Generalate, Rome

The highlighted sections of this General Chapter 2010 Document are not meant to be exhaustive regarding their reference to the social teaching of the Church.

“Each charism is a particular expression of the social teaching of the church.” --JPIC Formation Itinerary (2010)

Generalate, Rome

Table of Contents

Letter of Sister Mary Sujita, SND 1-2

Prophetic Witness - Identity, Charism, Mission 3-6

Formation for Mission 7-10

SND Missions “Ad Gentes” 11-14 Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation 15-18

Sustainability and Resources for Mission 19-22

SND Governance Structures 23-26

Additional Proposals and Recommendations Not Included in the Text of the Chapter Document 27-29

Rooted in contemplation Called to be prophetic women Missioned for global transformation

December 12, 2010

Dear Sisters, Our General Chapter was a true Pentecost event! Thank you for your prayers as well as your participation in the preparation for the Chapter and your engagement during the time of Chapter. Conscious of the fast-evolving and needy world around us, the General Chapter of 2010 focused us as Sisters of Notre Dame on the prophetic and transformative nature of our charism. What does our charism have to say to our world today? How is our SND identity as consecrated women in the Church going to make a difference in our world today? These questions served to animate our discussions and deliberations. After seriously considering the world, church and congregational realities, listening to the reports of the congregation, the provinces, delegations and missions, studying the input from our year-long faith sharing and reviewing the proposals submitted, the General Chapter 2010 discerned six critical themes for our congregation:

 Prophetic Witness: Identity, Charism and Mission  Formation for Mission  Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation  SND Missions “Ad Gentes”  Sustainability and Resources  SND Governance Structures 1 We prayerfully considered these themes, discussed our response as a congregation, and prepared a Chapter Document which will serve as a guide for the next six years. Each section of the document includes a rationale, a list of challenges/risks and specific chapter directives and recommendations. The directives and recommendations reflect the spirit and content of proposals submitted to the General Chapter 2010.

The new General Government will follow up on the implementation of the directives and recommendations. Dear Sisters, I invite you to seriously reflect on the Chapter Document and begin to plan how you, your local community/ your province/delegation/mission and we as a congregation can own and live the spirit and content of the Chapter Document. The General Government as well as your province/delegation superior will plan ways to share the fruits of the Chapter with you and move us forward.

We know in our hearts that we have been led by the Spirit in our journey toward the General Chapter 2010 and during the wonderful experience of our Chapter. What is contained in the Chapter Document can help us to set the direction for our congregation in the years ahead. May Mary’s prophetic fiat, St. Julie’s rapture of action and Sister Maria Aloysia’s and Sister Maria Ignatia’s total trust in God’s provident care empower us all to be prophetic women who are impelled by our passion for Jesus as we work to deepen our understanding of our identity and mission in our world today. United with you in the mission of Jesus,

Prophetic Witness Identity, Charism, Mission “The charism of our congregation, a deep experience of God’s goodness and provident care, continues to be enriched by the creative fidelity of each Sister of Notre Dame.” (Constitutions Article 1)

3 Rationale

Charism finds its expression in each Sister of Notre Dame as a unique and unrepeatable reflection of God’s goodness and provident care. Its manifestation flows through the community generation after generation as sisters of every nation and culture contextualize this gift of the Spirit given to us for the mission of Jesus.

Living in fidelity to our deep experience of God’s goodness and provident care, we incarnate Christ in our world today through a presence characterized by joyful simplicity. Our joyful simplicity allows us to see beauty, goodness, and connectedness in every person and in the whole of creation.

Like Mary, woman and disciple, we see everything with the eyes of faith. We stand as witnesses to what is possible and life giving in the dark and broken places in our world. As women we bring our gifts of nurturing, healing and seeking right relationships to Church and society.

Walking in the footsteps of St. Julie, Sister Maria Aloysia, Sister Maria Ignatia and all those Sisters of Notre Dame who have gone before us, we give ever new and fresh witness to our charism. Our story is unending and each of us is graced to be part of that story.

We are the living charism. We are the present and we are the future. The gift of our lives is the legacy of Notre Dame.

4 Challenges and Risks

In continuing to live as prophetic witnesses we will be challenged to:

 live the radicality of the evangelical counsels  bring hope to a fragmented world  witness to the feminine face of God  give courageous expression to the Gospel in our cultures  bring healing to our Church  invite others to participate in our SND spirituality  live simply  invest in studies and programs that deepen our spirituality.

