Sustaining the Commitment/ Action and Contemplation First presented at the 2010 Leadership Academy – adapted for Come to the Table

Action and Contemplation “(Even) our ways of articulating this rhythm - action and contemplation or action/contemplation suggest a dualism or differentiation that I don’t think existed in Catherine. In her, these are not separate realities, separate energies, but one life force flowing through her.” April Sheila Carney, RSM

Reciprocal Nature of Our Call “ We have Clare (Sister Clare Agnew) to thank for the document “The Spirit of the Institute” in which Catherine so clearly describes the reciprocal nature of our call, focusing on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy which she describes as “the business of our lives.” “…we have known that, for us, prayer is central and prayer and ministry are always companions.” April Sheila Carney, RSM

Balance “In deceptively simple language it calls us to the difficult dynamic of contemplation and action; it calls us to hold in graceful balance our lives of prayer and our lives of service.” April Sheila Carney, RSM

One Solid Comfort “We have one solid source of comfort amidst this little tripping about, our hearts can always be in the same place, centered in God, for whom alone we go forward or stay back.” Letter to de Sales White December, 1840

Trust “We have ever confided largely in Divine Providence and shall continue to do so.” Letter to Mary Ann Doyle September 24, 1841

Source “May God bless and animate you with His own divine spirit, that you may prove it is Jesus Christ you love and serve with your whole heart.” Letter to Frances Warde October 23, 1837

Forgiveness/Humility “Pray fervently to God to take all bitterness from me. I can scarcely think of what has been done to me without resentment. May God forgive me and make me humble before He calls me into His presence.” Letter to Frances Warde June 16, 1838

Focus “No occupation should withdraw our minds from God. Our whole life should be a continual act of praise and prayer.” Retreat Instructions, p. 43

Centered “We should be as the compass that goes round its circle without stirring from its center – our center is God, from whom all our actions should spring as from their source.” Retreat Instructions, p. 154

Pause for Reflection

Reflection - Prayer and Service What are the challenges to a graceful balance in our lives of prayer and our lives of service”? How might this apply to the ministry of sponsorship and roles in governance?