Legacies & Relationships
May 12, 2026
This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections
On March 5, 2026, CSA held its annual Breakfast with Women: Energizing Spirits. The purpose of the event was to foster connection and promote spiritual growth. The presentation and conversation focused on creating a spiritual legacy, a concrete way to pass on your faith and your relationship with God to others. The event featured a delicious breakfast, time for fellowship and networking, and a presentation by Sister Anita Henning, CSA. She discussed the practice of leaving a spiritual legacy by conducting interviews with those at the end of their lives, in order to learn more about their understanding of God and their faith. She shared her personal experience of interviewing her sister and what she learned from this experience.
Nine senior girls from Saint Mary’s Springs Academy were invited to attend the event. While this topic may seem far from the minds of young high schoolers, the girls found the experience enriching and informative. They shared that they learned it was important to give those who are nearing the end of their lives a chance to discuss their spiritual journeys. One student shared, “This inspired me to be more thoughtful about my relationships with elders. It motivated me to talk with my grandparents more.” Additionally, an interactive activity during the presentation invited attendees to set up a “date” with themselves for reflection. Many of the high schoolers followed this instruction and found it to be useful for their spiritual development. Printed journaling guides and times for discussion also helped to aid in their learning and understanding.
Overall, the students left the event feeling welcomed, inspired, and fortified. “We felt like special guests because so many people knew we were going to be there, greeted us, and took time to talk with us one-on-one,” one student shared. Another student enjoyed seeing “so many women from so many different backgrounds and stages of life.” Each girl attending the breakfast was able to take away a new connection or a bit of spiritual guidance to help her grow and improve in her relationship with God.