Opening Thoughts from the Director. Living in Gratitude

Transcription

1 Opening Thoughts from the Director Living in Gratitude Today, as I write my inaugural SSM Associate Newsletter I feel my heart swell with gratitude. Gratitude for the call to serve God, as an SSM Associate. Words of gratitude are important, but how we show God we love Him is even more so. The unique spirit of each and every person we minister alongside and serve is a gift from God. Listening with our hearts calls us to be truly present to one another. Being open to new ideas allows us to continually meet the changing needs of our times. Finding joy in both big successes and every day moments gives us hope. As we enjoy Fall, may we all take a moment to recall and celebrate those people, places and things in our lives that we are grateful for, bring us joy, rekindle our spirit, and motivate us to follow in the footsteps of Mother Frances and serve those in need. As SSM Associates, you are a source of joy and hope to those you serve, and we celebrate you! May grace fill your path, IN THIS ISSUE Opening Thoughts Rooted in the Past SSM Associates LIFE Ministry A Moment of Contemplation Fun and Games NACAR Special CARA Report Cluster Updates Birthday Celebrations Upcoming Events Everything we do should be a result of our Gratitude for what God has done for us. ~ Laura Hill SSM Associates Director

2 Rooted in the Past Knowing the Past to Understand the Present and Plan for the Future Submitted by: Beth Komisarek, Archivist The modern SSM associate movement marks its beginning in 1983, when the Congregation formally accepted five men and women as SSM Associates. However, the tradition of lay persons aligning themselves with the Sisters charism has a history that is nearly as old as the Congregation itself. According to an article written by former Associate Director Sr. Raphael Narcisi, when the pioneering Sisters traveled to the United States to collect funds for their ministry a group of women were so inspired and interested in their charitable works that they formed the Devout Society of the Sorrowful Mother. This Society received approval from the Most Reverent Cardinal Vicar, Lucidus Maria Parocchi, on July 6, These devoted women aided the growing Congregation through daily prayer and financial gifts. This early work with lay women was simply the start of a tradition in which the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother collaborated with lay persons to care for the poor and marginalized through their ministry. As worshippers whose every deed is holy, the laity consecrate the world itself to God. The Church in the Modern World Vatican II Document During the first half of the 20 th century the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother continued to grow their charitable institutions, touching many lives along the way and keeping up with the ever changing needs of their community. The Church saw many changes as a result of Vatican II including a lively desire for new laity initiatives for prayer and ministry. Thus, during the 1970s, the idea for the contemporary associate s movement took hold in the Milwaukee Province. Elizabeth Guy and Mary Miron wrote to Sr. Dorothy Bruder, Provincial of the Milwaukee Province, with the petition that the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother consider forming an associates group. This request was carefully considered by all the Sisters, they even formed a committee to better explore the idea. The Sisters hosted an event for all those interested in aligning with the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother on June 28, About twenty-five people attended the meeting to learn more about the Congregation. Encouraged by the amount of people interested in associating with their charism, the Sisters renamed their committee the Associate Committee. Several regional meetings followed in which the presenters shared the history and charism of Mother Frances and the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother and also the prospect of forming an associates group for lay persons. The early 1980s were filled with various meetings and presentations to spread the word of this growing movement. By June of 1982 the Associates Committee had named Sr. Raphael Narcisi to be their first Associates Director. Sr. Raphael and the Associates Committee drafted the Milwaukee Province s Associate Proposal and submitted it to the Generalate in Rome. This proposal was approved. The General Superior, Sr. Catherine Marie Belongia, sent a congratulatory letter to the Milwaukee province and the first group of SSM Associates. This first group included Elizabeth Guy, Lorraine Glodowski, Lois Knope, Tom Fischer, and Dave Sauer. The Sisters hosted a reception ceremony at Mother of Sorrows Convent (Milwaukee) in October of 1983.

