STONEVILLE, N.C — Nearly 20 Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) representatives from 11 Holy Name Province ministries met at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center here last month for the annual Local Contacts Retreat.
The retreat featured results of Chapter 2008 and the new strategic plan for Holy Name Province, said Russell Testa, HNP Director of JPIC.
“The 18 participants were excited about the plan, and look forward to doing their part in making it a reality,” Testa said. “They offered some great feedback, as well, to make the implementation even stronger.”
Focus on Integrity of Creation
“One of the elements of the new strategic plan,” he said, “revolves around a greater focus on integrity of creation.” Testa described several processes that will be featured in the new integrity of creation adult education program, “C4C.” There was a great deal of excitement regarding the Franciscan approach to caring for creation, he added.
The local contacts also discussed the current world food crisis. Sr. Margaret Mary Kimmins, OSF, from Bread for the World, facilitated this discussion. She helped participants develop immediate and long-term action plans.
The highlight of the June 27 to 29 retreat was each ministry sharing its best moment from the past year and most exciting plan for the next year, Testa said.
“It is always inspiring and humbling to hear all the wonderful ways that the spirit of justice, peace and integrity of creation are breaking into our world, Testa said.
Related News
In other news from the JPIC office, the Justice and Peace page of the Province’s Web site is being enhanced and will go live later this summer. Its new look can be seen now.
Testa, shown at right in photo, also reports that he attended the July 17 climate change presentation by Al Gore at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
Among the people shown in photo above is Joseph Kotula, OFM, a member of the Province’s JPIC Directorate.