the needs of the Sisters as they age in ways, that are appropriate for each individual.

Utilize community assets in ways that are realistic and benefit the Sisters and the needs of others.

Identify the talents of the Sisters and connect them with areas where they can contribute their skills – especially with each other and with those in need of their skills and interests

Establish term of office for President and Councillors and regionals for 4 or 5 years with the possibility of renewal for another term. (5 year followed by a four year).

Why are the areas important to us?

Many Sisters have gifts and skills that are not known to the wider Congregation. Suggestion: Ask each Sister what she can do and how she can help both on the local level and in the larger picture? It would be good to hear their stories of what they have experienced in their life journeys as a sister. We need to establish a more relational culture in our living. As we experience fewer numbers, our Sisters will need to use the can-do-ability that they have developed in their lifetimes. We have not spent much time and energy on recognizing this.

There are many ways in which our sisters and our brothers are in need of each other. Every need cannot be addressed. Goal is to live so that this earth is a home for all people. This has many aspects to it. It is not just about solar energy or the farm (and they are good), it is about ending the various ‘isms’ that have infected us (racism, sexism, clericalism, etc). It is a way of life that we are called to – profound respect for and active participation in God’s act of Creation.

God has blessed us with financial and property assets. Even more importantly, the sisters are the assets and the relationships that they have experienced through the years become more important.

The pool of Sisters who might be interested in elective office is becoming smaller. Most of us are at retirement age or beyond it. Quickly changing circumstances in our world will necessitate different views of what leadership entails.

• Chapter Conversation Response Form What deep conversations do we need to have to move us into the future?

Date of Meeting___June 14, 2020______Number of Participants______5____ Names of Participants : S. Margaret Buckley S. Mary Florence Burns S. Elizabeth Hill S. Loretta McGrann S. Elizabeth Mullane

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Support our ministry of education in the broad sense including health care Consider a scholarship for the poor or a Regis type school How can we use our resources going forward? Continue our commitment to justice Support JPIC Educate ourselves about racism Support just immigration policy and immigrants Continue efforts to promote sustainability Teach responsible use of land, e.g., solar farm, preserve aquifer Open farms to feed neighbors Continue to provide care for our aging sisters Retain our focus on spirituality

Why are the areas listed important to you? They reflect our mission.

Chapter Conversation Response Form

Date of Meeting 7/8/20 Number of Participants 3 Names of Participants Mary Ann McCarthy Kathy Schlueter Marianne Sennick

Areas we would like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years:

Religious Life – As we look to the future, how do we as a Congregation see our vowed Religious Life?

Education We have attended to the care and education of women and girls since our founding. At this present time there is an urgent need to continue this ministry in creative ways. We want to offer the following suggestions:

Risk the opening of a school for migrant and immigrant girls on our Brentwood property.

Invite the diocese to open a Catechist Training Center in one of our underused or not used properties.

Establish a residence for women in one of our properties near the city.

All participants affirm the above.

Date of Meeting Wednesday, July 8, 2020 Number of Participants 12

Names of participants:

Miriam Blake, CSJ Roberta Oberle, CSJ Bobbie Coyle, CSJ Theresa Scanlon, CSJ Peggy Fanning, CSJ Rose Torma, CSJ Annelle Fitzpatrick, CSJ Nadine Veletanga Joan Gallagher, CSJ Bernadette Westman, CSJ Marie Mackey, CSJ Agnes White, CSJ

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

The 12 were subdivided into 3 groups of 4 and as all returned to the larger circle these are the themes/points that surfaced within all three groups:

• What is the narrative are we living out of and living into? Is it rooted in a contemporary awareness of faith and science or are we still operating in an outdated cosmology? The dismantling of Racism, just immigration policy and a reversal of climate change will only happen if we shape a narrative of communion, of oneness. • Creating a culture of invitation; attracting younger people for the vowed and non-vowed life, associates, St. Joseph Workers, partners in mission. Their attraction to the mission will companion us into the future. • How are we planning to use our resources? Need for a Foundation: We are blessed and have the resources to invest in spiritual development, education in particularly that of women and those who lack resources such as immigrants, theology and interfaith programs and other projects where we may not be able to be present to but can support its efforts. • Completion/Fulfillment: How are we planning for our reality and the likelihood that after Chapter 2021 we may only have two Chapters left in the Brentwood congregation’s history?

Why are the areas listed important to you?

In addressing these issues we have opportunity to be our most authentic self and live out our call as women religious, in particularly that of unioning love.

Other things to note: • Greater solidarity with one another during this time of pandemic; the gravesite prayers enabled sisters to pray with one another even though not all could be present for the burial of a dear sister. • Are we taking the time to grieve given the losses we have and are experiencing? Important to take time to reflect on how have we lived? Loved? And let go? • Sponsored schools: how will they be sustained in order to continue the mission?

Chapter Conversation Response Form

Date of meeting__6/21/2020______Number of Participants____4______Names of Participants: Sister St. Raymond Sister Alicia Soto Sister Carol Derby Sister Pat Hudson

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next five years? Number of people who affirm each area. • Support at least one house in Diocese of Rockville Centre for women coming out of prison and their children. Affirmed 4 • Establish and support one elementary school in the Diocese of Brooklyn for poor children. Affirmed 4 • Assure that congregation has the finances to provide for needs and comfort of elderly and sick sisters for those things that are not provided through medicare. (additional staff, recreation opportunities, etc) Affirmed 4 • That all sisters be treated equally, be included in decisions about their care and be treated with respect and dignity as they age and have new needs. Affirmed 4 • Research and implement ways to provide activity and/or environment that would add to the comfort of our sisters with Alzheimers. Affirmed Why are these areas important to you? These areas reflect the ministries of our sisters that should not be lost as we face an uncertain future. They also reflect a concern for our aging community. This should be part of our legacy.

Chapter Conversation Response Form

Date of Meeting: June 20, 2020 Number of Participants: 34 Names of Participants: This was a gathering of the members of the various congregational committees, to include Earth Matters, Justice, Non-violence group, Liturgy. We met on Zoom, and divided ourselves into 5 breakout groups (randomly mixed), and then came back together and shared as a whole. We repeated the breakout group format twice, so everyone had two experiences with a mix of members from the committees.

Anella Margaret Boccia Michelle Bolkas Heather Burke Karen Buser Mary Lou Carven Rosalie Cashin Mary Ann Cavanagh Karen Dabrera Preenika Esposito Phyllis Fitzgibbon Catherine Forker Joanne Franck Suzanne Gallagher Joan Gould Ave Heptig Joan Hill Elizabeth Kaelin Karen Kelly Eileen Kinney Janet Kohler Margaret Lucas Patsy Lynch Grace Kathleen McCann Eileen McGorry Jeanne McHugh Maryann Meehan Elizabeth Mocarski Marianne O'Keefe Rosamond Olson Linda Santoro Clara Turley Pat Walsh Mary Wilcox Susan What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Why are the areas listed important to you?

