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Lifewright Being attentive to the renewal and retreat needs of our Sisters in North America is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to others today. At our North American Headquarters in Philadelphia, our Sisters and Associates participate in a variety of renewal and retreat experiences coordinated by our Lifewright Office. Sister Maria Hornung is currently serving her second three-year term as our Lifewright Coordinator, and Mrs. Sandy Barkow is the department assistant. The Lifewright Office assists Sisters on several months of renewal after years in mission, as well as those who are moving back permanently to North America. Most of the Sisters on renewal stay in one of the houses on our Philadelphia property. Sister Maria accompanies them, and facilitates their personal renewal process.
After a health assessment, Sisters on renewal are helped in establishing a circle of support, and in getting reacquainted and re-acclimated to the area. The renewal process includes time for rest and relaxation; contact with family; embracing the grieving associated with loss and change; participating in the discernment process; reflection; and moving on to the next phase of one’s journey. Mrs. Barkow assists with travel needs, and with resources that will be helpful to those on renewal or retreat. She also maintains our enrichment room and library, with its wonderful variety of books, periodicals, tapes, CDs and DVDs.
Sisters who are transitioning back to the U.S. permanently from other countries where they have served, and Sisters from other countries who are studying in the U.S., are also supported in many special ways by the Lifewright staff. In addition, Lifewright conducts retreats designed for Sisters and Associates at all stages of life. The department’s vision is “to engender renewal in the ongoing and dynamic sense of meaning in mission for women and men who are called to be a healing presence for self, and for the world throughout life.”
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