Responses to Discussion on Research Proposal

Group responses

(Reports were received with sections in bold and highlighted. Black lines represent the end of a response.)

Ideas that excited us and which we affirm

  • That the founding intention and mission of IPA continue to be strong and valuable
  • Willingness to look realistically at the future
  • Joining with other religious congregations providing more corporate strength—helps form a significant critical mass
  • The fact that this research is going on gives life and hope for the future
  • Using a board of sisters and lay members is a good idea as we move into the future
  • More lay involvement at all levels is encouraging and hopeful
  • It is affirming to think about the work that is being done by so many
  • Realistic about where we are going and handing things over to others
  • The work of the research and its presentation is much appreciated
  • The disconnect with IPA does not feel as wide as before
  • Nano Nagle International is a great name for the future efforts
  • Narrowing down focus to one or maybe two areas can strengthen IPA in strategy and direct contact

Questions

  • Is there possibility that in the future all the Presentation Groups could become one in order to better live out the charism into the future?
  • Would board members have specified terms of office? How many lay members?
  • How will fund raising be done?
  • How could IPA become more real to us “on the ground”?
  • Where will funds come from to support lay folks on the board?
  • Could IPA unite with UNANIMA International?
  • Would it be difficult to get lay folks involved more fully in IPA?
  • What do global south and global north mean? Feels divisive
  • How could the treasure of the Mystery of Oneness continue to be nurtured and grow in a new configuration of IPA?
  • What is the role of reaching out to refugees in the future?
  • Is IPA a process or a project?
  • In fundraising, how can the Presentation presence be maintained as the guiding force?
  • What other religious groups could IPA join for strength?

Dream for IPA in 10 years

  • Work that is being done is laudable and continues into the future under the new name Nano Nagle International
  • Broader outreach and participation among all those who lay claim to being Presentation People by reason of being called to live the charism given to Nano
  • Many more lay folk, woman and men, involved and moving forward to issues of the time
  • Presence at UN grows at many levels beyond where it is today
  • Board functions well with adequate funding for personnel, programs, leadership training and other needs that will surface
  • Staff will increase and there will be adequate funding to see IPA into the future
  • We are one congregation all over the world—that we all may be one
  • Includes Presentation and Irish Christian Brothers
  • Many of the active participants on boards and other areas come directly from the groups being served
  • There was a general understanding that the sisters are not in favor of having a new name for IPA, (i.e. Nano Nagle International).

What ideas in this paper excite you and which could you affirm?

· The focus on one or two projects at a time – climate change, displacement of peoples

· Supporting the sustainable development goals

· The work that is being done by IPA

· IPA as a connector across countries- a unifying force

· The aspect of international advocacy

What questions do you have as you read this paper?

· If within the next ten to fifteen years a re-founding of the Presentation Sisters takes place, would a place be made for IPA?

· Would tapping Associate members be the logical next step?

· What would this Association look like?

· Does IPA have to go away? What connection would there be with the Presentation Sisters? Would this keep the spirit of Nano Nagle involved and alive?

· In the past all Presentation Congregations (Union, Society and Conference) around the world were associated with IPA. Would there be some connection with this new organization in the future?

· In the new lay organization (evidently that is what is being looked at now) how would it be financially supported?

What is your dream for IPA in 10 years?

  • What if re-founding takes place?
  • Would/could Leadership shift expectation of congregational members being the primary support of IPA to the present Social Justice Sisters in each congregation as a way into the future?
  • If there is no hope of re-founding, then supporters of IPA or Nano Nagle Foundation shift to associates, friends of Nano and other lay people familiar with the Presentation charism.
  • The IPA is self-reliant in terms of resources, personnel and finance.

We have read your report suggesting changes in the direction of the International Presentation Association (IPA). You have pointed to a number of issues that need to be faced. We recognize the issues and agree that even though Presentation Sisters working in the area of social justice appreciate having the opportunity to place their social justice concerns before an international tribunal we must face the reality of our present situation. The attached response points to a number of serious concerns for Presentation People of Fargo.

