| Spring Assembly for US Section |
 The Spring Assembly of the US Section of the Irish Province was held at St. Anthony of Padua Parish Centre in San Antonio from 11-14 January. The Province was represented by the Provincial, Fr Pat Courtney MSC, and Fr John Fitzgerald MSC a member of the Provincial Council. Sr. Brigid Marie Clarke facilitated the assembly. Spring Assembly for US SectionThe Assembly in session The Province was represented by the Provincial, Fr Pat Courtney MSC, and Fr John Fitzgerald MSC a member of the Provincial Council. Sr. Brigid Marie Clarke facilitated the assembly. The business of the assembly began by examining and amending the MSC Vision Statement. This was followed by a consideration, revision and approval of five policy documents for the Section. These policies dealt with the following issues: Parish Ministry for MSC Community; Retirement; Financial; Sabbaticals; Funerals. Fr Bill Collins MSC presented his report on behalf of the Leadership Team. He thanked all the members for their presence and participation. Fr Pat Courtney then followed with his address to the assembly, referring to last year’s Provincial Conference and its related themes, and the importance of progressing these in the different areas of the province. He also spoke of the Centenary Year events and news from the different areas of the Province. A very good spirit prevailed at the assembly. It was well focussed and accomplished a lot of work.  Fr Pat Courtney MSC (right) joins the discussions The final day of the assembly was devoted to the MSC Lay Associates. About twenty laity attended with the professed MSCs. There are three Associate groups in the US Section – San Antonio, the Hill Country and Harker Heights. Betsy Rockwood gave a beautiful reflection on her experience of the Provincial Conference in Waterford last year. Members from the various groups shared on what has been happening in the US Section since the previous assembly. Most of the San Antonio group are in the final stages of their formation program leading to their first commitment in March or April.  Lay members of the Chevalier family participating in the Assembly A recent new development by the Associates was the launching of the Lay MSC Newsletter by Carol Allred linking Associates in the different areas of the Province. The newsletter has been reported on this website and a copy of the latest edition is available to download here. The Provincial and John Fitzgerald commended the Associates for their deep interest and enthusiasm in the MSC charism and mission. They also relayed what was happening as regards the Associates in the other areas of the Province. |