“In faithful love, God has called us anew to a special consecration, deeply rooted in our baptism, to live the evangelical counsels as Sisters of Notre Dame. God gives us the gift and mission to proclaim to others his overwhelming goodness and provident care.” (Constitutions Article 6)

“Our charism and spirit remain alive in the Church through our witness of life and apostolic service. In fidelity to our charism we participate in the mission of Jesus Christ, witnessing God’s goodness and provident care to others. The Church sends us through our congregation to assist our sisters and brothers to direct their lives to God in faith so that all may experience God’s love.” (Constitutions Article 3)

5 Chapter Recommendations:

1. On the congregational/ province/delegation level, initiate further study of our charism so we come to a deeper understanding of our spirituality.

2. Develop programs on the provincial/delegation level that provide opportunities for sisters to grow in our SND spirituality.

3. Use technology throughout the congregation to share aspects of our SND spirituality and ministry.

4. Find ways to connect older members of our congregation with younger members locally and globally.

5. Encourage sisters to express aspects of our charism and spirituality through music, art and writing.

6. Design programs to form lay employees, boards, colleagues and Notre Dame Associates in our SND spirituality and heritage.

7. Throughout the congregation, continue to offer international opportunities such as pilgrimages, exchanges, and immersion experiences to deepen our charism and identity.

8. Collaborate at the local level to find prayer forms that enrich communal prayer.

9. Each sister is expected to assume responsibility to deepen her own prayer life — being open to current developments in theology and spirituality.

6 Formation for Mission

Our vocation to religious life is a personal invitation to discipleship in a close following of Jesus Christ. To respond to this grace with fidelity, we rely on God’s faithful love, the intercession of Mary and the assistance of our community. Our response to this call of God is realized in a lifelong process of transformation into Christ.”

(Constitutions Article 70)

7 Rationale:

In light of the urgent realities of these times, we Sisters of Notre Dame are called to respond in ways that are creative and life-giving for all. As apostolic women religious, we are called to participate in the mission of Jesus in a radical manner. We look to Mary for courage and compassion as we bring Christ into the world in new and vibrant ways.

In this changing world we want to deepen our charism and spirit which impel us to action on behalf of our sisters and brothers, especially the most vulnerable. How can we listen to the stirrings of God’s Spirit deep within our hearts? How can we respond to the cries of those who are poor? No matter our stage in life, we continue to be formed for mission as we strive to address the needs of our times.

We face a changing reality with regard to membership in our congregation: vocations, retention and aging of membership. How can we best respond to these new realities? How is each sister called to mission?

We are called to responsible membership. What does this mean in light of personal growth, being members of the community and developing a mature and ever-deepening spirituality?

We are members of a global community that is becoming more interconnected every day. How can we learn to respond more compassionately and effectively to our multi- racial, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-faith world?

We are continually called to learn and grow. How can our ongoing formation recognize and value our experiences, while at the same time challenge us to deeper and more creative ways of being?

8 We enjoy and appreciate relationships that support and sustain our mission. We want to share our charism, mission and spirit with our associates, lay collaborators and volunteers.

Challenges and Risks:  Taking personal responsibility for initial and ongoing formation  Keeping our focus on mission, rather than on achievement, power and position  Integrating professionalism into the sense of mission  Learning English or another language for mission  Using technology in a responsible way  Being open to instability, insecurity, and lack of comfort  Making discernment a way of life  Making use of resources (such as talents, personnel and finances) for the sake of mission  Valuing prayer, presence and community service as mission  Preparing ourselves for apostolic retirement  Seeking and maintaining a healthy balance in life  Being open to new ministries  Building formative communities for mission

Chapter Directive: Include the study of English during the time of initial formation, as a concrete expression of our missionary spirit and our international unity. 9 Chapter Recommendations:

1. In collaboration with the units and in a spirit of discernment assure that formation directors receive adequate training. 2. Ask units and the individual sisters to re-acquaint themselves with the Congregational Plan of Formation (2006) and each unit’s Plan of Formation; evaluate the implementation and supplement as needed, with special emphasis on:

 Charism, spirit and mission in initial formation programs

 Screening candidates for initial formation

 Promoting and providing healthy psychological practices and enhancing communication and reconciliation skills

 Formation for leadership. 3. Emphasize ongoing formation through all stages of life focusing on:

