A joyful Loretto transition

On the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Friends of Mary at the Foot of the Cross (the Loretto Community) thanked our retiring Community Forum, Barbara Nicholas, Mary Margaret Murphy, Jackie Diego-Medina, Jane German, Sharon Kassing, Sue Kenney, Cathy Mueller, Paulette Peterson, Mary Catherine Rabbitt and Vicki Schwartz. Then Barbara Nicholas called forth new Forum members Buffy Boesen, Mary Margaret Murphy, Jane German, Maribah Ishaq, Marty Lally, Donna Mattingly, Cathy Mueller, Cathy Smith and Kathy Wright. (Jackie Diego-Medina was not able to attend.)

The new forum members were given lit candles. Mary Gutzwiller, note taker for the group, opened with this statement, “We offer you this candle as a symbol of the light you will need as you serve the Community. Share your light!”

Barbara Nicholas, retiring president, continued, “May the call of leadership awaken in you all the grace that you need. As God calls you to serve, may you have the wisdom to read the signs of the times and may your work be infused with passion, clarity and compassion as you lead Loretto into an ever-changing future. I now officially transfer the Office of President to Sister Buffy Boesen and the newly-elected team of the Executive Committee with assistance from the Forum. May you nurture our life of commitment in the Loretto tradition.”

Marty Lally, newly-elected member of the Forum, celebrated the Eucharist; and Eileen Custy offered the homily with the theme that “God is a God of surprises.” Eileen expressed our confidence in our new leaders, called on the experience of previous leadership in tight spots, reminded us that Loretto Link is preparing to carry on our charism. Then gave this blessing: “God is with us, in us, closer than we could ever imagine. God is totally immersed in our lives, in all of creation, and we never travel alone. Together with our loving God we have embarked on this journey and we will continue walking with one another wherever God leads us.”

The Motherhouse Community celebrated with steak dinner and a supper party with presents for both Forums, a foot-square box of cards for Barbara along with the promise of a new recliner, and a song for each group. The songs were written by Liz Perez and Martha Alderson.