ARCAN Committee Begins Strategic Plan

What is the future vision of the Atlantic movement of associates and sisters ?
What is the world crying out for at this time in history?
What new forms of religious life are emerging as congregations fade ?

Seated l to r:  Phyllis Gallant, cnd; Lauretta White, csm;
Frances Johnston, csm;
Standing l to r:  Cora Shebib A-sc; Peg Madigan A-cnd;
Maureen O'Keefe rsm; Norma Heffernan rscj; Peggy Gorman A-rscj;
Lorna Burbine A-csm; Winnie Odo A-cnd; Margie Gillis sc.
Missing:  Claudette Gallant csm,  Liz Murnaghan A-csm;
Ruth O'Reilly pbvm; Carmelita Pittman A-pbvm;
Regina Shapter A-rsm

These questions provided for some deep conversation and reflection at the October meeting of the ARCAN Committee.  

A draft vision statement has been developed and will be presented at the Atlantic conference on June 6-7, 2014, at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.

Another issue of importance cited at the October meeting was the financial challenge of the network as it grows and develops.  It was noted that at the 2011 conference participants placed high importance on continued opportunities to gather, connect, learn and share together and that there is a richness that comes from gathering with members of other congregations.   Given this on-going desire, the Committee flagged the need for financial resources to maintain the network.  It is expected that further development of the strategic plan will highlight this need and present some options.

The Committee has been engaged in a strategic planning process during its last two meetings.  The hope is that a planning document will be developed and presented to the membership which will provide future direction, vision and leadership for the Atlantic network.