ANNUAL WORK 2022

Boston – Washington, DC – Yorktown

Deepening Connections and Awareness While Studying the Rule

Annual Work 2022

Contributors

Table 88

S.D. Cecilia Zavaleta

S.D. Elva Verastegui

S.D. Santina Edge

S. Dsel. Patricia Virreira

Table 90

S.D. Bonnie Fishman

Table 186

S.D. Olive Fadda

S.D. Jacqueline Hill

S. D. Marta Maresco

S. D. Sue Gold

Introduction

This task of discussing and reviewing The Rule has been difficult and challenging and at the same time uplifting. We discovered passionate feelings inside of ourselves and others. We felt vulnerable and unsure of how to express ourselves in our differences and we rejoiced in finding common ground even while respecting each other’s alternate ideas.

Certainly, this exercise has fulfilled the idea of an Annual Work on so many levels, but most importantly, it has brought us more deeply together even as we each have different ideas. There is now, a new space between us, for us to dialogue and share that may not have opened up at this time without our endeavor to make this work meaningful.

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The first time I had access to The Rule, was when I was on my 1st Solitary Retreat. I took the book to read one afternoon, a little anxious and a little excited about what I might find inside.

I was excited to see more of what Cafh was about and to know more about this mysterious mystery school that I had enrolled in.

The anxiety was about what I might find that I would not be able to fulfill or adhere to in my journey in Cafh. I was so scared that there might be parts of The Rule that I wasn’t capable of fulfilling.

What I found, however, was the deepest validation of why I had felt compelled to follow my vocation.

It was a framework upon which I could build my strength to fulfill my heart’s wish and a step-by-step guide of how to live my life in a way that honored my commitment to my soul.

One passage, in particular, gave me tremendous solace. “The Sons and Daughters love and long for the high and snowy mountains. At one time they lived on remote islands, guarding the Holy Grail. But when it is necessary for the good of souls, they do not disdain making their homes in busy valleys, dwelling in big cities or centers of great activity. Nonetheless, they all yearn for that place promised by Her, which remains untrodden by human foot.”

I remember thinking to myself, “how do they know?” That, sometimes is the longing of my Soul, and I’ve even dreamt of those snowy mountains so often. Reading this made me feel, that Cafh was true, the path of Cafh was my path. It was home. The Rule of Cafh reflected what I aspired to.

Each time I have had an opportunity to pick up the Rule, I discover something else to focus on. Something else that spurs me forward on my path.

I understand that some of the language is older, and can be considered out of date with today’s understanding of equality and equanimity. Certainly, these items need to be updated to reflect our new awareness. However, the Rule is fundamentally a guide and truly only becomes real in the living of it by each member of Cafh.

We can work on updating some of the language, but for me the most important part is to find the deep spiritual context and guidance of the Rule and make it a living example of the strength it can provide in guiding us on our spiritual path.

I am thoroughly thankful, for the opportunity we have had to work together on this as a group. I’ve learned so much along the way and have grown in my understanding of what other souls need too.

Some have suggested that the Rule should be available to all as soon as they enter Cafh. I’m not sure that I agree with that assessment because not all souls who enter Cafh are seeking a deep vocation right away – the Rule seems to me to be more instructional for those souls who have a call of vocation and commitment and certainly if a soul expresses such a vocational interest, the Rule is a good guide to be shared at that moment.

S.D. Olive Fadda

Our Thoughts and Experience

This year I felt privileged to work on the “Rule of Cafh” which was always considered a closed document, available to members of Cafh only during the annual retreats.

The process of looking into the Rule and working on each chapter during our reunions, gave me not only a special knowledge of the Rule that I did not have before, but also a better connection to the Rule.

The fact that we were working on suggestions and updates on each chapter, I could see how each one of us think and feel about the Rule and how we are affected by the changes that are happening all around us during this time in our society. It gave me the chance to see how my thought process works, what triggers me causing more inner work and what made me part of the whole.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work on this process and look forward to continuing the work as needed.

S.D. Santina Edge

The Experience of Reviewing The Rule

Like many others, I had not spent much time reading The Rule. What amazed me

was how much our consciousness, both individual and societal, had expanded

since it was re-written in 2006.

We were very focused on using inclusive, non-judgmental language from the

beginning. We discussed the theme of “who is The Rule for?”. Deep love and

caring for potential and current members of Cafh was the foundation of many

discussions.

