This month we begin a two-part series reflecting on the core value of Prudence. Jesus Christ shows us the importance of being a prudent leader. We see this in both his words and actions. As Christian leaders, we are called to contemplate how the Lord Jesus lived prudence as well as ask him the grace to increase this core value in our hearts. You and I will then be empowered to impart prudence to our families, friends, coworkers and others who cross our paths. Let’s embark on this two month reflection on prudence asking the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts.
In Christ,
Fr. Nathaniel Haslam, LC
National Chaplain for the Lumen Institute
Part 1: Core Value of Prudence with Fr. Nathaniel Haslam
Letter from the Lumen Board of Directors emailed on September 17, 2020
Dear Lumen Members:
We hope you are well during these challenging times. We have worked to supplement our normal Lumen content with Zoom series, virtual coaching and customized personal discussions to make Lumen particularly relevant during this pandemic. We hope we are succeeding.
As many of you know, approximately 10 years ago, Jim Hislop agreed to take over the Lumen Managing Director role from David Wilder. Last year, Jim recommended to the Board that the Managing Director position be filled by an individual that can commit to Lumen on a full-time basis. With over 150 members, 12 Chapters and sub chapters and 13 Priests and Consecrated Women, Jim believed (and the Board agreed) that the job had become too big to be handled by a part-time volunteer. More importantly, if Lumen is going to double in size over the next five years, add 3-5 new chapters, expand internationally and develop new affiliations and partnerships, our organization is going to need the focus and attention of a full-time individual.
With these thoughts in mind, the Board has authorized Jim to lead a small task force comprised of himself, Steve Auth, Bob Dill and Fr. Haslam to identify an individual to assume his responsibilities effective January 1, 2021. Ideally, this individual would come from within Lumen, however, if the most qualified individual were to surface from outside of the Lumen member ranks, that would be fine. This would be a paid position and require such individual to dedicate substantially 100% of their professional time to Lumen. Jim will continue serving on the Board as Vice-Chairman is committed to supporting the growth of Lumen in different ways.
This represents an incredible, possibly life-changing opportunity for someone that may seek to respond to a calling far greater than themselves.
A description of the Managing Director role is provided in the attached. We would ask each of you to think about potential candidates for this role. We are interested in discussing this opportunity with any one of you that might be interested or anyone you feel would be qualified and interested. Please contact any one of: Jim Hislop (908) 803 0128, Steve Auth (212) 905 4800, Bob Dill (281) 687 1134 or Fr. Nathaniel Haslam at (713) 305 6857 with any thoughts you may have regarding this position.
Jim has felt blessed to work with the Lumen Board, the Legionary Chaplains, Bob Stone and Paivi Eck to support the growth and development of Lumen and wanted to thank all of you for this opportunity.
Thank you and God bless,
J. Christopher Donahue
Lumen Chairman of the Board
We have planned a robust and exciting line up for the fall and winter Lumen Virtual Speaker Series. Please add to your calendar today!
Save the Date: October 29th
Newt Gingrich - American Politician
Details Coming Soon!
Who: Jodey Arrington, US Representative for Texas's 19th District Topic: Defending America's Values, Culture and Heritage Time: Nov 9, 2020 11:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Connect: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 814 8125 9786 Passcode: 434058
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Who: His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan Time: Nov 12, 2020 7 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: Speaker Series with Cardinal Timothy Dolan Connect:Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 870 1179 7969
Passcode: 497695
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Who: Fr. John Connor, Superior General for the Legion of Christ Time: December 8 1 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: St Joseph: Example of Living the Core Value of Humility Connect:Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 898 6413 0686
Passcode: 649705
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Last Tuesday evening we were treated to a Lumen Speaker Event featuring Chris Donahue, Chairman of the Lumen Board of Directors and Chairman and CEO of Federated Hermes. His firm is one of the largest investment firms on the globe with over $638 billion under management. His topic was Business in Corona Time: The Triumph of Virtue. Utilizing art he explained and demonstrated that virtue is a habit and differentiated between gratitude and entitlement in facing complex situations. Offering examples of excellence, prayer, hope, confidence in God, sanguinity, and gratitude, he showed us how we might use these traits in our business and personal lives.
Lumen Annual Golf Outing with Lumen Manhattan, New Jersey, Connecticut and Philadelphia
A huge thank you to Steve Schroeder for organizing an annual golf outing at Somerset Hills, New Jersey. There were 29 for golf and dinner which made this event the biggest one yet.
Lumen Washington DC Weekend Retreat
WDC chapter held their “Consecration to St. Joseph” weekend retreat at a campsite in Castleton, Virginia with 13 of our Lumen members and fellows.
Dale Overmyer with Michael Finn
Organizers of the weekend; Mike Stabolepzsy, Gregg Dyer and Ralph Fairbanks.
Radio Interview with Fr. Michael Sliney, LC
Fr. Michael Sliney was recently interviewed by Stephen Grundman from Divine Mercy University for an online course that they are currently offering to spiritual directors. He addresses the topics discussed in spiritual direction and the challenges that men face today.
Please click on this video: https://vimeo.com/452589648
Please use this password: dmu18
Some Lumen Chaplains were able to resume face-to-face coaching during the summer months. As we approach winter and it seems COVID-19 numbers are on the rise, Lumen will continue to have ZOOM video conferencing available.
Most Chapters are continuing with in person and safe Leadership Circles, mostly outdoors. If your chapter would like to resume ZOOM video circles, please email Paivi Eck at Paivi@LumenInstitute.org.
LUMEN WIVES in CONNECTICUT
Mary Smith and Karla Amezcua held their first in-person women’s circle since March. The event was hosted by Ina Shea. Here are her thoughts on the gathering:
Our kick-off meeting was a beautiful gathering for several reasons:
1. We have a new consecrated woman to guide us. Karla shared her heart and spoke to us about Our Blessed Mother’s heart.
2. We had a surprise visit and blessing from Father Shawn Aaron!!
3. Niamh joined us via ZOOM and we loved having her virtual presence.
4. The weather was great for outdoor gathering.
5. This was our first meeting since early March. Being together in person was a special gift.
Many of you are doing great works helping others during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We would love to have your pictures and a couple of paragraphs to show what all of our Chapters and members are involved with on their own or as a group. It would be wonderful to witness the Lumen Action plan at work. Please email to Paivi@LumenInstititue.org
Lumen Members and families. If you have a story you would like to share on how you did and are handling the difficult circumstances in our next Newsletter, please send a writeup (with a picture if you have) to Paivi at paivi@lumeninstitute.org
Our Mission
Lumen’s Mission is to further enhance the character, faith, and leadership skills of today’s business and cultural leaders and their families.