Overarching comments from the breakout sessions:

As we reflected on our current experiences during this pandemic, we are seeing ourselves at a breakthrough and perhaps ‘graced’ moment. We acknowledged to one another the many systemic issues and needs that must be addressed – particularly racial inequality, climate change, the needs of the LGBTQ community, and our relationship with the institutional church. We are being called to respond and be transformed. There is a sense of urgency among us to pay attention to what is falling into our lap, as we likely won’t have many more Chapters to respond to what is evolving around us. We must make use of our abundant resources, to include our Brentwood campus for the benefit of others. Our actions must flow from a renewed commitment to personal and communal contemplative prayer.

Areas/Themes: 4 themes were heard universally throughout all the breakout groups:

Other Themes:

Some groups noted that we need to shift from the Genesis model to the New Story as the framework for our thinking and acting, to use the wisdom of science and feminine wisdom to move from dualism to a wholistic way - All is One. We need to continue to look at the interfacing/interconnectedness of all of it.

Some groups raised the question of Governance and the new Leadership structure and posed this question: Have we really made a paradigm shift in the proposed model? It was felt that further discussion was needed before a new structure was brought to a vote of the Congregation.

Chapter Conversation Response Form Date of Meeting – 6/10/20 Number of participants – 8

Names of participants: Diane Androvich Grace Keavney Rosemary Bellantoni Elizabeth Looney Nancy Fackner Marge Miller Joanne Feulner Kathy Schaetzle

Areas of Focus

1. Commitment to Racism and racial justice; examine our policies & procedures in all organizations; provide classes in High Schools and college and workshops for employees. Consider the possibility of people of color being in management positions if they qualify. View the Congregational history on racism. Use money from the sale of our buildings for scholarship funds for students of color as well as all in need at SJC.

2. Focus more on the value of diversity – chose on merit not color of skin; see people individually – more equality needed. “Don’t become what you are fighting.”

3. Be prudent and financially responsible to assure ongoing needed medical and personal care for our sisters. Put money in trust for their care.

4. Broaden our circles to continue bringing in partners in mission; provide workshop, etc.

5. Address the pages of unfinished business from all the Neighborhood Meetings, Assemblies and Listening Sessions held the past few years, such as cemetery, agregees, Eucharist, etc.

6. Broaden our legacy to include Spirituality Center perhaps in Hampton Bays or Our Lady of Grace building.

7. Co-sponsor ministries such as Prison Ministries, Providence House, and Our Children.

8. Investigate AC in Sacred Heart Chapel using the small units similar to those in the Joan De Lourdes Room. (with Covid 19.....large fans will not be safe to use).

These areas are important to us because we feel strongly about them.

Chapter Planning Committee Response Present: Grace Eidt, Maureen Cameron, Mary Ryan, Kathy Schaetzle, Jeanne McGorry, Kerry Handal We are at a crossroads As we move together into an unknown future what would be the most appropriate style of Leadership for us?? What are the gift(s) and skills we would look for in a President? After voting for a President what gifts/skills are needed in the Councilors as they work in collaboration with the President and one another. At this time in our history do we need 4 Councilors? In 2021-22 what would the mode of operation look like? What does working toward completion look like?

Date of Meeting 6/16/20 Number of Participants: 4 Names: Joanne Forker, Helen Kearney, Linda Pero, Mary Ross

What areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? • Women and girls, especially those who are economically poor, marginalized by race or nationality, undocumented or disadvantaged due to systemic and personal racism. Include in this group, women in The Learning Connection and our own employees. • Use of our financial and educational resources to help educate and empower these groups via a trust or foundation. • Continue to educate the students we have and be a support to adults who have been or are connected to the Sisters of St. Joseph. • Opportunities to educate ourselves and co-ministers to hear the cry of the poor. To listen to our brothers and sisters marginalized because of racism, immigration status, gender identification and all other forms of bias and prejudice. We need to be able to empathize with their lives if we are to respond to the needs of the times.

Why are the areas listed important to you? • Many women and girls are still not treated fairly in society. • The above areas are part of who we are, where we have come from and need to be. We have to see the dignity of every person and respond to the needs of the times.

Date of Meeting is 6/20 Number of Participants. - 2 Names: Sister Patricia Dittmer Sister Barbara Yander

Areas: Care of our elderly sisters Continuing our ministry of education to include the definitions of racism and prejudice . Teaching inclusion and tolerance. Residences for sisters In light of the closing of convents and our aging population. How can we carry out our commitment to justice? What procedures are in place in the event of another pandemic?

Why are the areas listed important to you? For the continuing of our congregation and the mission to the “dear neighbor.”

Sister Patricia Dittmer CSJ St. Josephs College - Assistant Professor Dillon Center - Head Teacher

Date of Meeting; Sun., July 12, 2020 Number of Participants: 12 Names of Participants: Sisters: Maura Costello Rosaleen Scheller Preenika Dabrera Phyllis Esposito Nancy Vendura

CSJ Associates: Mary DellaVecchia Deborah Steedle Linda Olson Cathy Roberts Donna Smith Valerie Dunne Petra Robinson

Areas of affirmation for the next 5 years: -Continuing the relational opportunities to respectfully share insights on RACISM, IMMIGRATION, THE ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE, RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHURCH with specific helps/ways to do this with courage,truth and prayer, particularly when opinions are varied and even oppositional (feeling we are making a difference) -maintaining our call and committment to contemplative prayer -deepening our support for one another, sisters, associates, agregees, our youth, our Joseph Workers etc as we live out and share our charism -continuing to make wise choices regarding property All participants agreed with these affirmations because they represent our world's needs, our own hopes and goals for this world of ours.

Thank you, Barbara and committee for all the work you are doing for us.

Date of Meeting: July 6,2020 Number of Participants: 4

Names of Participants: Karen Cavanagh, Patricia Lucas, Rosamond O'Keefe and Stella Slonski

What deep conversations do we need to have to move us into the future?

As we are outward-looking, a major need is some statement regarding racism which is well evident during the pandemic. Our nation's history demonstrates the dominance of the white male.

Secondly, how do we view or face the Institutional Church?

Also, what are We in the Institutional Church? Do you think it is important to the world of who and what we are as women religious? Are we called to interactive leadership? Could this be a ministry of our presence? Would it be wonderful to open a House of Spirituality? What models do we follow in pastoral care? Do we stand up against racial and spiritual discrimination? In the spiritual model, do we view the souls of our workers from the viewpoint of our souls? How can we respond to what is falling into our laps today?....racism...poverty.. deminishment? Do we think that our Chapter of Affairs should be a contemplative experience?