I believe that we grew as individuals and as a group of souls in working together

on The Rule. We are bound by our love for humanity and for the Divine but we

each have our unique approach and contribution.

The opportunity to devote a full year to The Rule and knowing that so many other

members of Cafh were doing the same, I felt like I was working as a member of

the Mystical Body of Cafh, devoting energy to a divine work that is always “in

progress” as consciousness is always expanding.

Thank you for inviting us to be part of such a valuable and important exercise.

S.D. Bonnie Fishman

My Reflections On Our Study Of The Rule

     When I learned we’d be looking at and offering our feedback on The Rule, I was a little surprised and not very interested. After all, I’d gone through it several times during Retreats, and couldn’t always make sense of things. I’ve asked questions for clarification, but much of it was still unclear to me. I wasn’t sure what more I would get out of reading it again, and whether I could offer anything that mattered. My first impressions were quickly laid to rest. I’ve discovered that there’s much more than meets my eye. I recognized that The Rule could in fact become more of a living document, with certain terminology and concepts adapting to our ever changing world. My understanding that a certain framework must be upheld, so as not to lose the integrity of our Path and the essence of The Rule, has strengthened. At the same time, I believe that in order for Cafh to sustain itself and grow, there are definitely terms and ideas that can benefit from some overhaul.

      My greatest struggle has been the term Divine Mother. In a recent conversation with my companions, while preparing our annual work, this became a lengthy discussion. The idea of changing the term to ‘The Divine’, or ‘Divine Presence’, holds great value to me. I understand other’s connection to Divine Mother, but I don’t believe it’s something that necessarily appeals to the majority. Those who it holds great meaning for can continue in that vein, and it can expand to attract other souls who may have a different conceptualization. My prayers and meditations begin with ‘Mysterious Life Force’ and I continue to invoke the ‘Divine, loving, compassionate, empathetic energy that surrounds, transcends and lies within me.’ I was raised in the Jewish religion and traditions, but I didn’t really utilize prayer in my life. My idea of G-d was never one of a ‘being’. While Divine Mother initially felt good to me, as I lost my mom at 28, it quickly lost its appeal.  I’m most comfortable with the concept of G-d as interconnectedness with everything and everyone and being within us.

      As I am one of many souls, I trust that the GrandMaster Dame, with the support of our Mysterious Life Force, will take all of our thoughtful study, placing everything into context and gradually improve upon Cafh’s framework. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the unfolding of Cafh and its souls, as I continue to grow and unfold. 

S.D. Sue Gold

The Grand Master Dame’s invitation to reflect on the Rule within our reunion groups to see if areas could be updated while keeping the essence of Cafh, opened many possibilities and issues. There have been so many new ideas in psychology and spirituality. I believe we are evolving from a Piscean era to a more Aquarian era, and new ideas are coming through. Initially, I got overly enthusiastic about the possibility of updating some of the Cafh constructs, including that of hierarchy. To me, the top-down hierarchy model represents a male patriarchal model, making it harder for those at “the bottom” to be included enough in sharing information and participating in the decision-making process. In addition, it can put too much power and control in individuals with authority opening the possibility for abuse of that power. The current annual work reflects a more circular, inclusive paradigm. Sons and Daughters of Cafh seem to be much more involved in the process, which, I believe, especially helps them learn, grow, and unfold.

One of the lessons I learned from my teaching was that I was too enthusiastic/activated about the teaching, particularly since I had just started an in-depth growth program. I was too eager to share this new information, and I veered off topic, gave information overload, and didn’t leave much time and space for dialogue. Our group had been a very positive, cohesive, and affirming group before the challenge of working with the rule was presented. I think that this helped prepare us for the initial difficulties when intensive emotions were triggered around proposed possible changes. This led to some conflict. Initially, it was difficult for me, other members of our group, and the group. Because of the members’ intent to come to a more collaborative, loving place, the group members got increasingly better at presenting some controversial information, and the group was better able to hear in a caring and respectful way and reflect more on what was being presented. Overall, I think that the work this year touched us in a more deeply personal way. The cohesiveness of the group, and the Cafh tools, including the use of dialogue, helped us meet the challenging issues in an increasingly positive way leading to a greater level of individual and group growth.

S.D. Jacqueline Hill

The task this year of reviewing The Rule of Cafh and suggesting possible changes, has been a difficult and daunting process —but an illuminating one! 

The difficulties arose for me because I was not familiar with The Rule prior to this year, The Rule always seemed to be rarely accessible. The books stayed in the care of the Ordained only—and were not ever to be taken to the home of other members.

