News

The Institute Justice Team (IJT) and the Institute Leadership Team (ILT) will once again participate in the Christian Peace Witness in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 2008 to protest the war in Iraq. Last year at this event, Sister Mary Waskowiak (ILT) was arrested for civil disobedience.

The event will include a Eucharistic Celebration (Catholic) at the Church of St. Aloysius in Washington, D.C. During the Mass, Sister Anne Curtis (ILT) will share her experiences witnessing the effects of war during her recent tour of Lebanon and Syria with Catholic Relief Services Sister Delegation to Iraqi Refugees. An interfaith gathering on the National Mall, a vigil and march will follow. All sisters, associates and companions who are able are encouraged to attend. Those who cannot attend are invited to join the group in prayer during the Mass to be held at noon on March 7.

For the latest information, contact Kate Braggs at kbraggs@sistersofmercy.org

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Nursing Home Administrator
Mount St Rita Health Centre in Cumberland, Rhode Island, is seeking an experienced leader to administer this 98-bed skilled care nursing home. Candidate must have excellent leadership skills and promote quality care that continues and improves on current high standards and reflects the mission of the Sisters of Mercy. The candidate should posses a strong and ethical management background, positive survey history, good knowledge of clinically complex skilled nursing care, working knowledge of government regulations, and stable work history. The administrator is responsible for ensuring the facility’s financial performance within budget, while leading, developing and implementing quality programs.

Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience. Minimum of 3 to 5 years experience as Nursing Home Administrator in comparable position. Rhode Island Nursing Home Administrator license or eligible for reciprocity required.

Send resume and cover letter to Sister Jane McGarrahan, RSM, Administrator Search Committee, Sisters of Mercy, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915 by March 15, 2008, call for further information at 401 434 0486 x101 or email jmcgarrahan@mercynortheast.org

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At the recent ILC meeting, the Institute's Chief Investment Officer, Brian Pine, presented his plan for a single investment program for the Institute in order to maximize returns for our life and ministry.

One member from each Community or Emerging Community is asked to be a "Member" Representative. The qualifications are listed below. If you are interested, please contact one of the members of the Northeast Community leadership team by February 23 for further details.

Request For "Member" Representatives
Preferred Qualifications:
-- RSM from the represented Community or Emerging Community (is not required to be on
Community Leadership Team);
-- Significant experience in governance positions with non-profit organizations;
-- Familiarity with finance, investments and/or social responsibility is not required but would be
advantageous;
-- Commitment to implement 1999 and 2005 Chapter Acts, 2004 leadership agreement (Guyana)
and financial norm;
-- Comfort discussing the types of topics and issues noted in Appendices A, B and C; and
-- Individual with the ability for significant involvement in Calendar 2008, declining time
requirements thereafter.
Empowerment of "Member Representatives"
"Member" Representatives initial responsibilities are to form the organization and its governance structure and make the initial appointments to the structures designed and implemented:
-- Determine the philosophy and mission of the investment program;
-- Create the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws;
-- Create legal, governance and operating structures;
-- Appoint the Board of Directors, the Board of Director and Committee Chairpersons,
and the Committee participants;
-- Recommend potential timeline for implementation; and
-- Communicate activities with and seek counsel of Community Leadership Teams, as necessary.

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Lumen Christi
Benson, Vermont

February 22-24 "Forgiveness:Movement toward A Peaceful Heart'
February 29-March 2 "Art As A Spiritual Practice'
March 7-9 "Solitude Weekend"
March14-16 "Soul Collage"
March 17-19 "Lenten Retreat Days

For further information, call the Institute for Spiritual Development at 802-846-7074 in Burlington, Vermont.
Also, visit the web site at http://www.spiritvt.org/.

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March Programs
New Dawn Earth Center
75 Wrentham Rd, Cumberland RI 02864
Contact: Denise Turcotte
1-401-333-1341
Visit www.newdawnearthcenter.org for more information.

A FOREST'S INVITATION TO WOMEN
Saturday, March 8, 1  2:30 pm
Cumberland  The New Dawn Earth Center. Treat yourself to an afternoon of meditative walking in the forest. Reflect upon who lives in this forest and their gifts to us. Donation: $8. Call to register.

THE WONDERS OF THE NIGHT SKY
Saturday, March 8 7:30 8:30 pm
(raindate March 9)
Cumberland  The New Dawn Earth Center. Join Arthur Sgalia to view Mars, Saturn, the Andromeda galaxy. Bring binoculars to help you see Pleiades, the Orion nebula, Polaris and Sirius. Dress warmly. Donation: $5 / person or $18 / family. Call to register. We still have a few places in the programs.

DRUM BUILDING WORKSHOP
Saturday, Mar. 15, 10 am  5 pm
Cumberland  New Dawn Earth Center. Tap into your creativity and build your own 16 shaman's frame drum with a beater under the direction of Jane King from Bradford, NH. All materials (the frame, hide, and sinew) are provided. Bring an item for a potluck lunch. Drinks will be provided. Cost: $240 Call to register. Advance registration and a $75 deposit are required by March 3. Limit: 10

RATTLE DRUM WORKSHOP
Saturday, Mar. 15, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Cumberland  New Dawn Earth Center. Make a 4 drum rattle under the direction of Richard King. After your drums are completed, celebrate with music. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $20 (Includes all materials) Limit: 12 Call to register. Advance registration and a $10 deposit are required by March 3.

SOUNDS OF SPRING HIKE
Saturday, March 22, 6-7:30 pm
Cumberland  The New Dawn Earth Center. Celebrate the VERNAL EQUINOX by listening for frogs and other spring sounds. Donation: $5 / person or $18 / family. Call to register.

BIRDS OF PREY: Featuring A LIVE BALD EAGLE
Saturday, March 29, Noon  1:15 pm & 2:00  3:15 pm
Cumberland  The New Dawn Earth Center is hosting Tom Ricardi of the Massachusetts Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Facility who provides a close-up look at a live Bald Eagle, Snowy Owl, Turkey Vulture. and Red-tailed Hawk. Learn about the care of injured birds and the successful captive-breeding program. Program will be held at Mercymount Country Day School. Please call ahead to register. Donation: $8 / person or $30 / family (children 3 & under free)