By Sister Faith Margaret

Bishop Roskam blesses the skylights above the chapel

On December 18, 2010, we blessed the new St. Hilda's House and consecrated the new Chapel of the Holy Spirit; we filled it with smoke and song.

It was a busy, exciting day.  Bishop Roskam and the sisters blessed the convent prior to the main event, which started in the refectory, went out the back door, processed around the corner, in through the front door, and stopped at the doors of the Chapel.

"Let the doors be opened!" the Bishop proclaimed, and after blessing the threshold with her crosier we processed inside, filling every seat and spilling into the hallway; it was standing room only.

What fun it was to have our local friends and Associates present for this occasion! Others were present in spirit, as the timing was less than ideal for those who were too far away or had other plans at this busy time of year. We sang hymns about dwelling places, foundations and the Holy Spirit; our new chapel's lovely acoustics resounded with the abundance of voices in that space and it was glorious!

Most people took advantage of the opportunity for a tour and had the chance to see the two planted roofs, the environmental initiatives we included throughout the building, and the way we have turned a dream into a reality and an empty lot into a beautiful building with the help of BKSK Architects, ICS Builders and the Columbia Real Estate Department.

It is hard to believe that we moved in just over a month ago; it already feels like home.

Sister Heléna Marie spent time in October in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she helped to lead the third annual Indigenous Women's Pathway program, entitled "Fall Freeze-up."  This year, the program included the new United Nations Women Circle workshop, which will be used throughout the world to grow women's leadership and build stronger communities.  (For more information about UN Women, a new organization focusing on empowering women across the globe, visit: www.unwomen.org)

Occurring at the time the great Alaskan rivers begin to "freeze up" for the winter, it was an opportunity for the women to go inward, as well as to galvanize for action.  Approximately 30 women, mostly Native but including a handful of non-Native women as well, gathered to worship, share stories, and identify some of the most pressing issues facing women in Alaskan villages and cities.  Issues included domestic violence, the sexual and physical abuse of children, institutionalized racism and sexism both within and outside of the church, and the need to restore and maintain indigenous culture, including Native languages, songs, food and medicines.  The emphasis during this time was on solutions, and some of those proposed were creating shelters for women and children in the villages, holding more anti-racism trainings, and continuing to gather for training in women's leadership.

For Sister Heléna Marie, highlights of the weekend were singing with this group of highly spirited women, sharing tears and laughter (lots of both!), and eating smoked salmon and local blueberries.   It was a wonderful gift to see Ginny Doctor and Ann Smith, old friends from the days when Sister Heléna Marie worked in women's ministries at the Episcopal Church Center.
 

I recently made a trip to San Antonio, where my life-work of leading retreats began, when I led my very first retreat in 1979 for the Women's Gathering of the Diocese of West Texas, at Camp Capers.  And in October of this year, for the same group, and in the same place, I led the same material as it has evolved over thirty years. 

The retreat, "Entering the Seasons of the Soul," is grounded in the lives and teachings of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. The two mystics draw us through deepening layers of consciousness toward union with Divine Love in the soul. 

While in Texas, I also spoke at the Women's Fall Luncheon at St. Luke's Church, and enjoyed a reunion with other female graduates of Oblate School of Theology.  CHS Associate and Oblate alum Nancy Sweers, also in attendance, sends her greetings to CHS and all our friends.

This is a busy year for retreats. Brother Bede, OHC, Sister Heléna Marie, CHS, and I led our annual Advent retreat at Holy Cross Monastery, in West Park, NY, and then in January I'll lead a long retreat for the Community of St. John Baptist, in Mendham, NJ.  March includes retreats both near and far, including a clergy retreat for the Diocese of New Jersey, and retreats in San Diego and Santa Barbara.  In May, I'll give a retreat for clergy spouses, for the Diocese of New York, and then the program year will conclude with a week-long retreat at the DeKoven Center in Racine, Wisconsin. 

I'm proud to represent the Community of the Holy Spirit as a Resident Companion when I travel.  Some are still surprised to find out there are Episcopal nuns!  Time and time again, people are grateful to learn of the sisters' dedication to our mother Earth and to sustainable living.  These connections--established and continued through such retreats--are so vital to us all.

For information on upcoming retreats to be led by Rev. Guthrie, please visit her website:
Edge of the Enclosure.

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