As we move toward Holy Week, it is a good time for us to consider our lives in relation to the Paschal Mystery. How do the contours of our community life reflect the life, death, and resurrection of Christ? The alignment of our lives as brothers in community is meant
As we move more deeply into the Lenten season, how are we assisting our brothers in community in deepening their conversion in Christ? How are we doing that for ourselves? We know the usual practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving have as their end living life more deeply in Christ.
“Goodness, together with love, justice and solidarity, are not achieved once and for all; they have to be realized each day. It is not possible to settle for what was achieved in the past and complacently enjoy it, as if we could somehow disregard the fact that many of our
As the 2025 Jubilee Year opens, Pope Francis invites us to be pilgrims of hope. He tells us that “in the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring” (Spes non confundit, 1).
Advent offers an opportunity for reflection on patience and perseverance. Being patient in a nanosecond world is truly counter-cultural. We are expected to respond quickly, thoughtfully, thoroughly or we may expect others to do the same. Patient waiting is a lost art, something quaint, when viewed generously. And yet, growing
Have you ever experienced ingratitude from others? Leaders are expected to show gratitude for what others do, and we should. Experiencing ingratitude for one’s efforts is common for leaders, though. Leadership seen as service is the gratitude given for the work that is done well. That might seem strange, but
Is community life a cross to bear or a joy to live? Most can easily answer in that very Catholic way, it is both/and. For those in leadership in a religious community, it can be one moment one way and another moment the other way. We might be about to
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