What are our ministries now and how are we moving with those ministries into the future?

As we think deeply about our congregational spirituality, is it mainly personal or is it associated with our CSJ belongingness?

CHAPTER CONVERSATION RESPONSE FORM DATE: July 2, 2020 NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 10 PARTICIPANTS: Helen Rooney, Patsy Lucas, Pat Manning, Pat Ryan, Mary Lou Buser Kerry Handel, Ronnie Murtha, Grace Lynch, Alice O’Shaughnessy, Marilyn Mulvey AREAS OF CONCERN Continued commitment to our present Ministries • Care of our sick and elderly Sisters • Stewardship and management of our property • Review the models utilized in the care of our Sisters who presently live in Assisted Living Convents. The Group favors a Palliative model in place of a Medical Model. • Ongoing financial support for the continuation and expansion of the Learning Connection • To renew and deepen our vision regarding the uniqueness of our CSJ spirituality. This involves exploring our personal and Congregational approach to diversity and inclusivity. • The struggle will continue with the Institutional Church regarding the use of the White Male Supremacy mode. How can we respond? All 10 members affirm these 7 areas as priorities we wish to focus on in the next 5 years IMPORTANCE OF THESE AREAS • Our aging Sisters in need of assistance continue to live in a Convent. This is their home. Presently there seems to be a shift to a more Medical model. This can include emphasizing a more authoritarian approach. Contemporary leanings support a Palliative approach. • In 1994, the Learning Connection was initiated by Leadership to assist the local immigrant women and their families. After 25years, this educational endeavor continues to expand. Regretfully, the town of Brentwood has had over 4,440 cases of the covid-19 virus. This is the highest rate in any town on Long Island. It is recommended that a trust fund be established for the continuation of services to this dear neighbor in our midst. • For the sale and use of Property, it is recommended that the Sisters be involved in discussions previous to the actual selling of the property. The values of collaboration, transparency and communication need to be incorporated. In preparation for this next election it would be helpful if we could explore various contemporary models of leadership. • As a Congregation, we are now moving in the direction that involves many “lay partners in Ministry.” It is essential that our President and Councilors be dedicated to a full time ministry to the Congregation. How can we integrate inclusive and collaborative approaches with and among our Sisters? How can we as a Congregation create a new vision?

All 10 members are hopeful and believe that these 4 areas are priorities we wish to focus on in the next 5 years

CHAPTER CONVERSATION RSPONSE FORM

July 9, 2020 Five Participants

Filippa Luciano, Mary Owen Mullaney, Leonilla Coughlin, Miriam Daniel Pender, Lorraine O’Neill

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

All 5 sisters present affirmed the following discussion points.

Look at other living places for our sisters. Plan and use our resources in such a way that we do not exhaust them and then be a burden to others. Regarding Properties and Guidelines: Our congregation should be a priority and then our concern should be for the poor. Look at our congregational needs first. Looking at what we have been doing and continue to work with girls and women. This is a very important concern for us. Affirm the sisters and co-ministers who are working with girls and women, supporting them, empowering them, standing behind them. It is important that we continue this work. Place our trust in God and take things as they come to us day by day. Affirm the best use of our farmland and all the environmental things taking place in Brentwood. Continue to care for our environment, for example, solar energy, conservation; continue to be open to how we can best use the land to help other people. Be environmentally sound and financially responsible. These projects are sometimes very expensive. Continue to support the ministries we have. We have seen good results as we continue to work with women and girls.

Why are the areas listed important to you?

These areas are important to us because they speak of our Charism…love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction.

Participants: 2 Names: Attilia Mazzina; Maria Pascuzzi Dates: over many meals Reporter: Maria Pascuzzi

Re: Deep Conversations: 1) a deep conversation is needed about our 'identity' as women religious in relation to the church 2) a deep conversation is needed about the reality of our own diminishment and the finality that awaits us both individually and as a congregation.

Re: Areas of Focus

1. Education -- of young women who will be tomorrow's 'influencers"; of the poor for whom education is a vehicle out of the indignity of poverty 2. Religious education/ faith formation - at all levels 3. Health Care - especially in under-served parts of Long Island to people who do not have the resources to go elsewhere and get assistance.

Why are these important? Because they reflect and carry forward the mission to which the congregation has been historically committed and to which Sisters have dedicated their lives..

Met June 23, 2020 outside on the grounds of the Sisters of St. Joseph Campus.

Opened with Charism Prayer, Joan Mitchell, CSJ

Tina Cafaro, Marie Dolce, Ellen Edellman, Alice Guernan, Pat Sanwald, and Cathy Roberts

Area for Congregation to focus on:

* Racism - Commitment to justice for all who will be challenged by bigotry. Unite and work together to fight racism by seeking to create a congregation of diversity.

We need to have deep conversations to discuss and develop learning how to journey in our Charism as Associates of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

* Awareness of inclusion:

Seeking racial inclusion to broaden social awareness

Education. Generational attitudes and views change as social issues are brought to ones attention. Education is a vital resource to awareness and change.

Brentwood Community Outreach. Community interaction is a resource for racial education for understanding and growth to advance the elimination of racism.

* Legacy of the Associates in our future goals: Create a way to engage the Associates with more senior Sisters who would be willing to share their spiritual wisdom and soul journey's vision of God. Women's empowerment through deep and true mutuality and complementarity acceptance of the Associates as "sisters". * Ongoing spiritual growth through Congregational Liturgies: We would like to gather for Congregational Liturgies to deepen our spiritual insights as we deepen our relationship with God and our Sisters of St. Joseph. These areas of focus are important to us because they will enable us to continue to carry out the mission of the CSJ's. Thanks - Marie Dolce

Date of Meeting-7/6/20 Number of Participants-13

Name Of Participants: Pat Rutter, Regina Coll, Pat Casey, Febronia Loewenstein, Margaret Ruddy, Miriam Corr, Miriam Pender, Anne Clancy, Rosemarie Figlia, Liz Kelly, Marilyn Mulvey, Pat Carroll, and Mary Morrin

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? 1) Spirituality-better preparation for retirement and deepening our spirituality as we age. 2) Our Property-expansion of our assisted living facilities. 3) Preparing for a covenant relationship with another community as we prepare for our future. 4) Resale of our property to our long time workers at an affordable price-set up as a land trust.

Why are the areas listed important to you? We are living many of these concerns now and wish to be better prepared for our future.