3 From left to right: Lois Knope, Lorraine Glodowski and Diane Wegner. 33 years A spotlight interview with Lois Knope, Lorraine Glodowski and Tom Fischer, three remaining members of the first SSM Associate cluster which was founded in Lois Knope How did you receive your call to become part of the Associate Movement? I started working at Ministry St. Michael s Hospital, Stevens Point, WI in At that time there were a lot of Sisters within the ministry. I admired the Sisters dedication and prayer life. Sister Paula Jacobs invited Betty Guy, Lorraine Glodowski and myself to assist with forming the SSM Associate Movement. We were mentored by Sister Raphael Narcisi and a local Priest. What attracted you to the SSM community? Sister Paula and others listened and allowed us to offer our input into the SSM Associate Movement and we began to own it and become proud of the SSM Associate Movement. What do you like about being part of the SSM Associate Movement? I think as the SSM Associate Movement grew we met and got to know other SSM Associates from other clusters at our gatherings and retreats. I also attended a cluster meeting in Tulsa where I met Sisters and other SSM Associates. Everyone was welcoming and accepting. Even now when the Sisters joins us you can see that they are proud of the SSM Associate Movement. We always come back with information from these gatherings that assists us in our local cluster and ministries. What are some of the qualities that make a good candidate for a vocation to the SSM Associate Movement? I feel anyone who wants to become an SSM Associate must have a desire to increase their spiritual life. I would like to encourage anyone considering becoming an SSM Associate to attend one of their local clusters meetings. This is a great way to get a feeling of the spiritual growth that takes place. Lorraine Glodowski How did you receive your call to become of the Associate Movement? I had the privilege of working at St. Michael's hospital, Stevens Point which was an SSM Hospital. I was asked to become an Associate by Sister Raphael Narcisi and Sister Dorothy Ann Dirkx. What attracted you to the SSM community? I was attracted by the community by working in a prayerful environment which continued from my nurses' training. What do you like about being part of the SSM Associate Movement? I like the sharing of values, prayer and being in contact with the Sisters. What are some of the qualities that make a good candidate for a vocation to the SSM Associate Movement? Qualities - faithful, loving, giving person What role do you play in your local community? Bringing communion to the home bound, leading the rosary at funeral visitations, caring for my invalid husband, sharing of prayers, vision and values of the Sisters and how we live them in our daily lives.

4 What role do you play in your local community? In my more active years, I was the first women President of the Pastoral Council (church) and also chair of our Sacred Worship Committee (church). Currently, I put together the Mass Readers and Servers schedules. I was also a member of our local communities interfaith movement when it first began. Currently, I keep in touch with a women who lives in an Assisted Living Center and is home bound. What are your hobbies and interests? Reading, knitting, and praying for my family What is one thing you dream of doing someday? Continuing to serve in God's ministry. What are your hobbies and interests? I enjoy playing bridge (cards) every week. In fact, I play in a Bridge marathon September through April. I also enjoy attending the Symphony. What is one thing you dream of doing someday? At age 86, I dream that I can stay in my home as long as I can. I am thankful for the good support of my family and friends. Tom Fischer How did you receive your call to become part of the Associate Movement? In 1981, I was asked by CEO Bernard Schlueter to be Mercy Medical Center's representative the new planning committee at SSM to explore starting a new group to be known as SSM Associates. Mr. Schlueter indicated that Sr. Raphael had specifically requested me, partly because I had been working in Mercy's Human Resources Department, since I immediately agreed. What attracted you to the SSM community? I accepted a job at UW-O in 1968, and got to know the sisters through my friend, the late Fr. David Baeten, who was Director of Pastoral Care at that time. The sisters were clearly dedicated to their mission, and I wanted to learn more. What do you like about being part of the SSM Associate Movement? The Associates provided a unique way to approach Christian/Catholic living by participating in the mission of the SSM. What are some of the qualities that make a good candidate for a vocation to the SSM Associate Movement? A good candidate is a practicing Catholic who is interested in expanding his/her faith in action, and in learning the SSM philosophy and mission, and practices of their mission. Hospital - associated people seem to especially enjoy being SSM Associates. What role do you play in your local community? My wife, Barb and I both have reached out to other seniors at the local Senior Center including Barb volunteering as a watercolor teacher, and at our parish, where we have been involved in learning groups, such as Bible Study. What are your hobbies and interests? We live a quiet life, enjoying our children and grandchildren, and spending time at the Senior Center. The past few years have included a significant amount of serious illness and disability, not unheard of among people of our age. What is one thing you dream of doing someday? Living to reach our 50th wedding anniversary. We celebrated our 45th last July.