 The theology of religious life and the vows

 The spirituality of aging and diminishment

 JPIC initiatives according to Catholic social teaching. 4. Provide formation in our charism, spirit and mission for associates, lay collaborators, and volunteers. 5. Mutually support and assist our communities of elderly sisters. 6. Encourage sisters who speak English to assist sisters with language study in non-English speaking countries. 7. Invite all sisters to learn a second language. 8. Invite each sister, whatever her age, to reflect on and deepen her call to mission. 9. Call each sister to witness her religious life and welcome new vocations to the congregation, in whatever way she can. 10 SND MISSIONS “AD GENTES”

“To bring glad tidings to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord” (Isaiah 61, 1f) “Like St. Julie, Sister Maria Aloysia and our first Coesfeld Sisters, we should be filled with a missionary spirit, ready to carry the good news to the ends of the earth.” (Constitutions Article 67)

“Christ’s disciples, profoundly penetrated by the Spirit of Christ, should show the people among whom they live, and should converse with them, that they themselves may learn by sincere and patient dialogue what treasures a generous God had distributed among the nations of the earth.” (Ad Gentes #11)

11 Rationale Jesus became incarnate to show us the way of compassion and solidarity with all people, especially those who are poor.

Inspired by the call of Jesus, the Church and our SND Charism,

Strongly touched by the urgent needs of our world and Church, In the context of our congregational realities, which include the:  establishment and growth of our missions  strength of our traditional ministries  congregational profile of membership, age, finances, demographics and diversity of cultures  need for inculturation  call for collaboration, interdependence and solidarity  need for clarity regarding policies, personnel, structures and finances we desire to animate, support and strengthen our SND missions.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * “I have seen the humiliation of my people. I know their suffering. Go now! I am sending you to my people to bring them out of Egypt. I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:7,10,12)

“I have always been greatly interested in the missions; we sisters are also missionaries here.” (Sr. Maria Aloysia, October 25, 1886)

12 Challenges  Interdependence and collaboration at all levels  Sustainability of our missions  Sharing of finances and personnel  Inculturation (e.g., learning languages, adaptation to lifestyle)  Formation in missiology  Initial and ongoing formation  Preparation of leaders for the missions (sisters, collaborators, associates)  Need for a Congregational Missions Policy  Applying the principles of subsidiarity  Involvement and empowerment of the local people  Faithfully living with uncertainty and insecurity

Risks Risks which surfaced in our congregational pre-chapter study are especially applicable to our SND missions:  Taking prophetic, countercultural stances  Letting go of the familiar to respond to new needs  Sacrificing personal comfort and success for the common good  Taking new directions and living with the unknown  Living with less and sharing in solidarity  Taking on frontier ministries and missions

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * “We look to Mary, Queen of Apostles, for support and direction in our efforts to integrate contemplation and action. By word and deed we proclaim God’s goodness and provident care so that all may come to know life’s meaning and purpose and praise the Father’s glory.” (Constitutions Article 69) 13 Chapter Directives: 1. The general government will designate an assistant general as Congregational Missions Coordinator and her role will be clearly defined. 2. Under the direction of the general government we collaboratively develop and implement a Congregational Missions Policy to include:  A theology of mission  Process of discernment for new missions  Personnel, finances and accountability  Planning for sustainability  Preparation of missionaries  Ongoing evaluation  Vocations and formation  Formation for leadership  Volunteers  SND missions exposure experience

Chapter Recommendations:

1. Missioned for global transformation, we commit ourselves to stand in solidarity with our missions through:  Congregational collaboration  Prayer, communication and material support  Education for mission. 2. We commit to inculturation:  Greater welcome, acceptance, respect and understanding of all cultures  Learning of local languages and adaptation to lifestyle 3. Each mission will develop a strategic plan and work towards financial sustainability. 4. Involve and empower the local people in working toward global transformation. 14 Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation

O God, the place where we stand is holy ground. Like Moses before the burning bush, the Fire of Life, we are called to remove our sandals of privilege, power and prejudice. Impassion us through your Word and our Constitutions; reawaken in us the flames of our charism, mission and tradition; enlighten us with a cosmo-vision to be in solidarity with all of life. Set us on fire with deep commitment to justice, peace and integrity of creation so as to be a transforming presence in our globalized world today. 15 Rationale As Sisters of Notre Dame, our historical founding, our charism and our educational heritage have their roots in the direct experience of the human need of poor and marginalized persons. The promotion of justice, peace and integrity of creation is an essential part of living our charism today, witnessing as Mary did, the feminine face of God’s goodness and provident care. Rooted in the biblical tradition, matters of justice, peace and integrity of creation are inseparable from our Christian and consecrated lives. In understanding the biblical foundation of justice we understand our baptismal call from its deepest source and foundation and bring the vision of the reign of God to life through our prayer, witness, work, collaboration and advocacy. Our deepening understanding of the Incarnation, Eucharist and the sacramentality of our Church calls us to be people of justice and peace. Likewise, “The environment must be seen as God’s gift to all people, and the use we make of it entails a shared responsibility for all humanity, especially the poor and future generations.” (Pope Benedict XVI, World Day of Peace Message 2010) Our awareness of God’s presence and revelation in creation calls us to reverence the earth and exercise responsible stewardship. Reading the signs of our times from a contemplative grounding, we address not only the immediate needs of those who live in poverty and on the margins, but also the root causes that create such suffering. “Only in union with God will our work be fruitful, for without God we can do nothing. The more interiorly still we become, the more open we will be to the Holy Spirit. Such openness makes us attentive to the signs of the times and inspires us to be a prophetic witness to the reign of God. As our prayer and action become a single response of love, our life gradually achieves unity and peace.” (Constitutions Article 42) 16 C hallenges and Risks

Transformation of Consciousness  To commit to developing skills for social analysis and theological reflection  To have a JPIC orientation in all our ministries and in our community living and relationships  To live in right relationship with God, others, self, creation and to foster right relationships in our community living  To move beyond our personal, province, delegation or mission boundaries to think globally and act locally Structure, Personnel and Coordination

 To develop effective structures within the Congregation and for networking with NGOs and other groups committed to JPIC initiatives  To identify a JPIC contact sister in each province, delegation and mission  To create a flow of communication, information, awareness and support  To integrate JPIC efforts into education and other ministries in concrete ways Financial Resources  To finance a congregational JPIC coordinator and provide resources for JPIC operations  To invest in technology providing for online education, advocacy and networking Commitment of Individuals and Local Communities  To live simply  To share one’s gifts wholeheartedly without assurance of immediate success

17 Chapter Directives: Develop a structure to coordinate a global voice promoting justice, peace and the integrity of creation, networking with other congregations, entities and UN-NGOs.  Create an organizational chart to clarify accountability and facilitate the flow of communication.  Establish structures that ensure the integration of peace and justice efforts at all levels of the congregation.  Identify a JPIC contact sister in each province, delegation and mission to coordinate efforts which will make it possible for us to work with JPIC issues. 1. Identify and appoint a qualified full-time congregational JPIC Coordinator.  The JPIC Coordinator’s role will include finding ways to affirm local JPIC works and projects, help sisters connect these, and see the connection across a broader congregational spectrum. 2. Commit to a congregation-wide focus on:  Women, Children and Elderly Persons  Immigration and Human Trafficking  Integrity of Creation. Chapter Recommendations: 1. Commit to developing skills for social analysis and theological reflection in initial and ongoing formation. 2. Participate in concrete communal action steps. “We develop awareness of and a sensitivity to issues of justice, peace and the integrity of creation. Sisters are encouraged to be active regarding these concerns both personally and communally.” (Constitutions Directive 30.1)

18 Sustainability and Resources for Mission

“The congregation strives to give a collective witness of charity and poverty. As a religious institute, our temporal goods are, above all, at the service of our shared mission. In a spirit of gospel stewardship, we care for our needs and apostolates through the income generated, while at the same time we look for ways to share our material resources for the needs of the Church and the support of the poor.” (Constitutions Article 153)