Date of Meeting 6/25/20 Number od Participants 3 Names of participants: Sisters Kathleen Loughlin, Karen Kaelin, Mary Lou Buser

What area or areas would you like to see our Congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Mindful the New Story of God’s creation teaches us that all is one; the Scriptures tell us all is one; our charism speaks to us of union. We believe we should focus our energies on our neighbors who suffer the injustices of racism, inequality, poverty, etc. Aware that we cannot do this alone or in a given time period we suggest that we have a conversation about opening our campus, both buildings and land, to provide space for others who are of like mind and join together in working toward justice and well being for all. A more immediate issue is governance. Do we wish to continue with the hierarchical structure we have now or do we wish to move to a more collaborative structure? We, three particpants, agree on these issues.

Date of Meeting - Saturday, July 4, 2020 Number of Participants - 8 (& facilitator) S. Rosemary Lorenzen S. Grace Baran S. Pat Grant S. Stella Auricchio S. Margaret Secour Anella S. Peggy Ford S. Virginia Chasas S. Priscilla Weidenshlager (S. Kate Braet Facilitating and "Recording Secretary")

Where should we focus? Connect and join with our dear neighbors in our Brentwood area How do we attract people to continue and carry out our charism? Continue our religious education ministry with the young As we grow smaller in numbers and move closer physically, many are lonely. We need to be good to each other. We need to support each other as we supported others in the past. Many of those who minister to us are working more than one job to support their families. We need to put priority on supportive wages especially for the loving women who have been our caregivers in this pandemic. Wages, not according to the accepted scale, but wages that reflect their life giving presence in our CSJ family.

As each Sister shared, each point expressed was supported by everyone in the group.

Why are the areas listed important to you? One response was affirmed by the others - "Because this is who we are."

Non Violence Community Reflections for the Chapter Planning Committee Areas we would like to see the congregation focus our energy on in the next 5 years: • Dismantling our nation’s nuclear warfare program. • Engage in anti-racism study / training for members, employees of our institutions, our congregation. • Continue to confront non-violently the injustices we see. Adopt a public anti-racism stance and use communication / messaging that responds to occasions when we need to speak up.

These areas listed are important to us because: • The effects of militarism are all pervasive. The nuclear threat holds in place and enforces dominance over others rather than seeking peace. Domestic enforcement agencies are adopting militaristic attitudes and tactics and justifying them in the name of “public security” The cost of militarism and nuclear disarmament prevents every country from using its resources for people’s sustenance and quality of life – so the effects are all death-dealing, including its impact on the environment. The program benefits corporations and perpetuates power and wealth inequality. • The Non-violence Community wants to continue the advocacy for nuclear disarmament that it initiated in the 1980’s. Address it in ways that make a difference and are do-able. • The Non-violence Community has actively studied racism for the last two years, and has considerable information about helpful resources, organizations and consultants to assist us. The visible harm being inflicted in black communities right now is a prophetic challenge presented to us – it is what is “falling into our lap”. • There are many venues and opportunities where we should speak out against racism – starting with our family circles and work places, especially the intentional recruitment, hiring , mentoring (including educational advancement opportunities )and advancement of employees of color to create diverse work sites and use our resources to do so. We need to feel compelled to take this action, be confident about how to communicate the anti-racism message, and be resilient in withstanding pushback. Must put an end to “us” and “them” attitudes. This is a place to move ourselves and others from “I” to “We”. • Past experience of excluding persons of color who desired to enter the Sisters of St. Joseph, and past experience of bias toward people of color in our schools, and in our employ need to be explicitly repudiated now, and amended consistently in future relationships. • We believe that white silence is violence, and want to cultivate the courage it takes to speak truth to power non-violently / gently. • We want to grow into a new consciousness by intentionally cultivating contemplative prayer experiences that enable us and those who join us to embrace anti-racism in attitude and behavior. Meeting held on 4th floor of Saint Joseph Convent July 4th 12 residents here Chris Adams, Babs Barry, Elizabeth Del Vecchio, Jane Dinsmore, Ave Regina Gould, Francis Claire Gowen, Helen Lieberth Mary McConnell, Marie Lalande McMullen, Jane Mullen, Agnes Schwintek, Maria Rypkema

Summary of Our Conversation - Concern that when providing for the future service to our dear neighbors, that we do not shortchange the opportunities for the spiritual growth of our Sisters. Plans to reduce the number of sleeping quarters assigned for spiritual renewal such as, retreat, overnight workshops, etc. in the Renewal Center, lessening programs by Sister Josephine Daspro, are a concern, especially with the closing of the Cenacle and other local retreat centers.

- A major area that needs our serious attention is the whole issue of racism. It is imperative that we deal with our own complicity and the need to dismantle systemic racism. Honest assessment of ourselves and the conversion needed by us individually and concrete plans to make changes within our institutions after thoughtful examination, as well as, doing our part to advocate for societal reparation, is an immediate concern. - Courage is needed to intercept when racial and other remarks contrary to our shared values are made in our presence by family, friends and co- workers, and done so by us with honesty but gently. Special attention must be given in regard to our relations with the many cultures serving us, especially our Aides. It was commented that so great we appreciate our Aides, that were immigration sanctions leveled at them, we would go with them, so bonded are we. - Moving into the future, our prayer must deepen so that we will be in touch with the Spirit prompting us to move with renewed hope to risk the creative response to our world's needs for which we have the resources. The city that we once divided , now has become the globe. - A possible response that was shared with the group was the vision to be put forward for the future education and spiritual formation of our dear neighbors, by the dedication of our ecologically developed land and the on-going use of the Academy buildings and renovated barn for programs by outside groups looking for space to further the same values we espouse in accord with our Land Ethic Statement, Creation Spirituality and the Gospel and our Charism. Many new groups, in addition to the programs already in place, have begun to utilize our facilities, bringing eager learners who care about the direction of life in the future, to our holy grounds.

- The more we are convinced that a new direction is closely in line with our Charism, the more willing we are as members to assume the risks it may entail.

The group was gathered by Chris Adams and Ave Regina Gould.

Conversation group July 23 The main topic was education. It was expressed that education is not just something that we used to do but rather something that we need to continue to do but we need to reexamine and do it in new and updated ways. We need to build on what we have done successfully and incorporate that into new initiatives.

Education cures for many societal ills. Those we educate are agents of change in our society.

There has been talk of the creation of a CSJ Foundation that would preserve some of the assets of the congregation in perpetuity to ensure that the mission of the congregation continue in times to come. It is the hope that education would be one of the foci of this foundation.

Participants: Annelle Fitzpatrick Joanne Forker Angela Gannon Elizabeth Hill Helen Kearney Pat Mahoney Kathleen McKinney Maria Pascuzzi Linda Pero Mary Ann Spicijaric

Areas to focus on:

Spirituality and Mission Retirement Communities Vocations Properties Peace, Justice and Care of the Poor

Spirituality and Mission so we may continue as a Congregation. Without prayer I don't see how we can keep on.

