2017 Appeal Letter

Dear Friends and Sisters and Brothers of the Religious Formation Conference,

On Sunday, November 13 the RFC Board was joined by members as well as colleagues at the Catholic Theological Union to bless our new offices. We were honored that Bishop Raymond Goedert, retired Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese; Sister Joan McGlinchey, Vicar of Religious; and Rev. Mark Francis, President of CTU joined us. We know that you were with us in spirit as we thanked God for this new space. Please visit us if you are in the area.

This past year has brought much new life to the Conference. First of all, the sale of our previous rental space, the Hecker Center in Washington, DC, necessitated a move to new offices. After serious discernment by the RFC Board, a decision was made to relocate in Chicago at the Catholic Theological Union. CTU has long been a partner and location for RFC programs; its location is also proximate to many formation communities of men and women religious. We are delighted to be among so many newer members, formators, theologians, and collaborators.

Also in 2016 I began as Executive Director of the RFC. I have enjoyed every minute of these past ten months, meeting members and participating in a variety of our programs. Last winter, I responded to an invitation from the GHR Foundation to apply for a grant to fund a major planning process for the Conference. Both the Board and staff believed this to be the opportune moment to embark on this endeavor, as it follows the 60th anniversary of RFC, a major move, and a change of Executive Director. I am happy to share that we received that funding and have initiated the planning process with the assistance of a well-experienced consultant and a very talented Steering Committee.

There is much for which we are grateful as we approach the feast of Thanksgiving and begin a new Church year. We begin with you, our faithful members, who have continued in the footsteps of our founding Sisters of the Sisters Formation Conference and have participated in our programs as they have evolved to meet the changing needs of formation. We also give thanks to our presenters and team members who provide challenging input as well as support to our participants. We express gratitude to our collaborators, who serve religious men and women in many ways. Finally, I am most thankful for the dedicated and talented staff with whom I work each day: Sisters Carol Regan and Katherine Kandefer.

As you, too, approach this time of giving thanks I ask that you consider making a gift to the Conference. We strive to offer programs at affordable prices and to keep our membership fee low in order to be accessible to as many members as possible. We never turn a province/congregation away for financial reasons. Your gift will enable us to continue to serve the initial and ongoing formation needs of religious with excellent programs that are affordable and accessible.

Thank you in advance for your gift. As we continue to serve you, our members, from this newly blessed work place, we hold you in our prayers of gratitude and ask you to remember us in your prayers as well.

Sincerely,

Ellen Dauwer, SC
Executive Director