4/29 Cohort B-Retired/P-T Active - 10 am - 4 pm Living Word Center

5/9, 5/16 and 5/23 Come Holy Spirit - 10 am and 7 pm Living Word Center

5/14 Assembly Planner Mtg. 10 am - 4 pm Living Word Center

5/20 Associate RetreatChrist the King Catholic ChurchFlint, Michigan

5/29 Memorial Day Holiday

6/26 thru 6/30 Assembly Felician Retreat Center

7/1 Jubilee -11:30 am St. Thomas of Villanova Church Palatine, IL

7/4 Independence Day Holiday

9/15-17 – Endorsee Formation Workshop - Living Word Center

10/9 Advancement AdvisoryCommittee - 9 am - 2 pm Living Word Center

11/4 Memorial MassLiving Word Center

11/10 thru 11/12 Discernment Weekend for Endorsees – Felician Retreat Center

11/26 Advent ServiceLiving Word Center

2/22 thru 25/2018 - Election Assembly - Arlington Hts., IL

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Arlington Heights, IL 60004 800 N. Fernandez Avenue 847-577-5972 www.slw.org

Remember the St. Louis Jesuit song’s refrain: “Wood Hath Hope”? We are at the peak of spring right now as I write. However, thunderstorms are on their way and so all the beautiful full flowering will be knocked around a bit! It is the cycle of life. The Paschal Mystery is real for us each and every moment if we open our eyes and mind to it AND jump into it to experience the moment!

Betty’s passing and the celebration of her life last week was another experience of the paschal mystery. The Mass was a beautiful celebration of her faith. The copies of her bio and Carrie’s reflection will be sent out to you. I am still marveling at her statement to her niece and all there that she would die on Holy Thursday because she wanted to celebrate Easter in heaven. And, that’s what happened!! I have been reflecting on the Mass and this very firm faith of hers. Do I have that strong a conviction that I am able to express what I know God is doing for me? In this moment? Today?

Even though Betty wasn’t always present with us, her faith was true and inspiring. She suffered a lot these last years, and so God heard her prayer and delivered her. Thank you, Betty, for your gift of faith in a loving God. May that God be with us in our dark and springtime moments! Let us pray to all of our Sisters who are celebrating this Easter Season in heaven: Remember us and intercede for us as we live out the Gospel in our time now!!

Kristine Vorenkamp, SLW Kathleen Heer, SLW Sharon Glumb, SLW

Words From LeadershipMARK YOUR CALENDAR

Good News

Many thanks to Angela Ashbey who is doing an excellent job of promoting SLW Adopt a Sister program. Contributions continue to come in!

Contact Kellene ex. 244 if you'd like any brochures.

March for Justice

Just a friendly reminder, we need your 2015 – 2016 annals!

Community annals are due on April 30th. Annals are an important source of information for future generations of Sisters and others, as well as a great way to let those of us at the Living Word Center know how you’re doing. If you haven’t already, please send your annals to me at the Living Word Center. If you have, thank you again!

A Word From the Archivist

Rebekah McFarland

The Peoples Climate Movement is holding their March on Saturday, April 29th. It is a march to bring attention to the climate crisis, racial, social and economic injustices, as well as to protect our right to clean air, water, land, healthy communities and a world at peace. (Think Earth Charter.) There are local marches throughout the country; check out your area on the website peoplesclimate.org.

What a beautiful day for an event! The Jazz Brunch was attended by 184 people and enjoyed by all. The video will be on the website soon. More photos are also on the website and there is a link on Monday's relay. Stay tuned, more information to come.

Jazz Brunch Jazz!

by Sharon Glumb

When we sent the Pre-Assembly Mailing #1 recently, we did not adequately define the word ‘observer.’ Therefore, we are offering this clarification:

An Assembly observer participates by listening, speaking, joining in communal prayer and discussions. She sits at a table with other observers. All observers are free to come-and-go as their needs require, attending sessions of the assembly as they wish and as they are able. Observers do not vote.

The Assembly Planner Group gathered for their second meeting on Saturday, April 1st (Donna, Carrie, Chioma, & Liz) along with Ruby Cribbin & Congregational Leadership. We further developed the agenda for our 5-day gathering. You can anticipate the following:

1. Updates on the work of the House in Order Groups.

2. Leadership Report and Membership Report.

3. The creation of a new 5-year Direction Statement.

4. Decisions about accepting new members, Assembly length, essential structures and a possible collaborative partner.

5. Materials for the start of the Assembly of Election.

Our evenings will include free time to ‘hangout’ with one another leisurely, and / or joining in various activities.

We anticipate sending you the Pre-Assembly Mailing #2 on May 17th that will include a detailed schedule.

Thank you for taking time to complete and return your three Assembly forms by May 10.

Assembly Observers and Assembly Planner Group

Leadership with Honorees

Kris greeting Mrs. Lama Saffaf

Huge thanks to SLW who helped with event preparations

Healthcare Manager, Cathy Williams with Jeannine and Joyce