The preparation for the General Chapter of the Congregation to be held in 2009 was launched by the Superior General just before Christmas with the rallying cry "Raise your eyes and see what is coming" (Zech 5:5)

But what is a General Chapter? In our Congregation it happens every 6 years and is a gathering together of sisters elected in their Province as well as those who have the responsibility of leadership in the Congregation. One of its functions is to trace out directions which  adapt the mission of the Congregation to the pressing needs of our time for the next 6 years . It also elects the Superior General and general councillors.

The General Chapter can only function with the participation of the sisters in community. Thus the orientations taken in Chapter are the fruit of the work of preparation which is done by each community and then by each Province.

And so each community reflects on a common theme, the results of which are sent to the next level which is Assemblies organised in the Provinces.  This enables a cross fertilisation of ideas and the drawing up of material to be passed on to the Provincial Chapters. All the sisters of a Province vote for delegates to the Provincial Chapter.

It is in the Provincial Chapter that delegates are elected to the General Chapter.  The work received from the Assemblies is examined, reflected on and decisions are made on the final document to be presented to the General Chapter.

These documents received from Europe, Chile, Madagascar and Cameroon form the working documents which are the basis of work in  the General Chapter.

The General Chapter of the Congregation will be held in Ile Blanche, France from the 2nd to 27th July 2009.