Chapter in Sabattus : “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Sister Monique Belanger, Vicarial Prioress convoked the Chapter in May 2025. In this Jubilee Year, the theme proposed was from Romans 12:12 : “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

The agenda, a very full one, included : a review of the present structure of the vicariate and a look towards its future ; an examination of the Vicariate’s financial situation ; an analysis of the Acts of the last General Chapter held in Locquirec, France, to see how to apply those Acts to the US Vicariate ; a reflection on the life of the sisters and their ministries in the two communities within the Vicariate : Sabattus, Maine and Staten Island, New York ; a study of the reports of the sisters in the US Vicariate serving on Congregation Committees : Peace and Justice, Communication, and Constitutions ; the election of the Vicarial Prioress and council ; a consideration on how to move forward in the two major vicarial missions : Loaves and Fishes in Sabattus, Maine and ministry on the Navajoh Reservation in Klagetoh, Arizona.

Important guests joined the sisters for this Chapter. First to arrive on July 31, was Sister Ysabel Barroso, from our house of Formation in Brazil. Her role as Chapter facilitator was greatly appreciated : helping with the agenda and making it fit into a five-day schedule ; facilitating the presentations and the dialogue among the sisters ; and helping the chapter secretary with minutes and final document. On Thursday morning, August 14, Sister Solange Damiao, came in from Rome, after a very difficult flight. Sister joined us for the end of our Chapter before her visit to the Navajo Reservation. On Friday, August 8, Bishop James Ruggieri, Bishop of Portland, Maine and Brother James Peterson, OFM Cap, Chancellor and Vicar for Religious for the diocese, joined us for a liturgy celebrating the Feast of St. Dominic, Sister Marie Jude Chamberlain’s renewal of vows on the 60th anniversary of her profession, and the re-election of Sr. Monique Belanger as Vicarial Prioress. A festive meal followed the liturgy.

The sisters prayed Morning Prayer at the beginning of each day and Evening Prayer concluded each day’s sessions. Delicious meals were prepared by friends of the Sabattus community. Breaks and leisure times included relaxing walks on the beautiful Sabattus convent grounds, good conversation on the back patio and card games.

The Chapter ended with a Thank you and Sending Forth closing prayer. During this prayer, each sister received a Scripture passage with a prayer to the Holy Spirit. These were read and meditated by the group. Sister Monique then sent forth the sisters into community and mission with a small banner reflecting the Chapter theme : “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

Sister Jacqueline Provencher
Community of Sabattus
Vicariate of the United States

Sisters Monica Dubois (seated) and Frances Thibodeau enjoy a relaxing moment between sessions.

As they both hold the book of our Constitutions, Sister Marie Jude Chamberlain (on right) renews her vows in the presence of Sister Solange Damiao, General Prioress.

From left to right : Sisters Monica Dubois, Marie Jude Chamberlain, Therese Demers, Jacqueline Provencher and Monique Belanger during a session of the Vicariate Chapter held in the Dominican Sisters Convent in Sabattus.

Sister Frances Thibodeau, chapter secretary, at work during the chapter.

The sisters and guests at the Vicariate Chapter in August, 2025 : from left to right- Sister Solange Damiao, General Prioress ; Sister Anne Levesque, Staten Island ; Sister Monique Belanger, Vicarial Prioress ; Brother James Peterson, OFM Cap., Diocesan Chancellor and Vicar for Religious ; Sister Therese Demers, Sabattus, Maine ; Sister Christine Plouffe, Sabattus, Maine ; Sister Marie Jude Chamberlain, Staten Island, New York ; Sister Jacqueline Provencher, Vicarial Councilor, Sabattus, Maine ; Sister Frances Thibodeau, Chicago, Illinois, chapter secretary ; Sister Monica Dubois, Klagetoh, Arizona, Vicarial Treasurer ; Sister Ysabel Barroso, Brazil, facilitator ; Bishop James Ruggieri, Bishop of the Portland Maine Diocese. In the background, Dominican symbols : the Rosary, statue of Mary with Dominic ; Dominican shield.