  • For those of us involved with the beginnings of IPA in 1995 we find ourselves for a second time faced with a major concern that is there is a lack of commitment of the members and in some cases the leaders to IPA. In 2006 a study was done and it was noted that there was a lack of commitment or energy on the part of local leadership and the grassroots community members to support the project. Sisters assigned as Social Justice Coordinators usually had other full time assignments and had little time to rally and inform the members. In the 2007 International Meeting of Presentation Sisters in Australia they took a serious look at the issue. They decided IPA was important and a renewed effort was made to change the status quo. Yet, nothing changed. It remains a distant entity. What does this say? Sisters continue to be mission minded but our focus is local. We see the importance of an international/global mission, but it does not touch our mission. Perhaps, it is time to face the fact that our hearts continue to be with the needs of people in our local communities. Evidently, this lack of involvement is felt by more than the Fargo Community.
  • If we look at history we see that in different ages religious institutes have had to change course because of circumstances of the times. These events often brought about major changes in mission. If we are honest we must face the reality of the moment. We are an aging congregation. Fewer sisters are bringing in funds necessary to take care of current needs. Few countries are producing a sufficient number of candidates to even sustain current ministries. We do not have qualified personnel within the ranks to manage projects of this magnitude. Considering these realities can we really afford to hire a lay executive director and board members, plus additional personnel to track needs in other areas our world? I don’t know the financial conditions of other Congregations in the Union, but our Fargo foundation funds are earmarked for specific ministries and cannot be used for anything else. Does our share come from retirement funds? This brings us face-to-face with another reality. Can we afford to take this step? Is it time to move on? And more important would this bring us closer to IPA?
  • Nano Nagle’s statement: “If I could be of help in any part of the world I would gladly do all in my power.” Does indeed give us an international or global perspective. However, this can mean many things. Presentation Sisters now operate world-wide. For 130 years Presentation Sisters in Fargo have lived out Nano’s charism. Our motto is “Doing What Needs to be Done.” We have done this in North Dakota and beyond. Our circumstances from time to time have brought about major changes in ministry, but our emphasis always is to have a personal presence in operating our mission. It is this relationship that gives us desire, energy and means to go forward.

QUESTIONS:

(1) Will new leadership and broadening the focus of ministry to concentrate on the southern hemisphere bring about greater grassroots support for IPA considering it will take a whole new mindset?

(2) Will the grassroots members feel any greater personal involvement?

(3) Will our supporters be as enthusiastic about funding this new mission focus? What will be different this time?

  1. Key Finding from Leaders and Justice Contacts
  • The proposed overall structure was unclear. If the Nano Nagle International (NNI) totally replaces IPA – the challenge will be to assure that that the Presentation Charism is deeply understood by new lay leadership including perhaps formation and commitment. It is unclear how a link to all Presentation Congregations both formally and informally would be maintained. Ideally, the new structure should be a collaborative structure between Sisters and Laity. I am concerned about Presentation not being in the name as Nano Nagle has a strong name recognition in Ireland but does not have the same name recognition in our community or throughout the world. At the UN, it appears there is strong recognition of the Presentation name.
  • The assumption that the Presentation Charism is in decline fully does not reflect our local experience and our link to the IPA appears to be different. We have had much stronger connections between the IPA over the last five years. The intentional local use of the IPA Direction 2012 statement throughout various activities particularly in the lay movement was common. The local summary for IPA of the ministries (Sisters and Associates) that was done in 2015 of IPA goals was very helpful in building a local link to the IPA goals. The Justice Work’s communications, particularly the UN activities related to the SDG’s, have been the base for expanded Presentation presence in our local community in linking to numerous other local justice initiatives. The resources offered have been well used locally and have resulted in several new local justice efforts.
  • I am unaware of the current funding of the IPA but expansion of lay involvement and staff makes sense. The challenge is to assure that there is strong understanding and personal commitment to the Presentation charism and then clearly defined roles and relationships of various parties without separation from the various Presentation Congregations. Based on historical congregational ministry models, the boundaries and duties of various structures need to be well defined. Historical fund development is based on personal experience with the Presentation Charism so assuring that leaders are well formed in the charism is critical. If there is a diversion of resources between local and international initiatives, that may jeopardize long term financial support for both.

2. The views of Presentation local projects in the global south

  • This section was bit confusing because it appears to focus on local ministries but referenced the global south. Our group prepared the comprehensive local ministries response in the fall of 2015 but we do not know how this was used at the international level. It was a wonderful process of celebrating the Presentation Charism and ministries through our local community, including international services particularly in Haiti and in Peru.

3. Learning from how other congregations are structure for their International work

  • I appreciated the discussions on clarity of organizational structure, training and formation of lay persons and leadership development as being critical. Regarding the relationship between the North/South –our numerous local Sisters/Associates with strong connections to southern ministries (Chimbote Peru/Haiti/ Africa) but not so much through formal process rather through personal ministries.
  • The need to “align and integrate current programs with a justice focus under one structure” was unclear because it felt hierarchical rather than collaborative. I don’t know what this means.

4. Learning best practices from grant making bodies

  • Grant making opportunities are numerous. Locally we have many experience lay Associate grant writers but have been unable to identify how to use those skills to expand the Presentation Charism through fund development. The challenge will be to recognize the need to maintain a strong local presence will working on global issues.

5. Summary of key findings

  • Over the last five years, we have had eight lay people under the age of 40 making commitment to the Presentation Charism. All have been attracted by the strong justice movement. Although they are a small group, they have given new energy and connections.
  • The call for increased collaboration is appreciated. From a lay perspective, the IPLMM and Nano’s Echoes have been deeply appreciated as efforts to build lay relationships and understanding are happening. Sharing resources is very limited and most of the lay movement is very isolated and happening at the local level.
  • What ideas excite me?

