As members of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, we in Papua New Guinea have developed a new governance plan that is based on the idea of cirlces of communion.The bond between the Creator, Son and Holy Spirit in the Trinity, is the very first circle of communion. All power and authority find their source in the flow of loving energy between the persons of the Trinity. This power emanating outward into the world is what enables the fulfillment of God's reign.

When Francis of Assisi realized his participation in this relationship, he was moved to call each creature, brother or sister. By Religious Profession each sister enters more deeply into this relational bond, committing herself through the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to live fully the Mission Statement of the Institute. Our PNG Circle is an ever expanding one which spirals outward intersecting with those of our entire Missionary Franciscan family and beyond. Together we strive to give expression to our Institute Mission Statement as we respond to our call to communion in mission. Sharing responsibility for our lives together and calling forth one another, we collaborate with the Trinity, the heart of each circle, in furthering God's reign.

Through the Gathering, the Papua New Guinea Governance Circle gives its particular expression to the plan of the Trinity that all may be one. The Melanesian lifestyle is strongly based on family kinship, with the village cicle being the space in which all decisions are made. While culturally there is a strong patriarchal sense in most parts of PNG, as a Franciscan family we model our community on the discipleship of equals which Jesus promoted among his followers. In our Gatheirng of equals, where all are true sisters to one another, there inside the power and authority for the decision-making which affects our life and mission here in Papua New Guinea. The values underpinning this governance plan are:
* a rational way of living which sees each sister as a gift from God (Francis and Clare)
* increased participation with the belief that the Spirit is active in each sister as well as in the group
* a passion for mission based on the example of our foundress, Elizabeth Hayes
* a priority of outreach to the poor and needy (Francis, Clare and Elizabeth).

It is the Gathering which determines the various circles of service (ministry, education and spiritual, formation and stewardship) and mandates them to help channel our energy into carrying out those tasks necessary for the fulfillment of our mission. The Leadership Circle works in coordination with these Service Circles in a manner which mirrors:
* appreciation for the giftedness and contribution of each sister
* an openness and transparency that enables all to be fully informed
* a style of discernment in which decisions are made by those whose lives are most affected by them.

It is the responsibility of the Leader to animate and encourage all the Sisters to fulfill the Institute Mission Statement in the Papua New Guinea context. She calls them to do this in fidelity to the Third Order Rule and canonically binding Constitutions and Statutes, as well as to the MFIC Norms for Institute Communion of Circles.