I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe the election of the National Executive Council just three weeks before our fraternity election. If we needed a reminder that the Holy Spirit is busily at work in our election process, the fact that our new National Minister was nominated from the floor should do it! While the procedural aspects of elections are less than exciting, the possibilities that come with new leadership and the recognition that the Spirit is at work make them very special occasions. I believe that our fraternity is greatly graced by the combination of experienced and new council members that we elected in November. I appreciate the confidence you have placed in me by electing me your minister – knowing my faults as well as you all do by now! By the time you receive this newsletter, we will be having our regional elections as well. Please pray for the grace for our new councils to faithfully animate and guide our local, regional, and national fraternities!
As I mentioned, I find SFO elections exciting because of the possibilities they represent. Advent is very much a time of new beginnings and new possibilities. We begin the liturgical year with this time of waiting for the Lord, celebrating the incredible fact that God became man and remembering that we are still waiting for the Lord to come again at the end of time. We wait in hope, recognizing God's continual presence in our lives, lifting us from our past failings and opening us to new opportunities to live the Gospel life we have professed. Our morning of reflection on December 20 will be another opportunity for us to take a little quiet time amidst the rush of holiday preparations and pay attention to the God who told us that His kingdom is already in our midst. If you cannot be with us that morning, please take a moment to pray with us in spirit wherever you are. May Jesus Christ, the God who became a helpless infant so that we could come to know God's love for us, bless you and your loved ones richly this Christmas and in the year to come.
Peace and good,Vickie