Carmelite Community of the Word

“Seasons of Change ” by Sr. Cindy Burns

One of the unchanging parts of human life is that there will be change. Looking out my window as I write this I see the evidence of the change of seasons—subtle this year as winter is slow in letting go. Nevertheless, the tiny green tips of trees and the miniscule shoots coming out of the ground bear the promise of spring…soon! And as the world of nature deals with seasonal change, the Diocesan Church of Altoona-Johnstown prepares for change as well. Bishop Joseph Adamec has retired; Bishop-elect Mark Bartchak prepares to be ordained on April 19, 2011.

With every transition that comes into our lives there is a looking back and a looking forward. Bishop Joseph has been a blessing to the Carmelite Community of the Word throughout his tenure as bishop. His support has been felt by us in many ways.

In July of 2001 Bishop Joseph petitioned the Sacred Congregation for Religious on our behalf and, with their consent, on September 24, 2001, established the Carmelite Community of the Word as an Institute of Diocesan Right. In addition, our sisters have always experienced the cooperation of Bishop Joseph within our various ministries. From a personal perspective, I will always remember that the first phone call I received the day of the 2010 Haiti earthquake was from Bishop Joseph, his voice filled with concern for our sisters who were in Haiti.

The other side of change is the looking forward. The Carmelite Community of the Word sisters look forward with excited anticipation to the arrival of Bishop-elect Mark Bartchak. While there are many questions about what may change and what may remain the same, there are high spirits much like the anticipation that is going on in nature—newness in our lives.

So it is with great gratitude that we bid farewell to Bishop Joseph Adamec, and with joy that we welcome Bishop Mark Bartchak. Our prayers are promised to both men as they begin new seasons of their lives. May our Risen Lord bless them both as they go through these transitions. May the Holy Spirit fill them with the gifts needed to let go and move ahead.



“Seasons of Change ” As our Diocese experiences the change of Administration, Sr. Cindy Burns reflects on the Carmelite Community of the Word’s feelings on that change. Click here to read more... Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Join with us as we pray to our Patroness, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Click here to read more... "Haiti Update" CCW sisters and fellow travelers have returned from their trip to Haiti. Please join our Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts! Click here to find out how to help! 2011 Lent-Spring Program Schedule Workshops, Retreats, Days of Reflection Classes Check for late fall for the new schedule! Visit the Carmelite Community of the Word on Facebook	“Seasons of Change ” by Sr. Cindy Burns One of the unchanging parts of human life is that there will be change. Looking out my window as I write this I see the evidence of the change of seasons—subtle this year as winter is slow in letting go. Nevertheless, the tiny green tips of trees and the miniscule shoots coming out of the ground bear the promise of spring…soon! And as the world of nature deals with seasonal change, the Diocesan Church of Altoona-Johnstown prepares for change as well. Bishop Joseph Adamec has retired; Bishop-elect Mark Bartchak prepares to be ordained on April 19, 2011. With every transition that comes into our lives there is a looking back and a looking forward. Bishop Joseph has been a blessing to the Carmelite Community of the Word throughout his tenure as bishop. His support has been felt by us in many ways. In July of 2001 Bishop Joseph petitioned the Sacred Congregation for Religious on our behalf and, with their consent, on September 24, 2001, established the Carmelite Community of the Word as an Institute of Diocesan Right. In addition, our sisters have always experienced the cooperation of Bishop Joseph within our various ministries. From a personal perspective, I will always remember that the first phone call I received the day of the 2010 Haiti earthquake was from Bishop Joseph, his voice filled with concern for our sisters who were in Haiti. The other side of change is the looking forward. The Carmelite Community of the Word sisters look forward with excited anticipation to the arrival of Bishop-elect Mark Bartchak. While there are many questions about what may change and what may remain the same, there are high spirits much like the anticipation that is going on in nature—newness in our lives. So it is with great gratitude that we bid farewell to Bishop Joseph Adamec, and with joy that we welcome Bishop Mark Bartchak. Our prayers are promised to both men as they begin new seasons of their lives. May our Risen Lord bless them both as they go through these transitions. May the Holy Spirit fill them with the gifts needed to let go and move ahead.

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