August 2016
VOL. XXII, NO. 1
Associates and Sisters Day opened Doors of Mercy
By Associates Marilyn Katzer and Mary Ann Stewart
A
ssociates and Sisters Day fulfilled its promise to “Open Doors of Mercy” as a large and enthusiastic crowd of sisters and associates gathered in the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center on June 11. As we traveled from our Kansas homes, we looked forward to hearing the speakers, visiting the sisters and getting to know the other associates. A special bonus for us was the chance to reconnect with the former Ursuline Sisters of Paola who now live at Mount Saint Joseph. Sometimes daily life can be full of fears, doubts or resentments. Our hope for the day was to find motivation in times of reluctance to take on the responsibilities of caring about others or situations. Lisa Gulino, our speaker, is assistant professor of theology and area coordinator for pastoral ministry at Brescia University. All of us gave her high marks for her insightful and enthusiastic presentation of “Opening Doors of Mercy.”
Associates and Sisters Day included several processions, such as these four candle bearers who brought light to each of the tables. Pictured, left to right: Associates Ed Cecil, Jean Simpson, Joan Perry and Phyllis Troutman.
Lisa divided the day into three vignettes, “A Mercy that Reaches Deep Within,” “A Mercy that Goes Forth,” and “Mercy in the Life of Saint Angela and the Ursuline Vocation of Sisters and Associates.” As she continued with her presentation and the group exercises, our feelings and misgivings began to melt away.
Associates Marilyn Katzer, left, and Mary Ann Stewart, both from Kansas, present the offertory gifts to Father Joe Mills during the Associates and Sisters Day liturgy on June 11 at the Mount Saint Joseph Motherhouse Chapel.
In summing up the idea of mercy, Lisa said, “Mercy is without borders and wishes to seep into every crack and crevice of our life, our hurts, our joys, our very being as well as relationship with our world, our society and one another.” She challenged us with the words of Robert Mann: “Plan, plot and scheme random acts of kindness. Incite it, invite it, ignite it, shake this world to its very foundations with kindness and enjoy yourself in the process!” Associate panelists Gloria Cecil, Betty Girten, Tammy Milbourn and Sara Scully shared times in their lives when they experienced acts of mercy. Listening to the panel, we realized if it weren’t for acts of mercy, we wouldn’t be who we are. Mercy empowers us to do for others and know that Life is a gift from God. We welcomed 11 new associates to our Mount Saint Joseph family. When new associate Doreen Abbott was asked if her first Associates and Sisters Day was what she expected, she responded enthusiastically, “It was even better!” Angela’s spirit and Pope Francis’ words filled the entire day. Being at Maple Mount with the staff, sisters, and associates, we knew that God is present and has blessed each and every one of us individually. At the end of this day of prayer, song and friendship, we were convinced this was what being an associate was really about. We realized how much the Associates and Sisters Day means to us. It gives us strength to focus and carry on with our daily routines and expectations in life. We are committed to attending Associates and Sisters Day as long as we are able. We look forward to seeing everyone next year.n