Interdependence

ACTS OF THE 32nd GENERAL CHAPTER, 2006

Everything in the universe
Moves and is sustained through interdependence.
The human family
Participates in these creative relationships
Which unite all in a common future.

Witnesses to the Gospel,
And true to our charism
As instruments of transformation,
We Sisters and Associates of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
Are called to consciously live our interdependence
In new and dynamic ways.

In a constant conversion of heart and mind,
We long to sow seeds of peace and justice.


DEEPENING OUR CALL TO INTERDEPENDENCE

As we move toward our future, we hear anew the call to live and witness to interdependence. We find strength in new relationships and become conscious of our responsibilities. In a spirit of reciprocity, we welcome the richness of the diverse world and we share the gift of our charism.

We are called to re-examine and deepen the Acts of earlier General Chapters in a new light. In the face of continuing acts of violence against the earth and among people, we seek to intensify our efforts: to care for our environment, to eradicate trafficking in women and children, and to build faith communities while maintaining a prophetic voice in the Church. As women of contemplation in action, we encourage and mentor those who wish to share our ministry and charism.

The 32 ^nd General Chapter urges us to respond to certain needs of our world and our Congregation.

A. INTERDEPENDENCE: A RESPONSE TO THE CRIES OF THE
WORLD

1. Response to the Devastation of the HIV/AIDS Crisis

Recognizing that many of our sisters and brothers around the world are dying from HIV/AIDS, and particularly in the continent of Africa, we are conscious of the impact of this disease in Lesotho, where our SNJM Sisters and Associates minister.
Inspired by their faith and courage in caring for the children and families affected by HIV/AIDS, we partner with them by:
• raising the awareness of ourselves and others about the devastating effects of this disease.
• supporting projects initiated in Lesotho through fund raising and other collaboration.
• collaborating with other religious congregations and organizations to influence governments, churches, and corporations to provide services and create structural change to address HIV/AIDS.

2. Response to the Crisis of our Environment

Recognizing that the planet we call home is facing dire threats from human activity, we commit ourselves to provide support for a healthy future for the generations after us.

Therefore we will engage in corporate and individual actions to slow the effects of global warming through:
• education,
• personal changes in the way we live,
• corporate stands on issues related to the earth’s future.

3. Response to the Need for Dialogue within the Church

We recognize that we are members of a church in need of conversion. We join with others who desire a more inclusive church of communion, mutuality, and justice.

Therefore we will
• encourage each Province/Sector to give priority to forming small faith communities,
• continue to seize opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation in the Church.

4. Response to the Need for Dialogue with other Cultures and Religious Traditions

We experience the richness that comes from sharing between cultures and religions. At the same time, we are faced with intercultural and interreligious conflict that threatens our world with violence and war.

Therefore we will
• educate ourselves to become more sensitive to other faiths and cultures to promote better dialogue,
• create or engage in reflection and sharing groups to gain a better understanding of cultural and interreligious commonalities and differences.

B. INTERDEPENDENCE: A RESPONSE TO NEEDS WITHIN OUR
SNJM CONGREGATION

As members of the 32 ^nd General Chapter, we make the following recommendations:

1. Leadership

We recommend that:

a) the Congregational Leadership Team and Province/Sector Leadership Teams consciously develop leadership among newer/younger members by:
• involving these members in committees and activities at all levels of the congregation,
• providing forums for them to meet with each other,
• ensuring the presence of a representative group of younger members at the 2011 Chapter.

b) the Congregational Leadership Team and Province/Sector Leadership Teams collaborate to explore and deepen the spirituality of leadership, and emphasize leadership as an important ministry within the Congregation.

c) the Congregational Leadership Team and Province/Sector Leadership Teams
collaborate frequently in order to:
• implement the Chapter Acts,
• articulate clearly their mutual roles and responsibilities,
• and engage in other activities that promote interdependence.

d) the Congregational Leadership Team identify and experiment with new models
of leadership.

2. Forms of SNJM Commitment

We recommend that gathered around our charism, we continue to call the Congregation to:

• Invite new members to vowed life,
• Deepen our interdependence with Associates, supporting their initiatives and projects, and welcoming them into our SNJM activities
• Encourage new forms of living the charism which may emerge.