19 Rationale The Spirit of Jesus leads us to awareness of our oneness, and to the desire to share ourselves and that which we have with one another in the spirit of the early Christian community. The Gospels clearly invite us to be interdependent and generous, sharing without measure. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. (Acts 2:44) We rejoice in the things of this world and praise God’s unending goodness. We reverence the abundant gifts of God and use them for his glory. (Constitutions Article 20) We expressed this same desire to share resources for the sake of mission in the responses we gave to our year-long faith sharing on the theme of the General Chapter. In keeping with our Notre Dame spirit we expressed our desire to:  share our resources with one another  find new ways to collaborate as a Congregation  model a Gospel lifestyle  address the need for a plan that will sustain our missions. Like Mary at Cana, we will be attentive to the needs of those who lack resources. The L&P document, An Assessment of Resources Available for the Congregational Mission, concluded that there is an imbalance of financial resources between our provinces and delegations and our missionary areas that requires careful consideration from a congregational perspective. The study further suggested that the changing role of the general government requires increased funding, and that our current method of funding through province contributions should be reviewed. 20 Challenges In sharing our resources we will face the following challenges:  Balancing the financial needs of all units  Accepting new procedures in view of current realities  Working toward the financial independence of each unit  Complying with the transparency needed for public accountability  Trusting all to God’s provident care. Risks Solidarity will call us to personal and communal transformation as we risk:  Living with less and sharing in solidarity  Striving for a balance between personal comfort, success and the common good  Letting go of the familiar to respond to new needs.

Chapter Directives So that we are able to sustain our mission we commit to the following actions: 1. Establish a Generalate Fund for use of the general government in administering the Congregation and for funding of the generalate budget. To build this fund we increase the annual assessment of the units. This increase will be in effect for the next six years. 2. The general government will study the needs of the Generalate/Motherhouse, including buildings, with a view toward downsizing. 3. Establish a Congregational Fund for (1) charitable, apostolic and formational projects which advance the mission of the Congregation [former Solidarity Fund] (2) formation and extraordinary expenses in the missions (3) aiding the units in time of natural disasters and (4) providing for future unfunded needs. 21 a. Each unit will be asked to make an initial contribution in the spirit of solidarity. b. The gift of a 10% contribution from units that sell buildings, property or receive unrestricted bequests may make possible a larger contribution than ordinary operations would allow. c. When a unit has funds beyond those needed for ministry, the long-term care of all its members and for meeting its financial commitment, the general government will dialogue with the unit’s leadership about donating surplus funds. 4. The general government will appoint an international committee to develop a document, outlining the purposes and restrictions of the Congregational Fund and specifying the application process. This document will be sent to each unit’s leadership in draft form for input before final approval. 5. An international committee working in collaboration with the general government will recommend disbursements from the Congregational Fund in accordance with the procedures specified in the Congregational Fund document. 6. The Congregation will retain L&P on a year-to-year basis to provide a consolidated annual financial report of all units and an analysis of the annual report for each unit. This will assist in our continued long-term planning. 7. In a spirit of good stewardship all units are encouraged to seek funding from sources outside the congregation. 8. All units will work toward financial sustainability. (cf. Constitutions Article 163) 22

“Each Sister is responsible for the life and mission of the congregation and shares in the common search to know and do God’s will.”

(Constitutions Article 99)

“Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.“

(Eph.4:15-16) 23 Rationale

United with Christ and consecrated for mission in the Church, together with Mary, the first disciple, we are called to give prophetic witness to the mission of Christ in our world today. We treasure each sister and believe that our life in community is both a gift and responsibility for each of us. Enriched by our diversity of nationality and culture, we witness God’s goodness and provident care to one another, to our collaborators and to those we serve.

The call to fullness of life through passionate commitment to the mission of Jesus is supported by structures which free us and promote our unity. Within these life-giving structures there is need for clearly defined roles, the exercise of subsidiarity and accountability based on relationships of trust and mutual support for the sake of mission. It is for this reason that sisters are called to the service of leadership and entrusted with authority, which facilitates a spirit of collaboration, interdependence and shared responsibility among us.

Challenges and Risks

 Openness and willingness to change our way of thinking when necessary  Acceptance of financial implications of new structures  Implementation of the results of ministry analysis and evaluation at the appropriate level  Assisting all to understand both rights and responsibilities as members  Identifying and preparing members for leadership at all levels  Identifying good consultants and speakers

24 Chapter Recommendations:

1. General /Province/Delegation/Local Level: Clarify governance roles at all congregational levels and provide education regarding:

 Rights and responsibilities of members and leaders

 Appropriate subsidiarity

 Accountability and evaluation.

2. General /Province/Delegation/Local Level: Provide leadership development at all levels.

3. General /Province/Delegation/Local Level: Study models of governance and move towards a more systemic and inter-connected model of leadership and membership.

4. General /Province/Delegation Level: Review current methods of general and provincial visitation, adapt and implement as needed in view of changing realities, and evaluate prior to the next General Conference. (cf. Constitutions Articles 122, 135)

5. General /Province/Delegation Level: Continue to study how our delegations and missions have a voice especially at the time of provincial chapters and insure their voice.

