Members of the new consulting group are, from left to right, Sisters Barbara Bowe, Imma De Stefanis, Nancy Kehoe, Bridget Bearss (front row), Diana Wall (behind Sister Bearss), Mary Kay Hunyady and Judith Garson. Sister Marilyn McMorrow was not present when the photo was taken.

Newly appointed members of a consulting group to the provincial team of U.S. Province held their first weekend meeting in St. Louis in early November.

As outlined by the provincial team, the role of the eight members of the consulting group, all RSCJ, are fourfold: 1) to serve as a sounding board for the provincial team, bringing the perspectives of RSCJ living and ministering in local settings around the United States; 2) to tap the vision and energy of persons in various ministries who are not available for full-time governance; 3) to nurture and expand the conversations and involvement of the province, which we experienced in the planning process; and 4) to strategize with the provincial team concerning ways to involve the province when an important issue is being considered.

The consultors, nominated by RSCJ across the province and chosen by the provincial team, are as follows: Sisters. Bridget Bearss of Detroit, Barbara Bowe of Chicago, Imma De Stefanis of  Purchase, N.Y., Judith Garson of New York City, Mary Kay Hunyady of San Francisco, Nancy Kehoe of Cambridge, Mass., Marilyn McMorrow of Washington, D.C. and Diana Wall of Albany, N.Y.

“The provincial team will be greatly served by the voices of these eight talented RSCJ,” who represent a variety of ministries and perspectives,” Sister Kathleen Conan, provincial, said. “Their energy and vision were so apparent in our first meeting, and we anticipate that they will be of great service to us as we attempt to fulfill the goals of a province-wide planning process completed last year and consider present and future issues in the life of the province.”

The group is expected to meet with the provincial team four times a year.