5 A Moment for CONTEMPLATION Wise and Faithful Guide, keep my spirit entwined with yours. Teach me about the poor and the pained. Fill me with your mercy and compassion. Help me to find your peace in my troubled moments. Let love be the response I give to those who oppose me. Constantly draw me toward all that is good. Urge me to give my best to those who need it. Lead me to learn from my discouragement and struggles. Be the light I need to find my way in the darkness. Fill my hollowness and emptiness with your love. Most of all, continue to dwell within me because your gracious presence is all I ever need. It is enough to bring me through the deepest canyons and the darkest crevices of my life. Divine Companion, draw me to your heart where wisdom resides and daily let me choose to follow in your way. A Conversation Within: What is it that you seek from this Wise and Faithful Guide? Draw a heart and place some words or symbols on it to represent what you seek. Prayer: Jesus, our Light, help me to see You even more closely in the events and persons I meet today. Thank You for humbling Yourself to come and be God-with-us each day as we live. Draw me more closely to you. Amen WORDS can be found UPWARD, DOWNWARD, DIAGONAL and BACKWARDS Good Luck! Answers located in the October Issue ASSOCIATE MOVEMENT NACAR TOM FISCHER LOIS KNOPE LORRAINE GLODOWSKI GRATITUDE MINISTRY ACTION CONTEMPLATION HOLINESS KINGDOM SPIRITUAL HERITAGE GIFETEDNESS FAITH JOURNEY FRANCISCAN CLUSTERS SSM

6 The SSM Associates are a proud member of the North American Conference of Associates and Religious. This year, NACAR is celebrating the 20 th Annivers ary of its founding. If you are not familiar with what NACAR has to offer you, your cluster and our community of Associates please click HERE to learn more. Thank you for renewing your NACAR membership for ! NACAR is celebrating our 20 th anniversary this year and our members have made this possible! As a member, you continue to be a part of the Associate movement across North America and give witness to the work of the Holy Spirit in our world today. Your financial support of NACAR allows us to offer numerous members services in including the release of the CARA Study results, webinars, the 20th anniversary gatherings, the publication of The Associate e-magazine, new chapters of the Leadership Manual and many more benefits! Thank you for your continued support in NACAR as we remain the only professional organization to support and serve associates and vowed members as associates proclaim their call to live the charism of their religious congregations. May we all continue to celebrate our charisms alive in the world! Blessings, NACAR Board of Directors EXCITING NEWS! Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate 2300 Wisconsin Ave, NW Suite 400 Washington, DC In the summer of 2015, the North American Conference of Associates and religious (NACAR) commissioned the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) to produce a longitudinal study of associates and religious in the United States and Canada. The purpose of the study was to document the growth and potential of the movement into the future. The results of this report provides an overview of the ways that associate leaders, associates and vowed religious view this relationship and their perceptions about the future of the associate relationship. The CARA study is rich with the results of hundreds of associate leaders and thousands of associates and vowed religious sharing their current understanding of the associate religious relationship. They also shared their ideas about the associate religious movement for the future. To reap the bounty of gifts in this research study, each SSM Associate cluster will be receiving in October a copy of the Special Report and Study Guide. It will assist us in delving into the results of the study, assessing our current associate community and clusters in relationship to the broader associate movement, and creating ideas for moving our associate community, and relationship with sponsoring religious institute, the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother into the future. Stay tuned!

7 Rooted in the Past, Branching into Tomorrow Cluster Updates WICHITA CLUSTER "Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. The Associates of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother cluster in Wichita are praying the rosary in the Sorrowful Mother Chapel every Tuesday at 3:30pm. Everyone comes with their special intentions and the intention for the safety of our country and the future election in November. Since we are in a hospital setting, we are praying for the success of the vote of the Senate, which passed the House of Representatives in July, for the Conscience Protection Act, which is vital for Catholic hospitals and clinics. Submitted by: Judy Dusek

