Chapter Directions 2004

We, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth,
who love the poor,
hear a cry and feel an urgency

in these times
to unite our voices and to speak out,
to live and move as women of hope.

Charged by the spirit born in us of Vincent, Louise and Xavier,
and strengthened by our life together in community,
we step into our future with a renewed sense of mission.

As women called to risk for the reign of God,
we choose to nurture relationships of hope:

with one another
by creating authentic communities that welcome, support
and challenge
by strengthening our South-North connections
by clarifying and enriching the SCLA-SCL relationship

between leadership and membership
by developing community structures that lead
to more participation, collaboration and accountability
by learning about our community's sponsoring role and works

with the Church
by sustaining dialogue with and caring for the Church
by engaging in theological reflection and study
among ourselves and with our neighbors

with the global community
by responding to human and environmental issues
through personal choices and communal actions
by joining our voice with justice-centered organizations

with the earth
by embracing our need for full communion with all creation. 
 
As a community of believers, we open ourselves
to the presence of the Sacred in each of these relationships.
As Sisters of Charity, rooted in Christ and united in our convictions,
we claim responsibility as gospel-centered women
and stand with all who suffer, who grieve, who hope.

Chapter 2004