Graced Crossroads

Book excerpt: Catholic religious communities, like many faith-based organizations, are at a crossroads. They are experiencing a seismic transition not only in their demographics but also in their identity, integrity, and relevancy, indeed, their very soul. Dr. Ted Dunn explores these Graced Crossroads addressing four central questions: 1.What are the graced crossroads religious communities are now facing and the deeper invitations calling them to the inner work of transformation? 2.What are the challenges and opportunities in our world and within Religious Life that have brought communities to these graced crossroads? 3.How might communities assess their capacity to engage in communal transformation, what will it ask of them, and what can they expect to come from it? 4.What does a Journey of Transformation truly involve and how can communities proactively engage in this Divine Mystery? Dr. Ted Dunn offers a comprehensive and innovative approach that integrates the pragmatic work of planning and visioning with the inner work of transformation, an approach he calls a Journey of Transformation. The foundation of this approach comes from his in-depth examination of the nature of transformation and his 30 years of experience guiding communities through these crossroads. Looking through the lenses of different disciplines, he arrives at the guiding principles and dynamic elements of transformation. These are integrated into the Journey of Transformation and illustrated throughout the book.