8 OSHKOSH CLUSTER In the Spirit of our Venerable Mother Frances Streitel, conversion of heart means turning to God again and again, allowing ourselves to be drawn to our Loving Source through action and contemplation. During our June Meeting we continues our focus on God s Mercy. Through our faith sharing we deepened our understanding on how He invites us to enter into the mystery of these wounds, which is the mystery of His merciful love. By meditating on His wounds several of us found a clearer understanding of many things that we did not comprehend before. We found ourselves deepening our understanding of the love and forgiveness that He holds for us. As a community, we shared how God s mercy has made a difference in our lives, what it means to be merciful and how we are called to be merciful to others. We ended our time planning and looking forward to our summer gatherings, which were held on: July 17 th SSM Associates picnic August Retreat to Gresham cottage ROSWELL CLUSTER The Roswell cluster of the Sister of the Sorrowful Mother met on Sunday August 21 st in the Community Room of St. Peters church at 2:00pm. Members present John Schaffer, Marie Powell, Lucy Lopez, Bernadette Self, Bea Kimbrell and Geneva Dominguez. The rosary on the Seven Sorrows of Mary was recited. After the rosary special refreshments were provided by Bea. Members shared their ministerial action and enjoyed a few minutes to socialize. A Saints trivia was taken and then reflection on St. Dominic and the rosary was presented by John. Sunshine: Lucy presented Bernadette with a Birthday card and reported she had sent a thank you note to Father Lalo, pastor of St. Johns. Submitted by: Carrie Hankes Correspondence and planning for renewal: John presented associated with an agenda for our day of renewal which will take place on September 24, Gathering will begin at 9:00 AM with coffee and rolls and a time for getting acquainted. At 10:00 AM: Retreat by Carrie. At 11:30 AM all will depart for Cerritos restaurant for lunch. After lunch associates will have free time or are welcome to join our guest for a short tour of Roswell. At 5:30 PM we will meet at St Peters church to prepare for the 6:00PM Mass. Marie will arrange with Fr. Charlie, pastor of St. Peters church. After the mass Associates and guests will go to Peppers for an evening snack. John received correspondence asking associates if they wished to help in purchasing trees sponsored by Caribbean Province. It was discussed and decided that instead of taking money from our treasury associates who wish to purchase trees would donate money for this project. Money will be given to John and he will take care of it. Gathering adjourned with closing prayer by Lucy. Submitted by: Geneva Dominguez

9 God wants us entirely, and if He sees our determination in His service and our constancy in the good we have begun He will equip us with extraordinary strength of grace. Mother Frances Streitel Letter #96 (4) to Fr. John Francis Jordan, April 10, 1884 MILWAUKEE CLUSTER Our meeting Sat, June 11, 2016 began with prayer led by the Spirit and using parts of Psalm 119. Discussion centered on Chapter 4 of The Holy Year of Mercy by Pope Francis: Christ s Wounds of Mercy. He invites us to enter into the mystery of these wounds which is the mystery of his merciful love. Through these wounds we see the secret of Christ s crucified heart, His great mystery of love, the sincerity of His mercy, His perseverance in walking the way of Calvary, stripped, mocked, falling 3 times, dehydrated, feeling of abandonment, but stopped on the way to talk to the women gave us the ultimate example of forgiveness, and gave us His mother. Where am I going? What am I going? All I have to do is show up and ask for His love and mercy. He fills our emptiness with the depths of His mercy. By this mercy we are brought to our conversion of heart. In Isaiah 53:5, Because of our sins He was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment He suffered, made whole by the blows He received. Through His death and grace there is no sin that cannot be pardoned. External is his Mercy. All His decrees are just. St. Augustine says: God does not permit evil unless we can draw good from it. God solves problems when we are powerless. Sometimes angels show up when we have car trouble and need help. Problems are fixed beyond our expectations. Why did Jesus seek out Thomas and make it a point to reveal his wounds to him? Resurrection was not a common happening. The apostles knew He died, but needed concrete proof to see His wounds, especially Thomas. In showing Thomas He showed all who don t believe now and in the future. We need a place to climb up and hold onto preach to the whole world as far as India, where he was martyred. Jesus glorified body did not look like His human body. Seeing the wounds clamed there fears and brought peace and hope to them. They again felt safe. Despite their limitations, Jesus gave them a mission to go out into the whole world to spread the good news. He breather into them the Holy Spirit, giving them power to heal, forgive sins, and preach His word. His grace gave them peace, stability and perseverance. Jesus gave us all His life. From his side came blood and water which sanctifies, transforms and gives us our spiritual life. Without light we d be in darkness. Yet darkness in power. We heal in darkness, our body is renewed in sleeping darkness, and seeds grow in darkness. Grace and healing is renewed in our souls through the sacraments. With a humble attitude we receive advice, forgiveness and healing. By His wounds we are healed. God s mercy extends to every generation. Share with a person how God makes a difference in your life. Submitted by: Angie Driscoll

