<div dir="ltr"><div><div><div><div><div>Dear Companions,<br><br></div>I have some sad and
distressing news to share with you all. The Council of Advice met this
afternoon, and have asked Susie to leave the Motherhouse within the next
two weeks. Ed will be leaving this weekend. Without going into any
unnecessary detail, this follows disclosures of the use over a period of
time of marijuana at the Motherhouse by Susie, along with Ed and Abby,
and sharing it with a retreatant/guest. This is illegal in the state of
Missouri, carrying heavy legal penalties, so placing the House and the
Community in jeopardy; but it also involved issues of transparency and
trust.<br>
<br></div>Susie has served as Retreat Coordinator for several years, and
her hospitality is celebrated throughout this Diocese and beyond. We
grieve at this development on multiple levels, and ask your prayers for
Susie, Abby and Ed, and all who will be impacted by it. What will
happen next is something we'll need to discuss over the next few months.<br>
<br></div><div>The decision was unanimously taken by Cathy, Christine,
Noel and me, in consultation with Bishop Barry, who has been of great
help and support. <br></div><div><br></div>At present, this news is
being shared with the Professed members of the Community, but we'll
share it shortly with all. Please, if you do have questions about this,
feel free to contact one of us. Let's be careful, though, to avoid
gossip.<br><br></div>Love to all,<br></div>Virginia<br></div>