“ Dare to Image!” “!egamI ot eraD”

A Franciscan Federation Gathering April , 2014 Felician Central Convent Chicago, Illinois

“Dare To Image!” Gathering  Approximately 60 sisters gathered from several congregations with Sr. Lynn Patrice Lavin, OSF as the facilitator

Origin, Process, and Purpose of Gathering Origin: The present situation at this point in the Federation’s history regarding personnel available for key positions, financial stability, and comfortableness with “new” structure (5 years old) Process: On October 15, 2013 letter of invitation sent to Members of Commission of Elected Leaders as well as to those with a passion for the charism to gather in Chicago from April 29-30, 2014 Purpose: To “midwife a new vision” by giving extended time and more focused energy to develop a proposal for the Franciscan Federation’s future in the context of contemplative prayer and unhurried conversation.

Preparations for “Dare to Image!” Gathering  Data from the CEL survey conducted in the spring of of 61 congregations responded. This is a 70% response.  Executive summary of CEL responses  Collated responses from COR and CCS surveys.  Letter sent by National Board to all Franciscan Orders regarding the formation of one national conference and their responses.  Five scenarios for possible direction to take for the future of the Federation.

Survey Questions from COR & CCS What vision do we have for Franciscanism in the United States? What is the value/role of the Franciscan Federation to help us live the Franciscan call in the United States? What events, activities, and structures of the current Federation are most helpful in accomplishing this? In the future (next 5 years) what changes should be considered in the structure, activities, or events of the Franciscan Federation? New directions? New emphases?

Process Used At Gathering  Personal Discernment  Communal Discernment  Table Discussions  Tear Sheets

Personal Discernment What are the significant insights that surfaced for you when you read the survey responses from the three commissions?

Learnings from Survey... And the Survey Said...  A desire for the Franciscan Federation to continue in some form  The importance of the Annual Conference  The lack of clarity regarding the new commission structure  The hope that more collaboration take place among the various Franciscan Orders, congregations, and organizations  A concern about the geographical structure of the regions

Communal Discernment: The Essence of our Sharing This is a transformative moment in the life of the Franciscan Federation. Through the Spirit alive among us, we want to breathe new life into the Franciscan Federation through an evolving, organic process that begins with:

 an active Sabbath plan to revitalize, refocus, and redesign the Federation  increased inclusivity – beyond TOR, beyond AFC attendees  encompassing those with a Franciscan heart.

Why A Sabbath?  To allow space and time to make the evolutionary leap from what is to what can be in regard to the Franciscan Federation  To prepare for the 50 th Anniversary of the Franciscan Federation with a deliberate, contemplative process of transformation that engages the leadership and membership of member congregations

Questions  How do people identify the Sabbath and what is a Sabbath year?  What would you like to see happen?  What would you like to participate in for a Sabbath?

Next Steps  Continue with the present interim executive director, Dianne Kaimann, OSF  Establish an Ad Hoc Committee to move the process forward  Hire a facilitator to work with the Ad Hoc Committee  Encourage congregations (local and regional level) to deepen relationships in the Sabbath process  Invite participation of other groups relevant to the process

Ad Hoc Committee Members Anne Amati OSF Rose Elsbernd FSPA Margaret Magee OSF Nancy Miller OSF Peggy Quinn OSF Marilyn Trowbridge SFP Facilitator: Lynn Patrice Lavin OSF Interim Executive Director: Dianne Kaimann OSF

Ad Hoc Committee Goals  To design a process of contemplative reflection and evaluation that will be used during the Sabbath year  This process will: Be organic and evolving Explore the meaning of Sabbath as it applies to the Franciscan Federation and how the year of Sabbath might unfold Raise awareness of the value and purpose of the Francsican Federation at this point in our history Assist all members in evaluating all aspects of the Franciscan Federation – office staff, board, finances/dues, annual conference, commissions, programming, opportunities for participation by grassroots, support of congregational leadership and membership – Discern “new possibilities” that may be emerging

To allow space and time to make the evolutionary leap needed to move the Federation through a process of transformation, WE PROCLAIM A SABBATH YEAR from 2015 to 2016 which coincides with the 50 TH Anniversary of the Franciscan Federation. During this year of Sabbath all aspects of the Federation will be evaluated as to their efficacy, inclusivity, and potential for inspiring, enthusing, and deepening the understanding of our Franciscan Third Order charism and its global implications. “Dare To Image!” Final Gathering Statement To

THANK YOU!