The Intra-congregational Vocation/Formation team (ICVFT) met from 9th-13th July in Clydebank, Scotland. A wonderful Scottish welcome awaited the group who were meeting for the last time to complete the tasks set before them in 2009. The flags were flying to welcome the group –
just as they had flown a few days earlier when H.M. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh had paid a visit to the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice. Here the group report here on what happened during their meeting:
The ICVFT of the Religious Sisters of Charity gathered in Clydebank Scotland from 9-13 July 2012 to complete the 2007 Chapter Mandate. The Scottish welcome we received was one of generosity and graciousness as they attended to all our needs.
The richness of this journey to Clydebank began in Zambia and continued to Dublin, Nigeria and Kansas. The energy, vision, hopes and joys of all participants was expressed in the diversity of culture, age, wisdom and experience. Each day began with a ritual that brought us to the heart of each culture and created a spirit of joy which enable us to address the challenges of the agenda which eventually lead to a deep sense of unity.
Sr Veronica Brand RSHM, guided us with gentle and skillful facilitation brought forth the zeal, energy, creativity and commitment from each person to work as a team. This ensured that the significant dimensions of the agenda were addressed with diligence and engagement of all. The various components of the Formation process were explored within the context of Congregational documents, lived experience and vision for the future. This lead to the further development of polices and frameworks to be adapted in the local context.
We leave Clydebank with richness of relationships, a quality of the outcomes and above all the hope and confidence in the future that Divine Providence will enlighten the ongoing implementation of our life long formation process within our congregation.
The ICVFT is deeply grateful to the General Leadership Team for their vision and commitment that supported the team to achieve their desired goals.
