Ash Wednesday reflection 2022
We begin this Season of Lent with a world torn by increasing violence and war. Last Sunday, Pope Francis urged all to make Ash Wednesday a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine.
We begin this Season of Lent with a world torn by increasing violence and war. Last Sunday, Pope Francis urged all to make Ash Wednesday a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine.
Each of us, I believe, at some moment in our lives, can find ourselves among the wheat and chaff. At some moment, we feel ourselves a barren bush in the desert and at other times a tree planted beside the waters near the stream.
If we are to be Christ to one another, what can we do to encourage and empower the prophets of our day to speak, or the saints of our day to minister?
Social scientists develop knowledge that is directly pertinent to global challenges and crises and need to be included in initiatives taken to address them. This book is a step towards such presentation and involvement.
Global crises are crucially intertwined with our relationships, groups, organizations, communities, institutions, how they collaborate with each other, how they compete with each other, and the dynamics intermingled with these.
I have always valued Walter Brueggemann’s insight that “Advent is an invitation …”
The Special Chapter of the Society of the Sacred Heart closed on December 2, 2021. The delegates representing the United States – Canada Province were Provincial Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ; Imma De Stefanis, RSCJ; Juliet Mousseau, RSCJ; and former Superior General Kathleen Conan, RSCJ.
In this Mission Advancement Annual Report issue of Heart magazine, the Society of the Sacred Heart, United States – Canada Province shares stories of light and gratitude. Read about the beginnings of the Province's mission advancement office in RSCJ Q&A with Shirley Miller, RSCJ; reflections from Ruth Cunnings, RSCJ, who recently professed her first vows; memories and insights from alumnae/i of Network of Sacred Heart schools; and how members of various generations of the Sacred Heart family remain engaged with the Society's mission.
Gaudete Sunday
Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ, reminds us:
Since I was a child, I have loved this time of year when darkness descends sooner on our days and the nights are usually crystal clear with some of the most magnificent stars and planets to be seen in the night sky. Those tiny, beautiful glimpses of light amid great darkness speak to me of Advent, of our recounting as a Christian community, once again, Emmanuel, God Is With Us!
Advent signifies the arrival of something that has been awaited, especially of something momentous. For Christians everywhere the four-week Advent season specifically calls forth the sense of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Jesus.