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New leaders assume roles during ritual

Five chairs are positioned in the sanctuary in preparation for the outgoing and incoming leaders.

The story began more than 157 years ago; the transfer of leadership ceremony held on June 30 represents a new chapter. In preparation, five chairs were centered in the sanctuary. At the beginning of the prayer service the chairs were occupied by the 2002-2006 leadership team. At the end of the service there were new faces, a new team of women was in place to lead the congregation.

The ceremony was filled with all the feelings and emotions that characterize most major transitions: contemplation, apprehension, sadness, resolution and happiness. These expressions were overlaid by characteristic FSPA traits, a pervading sense of trust and desire to look forward, made evident by the verbal support offered throughout the celebration.

The 2002-06 leadership team is in place at the beginning of the ceremony. From left, Sisters Karen Lueck, Mary Kathryn Fogarty, Marlene Weisenbeck, Sharon Berger and Jean Michael Treba.

The 2002-2006 leaders processed to tone chimes played by the Schola. They carried congregational symbols that represent the FSPA leadership role, the Gospel, the lard light, the mission directory, the constitution with the book of directives and the Book of Life. The gathering song by Carolyn McDade, This Tough Spun Web, both acknowledged the past and presaged the future.

We harvest thoughts to feed the hungering mind, translating life into a poem,
We are the faith beyond all mystery . . .
We are the hope in solidarity profoundly shaped by human love . . .
Hold true this tough spun web as hard times come and much be lost or taken away.
We struggle not for things that best be gone Integrity re-webs our way.

The Schola rings the tone chimes during the opening ritual.

Because the song was new, many had to concentrate to get through the music. Intentional or not, this early challenge emphasized the need for all to be mindful during this period of transition.

Just before the leadership ritual began, Sisters Rosemary Riesberg, Romana Klaubauf, Mary Myron Stork and Barbara Marie Link each read a portion of St. Paul's letter to the Church at Ephesus. Through St. Paul's words they invited all assembled to be true to their call to Christ, to acknowledge the gifts of others, and to hold fast to and build up their community through their words and actions.

Outgoing vice president, Sister Mary Kathryn Fogarty, called Sister Marlene Weisenbeck to her role as the new president and Sister Paulynn Instenes to her role as the new vice president.

Then, as the president, Sister Marlene Weisenbeck called Sisters Sharon Berger, Linda Mershon and Karen Neuser to their ministry as mission councilors. After all accepted their new mantles, Sister Marlene called on the congregation to support the new leaders' role of "humble service."

The leadership charter was created by Sister Maryam Gossling.

Outgoing members of the leadership team, Sisters Mary Kathryn, Karen Lueck and Jean Michael Treba completed their final task when they presented the FSPA symbols to the new leadership team. Then each was asked if she was willing to relinquish her office. As they individually assented all of them smiled broadly, as though a load was being lifted from their shoulders.

The Magnificat followed the ritual, binding all with the familiar and sacred. Before the closing Sister Marlene reflected on the task that lies ahead for the new team and the entire congregation. In her remarks titled, Presence Poised, she juxtaposed presence, "the dynamic interchange of divine and human realities among us," with poise, a "still point" where, in each moment, the appropriate response is evident.

Top left photo, Sister Karen Neuser signs the leadership charter. Top right photo, Sister Sharon Berger receives a lard light, symbol of FSPA leadership, while Sister Linda Mershon looks on. Bottom left photo, Sister Paulynn Instenes indicates she is ready to serve as vice president. Bottom right photo, Sister Mary Kathryn Fogarty presents the Gospel to Sister Marlene Weisenbeck.

Sister Marlene advanced the thought that Presence Poised "is a way of being in relationship for mission." Mentioning two major themes, pervasiveness of change which often translates as pervasive crisis, and the marginalization and oppression of women, she challenged members to embrace evangelical living.

In her concluding remarks she reinforced the notion of Presence Poised saying, "As Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, we lend our humanity to the world by making the Eucharistic presence a dynamic reality of Christ wherever we are." (The complete text of this reflection can be found on fspalive/resources/talks of interest.)

Carrying the symbols of their new ministry, the 2006-2010 FSPA leadership team departed the chapel while singing the final refrain from Jerusalem, My Destiny, "Let no one walk alone. The journey makes us one."

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