There were very few opportunities to read The Rule other than during in-person retreats.  The Rule has been even further out of reach with pandemic restrictions.  So it was a great shock to suddenly be given total access to The Rule, and to be asked to critique it. 

I welcome this tremendous openness, and am thrilled at the direction Cafh is taking with the visionary leadership of our Grand Master Dame.  

S. D. Marta Maresco

Reading the ‘Rule of Cafh; step by step as a teaching, was something new and interesting. We were able to express our reaction to what we read by making a critical analysis of it. Until now, my relationship with the Rule and for many of us was an occasional reading of the Rule during Retreats. It was a good way to understand and have knowledge of what is was in the whole Rule of Cafh.

When we started becoming familiar with the Rule, a concern came to light, we found that some terms and concepts of Cafh, were not clear or were out of date; terms that our society had already rejected/replaced or were in the process of changing. Concepts and ideas such as: obedience and hierarchy. There were a lot of ideas about the implication of the word ‘obey” for example. We concluded that will be better to remove or change the word obey, because it could generate a potential abuse of power. Another interesting discussion was generated by the expression ‘Supreme spiritual leader’ we recommended instead ‘The spiritual leader’. It was clear that is better to avoid power-related words.

Through the Teachings many questions came along: What do you see as potentially changeable without changing the essential? What do you see as essential? These questions helped us work taking them in consideration.

While the work was taking shape, we found ideas, terms, and expressions that can lead to different interpretations. We disagreed in somethings, but we find common ground in others. There are terms or concepts that do not represent the historical moment that we, as a society, are experiencing this time of history. However, in order to make changes there are many aspects that must be taken into account, especially generational aspects, and cultural diversity. We want Cafh to be more universal, appealing and inclusive.

One topic that came up for discussion was the use of DM. It came as a questions: Does this mysterious life force need to remain Divine Mother? There were not solution to this enquire and we thought, it is better to leave open the way each soul addresses the Divine. Reading the2nd teaching on Prayers and State of Prayer, we found “… “In this meditation (Discursive Meditation), the invocation helps us overcome the barriers created by the image we have of ourselves. We say what is happening to us in the presence of the virtual witness we choose - The Divine Mother, God, the Divine Presence, the Cosmos - but especially we are our own witnesses.”

S.D. Elva Verastegui

We have been gifted with the chance to read and provide our thoughts on The Rule. As a group we discussed some chapters and made some suggestions for changes or updates on some words or concepts that we think need to be reviewed. 

During this process sometimes we will all share the same ideas but we were not always in agreement, we interpret words or ideas in different ways. In my case, I think it sometimes might be due to limitation in my vocabulary or cultural/background differences that interfere in the way I understood The Rule. 

It was interesting to study some aspects of The Rule and discover how I/we think, and how limited my mind was and in other occasions it was open to listen and accept other opinions. 

Respect is something that always characterized our group and helped us feel free to express our thoughts. The space we have in our Reunions is sacred for me, because it broadens my way of seeing and understanding my spiritual life. The different members always share their experiences and thoughts making the Reunion so enriching. I am grateful for the opportunity to review The Rule and confirm or clarify some ideas that I knew or had heard about and, learn about other things about The Rule that I haven’t ever heard about. Reading The Rule is not always easy since some Chapters can be boring or maybe I am not that interested in learning some subjects, but in general I might confess that it has been a nice opportunity to read and learn more about our Rule. 

S. Damsel Patricia Virreira

What was my experience with the Rule this year?

The Annual Work this year made me feel, above all, connected to all the Members of Cafh. Connected with the Founder GMK, and those who came before me; connected to those with whom I share the present, especially my Group and the GMD; and connected to those I may not ever meet, the future Members of Cafh and for whom we are doing this work with the Rule.

On the other hand, I also realized that although I have been many years in Cafh, I had few opportunities to read the Rule. What is more extraordinary is that I never really had the chance to have a whole year to study it! So, I feel grateful for this opportunity, that also became a very important responsibility.

And I feel grateful for the Group experience. Working with my Group has been very enriching. We discovered and analyzed together some of the main ideas and topics of the Rule. Sometimes we pondered, and agreed, while others we disagreed; there were delicate moments, yet always maintaining the due respect among ourselves. It was a journey that we took and that I think brought us even closer and expanded our minds.

S.D. Cecilia Zavaleta