MARCH 2012 Update Article

Update March 2012

FROM THE ASSOCIATES
Associates Coordinators and ANC (Associates National Committee)

Each year since 2007 the Associates National Committee (ANC-USA) has worked to build spe- cific relationships with the coordinators from the twelve groups across the province. Previously, there have been two national meetings of Associates (2008 and 2011) and two conference calls (2009, 2010). Hearing the voices of like-minded people across the country provided a wonderful window into the successes and challenges of the Associates movement. Each time, we (ANC) came away with newfound respect and a certain awe for how each person is keeping the dream alive.

From the NGO Office

Dear Associates of the Sacred Heart,

Here is the latest news from our RSCJ at the U.N., a collections for resources for Lent. The "Lenten Carbon Fast" is particularly engaging!
As Sr. Garson says, "This is a treasure-trove of resources for the season, and I join my wishes to Cecile's that our journey be full of blessings as we are opened to new horizons."


With love,
Catherine Kinabrew
Associates National Committee

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Dear friends,

Cecile Meijer has sent us the following message:

Below are some JPIC resources for Lent which I have recently received from colleagues.

1) The Marianists have developed a creative Lenten Program 2012, featuring 40 days and
40 Least Developed Countries. This program presents a rich opportunity to learn about people living in poverty and the human rights challenges they face in various countries around the world.

Click to read the description of this program. Then at the top left of the window, click on the third icon (Downloads/Téléchargements/Descargas)and you will be taken to a Lenten calendar featuring each day a one-page focus on a particular country. If a page is missing, try again at a later date.

For English, go to www.40ultimos.org/intro.php?idioma=1

2) Ash Wednesday Declaration: Repent for "shrug-culture" on climate change by Operation Noah - www.operationnoah.org/read-the-declaration

3) A Lenten Carbon Fast - Download the file

4) Lent 4.5 Christian Spirituality - www.earthandspiritcenter.org

5) From the World Council of Churches on water:

Praying through Lent for a just economy of Water: The World Council of Churches has developed resources (Prayer, Reflections and practical hints) for the 7 weeks of Lent. Go to,
In English: http://www.oikoumene.org/home.html

I wish everyone a blessed Lenten journey.

This is a treasure-trove of resources for the season, and I join my wishes to Cecile's that our journey be full of blessings as we are opened to new horizons.

All the best,

Judy Garson rscj

News from Sprout Creek Farm - February 2012

Encompassing 200 acres in Dutchess County, NY, Sprout Creek Farm is really three different entities, distinct yet dynamically entertwined. It is a working farm, raising free-ranging cows, sheep, goats, wild turkeys, guinea fowl, chickens, and pigs. It is a market, selling our internationally award-winning cheeses and farm-produced meats, as well as local Hudson Valley milk, eggs, vegetables, crafts, and gifts. And it is an educational center, offering day, weekend, and summer programs that help connect young people to the land, the seasons, and the plants and animals that co-exist here in harmonious rhythm. Sprout Creek Farm, Inc. is a 501c3 incorporated not-for-profit organization.

Click here for a link to news about Sprout Creek Farm!

Letter from Barbara Dawson, RSCJ

Dear Associates of the Sacred Heart

I have been asked to send you the attached letter from our new provincial, Barbara Dawson, RSCJ, telling of the new leadership team. It is filled with particularly good news because Sr. Dawson was one of the original "pioneers" who supported the development of the Associates movement in the U.S. In her own words, Sr. Dawson says,

"One of the joys of being named provincial again is the opportunity to be in closer touch with the associate groups throughout the country. Who would have known that this movement would have attracted so many men and women who share our mission and charism and who, like RSCJ, want to discover and reveal the love of God."

We look forward to many opportunities for collaboration and mutuality between RSCJ and Associates.

With love,
Catherine Kinabrew
Associates National Committee

Download letter

Invitation to Join Extended Sacred Heart Family Journey

February 12, 2012

Dear Associates of the Sacred Heart,

It is with great joy that I forward this email from our provincial team. We have been invited to join the international Society --- RSCJ and the family of the Sacred Heart --- on a spiritual journey from Lent to Pentecost, with the timely focus on justice, peace and the integrity of creation. May each of us be blessed by the work of the Spirit as we "travel" together.

With love,
Catherine Kinabrew
Associates National Committee

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Dear Sacred Heart Extended Family,

We are happy to send you today the prayer and reflection booklet that will be used by the whole Society and our friends from Lent through the Easter season to Pentecost. We want to open ourselves to the Spirit and strive "to name, connect, nurture, and illuminate how we live the mission and the spirituality of the Society of the Sacred Heart in light of the challenges in the world today." We are invited to share the various ways the whole Sacred Heart family experiences and lives Gospel values of justice, peace and the integrity of creation (JPIC,) and in the course of this journey, we hope "to discover, communicate, and welcome the emerging expressions of Sacred Heart spirituality and mission today."

What better way of making known the love of the Heart of Jesus expressed in very human ways?

This journey begins on February 22 and culminates on May 27 with the celebration of Pentecost. The Province JPIC Process Coordinator will be named soon and will provide you with information for sending in your reflections as requested in the booklet. We will all be enriched by the fullest possible participation in this process and ample communication and sharing among us from our different perspectives but all flowing from our "one heart" in the Heart of Christ.

With gratitude and prayer,

The Provincial Team: Anne Byrne, RSCJ; Mary Charlotte Chandler, RSCJ; Mary Kay Hunyady, RSCJ; Meg Causey, RSCJ; Melanie Guste, RSCJ; Susan Maxwell, RSCJ; Paula Toner, RSCJ

Download File