IHM Chapter of Affairs and Chapter of Elections

The IHM General Chapter was held at the IHM Center, April 11-18, with 72 delegates and 16 observers attending, along with dozens of sisters watching via livestream. The Chapter meetings, process and prayer were planned by Sisters Katie Clauss, Nancy Hawkins, Mary Ellen Higgins, Kathleen Lunsmann, Mary Persico, and Annmarie Sanders with facilitation by Sister Cathy Bertrand, SSND.

The Chapter body warmly welcomed our Sisters of St. Casimir, Sisters Immacula Wendt, and Elizabeth Ann Yocius. Delegates and observers helped create a new direction for the congregation that was refined by Sister-writers Denise Lyon, Lisa Perkowski, and Rachel Terry. The direction statement is as follows:

In confident hope and with trust in God’s providence and one another, we, Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, choose to advance toward
God’s sacred horizon.

Realizing our present congregational reality, we acknowledge the paradox that the truth, clarity, and beauty of God’s desire for us is found in the spacious, fertile darkness of our collective experience.

Inspired by the Spirit-led focus on Collaboration and Partnerships, Stewardship of Resources, and Prophetic Action, we engage in the grace-filled, synodal work of contemplative dialogue and communal discernment, honoring transparency, inclusivity, and flexibility. May The Light that Darkness Makes be our guide as we journey toward God’s sacred horizon.

We commit to:

• Rekindling Alphonsian spirituality in new and creative expressions for the purpose of our own renewal and the enrichment of others.
• Exploring and deepening relationships with new collaborators and existing partners to further the Gospel mission beyond what we can do alone.
• Stewarding our human, spiritual, and financial resources through a lens of gratitude while being mindful of the impact on members and the most vulnerable.
• Ensuring our social and spiritual resources are creatively communicated in an increasingly digital age.
• Networking with others and engaging a broad scope of resources to enhance our capacity for prophetic witness.
• Accompanying those marginalized and abandoned through prayer and action to foster systemic change.

May The Light that Darkness Makes be our guide as we journey toward God’s sacred horizon.

A festive party celebrated with gratitude the present leadership for their dedicated service over the past four years.

Eight leadership candidates addressed the Chapter body. With a spirit of humility and dedication, each articulated her extensive ministry experience that grounds her willingness to serve the congregation in elected leadership. Each uniquely offered her hope for the future and her commitment to stewardship.

Following a thoughtful and prayerful discernment process,Chapter of Elections was held April 16 and 17. The IHM Congregation elected Sister Annmarie Sanders as President, Sister Kathleen Lunsmann as Vice-President and Councilor, and Sisters Mary Elaine Anderson and Lisa Perkowski as Councilors.

As these dedicated women step into their new roles, the IHM Congregation celebrates their commitment to our mission and looks forward to the vision, wisdom, and compassionate guidance they will bring to the wider community and us in the years ahead.