10 TOMAHAWK/RHINELANDER CLUSTER The Tomahawk Cluster did not meet in August, Instead we attended the Retreat at Gresham. Sr. Maria Vinton, Linda Werner and Mary Quinn came on Monday, Sonja Krueger, her mother Sue, and sister-in-law Robin came on Tuesday. I was able to be there all three days. The weather cooperated, the food was wonderful, and the sharing of each other was not to be missed. A retreat is a time of relaxation, quietness and fun, and we had all three. Mary Quinn, a longtime Associate, surprised us with her visit. We hope to see her in the future. Details of the retreat can be found in the Newsletter from our new Associate Director, Carrie Hankes. Our next gathering will be on Tuesday, September 20 beginning at Noon in the Hospital Chapel in Tomahawk. We will be discussing the book Seven Sorrows of Mary and the upcoming Rosary Rally held on the second Saturday of October. Hope to see all the associates there. Peace to you all and your families. Submitted by: Karen Jurgens GRESHAM COTTAGE RETREAT On August the Associates attended a retreat at Gresham Cottage, owned by the SSM sisters. They generously allow us to use the cottage, and we had a great turnout. On Monday, Sr. Maria Vinton gave a wonderful presentation/workshop on our perception of artistic photos, how we interpret them, and how to apply them to our own personal life. It was stimulating and thought-provoking, a lot of sharing. Linda Werner and her surprised passenger, Mary Quinn, joined us also for the day Mary Quinn has been an Associate since the 1980 s, if not before. Tuesday, Sonja Krueger gave a slide show on 14 saints she has researched very well, and told us their stories. That was well received, and we thank her also for doing this. We also thank her mother and sister-in-law for driving her down for the day. We ended up having 12 stay for supper that day. Also, we are grateful to Sherry Boyce for coordinating the retreat. She did a great job! The weather was good, the food delicious and all of us enjoyed it and the company. We also congratulate Carrie Hankes for becoming our Associate Director. We will keep her busy. See you all next year. God bless. Submitted by: Karen Jurgens

11 OCTOBER Birthdays are sent from above to show us God s grace and unfailing love. On your birthday, hoping you know just how special you are UPCOMING EVENTS 2016 Recommitment Gatherings SSM Associates near and far will be gathering together this Fall to renew our association with the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother. Caribbean St. Lucia Inter-congregational Workshop and Networking for Associates and Sisters This workshop will help unpack the rich data from the 2016 CARA Profile of the Associate-Religious Relationship in the United States and Canada. The day will include opportunities for conversation and exploring together where the Spirit may be leading the Associate movement. Jo Chance Oct 8 th Cheryl Donelan Oct 15 th Judy Dusek Oct 16 th Dr. Shaelle Durand Oct 23 rd Linda Hogan Oct 27 th Carol Reed Oct 29 th Lucy Lopez Oct 29 th Johann Galster Oct 30 th Deanna Braun Oct 31 st Happy Birthday! East Denville, NJ October 16 Midwest Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Marshfield, Stevens Point, Tomahawk and Rhinelander, WI November 12 Southwest Broken Arrow/Tulsa, OK, November 19 Roswell, NM September 24 Wichita, KS November 18 When: Saturday, October 29, 2016 Time: Registration: 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Program: 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Where: Wheaton Franciscan Motherhouse, 26W171 Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL Entrance #5 Fee: $35.00 (includes lunch and selected highlights from the report. It does not include a copy of the report. The full report and an abbreviated special report are available from Make check payable to: Wheaton Franciscans RSVP by: October 7, 2016 to Jeanne Connolly at jconnolly@wheatonfranciscan.org or Find us on the Web: Contact us: SSM Associates 815 S Westhaven Dr. Suite 100 Oshkosh, Wisconsin SSMAssoc@aol.com Phone: (920)