By all ‘shepherds together’ at St. Louis, USA (Region of US/Toronto)
It is a time of renewal, unity, and courageous new beginnings for Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.
During the inaugural U.S./Toronto Region Chapter, Shepherds Together, Loving with God’s Great Heart, held in St. Louis from October 20–25, sisters officially came together as the U.S./Toronto Region and elected the leadership who will guide them forward. The Congregational Leadership Team, sister delegates, and partners-in-mission witnessed this spirit-filled event, both in person and via livestream.
A Journey Toward Oneness
Le new US/Toronto Region brings together the former provinces of Central South, New York/Toronto, and Mid-North America in shared mission and faith. Collaboration among these provinces has been intentional for nearly a decade, and the new region responds to the Congregation’s 2021 Call to Action to implement New Governance Structures moving from provinces to regions—designed to draw strength from shared abundance, deepen unity, and sustain the mission into the future.
It was a process of deep listening—to one another, to the Spirit, and to the evolving needs of mission and ministry. Through widespread engagement, sisters and partners-in-mission helped shape a shared vision for the region’s future. From this engagement, the region’s core values emerged: belonging, inclusivity, communication, care, and personal responsibility.
Leadership, Service, and Love
Dedicated to prayerful discernment and election of leadership for the new region, sisters gathered with gratitude and hope as they participated in this historic process.
The assembly first voted to elect the new regional leader, a role central to guiding and nurturing the life of the region. Following this, the sisters elected the Regional Leadership Team, which includes one contemplative sister and three apostolic sisters. The team will serve alongside the regional leader to shepherd the mission and vision of the region for the next four years.
Sr. Maureen McGowan was elected as the first regional leader. A proud native of New York, Sr. Maureen made her final vows in 1973 and currently resides in Brooklyn, NY. She has served as province leader for the New York/Toronto Province since 2016, following decades of dedicated ministry in leadership formation.
Sr. Jude Ellen Golumbieski, who was elected as the contemplative councilor, resides in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania.
The three apostolic councilors, elected for the leadership team, are Sister Gayle Lwanga Crumbley, Martha Patricia Escobar, et Mary Carol McClenon. Sr. Gayle Lwanga currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sr. Martha Patricia serves in leadership ministries in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Sr. Mary Carol currently serves on the Mid-North America Province Leadership Team in St. Louis.
The elections reflected the Spirit’s guidance, the shared commitment of the sisters, and the collaborative spirit that has shaped the region from its beginning.
A Time of Unity, Reflection, and Vision
The first days of the Regional Chapter of Affairs were filled with joy, gratitude, and hope as sisters, delegates, and partners-in-mission gathered to celebrate a new beginning as one region.
Sr. Joan Lopez, Congregational Leader, invited everyone to stay attentive to the Spirit and to reflect on what it means to live as one region—rooted in love, justice, tenderness, and intercultural unity.
Through small-group sharing and prayer, participants expressed hopes for the future, including caring for the Earth, deepening relationships, nurturing new vocations, and celebrating diversity as a gift.
The day concluded with a meditation led by Tom Casey, Director of Regional Administration, who reflected on the image of a vineyard—reminding everyone that planting is only the beginning.
On the second day, in her keynote, Sr. Mary Pellegrino, CSJ, reflected on “dangerous memory,” a concept drawn from theologian Johann Metz—the kind of remembering that challenges and transforms. She invited participants to consider how they are living in dangerous memories today, amid the divisions and struggles of our world—from polarization in the United States to conflict and suffering around the globe. Drawing on examples from Scripture and Good Shepherd history, she highlighted women like Esther, St. Mary Euphrasia, and Madame Madeleine Lamy, who confronted injustice and risked comfort to respond boldly to the needs of their times. Her call resonated throughout the day: “In these dangerous times, let’s all make dangerous memories.''
A panel of engagement shared the ongoing work of regional Work Groups, including Resources, Mission, Living Communion, and Vocation and Formation. Novice Theresa Nguyen offered a heartfelt reflection on her formation journey.
The afternoon focused on affirming the region’s Vision Statement, led by Sr. Madeleine Munday. By unanimous vote, delegates affirmed: “Together, we are Shepherds.''
Partner-in-Mission Judy Lambeth reflected on the Shepherds Together logo, seeing in its open heart a symbol of hope and God’s ever-widening love. The day concluded in prayer, recommitting participants to the shared mission and sacred work of tending this new region.
Stronger Together: A Vision for the Region
As we continue to grow in unity, we are guided by the region’s Vision Statement, our call to action for the next four years. “Drawn by love, passionate for justice, and impelled by our zeal for God’s mission,” we are called to collaborate as sisters and partners-in-mission for the generativity of our mission and charism and to foster a culture universelle de la justice. «By tending to all of this, we believe we will be stronger and more effective together than alone.''
«We are the region,” said Sr. Barbara Beasley. “Its thriving is in the hands of each one of us.''
Discover more about the Chapter here: https://sistersofthegoodshepherd.com/regional-chapter-2025/
