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In accordance with the relational way of living and governing embodied in the principles of St Clare, the Institute, following the expressed desire of the sisters, has, in recent years, implemented changes in governance which enable living together in a way that

  *   improves the quality of life of all the sisters

*    lessens administration so that the best energies of each one can be directed towards mission, and

   *   gives recognition to the fundamental premise that authority and responsibility are shared by each sister.

 

    Clare of Assisi  Maria van Galen, FMM

 The Communion of Circles Model used to restructure the Institute is based on greater flexibility, simpler structures, increased participation and deeper communion between all entities within the  Institute. This model encourages         

         *    more simple organisation at the local level     

    *     decision making by those most directly affected, and

    *   unity which appreciates difference.

In discernment and decision-making, creative fidelity to the values expressed in our common Institute Mission Statement, rather than conformity to norms, unites us and enlivens us with the energy and power of the Spirit.  

The General Leadership, elected by a representative body of sisters, encourages each member of the Institute to claim her authority in action as well as in word, through commitment to the mission of the Institute as expressed in the Mission Statement.   A sister is seen to exercise authority in her membership role when she uses her gifts and talents in the context of her particular life situation to promote the mission of Jesus in accordance with the Missionary Franciscan charism which is God’s gift for the church and the world.  

Sisters mandated to exercise ministries of leadership in various parts of the Institute are called to do so in a spirit of service and communion, being careful in accordance with the spirit of Clare, to avoid any form of domination in the exercise of their authority.  

The sisters of the Institute are incorporated into governance circles each administered according to a governance plan which is authorized by the General Minister with the consent of her council and defines the role of leadership within the particular governance circle.  Each Governance Circle has a leader with ordinary authority vested in her role as Governance Circle Leader.   Revisions of the governance plan can be made with the authorization of General Administration.

The Institute is divided into six Governance Circles:

Australia ,

Canada

Europe ( England , Ireland , Italy ), Egypt , Turkey and Sudan

Latin America ( Bolivia and Peru )

Papua New Guinea

United States of America

Leadership Team

L to R:  Mairead O’Reardon, Elaine Morzone (General Minister),

 Margaret Costello, Jeanette Gaudet