Our Common Thread: Virtual Mid-Year Formation Connects Leaders with Mission

In response to a request from the senior leaders and trustees of the five sponsored ministries in New Jersey, the first-ever mid-year formation program was held on Aug. 1. Taking a 90-minute pause from their workdays, the nearly 40 participants reflected on “Leadership in Our Tradition: The Call to Deep Listening.” Mary Anne Sladich-Lantz served as the presenter. She is a current member of the Sponsor Council at Providence St. Joseph Health, where she previously served as senior vice president of Mission and Formation.

The discussion began with a reflection on the common thread that’s followed as individuals and as Peace Ministries. Mary Anne said living the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace is a privilege and responsibility. “Our call in this work is to remain faithful to the mission, the tradition, while we respond to the signs of the times,” Mary Anne said.

She added that in doing this work, the ministry leaders are accepting an invitation. “The invitation to take the Spirit of Gospel values into yourselves involves infusing your work with courage, creativity and commitment,” she said.

Mary Anne also addressed the topics of synodality and deep listening. She said synodality can be understood as Christians walking in communion with Christ toward the Kingdom along with the whole of humanity. Synodality involves a style of being that includes listening to the Holy Spirit, listening to one another, and listening to the living tradition. Mary Anne added that deep listening is grounded in spiritual practice. It’s about discernment—living out the beliefs and foundations in a secular culture and recognizing how challenging that can be.

The virtual program allowed for large group discussions and small group break-out sessions. These themes will be examined more deeply during Peace Ministries’ Fall Formation in November when Mary Anne will return as the presenter.