Sister of Charity Patricia Wittberg of Cincinnati, professor of Sociology at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, was the featured presenter for the event, attended by Catholic Sisters on leadership teams in California. In her talk, she noted that explorers attempting to cross a mountain range do not know what lies on the other side, while air travelers can see where the passes are, but cannot detect barriers on the ground.

“In like manner,” said Sister Wittberg, “those among us who see the overall contours shaping the future of religious life may be less familiar with the daily details religious leaders face in negotiating these contours --- and vice versa. Charting the path to our future requires sharing both perspectives.”

On the second day of their gathering, the sisters addressed the resolution affirmed at the LCWR National Meeting last August: to “actively seek to strengthen bonds with women religious throughout the world.” To facilitate the prayer and reflection process, members of the executive committee from Southern California --- Sisters Kathryn Stein, CSJ; Kathleen Bryant RSC; and Angela Milioto, RSHM --- invited sisters from other countries who minister in Southern California to share their ministry, cultural and integration stories. 

The region will participate in the August 2011 National Assembly in Garden Grove, where members of the Southern California Partners for Global Justice will provide a justice action focused on immigration. 

Also presented was an update on the exhibit, “Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America,” set to be in California Mount St. Mary's College, Los Angeles, (June 19-Aug. 14) and at the California of History, Women & the Arts in Sacramento (Jan. 24-June 3, 2012). "Women & Spirit" offers history museums across the country an opportunity to display artifacts and images that have rarely been seen by the general public. (Information: http://www.womenandspirit.org/index.html.)

The day concluded with national business and election of Sister of St. Francis Patricia Rayburn, of Redwood City, as the new Region 14 chair who will represent the region on the National Board. The next meeting of the region will take place in October 2011. 

LCWR Region 14 has approximately 100 members who are elected leaders of their religious orders, representing approximately 2500 Catholic sisters. The conference develops leadership, promotes collaboration within church and society, and serves as a voice for systemic change. The region covers the states of California, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii and Guam.

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