US Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph: Carondelet Affirmation Ceremony

Gathering at the Holy Family Chapel

The Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet began their affirmation of new congregational leadership with a litany that called on our founders in France and all our congregational leaders since, to be with us . The sisters thanked their congregational leadership team completing their term and welcoming the incoming team.

From left to right, Srs. Catherine
McNamee, Laura Bufano, Francine
Costello, and Susan Hames

In thanking the sister leaders for their service, it was noted that the sister leaders were women of strength and integrity who pushed and pulled us in to newness to reverence the Sacred in all that exists in the web of life, to communion with energy for our mission and to be and act as one for the sake of God’s people, excluding no one.

Called forward to serve are from left to
right, Srs. Mary Ann Leininger, Mary McKay,
and Danielle Bonetti

Quoting from the 2013 Acts of Chapter document, the sisters present reminded the new leadership team what they had committed to be about for these next six year. “The mystery of transformation moves us from the center where we are comfortable to the margins where we will likely feel frustrated and displaced. From this vulnerability we can experience true mutual relationships, see with new eyes, and recognize that all aspects of justice and survival within all Creation- nature, humanity, and organizations- intertwine.”

Srs. Mary Ann Leininger, Danielle Bonetti
Mary McKay, Barbara Dreher, Miriam Ukeritis

Left to right: Srs. Barbara Dreher and
Miriam Ukeritis

The leaders were urged by the sisters and those present to “make haste” to practice being and acting as one congregation in service to the cries of a fragile earth and all humankind.” They were called to act in healthy and just ways within the Earth Community and Church, with each other and the dear neighbor. All 5 sisters of the Leadership Team responded, “With God’s grace and your support, yes we are willing.”