ARCHDIOCESE - Amidst the planning and practical details that needed to be addressed when seven independent communities of Sisters of St. Joseph recently united as one new congregation, just as important were the relational aspects of the union, seeking ways to bring people together and making the transition process as smooth as possible for all involved.

Sister Jeannie Masterson of Cincinnati and a member of the congregational leadership team that assumed office Aug. 6, said they and the past presidents of each community have been working closely on corporate, legal and financial matters, while also creating structures geared toward building relationships. One example is the congregation's mission circles, which will be comprised of people from each of the founding communities who will gather three times a year to "pray and play," said Sister Jeannie.

In addition, there will be renewed local communities that will meet monthly for prayer and faith sharing. "These communities will also be the beginning place for a change in ministry as well as invitations to changes in lifestyle," Sister Jeannie explained. "For example, this group would be most attentive to the changes in the physical or mental health of a Sister and be the first step at the local level to address any issues."

For now, each Sister will remain in her current living situation as members of the leadership team travel to meet people in their homes and ministries. "We'll be traveling around two by two, as the disciples did, giving us the opportunity to come to know each other," Sister Jeannie said. "In this way, we'll be able to discover the needs of the community,"

In terms of outreach, the new congregation currently has 30 incorporated sponsored ministries and 19 unincorporated ministries, she noted. A proposal to form a ministry corporation as an umbrella for sponsored ministries with an executive director and a board is being discussed. Meanwhile, there are already examples of members collaborating in the areas such as vocations/formation and peace and justice. Committees consisting of members from each of the founding communities have been meeting to discern ways to focus their ministries and determine how their efforts can be continued and enhanced by their union, said Sister Jeannie.

Throughout the transition process, "We've worked very hard to transition smoothly, striking a balance between an overload of material and what's helpful to know so things or people don't fall through the cracks," she said. "It seems to me that our approach has been a way of going back to the founders' intent, so that accountability, vulnerability and relationships can flourish."