A new chapter begins

Photo credit: Sister Nicole Kunze, OSB

The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri, conducted their 18th General Chapter in August. Convened every six years, the weeklong General Chapter is a sacred time of prayer, discernment and decision-making  as they consider their future service to the Church and to the world.

After months of preparation, the 24 Sister delegates gathered to listen deeply to one another and to the Holy Spirit as they elected leadership and discerned the direction of the congregation for the years ahead.

Those chosen are called to bring wisdom, faith, leadership and experience to this important responsibility. Sisters elected to the General Council will serve for six years. 

Those elected to the General Council and installed during a ceremony on Aug. 29 were (above, from left) General Councilor Sister Colleen Maura McGrane, OSB; Prioress General Sister Lynn Marie D’Souza, OSB; Assistant Prioress General Sister Pat Nyquist, OSB; and General Councilor Sister Ruth Elaine Starman, OSB. 

Twenty-four members of the congregation were elected to serve as delegates for the Chapter. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Sister Dawn Annette Mills, OSB; Sister Judy Neisen, OSB; Sister Valerie Stark, OSB; Sister Hope Rodenborn, OSB; Sister Mary Sophia Becker, OSB; Sister Sarah Schwartzberg, OSB; Sister Cathleen Marie Timberlake, OSB; and Sister Ruth Elaine Starman, OSB.

(Second row, left to right) Sister Marie Jona Yoo, OSB; Sister Kathleen Clare Lahl, OSB; Sister Joan Ridley, OSB; Sister Cheryl Morehead, OSB; Sister Sean Douglas, OSB; Sister Lynn Marie D’Souza, OSB; Sister Mary Dawn Vercellino, OSB and Sister Rita Clair Dohn, OSB.

(Third row, left to right) Sister Jane Heschmeyer, OSB; Sister Ramona Varela, OSB; Sister Wilmarie Ehrhardt, OSB; Sister Colleen Maura McGrane, OSB; Sister Pat Nyquist, OSB; Sister Lucia Ann Le, OSB; Sister Maria Victoria Cutaia, OSB and Sister Nancy Rose Gucwa, OSB.