Retirement Communities: to provide for sisters who do not qualify for LWA Communities or Nursing Homes and in instances where there may not be room in the convent. Perhaps to explore how these sisters can still maintain as much of their independence as is possible and continue to be proactive. While they may not be able to continue in their ministries they may be able to contribute in others ways based on their knowledge and life experience. And to explore whether there should be elected or appointed "in charge" persons in these communities. Vocations so we can continue to "keep on keeping on."

Prudent and wise use of our properties whether they are being sold or leased. Monies received to be used to care for our Sisters and others in need.

Peace, Justice and Care of the Poor. However I am thinking that the poor may not only be those at the poverty level but perhaps there are those who are poor in other ways who may benefit from our assistance

I hope you stay safe and well and will have some time to rest during these summer days. Again thank you for all you do.

Prayerfully, Rozanne

Meeting - July 13, 2020 - Brentwood NY

Members : Ave Gould, Mary McConnell, Lalande, Marianne Schutter, Noel, Nancy Fackner, Lynn Caton, Bobbie Coyle

Areas: racial equality in the workplace - management positions, equal pay, better educational opportunities look at our own prejudices and experiences of white supremacy

Movement From institutional Organizations to “dividing the City”. Vowed religious and agre’gres doing that as we look to the future.

Lay leadership- well versed in the charism, but are asking what legacy we would like them to continue?

Relationship with the clergy and brothers so that we respect their vocation by including them in our celebrations and liturgies. We do not want to become the oppressor!

Are we a Eucharist Community?

Eccology issues continued - especially - individual efforts. CHAPTER CONVERSATION RESPONSE FORM

Date of Meeting: June 18, 2020 Number of Participants: 9 Names of participants: Tina Cafaro, Marion Defeis, Stephanie Duggan, Karen Kaelin, Constance Kennedy, Joan Larkin, Eileen McCann, Mary Ryan, Mary Lou Tweedy

What areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energies on for the next five years?

1) People who are poor in the greater Long Island area (Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk), immigrants and their many needs and fears, the majority of whom are women and children. This area was viewed within the context of systemic racism (people of color, including black and brown people as well as Native Americans). We need to unmask and address our own white privilege personally, congregationally in all our institutions and employment practices, and in those systems in which we participate. Our energies and resources should focus on addressing inequalities which have been ingrained since 1619 by partnering with other organizations in providing and/or supporting education (e.g., Learning Connection), housing, healthcare, environmental degradation and job opportunities which should coalesce into more economic equality. Specific attention was directed to providing educational opportunities to our employees and others, diversity in recruitment, hiring and retention and mentoring of talented employees and offering means and opportunities for advancement. (9)

2)Cultivating new generation commitment to the mission and charism, and consequent social change, by attention and encouragement to the Young, who are ready to be awakened as well as investing resources, e.g., protesters, active in addressing social inequalities; Nuns and Nones; St. Joseph Workers, and encouraging our younger members in their ministries. (9)

3)Continue building relationships with Associates, co-ministers and Agregees, encouraging recruitment among the young and in diverse communities. (9)

Why are the area listed above important to you?

We are reaching completion as a congregation and we will leave our legacy by choosing what we want to support and what we believe will continue our charism into the future.

Conversation Group July 4 What are the deep conversations that we should be having? Institutional Church: We give hope where the institutional Church doesn’t. Covid gave people an opportunity to worship differently. We are Church, but we are not part of the hierarchy which is not fulfilling the needs of the ”folks.” NCR has an article about not going back to Church too soon. We need to reflect on what is important. Mission effectiveness: Seeing the mission in our co-ministers and our mission partners is important. They are a group imbues with the mission. We have to recognize the gospel in the other. The gospel requires community. The charism is the gospel. Younger people bring life to us. We have to be inclusive of them and learn from them. We have to cheer them on. We have to trust the process and run risks. Racism How can we approach racial unrest? Education and our schools We have power as educators. Racism has to be faced in our schools, our faculties and in us. There is an urgency to have the difficult conversations. How do we use our black alums to help us see what we need to be? We need to actively seek teachers of color. Healthcare inequity How do we as Sisters of St. Joseph address the inequities in healthcare for people of color? Brentwood was the epicenter of the covid crisis in Suffolk. How do we use our power to help the undocumented? Our power The housing situation caused the Covid to spread efficiently in poorer neighborhoods. How do we use our power to effect change?

Joan Deering Joanne Forker Helen Herley Joan Killen Marie Lenihan Pat Mahoney Kathleen McKinney Katherine Murphy

Chapter Conversation Response Form

Please send your response forms to S. Barbara Yander on or before July 10, 2020. Barbara would prefer to receive your responses by email at: [email protected]

Date of Meeting July 7, 2020__ Number of Participants ___4 and one non-participant convener_____

Names of participants:

Chris Carlin Mary Ann Ambrose Anne Lally Barbara Mascowicz

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

Mission integration for our non-school employees (understanding that this is already happening for the school people). That they have education in the mission and are invited into the mission; that they see themselves as part of the mission. Suggestion of a larger St. Joseph the Worker celebration and appreciation that includes these employees/partners in mission.

All 4 affirmed

Conversation Group Partners in Ministry June 30, 2020 at 10:00-11:00am Virginia Dowd

Irene

Tara Rogers

Jim Rennert

Nadine Velantenga

WilmaLingad – Lopez

Marie Mackey, CSJ

#1. While we understand the emergence of a corporate model – do not lose your religious identity. Our donors believe in who we are and what we do – that needs to be always in the forefront.

#2. Better education on BOTH SIDES:

Sisters need to understand that there are city, state and federal guidelines and certain business practices that need to be followed. Our lay employees are trained and are expected to follow guidelines. The Sisters need education on these guidelines.

On the other hand, lay employees need to understand more about the culture of religious life and who they work for – more needs to be done in the area of Mission formation and education, so others understand the structure of religious life.

#3. Do we want to EXPAND or CONTRACT the Congregation? In other words, will we be open to inviting others to be part of us as Associates, St. Joseph Workers, Volunteers, Partners in Ministry, Vowed Members? Or, are the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood looking to just fold up the tent? The direction impacts things like:

Archives – are they an open book or confidential? Our story (wonderful and with warts) is what we have to share with others. It is history. If we want to EXPAND the Mission and Charism and invite others to live this and move forward when there are no vowed sisters left we need to be OUT THERE MORE!

False sense of Humility and Confidentiality its like we have a dual identity – are we open or closed? How public are we? Why are we publicizing ourselves? What do we want to see as the end result?

