The Sisters of the Queen of Apostles Province in the USA held their Provincial Chapter from June 10 – June 14, 2013 in Huntington. We had the privilege of having the Superior General, Sr. Izabela Świerad, SAC with us during the entire time. Sister Izabela was a great support and valuable resource as we began to consider our options for the future to seek for new ways to live our religious life and apostolate today. During this time we discerned and decided in cooperation with the General Administration what steps we need to take.
The theme of our chapter was “We Walk by Faith” /2 Cor.5:7/ Our Provincial, Sr. Gail Borgmeyer, and Sister Izabela Swierad inspired and encouraged us to “choose life” as we step into the future with faith and trust in God and love and support for each other.
Sr. Amy Hereford, CSJ, Attorney and Canonist, one of the speakers, led us toward the identification of our tasks ahead: Discernment about 1. Our Sponsored Ministries, 2. Our Retirement Care, Administration and Resources, 3. Lay assistance in community administration/ Corporation, 4. Community/Delegature.
Mr. Steve Gelineau, Senior Vice President of the Camden Group (a consulting firm), presented a well-documented educational session with updates on the Affordable Healthcare Act and its influence on small healthcare systems such as Pallottine Health Services.
The entire Chapter was interspersed with prayer, reflection, a Holy Hour and sharing. At the end of each day, Sr. Izabela and the Provincial Council met to evaluate the day and plan for the next day, if adjustments were needed.
During our Chapter we had the great joy of celebrating the jubilees of Sr. Bernadita Peterson who looked back on 60 years of Religious Profession, and Sr. Mary Terence Wall who celebrated 50 years of her consecrated life. After a solemn celebration of the Eucharist in the Hospital Chapel the sisters assembled for a group picture and then enjoyed a delicious dinner.
On June 14, 2013 we gathered to wish Sr. Izabela and the sisters from Laurel farewell. It was a bitter-sweet moment, as the rest of us returned to our daily activities.
By Sr. Francesca Lowis, SAC