 Greater involvement by lay persons in IPA in building the future

 Use of ICT has been helpful in many ways.

  • What questions do you have as you read this paper?

 Why would you change the name or whole structure of the organization, if you simply want to strengthen mission and long term financial viability?

 Can the formal structure be modified or expanded without starting a new model.

There is an over-all appreciation by the thirty-three respondents for the work that was entailed in making this report. There is much enthusiasm for the continuation of Nano’s legacy and a new configuration of IPA which can keep us connected globally and allow us to respond to the cry of Earth and the cry of the poor, even as some groups approach their historical completion.

Several themes are color-coded in the following pages:

IMPORTANCE OF INVOLVEMENT OF LAITY/YOUTH: Many sisters supported the increased involvement and engagement of youth and lay women and men who will provide the know-how and imagination to ensure continuance and life. Questions were raised about how the board members will be chosen and how the charism can be cultivated in lay leaders so that they will be strong in handing on and living Nano’s charism.

CONCERNS ABOUT FINANCES: Many concerns were raised about how this project would be financed and if we would be able to procure these funds.

CONSIDERATION OF IPA MEMBERSHIP IN UNANIMA INTERNATIONAL: A number of sisters suggested we consider IPA becoming a member of UNANIMA International as an alternative or complementary way to do advocacy at the U.N.

A. What ideas in this paper excite you, which could you affirm?

  • IPA’s role establishes and enables Presentation presence in 23 countries and the global focus in United Nations.
  • A new structure enhancing the sense of identity, strengthening connections local to global.
  • Please, in creating the structure, consider not changing the IPA name. There maybe a disconnect between grassroots Presentation communities and IPA. IPA name is recognized and understood.
  • The possibility of a new and more defined structure; however there was concern that two structures—IPA and Nano Nagle International-- would be created, when one structure was the preferred model
  • Increasing the staff to better engage Sisters. There was strong feeling that the present staff is unable to accomplish all our goals, and that it is important for the IPA staff to have a visible presence in the PBVM Communities for the Communities to keep informed. This will require increased staff and travel expenses but for members to be informed and engaged, they will need face-to-face contacts with IPA staff who are immersed in the issues
  • Increasing Lay Involvement both in Communities and through hiring on the leadership level, to keep involved and responsive to international justice needs. (It was voiced that the present structure is not able to accomplish all of these needs and IPA needs to hire lay people who are)
  • Retaining our involvement with the UN and increase UN internships as a step toward global awareness of issues as well as maintaining a presence ‘on the world’s stage.’
  • Setting up a fund raising capability to pursue grants and contacts is necessary for IPA to continue Justice work and to promote the Presentation Sisters Mission and Charism
  • I affirm the task of restructuring IPA to make it more effective in furthering the mission and charism of Nano. As a justice contact, I experienced the frustration of making the connection between UN work and grassroots work.
  • I GREATLY affirm the proposal to limit our focus of issues to CLIMATE JUSTICE and RIGHTS OF DISPLACED PERSONS! This would engage the wisdom and experience of several Presentation ministries in the United States, e.g. Caminando Juntos and Luz Hispana. We have many stories to share! I think our stories may be the greatest resource we can share with the UN NGO! Also, at a national level, we collaborate with the USCCB Migration and Refugee Services and CLINIC, Inc. to coordinate our immigration and migrant advocacy with one voice. I was wondering if each country may have something like this. It would be another level of collaboration that would help us to speak with one voice and therefore be more unified in our message and action.
  • I love the idea of expanding the IPA structure to include a separate board to sustain and strengthen IPA work. I like the name, NANO NAGLE INTERNATIONAL, but I’d like something that also holds a symbol for who we are and what we want to accomplish. I propose, INTERNATIONAL NANO NAGLE (INN), which embodies gospel stories of “welcoming the stranger,” which further could be the container for CLIMATE JUSTICE and RIGHTS OF DISPLACED PEOPLES. In Luke 2:7, “Inn” in the Greek, refers to a “guest room” or a “place of rest.” It has that sense that we are not in this space (on this planet earth or in this country) forever. We are all people on the journey. Luke 22:11 has Jesus asking ‘where is the guest room’ where I may eat the Passover with my disciples.” This conveys that idyllic moment when we are all eating at the table together.
  • I affirm that IPA NGO needs extra resources to become more effective. A communication director/marketing director would be a great asset, however, as I say this, I am more drawn to partnering with UNANIMA or FI or other NGOs that share our mission and charism. I affirm the need to mentor the next generation of IPA, INN leadership! There needs to be a “formation process” in the spirituality and life of Nano Nagle and the Presentation legacy.
  • I affirm the need to expand our use of technology to become more effective at all levels and to all levels.

B. What questions do you have as you read this paper?