Bring people to Brentwood – Spring Luncheon. Make more alumnae connections

This generation wants to make a difference – not just have a job, they want more.

#4. Outreach to youth and young adults and those attending our sponsored high schools.

Space in the Academy: Brentwood is Sacred Ground. Young people should be allowed to spend time on our property for day, overnight and weekend retreats, meeting and getting to know the sisters, volunteering. They need to know they have a place in the Church.

The Marianists, Franciscans, Marists and Salesians all welcome students to retreats on their own properties and involve parents and alumni as volunteers to keep costs down.

Many young people connect with religious communities (Jesuits, Franciscans, CSSJs) more so than they do with the institutional Church.Are Sisters of St. Joseph willing to be present to them? Can they show young adults what the Church can really BE!

Engage them on social media, create a website that is attractive to younger people and offer substantive. CSJs need to have a Youtube Channel.

Conversation Response Form Meeting Date: July 7, 2020 Number of participants: 7 Participants: Sr. Maura Costello, Sr. Catherine Braet, Kerri Guarascio (Director of Bethany unit) Kathleen Feller (social worker SJC) Elizabeth Castelli and Eleni Amaroso (both nursing supervisors SJC) and this writer.

Areas to see the congregation focus on for the next 5 years. Number of people that strongly affirm each area? To have another Nursing Home in place to send our Sisters to if Maria Regina is not accepting them for different reasons. To consider our options and have an open mind. Extending the Bethany program to our other LWA's . Expanding on the present Bethany program in SJC. Possibility of having 2-3 different levels of the Bethany program for early onset, intermediate, and further advanced forming their own communities. Having a Geriatric/Hopice Medical Director for the entire Brentwood Campus. Serving SJC, Renewal Center Apartments, Council members, and Houses on the property. This director would make home visits as needed and advocate for our Sisters in the home LCW, and hospital Setting. Continuous training of staff on dementia. Remembering we are our own dear neighbor. How can we all be better to each other. Build strong relationships with our Sisters where we live. Providing a professional to understand and assist on internal and outside ministry of Sister life. Sisters who have lost most of their friends need support from staff, Sisters and psychological Support with groups that understand feelings and emotions at this stage of life. Providing more Music to sooth the sole. Live and recorded music. Therapeutic Dog trained to live in the Convent. The dog works daily and provides , emotional loving support to the sisters. The dog wold be trained to make daily visits to the sisters rooms that would like a visit. The group felt that all these items were important to pass on. Thank you, Gabby Nick Gabby Nick, RN Administrator Sisters of St. Joseph

Chapter Prep Team Responses Zoom Meeting, Sunday July 5, 2020

Deepening Group: Catherine Cunningham, Cecelia Dignan, Phyllis Esposito, Anne Lorraine Hanna, Antoinette Keyes, Margaret Kohler

1. Desire to have everyone feel that they are a valued member of the community – you are important, you are not cast away. As so many Sisters are no longer in the active stage of their lives, how can we affirm that the contemplative stage is a wonderful stage to be in? Place more emphasis on this – praying is a sanctifying work of the community. The psychological/spiritual life of the Sisters is very important. Develop the concept that sense of mission can be lived out through both action and contemplation.

2. Practical questions:

a. When our size becomes that of the CIJs, who is going to help us? b. What happens to our property when we are gone? c. Who takes care of our cemetery? d. Maybe we won’t be gone – maybe associates, Agrégées, Partners will take over. e. Concern: we don’t have vowed religious making decisions that control our daily lives in LWAs. Who is making the decisions – administrators or superiors? Changes happen without our input.

3. How can we be advocates in our declining years about the issues that are important- racism, immigration, women and girls, etc.? How can we incorporate the contemplative? How can we sponsor groups to do the things we used to do? How do we keep going on with things that matter, reflect our values (ex. Girls in light of closing St. Joseph’s)? 4. Conversation Group: Number of participants: 6 5. 6. This is a time of new challenges and opportunities. The LCWR and the US CSSJ Federation both speak of emerging expressions of religious life. We must do the work of mining who we are and what we believe to be our most precious asset…our charism. From that, we will be ready to address emerging opportunities with hope and enthusiasm. 7. At this time in our history, it is important that we look to the future. As we shepherd the transformation of the Congregation to a new form we must plan for the proper distribution or disposition of our assets, and address the continuation of our sponsored ministries. 8. The CIJ’s have given us an example of a congregation that faced these realities years ago. They have established a trust in which they have placed a portion of their assets so that their mission will continue. The stated purpose of the CIJ trust is ”To provide grants for persons who are sick and cannot afford to pay for their medical and supportive needs care, in fidelity to the mission of the Congregation of the Infant Jesus to care for the sick poor." This purpose and the conditions stated in the trust arose from their spirituality and mission. 9. We, too, have to have the conversations that will give rise to a foundation or trust that will enflesh our essence and preserve our mission and charism—not for our sake but for the sake of the Gospel.

10. Eileen Kelly 11. Tesa Fitzgerald 12. Joan Gallagher 13. Elizabeth Hill 14. Helen Kearney 15. Kathleen McKinney

CHAPTER 2020 PARTNERS IN MINISTRY SACRED HEART CONVENT

Chapter Conversation Response Form

Date of Meeting: July 24, 2020 Participants: Three (3)

Participants: Jo-Andrew D’Alessandro-Accary, Director of Pastoral Care Sharon Eriksen, Nursing Supervisor Christine Maher, Administrator

Prioritized Area: Reasons:

Spirituality Ensure programs, resources to embrace the ongoing Spirituality needs of the Community. Deepen and live life with one desire only: to be always what God wants you to be, in nature, grace and glory, for time and for eternity.

Mission Integration Formation of Partners in Ministry- continuity, motivation, and participation

Reverence & Care for Elderly/ Fulfillment of Mission and responsibility Care of All to all within Community

Governance Assures centrality of Mission/Charism; ensures participation and communication

Finances Ensures fiscal accountability and viability for Community

Chapter Conversation Response Form

Please send your response forms to S. Barbara Yander on or before July 31, 2020. Barbara would prefer to receive your responses by email at: [email protected]

Date of Meeting July 31,2020 Number of Participants 16

Names of participants: S. Marie Mackey, CSJ, Danielle McCormack, Joan Gallagher, CSJ, Bro. Joseph Bach, OSF, Ellie Siwicki, Billy Raybold, S. Rose Caseleno, CSJ, Mindy Welding, IHM, Donna DelSanto, SSJ, Caryn Crook, OSF, Claire Hourihane, Marie Warren, Allison Brody, Kristen Brody, Clare Farnan, Isabella Spallino, Mary Beth Hourihane

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

The following comments are from the Vocation Directors of various religious communities, lay Partners in Ministry and young adult alumnae of CSJ schools:

Our Religious Communities do a great job with Ministry and pointing out the deficiencies in society. They create a plan and then act on it. But rarely do communities look internally at their own community life and how stale it has grown. We are not attractive to new members and those that do enter rarely stay. Many leave prior to Final Vows.

