FSPA assemble to chart future

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FSPA vote affirmatively on an issue by holding up green cards during the final day of the 2005 General Assembly.

Every four years the FSPA, along with affiliates, gather to chart the congregation's direction. The theme of the 2005 assembly was Perennial Wisdom: Essence of our Past, Essence of our Future.

The quadrennial assembly held in late July represented the culmination of two years of planning and discussion. In the period leading up to the assembly, members and affiliates defined and refined the critical issues facing the congregation through wisdom circles, or small group interactions. This pre-work facilitated the discussions that took place over the six-day meeting.

More than 300 members and affiliates considered the direction statement and five organizational issues that will be examined and implemented over the next four years. The 151 member-delegates met in parliamentary session in the final two days for deliberations and formal voting on the various proposals.

Delegates voted overwhelmingly to retain their existing direction statement, indicating it continues to represent the collective wisdom of members. Additionally, members adopted desired outcomes and recommended strategies for five issues designed to prompt congregational assessment.

FSPA Congregational Direction Statement
(2005-2009)

As Franciscans rooted in Eucharist and in communion with all of God's creation, we commit ourselves to:

Nurture cosmic awareness, develop right relationships with all creation, and promote sustainability of Mother Earth.

Deepen our understanding of the Franciscan heritage, and live authentically as Franciscans in the 21st century.

Intensify our efforts to effect just treatment of all, especially women, in Church and society.

Invite and support new members, affiliates, and partners to join us on our Franciscan journey.

Sister Marlene Weisenbeck, president, said, "The collective body of members has set the stage for an in-depth analysis of the congregation's mission, leadership, property, practice of perpetual adoration and relationship with affiliates. This period of self-examination will position us to achieve our greatest potential in our church and our ministries."

All facets of the gathering were imbued with prayer, from the opening welcome which included a blessing from La Crosse Bishop Jerome Listecki, to the closing ritual. During the week, a temporary professed member renewed her vows and several affiliates finalized their affiliation commitments.

The solemnity of the assembly was balanced with lively exchanges as members and affiliates renewed relationships and enjoyed each other's company.

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