Thank you to all those who participated in our National Assembly. Our time together was one of learning, discussion, fellowship, and prayer. We reflected on the theme, “Renewed in the Spirit: Changing Realities in Religious Life.” Our time with one another is a true gift. We differ in a variety
Wellness. Self-care. Sadly, for some, these are buzzwords for self-centeredness. Until their bodies catch up with them. What we would pastorally say to caregivers is the same advice that we need to hear ourselves. If we are going to care for the needs of our communities, then we need to
As you review Items of Note this month, you will see the many upcoming programs designed by the CMSM team for you, our members. Over the last few years, we have changed and adapted the National Assembly, the Eldercare Summit, and the Safeguarding Ministry Conference to respond more effectively to your needs as
Most religious communities of men invoke the Blessed Virgin Mary under some particular title. She offers us, as she did our founders, a witness of fidelity to God in the midst of needs and challenges. During this month dedicated to Mary, we have an opportunity to consider more deeply her
As we move through the Gospel readings of the Easter season with the various appearances of the Risen Christ, we witness the joy of the disciples, but their confusion as well. He is risen, but what does that mean for them? Over time, they come to realize the meaning as
While change is a part of life, few look for it. And yet, change occurs. We can either ignore it or attend to it. The changing realities of male religious life are many and varied. Each community has some differences, but as our CARA survey of major superiors showed several
Leaders of religious communities need prayer. At first glance, that may seem obvious. Yet, so often, it goes by the wayside amid many challenges and commitments. Lent offers a time to review and reset our prayer life. One thing to consider is spiritual direction. Leaders who engage in regular spiritual
Ordinary Time. Is it really so ordinary? Before the liturgically-minded point out that the term is not referring to the everyday but to marking time in sequence, it might be worth stopping in the new year and reflecting on where we are in day to day life. Even when we
As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception today and continue our Advent pilgrimage, we have an opportunity to reflect on what Christ prepared us to do. As religious, we freely gave ourselves to Him. First, though, he invited us. Christ prepared us with His grace, and we responded.
Leading a religious community is a daunting task. It is also a blessed one. Being chosen by one’s brothers to lead is a call to spiritual fortitude, patient endurance, compassionate care, and co-responsible decision-making. We may innately or through experience be able to do some of these things well. Ongoing
