Meeting the Sisters and seeing examples of mission in the Northern European Area was as important as practising my English! The warm and welcoming hospitality of the Manor Park community and contact with sisters from other communities nearby helped me to become more aware of the mature living out of our charism, in keeping with new expressions of presence.
In a multicultural context, with a migrant population from a wide variety of countries and an atmosphere of anonymity, the parish is the place where everyone is known by name, where bonds of belonging and involvement are fostered. Our Sisters are appreciated here for being a meaningful presence, walking side by side, available to listen, collaborating in catechetical and liturgical services and engaged in social responses to the needs of the most vulnerable members of the community.
In residential neighbourhoods shared with Jewish and Muslim communities, the RSCM foster peaceful neighbourly relations and inter-religious respect, weaving the communion desired by Jesus.
Several state schools bear witness to our legacy in the educational mission, and the Catholic School of Upminster is currently led by a lay head who is committed to the founding spirit, with the support of some RSHM.
Belonging to the Institute and sought after for its holistic education programme, Marymount School in Kingston hosted the Sports Festival from 23–27 March. The sporting activities, combined with the intercultural exchange of student delegations from nine schools in the Global Network of RSHM Schools (Colombia, Italy, London, Mexico, Paris, Portugal) took part. True to our identity, and mindful of the challenges of our divided world, we educate the new generations in respect, appreciation and communion in diversity.
Here, in the Northern Europe Area, we look to the future of the Institute with hope, embracing vulnerabilities and encouraging dreams. God brings forth new expressions of the living out of our charism in every age and reality… so that all may have Life!
Sr. Mª Teresa Nogueira, rshm
Institute Councilor
