Faith, Fun and Insights: North American Ursuline Convocation Our group of Sisters, Associates, Companions, co-workers and friends attending the North American Ursuline Convocation are sharing in a great experience. The convocation – being held in Cincinnati – has brought together about 200 people to explore the influence of our foundress, St. Angela Merici, and how we can both celebrate and continue her charism in our everyday lives. Today began with Mass celebrated by Fr. Richard Murphy of our own Ursuline High School in Youngstown. Throughout the day the group has enjoyed prayer, reflection, sharing and socializing, as well as listening to the ideas and insights of some amazing speakers – such as Sister Sue Sharfenberger of the Louisville, Ky., Ursulines, who really set our group thinking about “Angela’s Radical Gospel Vision.” We’ve gotten to meet and hear about the ministries of Ursuline Sisters from Canada, Mexico and cities across the United States. “It’s been a real blessing meeting everyone and hearing their stories. It’s strengthened my faith,” comments Sandy Vidis, an Associate and co-worker from our community. Along with the sharing and study is a chance for some fun at the baseball field tonight. Many in our group are touring the city then cheering on the Cincinnati Reds as they take on they take on the Seattle Mariners. Check back tomorrow and in the days ahead to see and hear more from the convocation! Check our Facebook page for more photos.
Ursuline Convocation 2013 in Cincinnati! The Cincinnati Ursulines, the Brown County Ursulines and the Company of St. Ursula are excited to have the North American Ursuline Convocation return to Cincinnati for the first time in 21 years. – Cincinnati was the site of the very first Convocation in 1992. Ursuline Sisters, members of the Company, Associates, Companions in ministry, and friends of all sorts are invited to participate in the summer 2013 event, July 4 – 7. The planning committee has been working hard to develop a program that represents and will appeal to all of these populations. Keynote speakers Sue Scharfenberger, OSU, and Catherine Bertrand, SSND, will collaborate to break open the theme, Angela’s Radical Gospel Vision: Expanding the Circles. Breakout sessions led by panelists will highlight such topics as peace, eco-spirituality, human trafficking, new forms of Angela’s vision, “my lived experience of St. Angela”, the call to be prophet and many others. The work of the days will climax with a dreaming process that will challenge us to envision the future for the followers of Angela in all walks of life. The program will provide many opportunities for sharing and dialogue, for renewing long-time relationships and for beginning new ones. The Friday free-night offers opportunity to take in a baseball game with the champion Cincinnati Reds or to tour the city by air-conditioned coach. All of this will be wrapped in prayer, beginning with the opening ritual on Thursday evening, continuing with a morning prayer or ritual each day, a Saturday evening celebration of the Sunday liturgy, and ending with the closing ritual on Sunday morning. We look forward to having many Ursulines and friends of Angela Merici gather in Cincinnati for this energizing event! If you haven’t seen the brochure and registration information yet, check for it and for more information on the “Ursuline Convocation 2013” Facebook page or ask a leader or member of one of the Ursuline congregations. See you in Cincinnati!