Cultivating the ‘Now and New’ in Religious Life
Dear Conference Members, Partners, and Friends,
Greetings from the Religious Formation Conference! On behalf of the National Board of Directors, the Executive Director and Staff, we share with you the 2023 Annual Report. We highlight the RFC's good work – done in consultation with so many of you – and report on how lay and religious are partnering to lead the organization now and into the future.
It is important we underscore the Conference’s mission to educate and strengthen formators in their ministry of formation. The RFC engages religious communities with timely resources, services, and experiences that support initial and ongoing formation, that are responsive to an emerging future, in prophetic witness to Gospel values through personal and communal transformation.
In this work, the RFC integrates a rich religious tradition with contemporary and cultural realities by promoting open, contemplative, and collaborative dialogue, modeling and encouraging inclusivity and respect for diversity, welcoming intergenerational and intercultural viewpoints, and responding to God’s ongoing invitation to the ‘now and new’ of religious life.
The Board of Directors, in concert with staff, members and collaborators, are attending to the strategic shifts and creative changes emerging in consecrated life. Like many of you, we continue to pray for God’s guidance and lean into the Spirit’s promptings with abundant faith and courageous hope.
We’re aware, too, that this work would not be possible without the backing of many for whom this community serves as a source of support and inspiration. Thank you, friends, for sharing this journey with us.
We invite you to review the annual report, and as always, reach out with any questions, comments or insights.
Blessings and peace,
Sister Helen Adaku Ogbuji, CCVI
Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (Houston)
Co-Chair, Board of Directors
Brother Wayne J. Fitzpatrick, MM
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
Co-Chair, Board of Directors
