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Chapter 2006

A Chapter, as the highest governing authority in the Dominican Order, is an assembly of the sisters coming together to discuss and define matters pertaining to the good of the congregation and to set directions. In January of 2006 we gathered together at our Chapter of Elections. From June 16 -23, 2006 the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael gathered at their Chapter of Affairs.

One of the directions that we are pleased to have taken is to join with millions of people from around the world, in endorsing the Earth Charter!

Our timing of this endorsement is in sync with our Dominican Sisters internationally, for while we were at Chapter, there was an international gathering of Dominican Sisters (DSI) at Genesis Farm. As a result of that conference there was a recognition that the major spiritual and ecological crisis afflicting the planet in every part of the world is rooted in a perception that humans are separate from and dominant over all of creation. Therefore, every preaching moment nust foster a mutually enhancing relationship between Earth and human beings.

The following are some pictures telling just a small part of our week's story.

Fr. Carlos Azpiroz Costa, OP, Master General of the Dominican Order, presided at Eucharist on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Here two members of the Dominican Laity present our gifts of bread and wine.	Dominican friars and Dominican sisters from a variety of congregations in the Bay Area arrived to celebrate Eucharist.
This was a wonderful opportunity form members of the Dominican Laity to gather with Dominican Sisters from different congregations.	During Chapter we had many opportunities for prayer and reflection. Sister Maureen enjoys such a moment on the grounds.
Bit by bit, "we are changing the face of the mountain." Sister Ramona places a symbol of how our Vision Fund has been a part of that changing face.	Toward the end of the week our symbolic mountain changed quite a bit! Sister Abby's hope is that our work on enlivening our vitality and viability the past three years have changed us in concrete ways.
Sisters Gervaise and Darylynn expressed their understandings of our postmodern world and its impact on religious life through collage.	Our Dominican form of government has been democratic since St. Dominic founded the order 800 years ago. The sisters cast their votes by raising colored cards.
Sister Mary kept her fingers busy while taking minutes of all the proceedings.	Fr. Patrick O'Neil, OP, celebrates liturgy with us during the week.
Sister Margaret gave a presentation on how our Community Investment policies are changing the face of the mountain. Luscious California fruit - always part of our gatherings! During a break, Sisters Cathy, Cyndie and Gervaise enjoy some light moments together. Sister Maria doesn't forget to water the flowers - especially during hot summer days. Sisters Sue, Patty, and Cathy help us to enjoy the week even more with their barbecuing expertise! We delighted in the opportunity to celebrate the service of our employees who so generously give of themselves to minister with us. The hard work and planning of our Chapter Coordinating Committee and Sister Mary Mollison, our facilitator, and the presence of the Holy Spirit made this wonderful week possible!