IPA

Carol Zinn, SSJ, who is president-elect of LCWR and previously was a NGO representative at the UN for the Congregation of St. Joseph, led participants today to deeper understanding consciousness evolving. Sister Carol works with multi-sector and multi-issue groups in helping people to deepen their understanding of global realities and possible responses. The day ended with Mass at the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and small group outings to the homes of Sisters and Associates for an evening meal.

Reflection for September 22 by Sister Mary Margaret Mooney, Conference, Fargo

Yesterday we rode on the swells of the bay as the boat captain pointed out sights along the shore. Today we glided over waves of consciousness evolving and conscience evolution  under the guidance of Carol Zinn, SSJ. She called us to connectedness at a table that is round as an essential worldview in the task of eradicating poverty — poverty that is not only the most serious human problem but also the greatest threat to the environment. While difficult to enable, true partnerships are the only way forward toward forming the kingdom that is to come. What is it that the world needs from Presentation People? What is stopping us from doing what needs to be done? Last evening the actress who told the foundation story deconstructed the habit she wore, put on the simple cloak and cap of Nano and left us with these words, “And this is all it was ever meant to be.” Those words echoed as a refrain today as we tried to stretch ourselves to greater clarity of conscience and consciousness of our calling in our world today.

Reflection for September 22 by Sister Cheryl Burke, Society, Victoria

We were indeed blessed that Carol Zinn, a Sister of St Joseph from Philadelphia, presented three very stimulating, engaging and challenging sessions. Currently, Carol serves on her congregational leadership team and currently serves is president elect of LCWR. As we are all aware, this is a critical time for the religious women of the USA – for religious women across the globe.

Carol is an experienced leader, and has taught at all levels and has worked in the areas of educational leadership, religious education, Sacramental coordinator and music ministry.  She has a bachelor’s in education, master’s in theology, a doctorate in curriculum development and education foundations. She was also a research fellow at the Episcopal Divinity School and Howard University on the topic: Leadership and Transformation. Carol works with multi-sector and multi- issue groups in helping people deepen understanding of global realities.

Her work also includes being the education program director for Global Education Associates, a non-governmental organisation working to further global systemic change. She has also served as an NGO at the UN. While these qualifications are impressive, and no doubt hard-won, Carol engaged with us in a very grounded, honest, visionary, personal and courageous way.

Carol’s presentations were essentially framed in the Scriptures of the 24th and 25th Sundays of Ordinary time and of September 22. “But who do you (Presentation Sisters) say that I am – in this time?  I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living … blessed are they who have kept the Word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance … the Lord upholds my life.”

As we moved through the first presentation, the beautiful refrain: “There is a longing in our hearts, O God, for you to reveal yourself to us,” was sung several times by the whole group…. these were deeply prayerful moments, and a poignant reminder of why we have gathered to name our way (I.P.A.’s way) into our future as PBVM women.

Reflection for September 22 by Sisters Ruth Coleman, Noreen McGrath and Regina Daly, Union, New Zealand

In our morning prayer, Sharon, Maureen and Prema drew on the combined energy of Rock, Sea and Fire to create the space for the formal conversations. In the spirit of Jesus, Nano and all our ancestors we prayed to be the change we wish to see in the world and to be open to God’s endless possibilities in us.

Carol Zinn, SSJ, invited us to share “Why did you come to I.P.A.?” engaging us through story, humour and excellent input.  She affirmed the work of I.P.A. and assured us that we have all the words in our documents. Our work now is ‘between our ears ‘to shift consciousness and to realize the power of our world view(s).’ ‘There is longing in our hearts, O God, for you to reveal yourself to us.’

The reality is that we’re living in a divided world that is longing for unity; we are a destructive species on this planet needing to mature; we’re in absolute denial. Consciousness Evolving is about knowing that we know the above, that we’re trying to come out of our denial and it’s not easy. We’re recognizing that we’re part of a long and enduring Story. We’re beginning to get the reality that ‘All is one – everything is connected and all connections are in a circle.’  We’re respecting the presence of Spirit God, energising fire.

“What is it that the world needs from Nano’s daughters and sons? What is stopping you?” We are being called to a Conscious Evolution, the awareness that we know we’re evolving and choose to participate. The most serious problem for humans and for the environment is poverty – Partnership is the way forward, we need to practice it. “Presentation people are you happy in a full way, healthy and holy?”  Are you in there in your consciousness? “Good, because people need you right now.”

—————————-