On the first Saturday of the month, the monastic community gathers to pray, plan and learn together. This year our “Community Days” have been dedicated almost exclusively to the work of strategic planning. A somewhat corporate concept, strategic planning has been successfully utilized by Saint Gertrude High School to envision a not-so-distant future. So, with the help of Katherine Whitney, of Warren, Whitney & Sherwood, a leading management firm in Richmond, VA, we have undertaken the task of imagining our community’s future – the needs, dreams and hopes of this monastery and its ministries. I can think of no more exciting or important work.With Katherine’s guidance, we are making great strides. We are taking a grateful look at what GOD has given us and discussing how to be good stewards of those precious gifts. We are talking about our human and spiritual resources and how best to use them for GOD’s glory. We are envisioning a monastic community that continues to grow in number and a community that nurtures its elders with loving care. We are planning with hopeful hearts and walking forward in faith. This is, without a doubt, the most exciting time in our recent history. (Keep in mind I’ve only been in the monastery for six years, so my perspective is always skewed by the enthusiasm of youth and blinded by the reflection of a shiny, new ring.) But to be a part of this conversation seems a great privilege. I want to live to a ripe old age and tell the new sisters what these days were like – the excitement, the fear, the thrill of being an organic life form moving through time, open to change – to life itself. Whatever we decide to do – I’m in. I’m in because of the shiny, new ring, because the Spirit is leading us, because we’ll do it together. Keep us in prayer…
Blessings and love,
- Sister Vicki
www.sisterbloggers.blogspot.com