6. General /Province/Delegation Level: In a spirit of interdependence, explore and implement opportunities for networking and sharing resources and personnel to further enhance our effective participation in the mission of Jesus. 25

Chapter Recommendations (cont’d):

7. General Level: Schedule more frequent meetings of general administration and provincial and delegation superiors as well as regional meetings of provincial and delegation superiors.

(cf. Constitutional Directives 122.1 and 122.2)

8. General Level: Explore the need for administrative support services on the general level, including secretarial, translation, and technology needs.

9. Province/Delegation Level: Analyze and evaluate ministries to determine the most effective use of personnel and resources.

10.Province/Delegation Level: Review the practice of unlimited renewal of terms for formation personnel, secretaries and treasurers so the role is life-giving for those served and those serving. 11.Province/Delegation/Local Level: Study and implement life-giving structures for community which foster interdependence and inter-generational sharing.

26 ADDITIONAL PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TEXT OF THE CHAPTER DOCUMENT

UN/NGO:

We will continue our presence at the UN/NGO and, in the next years, we will study the nature of our commitment.

CELEBRATION OF JUBILEES:

The title, manner and specific times for celebrations of jubilees will be decided on the province or delegation level; this procedure will be evaluated at the next General Chapter. (The congregational jubilee list in the Catalog remains as it is pending further evaluation.)

CHANGE IN CONSTITUTIONS ARTICLE 81: pending approval of the Holy See (This sentence replaces the first two sentences of Article 81):

The first profession of temporary vows is made for one year and renewed one year at a time.

INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE:

As Sisters of Notre Dame, our historical commitment to women and children calls us to examine the way language deeply reflects and shapes attitudes and actions. Therefore, we use gender inclusive language wherever possible and culturally appropriate in our ministries, prayer and communications.

27 PROPOSALS REGARDING HANDBOOK FOR OUR CHAPTERS

NEW TEXT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL DIRECTIVE 143.1: (This text replaces the present directive): Where a province delegation or mission exists, the guidelines will determine the mode of participation of the sisters in the provincial chapters. Province delegation superiors are to be members of the provincial chapters.

METHODS FOR ELECTING DELEGATES TO THE PROVINCIAL CHAPTER—Alternative I The number of elected delegates should be at least one more than the number of ex officio members of the chapter. The provincial superior, with the consent of her council, determines the number of elected delegates to the provincial chapter. The provincial superior with the consent of her council decides whether participation without voting rights (i.e., with consultative voice) is open to those sisters, including temporary professed, who are not elected delegates.

PROCESS FOR ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO THE PROVINCIAL CHAPTER FROM PROVINCE DELEGATIONS/MISSIONS Temporary professed sisters from the fourth year on may participate in the election of delegates from their province delegation/mission to the respective provincial chapter. The provincial superior with the consent of her council and with consultation of the sisters in the province delegation/mission decides whether and how temporary professed sisters from the fourth year on participate as delegates to the respective provincial chapter.

28 CHANGE IN METHOD OF PREPARATION OF HANDBOOK FOR OUR CHAPTERS 2016 The responsibility to create a new version of the Handbook for our Chapters has been delegated by the General Chapter to a post-chapter commission to be appointed by the general government. This work on the Handbook will be done in consultation with the general government and will be approved by the General Conference prior to the 2016 General Chapter.

NEW DIRECTIVE TO BE ADDED TO CONSTITUTIONS 102 (DIRECTIVE 102.1) The General Chapter may delegate to the General Conference the responsibility to approve those changes in the Handbook for Our Chapters that are deemed necessary for the next General Chapter and provincial/general delegation chapters. Once approved by the General Conference, these changes remain in effect until abrogated or changed by a subsequent General Chapter. RECOMMENDATIONS TO GENERAL GOVERNMENT Recognizing that the carrying out of recommendations is limited by the realities of time, personnel and finance, the following proposals will be prioritized and scope for freedom and flexibility will be given to those responsible for their implementation:  that there be an international conference on the health care apostolate

 that there be a Regional Conference for India, Indonesia, Korea, Africa, PNG and other communities in the Philippines and in China once in six years (cf. Constitutional Directive 122.2)

 that there be a study of the relevant uses of technology for the sake of mission throughout the congregation.