| Monastery
hosts Federation General Chapter meeting
Nearly fifty nuns from across the nation and Canada convened June 22-27, at the Monastery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood for the Federation of St. Gertrude General Chapter Meeting. The Federation consists of twelve member monasteries and two affiliated ecumenical monasteries of Benedictine women in Canada and the United States. The meeting is held every three years and is open to the prioresses and two delegates from each monastery. “We were very pleased to provide the site for the Federation Chapter conversations, presentations, sharing, prayer and celebrations that made up the substance of last week’s gathering,” says Prioress Sister Clarissa Goeckner. “We felt honored to support these conversations that will invite us into the future with greater clarity, stronger solidarity with one another and with one another’s monasteries. The unity we felt as the week unfolded will be with us as we continue to move ahead, respond to what the needs of our times ask of us, and continue to be energized by the theme of the Chapter that challenged us to live our lives creatively and with passion.” The theme for the week was, “Behold I Am Doing Something New: Image, Create, Embrace!” The agenda included meetings on future planning, budget and support funds, and the election of a new president — the Federation's liaison to Rome. Sister Joella Kidwell from the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana was re-elected for another three years of service. Sister Teresa Jackson of the Monastery of St. Gertrude was elected to the Federation Council. It is a group consisting of the president and five members, two who are prioresses and three at large members. I’m deeply honored to be chosen for this position,” says Sister Teresa. “As Benedictines we are facing the challenge of adapting our Benedictine way of life to meet the needs of a world that is hungry for our emphasis on prayer, community and seeking a deeper relationship with God. The Federation is a dedicated, creative group of women who are up to the challenge.” The week also included an Idaho trout dinner; a presentation by Sister Shawn Carruth, a scripture scholar from Mount Saint Benedict Monastery in Crookston, Minnesota; and field trips to places such as Kooskia’s Heart of the Monster, White Bird, and the Nez Perce National Historic Park in Spalding. The delegates were amazed at the beauty of Cottonwood and the prairie, and recommended the upcoming prioresses’ meeting also be held here. Excerpted from the Federation of St. Gertrude's Resolutions of Gratitude: “Sister Clarissa, your community was so welcoming and accommodating. The Chapter expresses its’ thanks to: All the sisters of the Spirit Center and the monastery for seeing to our every need so graciously; The Dietary Department for the great meals and delicious, creative snacks – especially the fresh trout, homegrown raspberries – and even raspberry wine; All the sisters of St. Gertrude’s for their entertainment Wednesday night – the sharing of Idaho songs and “I don’t know” humor. Thank you to all of the sisters present at this 25th Chapter of the Federation of St. Gertrude, for taking time to imagine, create, and embrace the something new being done by our God. Our final thanks go to the sisters of this community, the Monastery of St. Gertrude, for their gracious gift of hospitality – as they shared with us their prayer, their home, their heritage, their spirit, the beauty of their surroundings – their lives. We leave Idaho blessed by your kindness – and we are grateful.” 
Nearly fifty Federation of St. Gertrude delegates and prioresses gathered at the Monastery of St. Gertrude, June 22-27. Photo submitted by Monastery of St. Gertrude. 
The new Federation of St. Gertrude Council that includes our own Sister Teresa Jackson (second from right). Photo submitted by Monastery of St. Gertrude. |
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