Saturday morning, November 5th, women members of St. Joan of Arc gathered for some spiritual nourishment and a chance to meet other fabulous SJA women. Facilitated by parishioner and Spiritual Director Jane Leyden Cavanaugh(right), the women explored letting go of expectations of others and their own desire to control. An autumn poem by author Joyce Rupp encouraged humans to emulate the trees which open wide their arms stretching their summer leaves to the wild autumn winds:

“Wiser are the trees than humans

who clutch small arms round self,

shielding their fragile hearts

and stifling future springtime.”

The November morning included time for reflection and journaling and some small group interaction.  

Last May a first Gathering of Women was enthusiastically welcomed by parishioners. The small steering committee of JeMae Gurtin, Amy Egenberger, Marie Manthey, Ruth Shriver, Susan Simmonds, Susan Sell, Jane Cavanaugh and staffer, Julie Madden was encouraged to continue, choosing the name “Celebrating the Women of SJA” and creating the current series facilitated by Jane Leyden Cavanaugh for November, February and May, 2005-06.  

Susan Sell is a member of the Pastoral Council serving as its Trustee. Susan is also a member of SJA's Sister Parish Committee, St. Joan's Isaiah Core Team, SJA's liason person to SWING as well as Chairperson of WomenSpirit. Susan can be reached at susanmsell@hot.mail.com.

Responding to women’s requests last May for opportunities to meet other women parishioners, to make friends and connections which help make one feel more fully a part of the community (especially at Sunday liturgy), the November morning format had time for women to gather around interests which they had expressed in May:

• Spirituality
• Role of Women in the Church
• Creating Intergenerational Connections
• Social Networking The concept of Sisteri Circles was introduced to this Group. See www.sisteri.com