Community Life for its current members and future needs to be a priority for CSJs and all of our religious communities. How are we living the vows? Do others see us as joyful people or just workaholics who live together? Do we witness to simple living? Healthy relationships? What is the depth and vulnerability of our communal prayer? Are we truly present to others that we share community life with on a daily basis? Do we live our lives in community with the common good in mind?

CARA Research consistently lists community life, prayer, joy and identity as top reasons members are attracted to particular religious communities not ministry. Ministry is open to all at this moment in time. Many lay people have Theology and Ministerial degrees, work for non-profits and live simply. So, what do we as religious have to offer others? Let’s have some deep conversations about our (dysfunctional) relationships with one another.

Mission Formation (ongoing) for our schools including faculty, staff, students, parents and alumnae. We are looking for depth, transparency and vulnerability on this journey of faith and living out the CSJ Mission. The laity know more than you give us credit for – let us share in this mission using our gifts and talents in a more contemporary way

A commitment of the Congregation and our schools to religious formation by ensuring the position of a full-time Campus Minister and Director of Mission. More opportunities for spiritual growth in the Mission and Charism.

Mentor Young Adults and offer intentional living/Houses of Hospitality to them to live the Mission and Charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph – experience community, simple living, prayer, service and supportive values while in college or in the working world

Why are the areas listed important to you?

Every member of this group has a vested interest in the Sisters of St. Joseph and wants to see it thrive even when there will be fewer sisters.

Date of Meeting July 14, 2020 Number of Participants 10

Names of participants:

Taryn Bettis, SHA ’04 Maryellen Kane, CSJ Allison Connelly, SJW ’16 Marie Mackey, CSJ Cara Elie, parishioner St. Mary Magdalene Monique Small, parishioner St. Mary Magdalene Kristen Whitney Daniels, SJW ’14 Jackie Salas, SJW, ‘15 Joan Gallagher, CSJ Brooklyn Vetter, SJW ‘15

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

• It is important to create a culture of invitation, so others know how it is possible to journey with and be a companion to the Sisters of St. Joseph. • We need to ponder the following questions: o What are we evolving into? Are we fizzling out? o Never an either or with the CSJs; social issues that were in the past continue to be…How do we make ourselves and our work known? The work has set the stage for where millennials are currently. o Reality of an aging population and a reality of a younger generation that carries the same spirit. Where are the spaces that millennials can go to find the stories of where sisters have been involved; healthcare reform, immigration reform, education reform? Some only know because of the relationships with CSJs, what about those who do not know who the CSJs are? Storytelling is a part of bringing the sisters stories to life. How do we model the gospel message and allocate resources to that, how are we being in community with other young people? o Social media…. FB, Instagram…. how do you get young people to follow? Putting stuff on the internet and getting it off the internet…. not only what the sisters are doing but how to get involved in it.

• In responding to our Call, we need to be explicit and use resources to invite people in while we are promoting justice issues, creating intentional communities, how to invite others into actions and statements we are putting out. Look at current organizations so they are more equitable instead of starting something new, reach out to the community, invite more community partners, i.e., LGBTQ, etc. educate and promote explicitly. Advocating for racial justice…reparations? How to use these actions to bring people in and use what we have. Explicit about the love we can articulate to the rest of the world….why is this not the default…invitation is important….national ties….young people who have connected with CSJs miss the inclusive spirituality as it fills a need within….SJW does hold younger people up in this way….how can youth be a part of movements that are happening and how can they lead the movements. How to engage in such relationships with a greater sense of mutuality?

Why are the areas listed important to you?

• Not us or them but a we: How do we call ourselves to accountability with our engagement in education, income? How do we partner with neighborhood groups to promote home ownership (this is a way to assist people to accumulate wealth and resources)? • Racial justice (young people want to be involved with us regarding this issue) • Commitment to young people as they look to sisters for contemplative experiences, community, and justice work; do we set up an intentional community that is transgenerational, discerning in life’s vocation?

Date of Meeting June 28, 2020 Number of Participants ____7____ Names of participants: Jean Amore, Caryn Brennan, Mary Ann Cashin, Virginia Down, Elizabeth Meehan, Maureen Skinner, Susan Snyder.

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area? All 7 participants affirmed these areas.

Racism in ourselves and in our society Our place in the Institutional Church Education on the meaning of the Eucharist Growing more personally and communally in an ecological spirituality and in the Universe Story Exploring how to celebrate/pray together while honoring the diversity among us Land Ethic Agregees

Why are the areas listed important to you? These are conversations which will help is live our mission into the future.

Date of Meeting: July 8, 2020 Number of Participants: 4

Names of participants: Sister Margaret Biolsi, Sister Helene Conway, Sister Dolores Crepeau, Sister Marie Tramantana

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

1. Personal and Systemic Racism – It is an evil that still exists which we as individuals and congregation need to address in order to end racial injustice. 2. Care of Our Planet – It is important for the Earth Matters Committee to continue their work and to keep us informed as to what we can contribute to this effort. 3. Empowerment of Women in the Church and Society – Women have a unique contribution to offer to the Church and the world. As a Congregation, we need to continue to empower them to take their rightful place. 4. Suitable housing for sisters who desire to age in place, particularly at this time when many parishes continue to close local convents.

4 people affirm the above.

Why are the areas listed important to you?

The areas above are important to us for the reasons we cited.

Date of Meeting: June 22, 2020 Number of Participants: 6

Names of participants: Rita Epilone, Ann Franklin, Joan Hackett, Maureen Keating, Paul Francis Kugler, Mary Shalley.

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

1. …… on the study of deepening our spirituality. 2. …… how we will use our resources i.e. property. 3. ….. meeting the needs of the poor. 6 people affirm the above.

Why are the areas listed important to you?

Many of us feel there is a hunger in that area of our lives. ….. for ecology and to help others. ….. to carry out our mission and ministry.

Date of Meeting: June 25, 2020 Number of Participants: 2

Names of participants:

Elizabeth Meahan, Barbara Dempsey

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

Create a fund to help for those who really can’t afford going to our High Schools or college. To educate our sisters on racism and other issues 2 people affirm the above.

Why are the areas listed important to you? It is more important to educate so a person can learn a skill and proper values. As the saying goes “ Give a man a fish, he can eat for a day – teach him how to fish, he can eat for a lifetime”.

