Dear Presentation Family,

This past year we focused on the attribute of simplicity. Often overlooked, this quality is foundational to living a more contemplative life. Everything we own or acquire necessarily needs to be tended. The more we have, the more we must steward. Obviously, we need some things to make our lives flow easier; however, there comes a tipping point when the energy needed to steward is more than the benefit received. We hope you found our deeper reflection upon simplicity helpful to you. Perhaps your desire to intentionally create a space for quiet was enhanced. Research shows us that by purposefully setting aside times of quiet or silence during the day may renew our inner self. We encourage you to continue to reflect on how you can foster and deepen the quiet within yourself and your home. Be assured the Sisters join you in that aspiration.

As we look ahead to 2026, we will be focusing on “tapestry.” Imagine the beauty of a tapestry, the weaving of many threads, how the colors complement and enhance one another. In the tapestry, the diversity of colors is held together as one magnificent whole.

When seen from the reverse side, the tapestry might appear as a series of endless knots. Sometimes our lives are like that. We may be more conscious of the knots. We trust that God is seeing the other side and marvels at the beauty of our lives. This is a good reminder that we, too, ought to join God in gazing upon our lives with love and gentleness as we are all still a work in progress.

We also wanted to focus on tapestry because the fabric of our society is frayed at this time. Each of us, as followers of Christ, are commissioned to step into the fray, be willing to listen fully to the concerns of the other and seek to build bridges or to begin the process of mending the fabric of who we are together. Let us hold one another in prayer that we might have our vision healed and behold one another as God beholds us.

“In the tapestry
of life, we are all
connected. Each one
of us is a gift to those
around us, helping each
other to be who we
are, weaving a perfect
picture together.”
~ Anita Moorjani

In peace and mercy

Sister Mary Thomas
Congregational President

Brooke Nicholson
Director of Mission Development