Dear Friend,
At Thanksgiving we mailed our 2021 annual appeal to member communities. Today, we share it with all of you who have participated in some aspect of the Conference during the past year and seek your support as well.
Last month we gathered for our 2021 Congress, Arise! Through the power of technology, we were able to hear and interact with our keynote speakers, pray together, gather in Member Areas and Topical Interest Groups, and give the Mary Emil Penet Award to Mary Johnson, SNDdeN. While we would have preferred a face-to-face gathering, the streaming video and Zoom platforms broadened the outreach to engage religious from 6 of the 7 continents!
The pandemic has certainly increased and sharpened our awareness of the importance of technology. Early in the lockdown, Pope Francis noted that times of pandemic often unleash bursts of creativity. This has been evident in the ways we have all learned to use Zoom for meetings, gatherings, and even parties. Going forward, it will be important for us to discern how best to use these powerful tools, especially for programs and events. When is it best to gather in person and when might technology be a preferred option to broaden the outreach? Environmental and financial implications also play important roles as well.
Here at the Conference, we continue to offer our programs primarily via Zoom. This includes ForMission, Life Commitment, Compromiso de Vida, Congress, Orientation to Formation, workshops and webinars. The Together program is now in-person as is the Intercongregational Collaborative Novitiate (ICCN). Soon ForMission will regather live at the Oblate Renewal Center in January. Some programs will continue to be offered online while we explore a hybrid version for others. In each decision we consider accessibility, participation, and process.
Our annual appeal this year focuses on technology and its important role in communication. In particular, we are in need of a new website as the platform we currently use is being phased out. Additionally, we hope to purchase a new membership platform that will streamline membership renewals, access to member-only content, and deliver content to members in a seamless fashion.
We invite you to make a gift to this year's annual appeal online. Your contribution can be processed conveniently and securely on our website.
No gift is too small and every little bit makes an impact!
Click here to support the Conference with a year-end gift
We are grateful to each of you for your ongoing support through these uncertain times. Your messages of support and encouragement have filled us with energy and enthusiasm. We hope that our programs and resources, in both initial and ongoing formation, have been life-giving for you and your members as well.
Thank you in advance for your contribution to our annual appeal. We ask God’s blessings on you as we continue to navigate these challenging times together.
May we arise with the gifts of the Spirit!
Advent blessings,
Ellen Dauwer, SC
Executive Director