Furthering the Mission By Chanin Wilson, director of Associates
D
uring the past year, 12 new Associates joined the nearly 200 women and men who have committed to furthering the mission of the Sisters of Charity as Associates in Mission. Associate commitments took place in Alaska, Ohio, New Mexico, Colorado and Montana. It does not matter where Associates live, each one is “meeting their grace in every circumstance.”
could be finalized, the pandemic hit, and travel was not allowed. The “grace” of that moment was the technology to have an online commitment ceremony. Associate Dee Mansi from England congratulated Jean on Facebook, “Welcome to our lovely band of sisters and brothers, all working on the mission, doing God’s work.”
One of the many “graces” during the last year is connecting across Before the shelter-in-place geographic lines. In one Zoom (Front row, from left) Associates Dee Mansi, Patsy Schwaiger, Dave order, Sisters and Associates in the meeting an Associate in Florida Scharfenberger, (back row, from left) Linda Jung, Cheryl Dagy and Veronica Greater Cincinnati area enjoyed invited an Associate in Ohio to Buchanan made their commitments as Associates in Mission of the Sisters of the Summer Picnic and Fall Soup. come and visit when travel is safe Charity in 2019 in Cincinnati. We were looking forward to the again. Associate Maria Rogers in Ice Cream Social with the Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall and the Alaska reflected, “It is good to talk to other people about what is Spring Fling. Instead, Associates began sending cards and calling going on besides the people I’m hunkered down with.” Associate Sisters at the Motherhouse. Sisters Victoria Marie Forde and Ruth Chess Campbell added, “I appreciated so much the reflection and Bockenstette wrote, “For all of you, including your children, who to hear and see some Sisters and Associates that I have met.” have kept lifting our spirits with your delightful cards, thank you!” Our “Associate Share” Zoom chats are planned for the second Tuesday of each month. These bring Associates and Sisters from all geographic regions together to reflect on our shared living of the Charity Charism and allow them to get to know others not living in the same area. Our inaugural “Associate Share” had seven participants, our second hosted 20, and since then a minimum of 30 Sisters and Associates have been coming together to share on a variety of topics. Candidate Gail Metcalf in Florida commented, “I am amazed at how much our thinking is alike. I feel a real spiritual connection to the Sisters and Associates, and not just the ones in Florida.” In March 2020, Candidate Jean Simpson was prepared to make her formal commitment as an Associate. She planned to travel to Pueblo, Colorado for the celebration with her companion, S. Barbara Jeanne Krekeler. However, before plans 10
The Cincinnati Sisters of Charity Associates hosted the annual Fall Soup on Nov. 10, 2019. In addition to enjoying fellowship and a meal, Associates Sue DiTullio (standing, right) and Carmen Ferguson (standing, left) offered a presentation on their experiences with the Collaborative Leadership Development Program. I n tercom
