Regional Assembly USA

USA Assembly 1From Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th January, some 30 Lay Associates joined the members of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart who live and minister in Texas, USA, for the annual Sectional Assembly. Excellent facilities and hospitality were provided by St. Anthony's Parish Centre, where Fr. Kevin Shanahan msc is pastor. Sr. Bridget Marie, Incarnate Word Sister, facilitated the conference, which included ten new MSC Lay Associates. Music for the Mass each day was provided by St. Anthony's parish music director, Jose Castillo, who has recently, with the parish choirs, released a CD of liturgical music, "St Anthony of Padua: A Spiritual Tapestry." Dave Nixon attended on behalf of the Provincial leadership team.

The three-day gathering focused on both spiritual themes and practical matters, providing an opportunity for input, reflection and sharing on: themes from the May MSC Provincial Chapter, reports from the three Lay Associate Groups (San Antonio Group, Hill Country Group and Harker Heights Group), vocations, walking the spiritual path, universal call to holiness and the virtue of gratitude. 

One of the highlights of the three days was a personal sharing/testimony from Betsy, a Lay Associate, on her vocational journey from caring for her husband until his death, becoming involved in the MSC Lay Association and now beginning formation as a member of a Secular Institute. The gathering was the occasion for renewed enthusiasm and commitment to our shared MSC spirit, charism and mission.