Holy Mystery Revealed in Our Midst - September 11, 2014 - LCWR Assembly Presidential Address

Sep 21, 2026

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Presidential address content for the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) annual assembly in Nashville, Tennessee, focusing on the evolving nature of consecrated religious life amid changing needs in society and the Catholic Church. The speech highlights challenges from doctrinal assessment concerns, the necessity of reform, and the importance of continued dialogue and prayer with church leadership. It frames faith, mercy, and attentive listening as a response to “holy mystery” in contemporary circumstances.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Presidential Address at LCWR Assembly

Welcome and theme introduction

Doctrinal assessment context and reform

Closing reflections and ongoing dialogue

CNS documentary serVIce “The melody of consecrated lifethrough the evangelical counselsis to 'be'the presence of Christ inthe world as Jesus was present inhis world." *-f·a( CNS congregations of women religious amongLCWR's membership are becoming smaller;Sister Carol noted.At the same time,theCatholic Church in the United States ischanging along with the needs of the laityand people in society at large.“Perhaps ourcurrent experience of living into the small-ness of religious life out of the large institu-tional reality of religious life these past yearsis the beginning of a dissonant harmony,aharmony that takes more attention,moreasceticism and more letting go of the famil-iar in order to be more faithful to the musicin God's heart,"Sister Carol said.Religiouscongregations might have to change howthey live their charisms,she said.LCWR'srole is to help the leaders of congregationsof women religious lead their communitiesduring this time of change,Sister Carol saidHer presidential speech follows. contents 249 Presidential Address atLCWR Assemblyby Sister Carol Zinn,SSJ254 A Great History Still to BeAccomplished?Prospectsfor Consecrated Life inthe Church-Communioby Archbishop Joseph W.Tobin 260 St.Francis,Pope Francisand Today's SpiritualRevolution by Archbishop Charles J.Chaput264 Datebook264 On File PresidentialAddress at LCWRAssembly Sister Zinn,SSJ elcome to Nashville,Tennessee, wherecountry music sur-rounds us. Religious congregations must evolve tomeet the needs of a changing society andchurch,Sister Carol Zinn,president of theLeadership Conference of Women Religious,told members of the organization during itsannual assembly Aug.12-15 in Nashville."Religious life is a radical response to theGospel lived in a particular historical andcultural context,"Sister Carol,a Sister of St.Joseph,said in her presidential address Aug. Welcome to an experience of the heart ofGod where mystery resides,is revealed andyearns to be received by those of us who putour ear to God's heart,listen carefully andfollow freely no matter the cost. Welcome to the melody,rhythm andsilence that timbre us anew even as we embrace these contemporary times ofSeptember 11,2014 13,the first full day of the assembly.LCWRhas about 1,400 members who are leaders oftheir orders in the United States.The mem-bers represent about 80 percent of the 51,600women religious in the country.Many of the uncertainty yet unimaginable desire toVolume 44 remain faithful to the vocatiorNumhor 15this religious life.Marygrove College Librarycontint8425 West McNicDetroit,MI The Leadership ConferenceofWomen Religious heldits annual assembly underthe continuing doctrinalassessment by the Vatican'sCongregation for theDoctrine of the Faith,whichcited "serious doctrinal prob-lems which affect many inconsecrated life."The assess-ment called for the organi-zation's reform to ensure itsfidelity to Catholic teachingin areas including abortion,euthanasia,women's ordina-tion and honuosexuality.ArchbishopJ.Peter Sartainof Seattle was appointed toimplement the doctrinalassessment by provid-ing"review,guidance andapproval,where necessary,ofthe work"of LCWR. Members discussed the doc-trinal assessment duringfour sessions closed to thepress.After the assembly con-chuded,LCWR's board stayedin Nashville for a fewdaysto consider comments fromnembers and to decide howto proceed regarding the doc-trinal assessment.They alsomet with Archbishop Sartain. The board released the fol- lowing statement: "Our study,discernment andprayer led us to reaffirn ourstrong belief that ongoingconversation with churchleadership is key to build-ing effective working rela-tionships that enable bothwonen religious and churchleaders to serve the world."It is our deepest hope toresolve thesituation betweenLCWR and CDFin a way thatfulHy honors our commitmentto fulfill the LCWR mission aswell as protect the integrity ofthe organization. "We will continue in the con-versation with

FAQs

What theme does the 2014 LCWR assembly emphasize?

The assembly theme is "Holy Mystery Revealed in Our Midst." The speech uses this theme to frame spiritual attention and discernment in current circumstances.

Why does the address mention doctrinal assessment?

The text states that LCWR is undergoing continuing doctrinal assessment and that the assessment called for organization reform to ensure fidelity to Catholic teaching in areas including abortion, euthanasia, women’s ordination, and homosexuality.

How does LCWR say it will move forward after the assembly?

The board’s released statement emphasizes ongoing conversation with church leadership as key to building effective working relationships, with continued dialogue and hope for healthy discussion of differences.

Sep 21, 2026

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