The month of November offers us a time for remembrance of all the faithful departed. It is also an opportunity for us to take stock of our own lives, the brevity of them, and our relationship with Christ. As leaders, we are also called to be concerned for the spiritual wellbeing of our community members. In addition, we need to look at the state of the world and how we are contributing to the good of all and assisting others to do so in light of the coming of Christ at the end of time (cf. Matthew 25).
In leadership of a religious community, things can change quickly when death occurs and we are not expecting it. Sometimes we also tend to leave many leadership matters to the major superior as we try to do the various tasks that we are assigned to do, even if we are part of the leadership team. When someone in leadership dies or leaves office, especially after a long tenure, many communities have had to piece together what was being done. Such a thing does not need to happen if a culture of good communication and collaboration is developed in the leadership team and within the whole community.
We are called, though, to remember as well that those who have gone before us in leadership or life in community were not perfect. Of course, neither are we. We need to humbly live in thanksgiving for their lives and recognize that we inherited what they did, as they inherited what others did, and we today are meant to be good stewards and, hopefully, leave things better for those who come after us.
In prayerful solidarity,
Frank Donio, SAC
Executive Director
This is an excerpt from the November 2026 Items of Note. Items of Note is a monthly email for CMSM members and partners. If you are not receiving Items of Note once a month via email, please email contact@cmsm.org.