|
This plan is intended to summarize the key aspirations of our community and to identify effective strategies for moving us toward the future we desire. It emerges from a planning process that engaged members of the community in workshops, exercises and discussions that took place over the course of a year. Additionally, Leadership analysis of fiscal resources and demographics led to the proposal on how to steward those resources. The focus was selected by the community and centers on enriching the spiritual lives of women both within the monastery and in the surrounding community. To achieve that essential purpose in a manner that is sustainable, we must also strengthen our internal community and ensure its continuation by attracting needed membership and financial resources.
This plan assumes the dependence of our community upon the providence of God. It assumes also God's expectation that we plan our future with foresight, prudence and faith in God's care for us. Our plan will continue to evolve. As we learn more and reflect upon the experience we gain from its implementation, the strategies will be modified so we can become ever more effective in pursuit of our priorities. The action plans to be undertaken build upon and continue the work that the Sisters in our community have done since our founding in St. Cloud in 1857 and our relocation to St. Joseph in 1863.
Our monastery in St. Joseph will be a place of renewed and recommitted Benedictine community living
1. where we have the potential and capacity to meet the spiritual and physical needs of our members;
2. where we incorporate new-professed members into a vital intergenerational and intercultural environment;
3. where women will live with us as Oblates, volunteers, guests and those desiring short-term associations;
4. where our gifts or liturgy, spirituality, beauty, and wisdom are enlivened among us and extended to others, primarily to women;
5. where we network and partner with others in our service to the church and the world.
Priority 1: We will enhance existing and initiate new programs and activities to enrich the spiritual lives of women within the monastery and in the wider community.
Priority 2: We will build a strong internal community.
Priority 3: We will increase new membership to share our mission and vision.
Priority 4: We will steward our resources in a manner that ensures the long-term viability of the monastery, with its activities, programs, and diverse ministries.
|