Religion & Law

Here is an effort to respond to Susan's good question about what I had in mind with my reference to the websites of what I take to be two very different religious communities. I should haven't taken the lazy way out.

Here is the mission/vision of the IHM Sisters--"Urged by the love of God, we choose to work with others to build a culture of peace and right relationship among ourselves, with the Church and with the whole Earth community. The IHM community envisions and is committed to bringing about the dream of God on planet Earth through respect for, nurturing of and promoting the liberation and well-being of all persons and all of nature as God's good creation."

Here is a portion of the Mission of the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist--"By living this strong sacramental and liturgical prayer life, we hope to:

• Attract and form women to be faithful religious serving the Church for the good of souls, especially through the total gift of themselves as spiritual mothers and brides of Christ.
  
  
  
  
• Establish and support Catholic schools steeped in the rich culture of the Catholic faith to nourish the spiritual formation of youth, their families and society.
  
  
  
  
• Promote the culture of life and respect for the dignity of each person through apostolic work.
  
  
  
  
• Respond to the needs of the Church arising in the third millennium through teaching, catechesis and evangelization."

In my view, the IHM site seems more about the sustainability of planet Earth than about the Gospel, which is not to say that environmental issues are not at all relevant to Catholics. It may be that I am overly concerned about the IHM site's references to Jungian spirituality and drum therapy but it seems to me that the site indicates a community that has moved "beyond Jesus." It may be that I am being unfair to the  IHM community. As I mentioned, the IHM sisters I met in Monroe were inspirational. I received an email from a reader who spoke in very moving terms about the faith and devotion of IHM sisters who teach at a school in Maryland. My concern is that the community doesn't seem to be sustaining itself. I think that is because there isn't enough of an emphasis on community life and Eucharistic Adoration, and being a bride of Christ. 

I'll try to follow up with more of an explanation.

Richard M.