Date of Meeting: July 13, 2020 Number of Participants: 5

Names of participants:

Judy Fay, Kathy Hickey, Pat Turley, Sue Sabol, Elizabeth Myles

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

1. Role of Women – Oppression of Women – Place of Women in the Church (Institution). 2. Immigration – White Privilege – Racism. 5 people affirm the above.

Why are the areas listed important to you?

Because it is where CSJ’s need to be! There was a lot of energy around the topics.

Chapter Conversation Response Form

Date of Meeting: June 25, 2020 Number of Participants: 1 Names of participants: My Reflections Sister Mary St. John What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

The areas from our last Chapter, i.e. Care of our sisters, Care of our properties, Concern for Immigrants, Victims of Trafficing ….. these are still important with the addition of concern about racist attitudes among ourselves. I am pleased with the work of our leadership in answering these concerns and support further suggestions. Thank you for all you do! Mary

Date of Meeting: June 29, 2020 Number of Participants: 6

Names of participants: Clara Santoro, Joan Petito, Peggy Conway, Margaret Faherty, Joan Heptig, Ruth Ann McHugh.

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

1. Clarifying our vision and expectations for leadership into our future. 2. Redefining the meaning of religious life in light of our new understandings of cosmological, theological advances in thought and practices. 3. Addressing our aging population especially in Assisted Living facilities. 4. Focusing our ministerial involvement in the climate crisis, racism and white privilege. 5. Creating Brentwood as a center for environmental education, socialization and collaborative leadership needed to foster that environment. 6 people affirm the above.

Date of Meeting: June 25, 2020 Number of Participants: 8

Names of participants:

Joan Dillon, Mary Pat Hurley, Barbara Murtha, Barbara Lynch, Anne Mollica, Mary Sivillo, Mary Ellen Vesey, Dorothy Zachorowski.

What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area?

1. Continuim of Care 2. Technology 3. Racism 4. Value of the Mass 5. Trust of leadership for decisions.

8 people affirm the above.

Why are the areas listed important to you?

These are topics that affect our lives.

Chapter Zoom Conference Call July 27, 2020 Host: Beth Johnson Participants: Pat Manning, Pat Ryan, Helen Rooney, Kerry Handal, Ronnie Murtha, Ann Keppel (technical difficulties prevented her full participation) Peggy Conway

Aspects of Conversation:

Themes: internal Responses – supported by entire group *Health Care and Well Being of our Sisters - Our LWAs are providing fine medical care and aide support. We notice they are following more of a medical model. We would request conversations that our convents which provide this care are returned to a ‘home’ model, i.e. the convents are our homes. An essential aspect is that each sister, to the extent able, is part of the conversation regarding her care and community life within the Convent that she calls ‘home.’

- In a home model “Who we are to each other” within these convents should be foundational to our Congregational life and being

- Levels of cognition vary within each LWA … aspects of socialization at all cognitive levels must be recognized and provided for within each house

- Quality and nutritional aspects of dining services need to be studied and improved - Team building is essential > education, mentoring, governance …with non- resident Sisters modeling our community life, leading, working with and mentoring lay employees to prioritize the importance of the Relational aspects of our community life

Themes: External Responses – supported by entire group *Our Legacy … this is the Chapter at which we will set the direction for our Legacy To think forward … where do we want our resources to go, how will they benefit others *what are the values that we hold that we wish to pass on

- We have a responsibility to continue channeling our resources into Educational Endeavors such as St. Joseph College, The Learning Connection, Earth Matters, and establishing trusts and scholarships for underprivileged women and girls. We need to turn our attention to the future of our high schools and acknowledge that financial and demographic forces signal that the time for our single gender schools may be coming to an end.

We also have a responsibility to acknowledge and address hurts and injustices of the past (“isms”) and to work to eliminate them from any future endeavors

- Future of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood: discussion needs to begin now regarding our decision to combine/merge/create something new with other congregations, i.e. LCWR, CSJ Federation, etc., or will we look toward ‘Completion’

- Collaboration with other religious women in Brooklyn and Long Island … researching various models, as well as acknowledging the model of the CIJ/CSJ/Cenacle Sisters lived experiences

July 20, 2020 REVISED SUBMISSION AS REQUESTED BY EARTH MATTERS COMMITTEE Chapter Conversation Response Form

Overarching comments from the breakout sessions:

Areas/Themes:

• Structural Racism – Our fidelity to the Gospel calls us to look at this in all its implications – for ourselves, our institutions, as well as our world. This involves deep listening and conversations with those whose lives have been impacted and having a desire and willingness to be changed. • Institutional Church – We need to have the deeper conversations about our relationship with the institutional Church and how it has shifted, to include how we celebrate as ‘church’ and how we can become more invitational in welcoming others (i.e. associates, co-ministers, partners, people of all diversities) into our gatherings. • Youth – How do we accompany, learn from/learn together, and support them. • Inclusive Love – What does inclusive love look like in action? We need to take a deeper dive into what we mean by the term inclusiveness as it encompasses so many issues that are local, national and global – i.e. the ‘isms’ – racism, LGBTQ/gender question. Responding to our current reality will stretch us in new and creative ways. • Shift from the Genesis model to the New Story as the framework for our thinking and acting, to use the wisdom of science and feminine wisdom to move from dualism to a wholistic way - All is One. We need to continue to look at the interfacing/interconnectedness of all of it. • Some groups raised the question of Governance and the new Leadership structure and posed this question: Have we really made a paradigm shift in the proposed model? It was felt that further discussion was needed before a new structure was brought to a vote of the Congregation.

Chapter Conversation Response Form

Date of Meeting June 15, 2020 Number of Participants __4___ Names of participants: Sister Gloria Cruz, Sr. Minerva Torres, Sr. Luz Visot, Sr. Teresita Alicea What area or areas would you like to see our congregation focus our energy on for the next 5 years? Number of people that strongly affirm each area? The Sisters of St. Joseph in Puerto Rico, conscious of our ages and fewer sisters left on the island (7), focus our energy on todays reality with joyful hope and open hearts. We know that our mission is not finished yet. We are trying to keep the mission alive, by being open to new ways of services in a continuing process of growth by each one. We have a dream… as daughters of St. Joseph, we are in no condition to give up, when our church needs of us and is becoming more aware of so many different needs to be fullfilled by us in Puerto Rico. This island have suffered so much in the last 4 years: huracan María, earthquakes, water drout, storms, bad politics, bad government administration, high corruption, no jobs, and lately covid 19; We always attended the needs of the poor in every way and is important that we continue it. Maria Reina convent is our retiring home. In conversation with other friends religious, they suggested we share our house in the future with them (other family members, friends and co - workers) in order to share our values and community life together.