Setting the Context for the Conversation Seven Key Insights 11/21/2018 10:45 AM Setting the Context for the Conversation Seven Key Insights Sr. Katherine Feely, SND © 2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries. The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

Key Insight #1 Lack of focused movement towards the future is a dominant reality of religious life

Key Insight #2 Core constitutive elements of religious life are communion, mission, communal discernment and solidarity with the poor and marginalized and need reexamination

New tools and new ways of being are required for new times Key Insight #3 New tools and new ways of being are required for new times

Letting go is a prophetic call in order to be free to change Key Insight #4 Letting go is a prophetic call in order to be free to change

Purification of memory is needed to embrace new dreams Key Insight #5 Purification of memory is needed to embrace new dreams

Key Insight #6 Energy and hope are alive and well – even in the face of current realities and challenges

Key Insight #7 Persistent calls remain: …the call to contemplation and communal discernment

This we know…continuity & change The strength of religious life at the moment is in its individual members Its weakness is at the communal or corporate level; there is a lack of cohesion, of shared vision and action regarding a transformed future. We are wrestling and redefining “community” in the light of changes since Vatican II

This we hope for: There is a deep desire and readiness for movement. Members of religious congregations around the country overwhelmingly indicated that they are looking for ways to initiate and sustain change and movement towards a deeper renewal and living of the life. So here we are…

Our collective goal here: To provide you with insights and skills and resources to envision, desire and commit to a sustained process of personal and communal transformation. To support you in your role and as a member in taking responsibility for the desires and the visions you have for living this life deeply and passionately.