Communicators for Women Religious held its annual business meeting Friday, Oct. 7, during the 22nd annual conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Board Chair Eileen Dickerson welcomed the attending CWR members and guests and introduced the members of the Board.
Sister Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, presented an update on the Catholic Sisters Initiative.
Sister Beth Kress, PBVM, CWR Treasurer, presented the Annual Finance Report for FYE 2015 and FYTD August 31, 2016, including Revenue, Expenses and Net Income, Investments and Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Grants.
LCWR Director of Communications, Sister Annmarie Sanders, IHM, spoke briefly and provided a written report on the organization’s events, awards and initiatives on contemplative engagement, assistance to congregations in transition, non-violence, civil discourse, economic justice and protection of Earth and its biosphere.
Executive Director Nick Schafer read remarks from Sister Deborah Borneman, SS.C.M., NRVC’s Director of Member Services and Relations, regarding the NRVC Vocation Ambassadors program. NRVC’s four-day workshop was successful and will be offered again in 2017. Debbi Della Porta also spoke enthusiastically to the attendees about her experience in the program. A written report also was provided by Carol Scheiber, NRVC Liaison to the CWR Board.
Eileen presented the Board’s proposal to revise the CWR bylaws regarding governance. A motion was made, seconded, and passed by a show of hands.
A drawing for $100 discount on next year’s conference fee was held. Winners were Joanne Gallagher, CSJ, and Monique Tarabeh. Door prizes were also awarded.
Conference 2016 Committee Chair Kathy Gatliff announced that a committee is working on the details of a conference scholarship application process. More information will be shared with CWR members in the next few months.