By Katie Kilbourne, SCLA
The SCL Associate Advisory Board gathered for its fall meeting on October 24 and 25 at the Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center. Our time together wove in the themes of justice, charity, compassion, and connection.
On Friday evening, “Justice Champions” — Sister Therese Bangert, Ashley Hernandez, and Nick Keehler from the JPIC office, John Shively, and Sister Mary Jo McDonald — joined us to share about the justice work they are involved in. Their passion and commitment reminded us of the powerful ways our Community makes a difference in the ever-changing world and challenged us to take action.
Saturday morning began with an inspirational time of spiritual reflection facilitated by Sister Noreen Walter. Our focus was the gift of our shared charism and how we see that evolving in our lives. The opening prayer for our meeting reminded us that “we plant the seeds now that will one day grow,” and a reading of the SCL Land Ethic grounded us in our call to care for the sacred land we live on.
Don Stubbings presented an excellent Director’s Report. The Come and See program continues to grow with active cohorts now in Kansas, Colorado, and Montana. Eight Associates have already accepted the invitation to retreat time at Marillac Center. He provided highlights of the successful Associate Days in Montana, Kansas, and Colorado, and updates on his active participation with other Directors of Associates of the Charity Federation, whom he will host at Marillac Center in November.
John Shively gave us an update on JPIC office activities and the Integral Ecology Initiative. Regional reports from Billings, Helena, Denver, and Grand Junction, and the SCLA+SCL Zoom Community, provided a wonderful glimpse of how Associates are living out the SCL charism and the opportunities for connection with one another. Further discussion included the opportunity for Associates to initiate or sponsor applications for the Systemic Change funds, as well as an invitation to learn more about the organizations and causes supported by the SCL Community. Our meeting closed with a thoughtful Prayer for Charity, asking for the grace to serve with compassion and dignity.
Always popular, we ended the day with a social event as local Associates and Sisters joined us for cider and donuts. This chance to greet familiar faces, make new acquaintances, and share stories is a reminder of what binds us together as a Community and the grace of presence and connection.
Advisory Board Members:
Katie Kilbourne (Chair), John Beeson (Vice Chair), Sister Michael Delores Allegri, Debra Beeson, Sister Maureen Hall, Mary Landry, Linda McCray, John Shively (Liaison to SCL Community Council), Vie Thorgren, and Don Stubbings (Ex Officio).
