Nine nuns in the archdiocese have been elected to formulate the role of the Sisters’ Senate and to deal with the spiritual, intellectual, medical and recreational needs of the 210 nuns in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

At a meeting of representatives from each convent Sunday at the Cathedral center, the following nuns were elected; Sister Francis Maureen, G.N.S.H.; Sister William Joseph, C.SJ.; Sister Ann Julice, S.N.D.; Sister M. Geraldine; Sister Francois, a Blessed Sacrament nun; Sister M. Robert, S.S.N.D.; Sister M. Rosaire, M.S.SH.; Sister M. Melanie, R.S.M.; Sister Mary David, O.P. Two contemplative sisters of the Visitation also attended the meeting.

The Sisters’ Senate will consider the establishment of central places for retreats, days of recollection, conferences and confessions; the proposals of the Sisters’ Congress on education, schools of religion, Newman Apostolate, social and health services; contracts of the religious communities with the archdiocese; participation in archdiocesan commissions such as liturgy, education, social service and ecumenism; and will act as a means of communication between the sisters and the archbishop.

Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan told the sisters, “This is a step in the whole renewal program that corrects a serious flaw of years past. Sisters, dedicated by their vows and working from dawn to dusk for the family of the Church, should be heard. Now you have a voice by which you can speak to God’s people. Now you have a real tool by which your opinions, questions, criticisms and suggestions can be put to use.”

He said, “Faithful to the traditions of the Church and the archdiocese, you sisters have already awakened all of us to the renewed Christian way. The Senate will be your new bridge. It is badly needed and will be confidently watched.”

The Sisters’ Senate will be parallel to the Senate of Priests which has recently been formed.

Father John McDonough, secretary for Religious, spoke on confessions and conferences. He said the suggestions be put in writing. He said unless he is made aware of the sisters’ wishes about conferences and confessions nothing can be done to help them.

He said the sisters have a voice and should use it.

Sister Mary Virginia, G.N.S.H., president of the Sisters’ Congress, presided at the meeting highlighted by considerable discussion.

The sisters discussed the nature of their responsibility to their communities; whether they are going to involve themselves in teaching or whether they should branch out into some other work in the parish.