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Marachel, C. (2007). Weaving a new spirituality of life and hope for all: the laity strand. Plenary session delivered at the Union of International Superiors General. May.

//Marachel identifies the ‘laity strand’ of the Josephite charism and discusses the need of the Josephites to embrace, support and enter ‘partnerships’ with various lay group that share the Josephite charism. // (Ben Absolon)

Quotes: “A Religious Life or Congregation that is sufficient unto itself is no longer appropriate for these times.” (page 1)

“There is an opportunity also through the charisms of each of our Congregations to strengthen and support the ‘laity strand’ so that it is woven into the new spirituality of life and hope for all.” (page 2)

“our theology in both Sisters and laity has moved from believing that Religious Life is the ‘state of perfection’ to realising that there is a whole range of opportunities in which to pursue Christian holiness.” (page 3)

“We are gradually recognising that this Josephite charism is in lay people too and that it may be expressed through lay groups in a variety of ways. All of us are viewing the gospel through the lens of the charism which inspires and supports us to live this call to discipleship.” (page 3)

“A robust charism is strong when it has the ability to be flexible and include and adapt itself to many lifestyles fired by the passion for God and the passion for humanity.” (page 4)

“This variety of different lay groups emerging as autonomous expressions of the Josephite charism keeps challenging the Sisters in the Congregation to realise the contribution of the lay people to enhancing God’s mission through the inspiration of Blessed Mary MacKillop and the charism of the Josephites.” (page 4)

“The idea of a “Josephite Movement” is one of the new images we are exploring. A Movement focuses on the shared charism and spirit.” (page 4) Ranson, David Religious Life: Where to from here and for whom? An Address to the Leadership of the Religious Sisters of St. Joseph, Sydney, Australia, May 2005
 * “one does not have to leave what one is doing to live the particular charism.” ** (Ranson. D, 2005) {page 4}