SJEM has been working on its own founding vision, mission, capacities, and ways of supporting our sponsored schools. In brief, some of our most recent activity includes an in-person June retreat, directed by Formation Director Mary Flick, CSJ, and member mission meeting that allowed for SJEM to grow in relationship with one another and to explore each person’s formation and deepening in CSJ spirituality to guide ministry forward. In both St. Louis and Kansas City, SJEM members met with Archbishop Rozanski and Bishop Johnston, respectively. Members were able to present SJEM’s annual report that was also sent to the Vatican’s Prefect, Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, in the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life at the Vatican. As well, members engaged in discussions about Catholic education and current matters impacting both dioceses. The relationships with Church leadership in each diocese where SJEM sponsored institutions reside will be an ongoing effort by SJEM. A future opportunity to meet with the Archbishop of Indianapolis is also a priority for SJEM moving forward.
SJEM has finalized a logo, designed by graphic designer Allan Johnson, that we are excited represents the work of the Sisters always moving outward and ever-expanding. It’s symbolism also seeks to mark the nature of CSJ ministry rooted from a single light source, the Divine. And finally, central to the new logo is the cross, keeping mindful of our Catholic identity and integration in the ever-expanding work and ministry of all SJEM sponsored educational institutions. We hope that all of those within the circle of CSJ founded schools, find a sense of representation in our new logo. Finally, SJEM has begun the journey of designing a website in collaboration with the web design firm, Blustery Day Design. We hope that our website will launch early 2023. Stay tuned …