a word from nacar board of directors spring 2017.pdf · the frozen misery of centuries breaks, ......

The Associate s Spring 2017 s Volume 22 Number 1 page 1

the

Associate [email protected] s www.nacar.org s 253.256.2227


“This story, ever repeated, ever composed anew, is itself an older tale; one of Jesus of Nazareth. Dominican spirituality is valid only in so far as it takes up the story of Jesus in its own way and makes it of our own time again. Spirituality is a living reality which WE must realize NOW! If we do not do this, we just repeat a story others have told long ago, as though we have no chapter to write in this book begun before us. Do we have the courage and the will to write a new living chapter together?”

-Edward Schillebeeckx, Religious Missionary of St. Dominic

Do we have the courage and the will to write such a new living chapter together?

This is a question asked of associates and religious as we discuss and ponder the CARA study results as they pertain to the charism, mission and spirituality of our own religious institute. In the survey with over 10,000 responses, associates and vowed religious expressed their current understanding of the associate movement and they shared ideas about their future relationship. The special report, which is a synopsis of the survey, concluded with four major findings: 1) continue a strong focus on the institute’s mission and spirituality; 2) be intentional in inviting younger/other individuals to the associate relationship; 3) empower leadership from within the associate community going forward; and 4) plan for a sustainable future for religious institutes and their associate communities.

The 2017 NACAR theme is Associate Call: Alive Today, Co-Creating for Tomorrow. Each issue of The Associate will focus on a major finding of the study in an effort to explore how various associates and religious articulate their understanding of their shared experiences. The intent is to facilitate conversations which can offer new and deeper expressions of our traditional spiritual wisdom and charisms. As you read this March issue, please think about your own insights and results of your associate group discussions. Share them with us to keep the conversation going in a broader more inclusive way throughout this year.

Now proclaim the following response to the initial question posed by Ed Schillebeeckx: We do have courage and the will to write a new living chapter of the associate-religious movement together! Watch us!

Associate Conni Dubick, Dominican Sisters of Peace, NACAR board president

a word from NACARBoard of Directors

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Table of Contents

Co-Creating the Future God Desires ....................... 3How to Use the CARA Report & Study Guide .......... 5

CARA Guide Reports Order Form ............................ 6

Groups Explore CARA Study .................................... 7

Applying the CARA Study ......................................... 8

Charism ... The Dreams of Our Elders .................... 9

Technophobia Is Not an Option Anymore ............. 11

Prayer Feature ........................................................ 11

Wisdom from the Past: Capturing the Story ........ 12

We Are All Migrants .............................................. 13

Celebration of St. Marguerite Bougeoys .............. 14

Associates Receive Symbolic Medals ...................... 14

Becoming Vibrant Communities Jesus Dreamed ... 15

Gifts Received, Gifts Given ..................................... 16

Blessings Boxes Brought to Gatlinburg ............... 17

Coming Events ........................................................ 18

Membership Application ........................................ 19

The Associate is a publication of the North American Conference of

Associates and Religious. All content is copyright ©2017 NACAR.If you would like to reprint or use any article or part of this

publication, please contact NACAR at [email protected] for permission.

Past issues of The Associate can be found on the NACAR website

for members.

Layout and design:Lisa Olson

Communications Committee:Judy Borland, Nancy Davis, Conni Dubick, Fred Goddard, Mary Jo

Mersmann, Lisa Olson, Carla Rush and Ashley Skoczynski

Submit articles for future newsletters to:

[email protected].

MISSIONThe North American Conference

of Associates and Religious (NACAR) is a membership

organization that acts as a catalyst to serve, empower and promote the

associate-religious relationship.

VISION STATEMENTA vibrant, viable organization that collaborates with regional

partners to promote association in all its forms.


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Co-creating the Future Sister of St. Joseph Rita Woehlcke

As sisters and associates of our various congregations, we enter 2017 more sure of and committed to God’s desires for our world, especially as they are expressed in our various charisms and missions. Like our first sisters, we are meant to live “eyes wide open, ears attentive, spirit alert, sleeves rolled up” to address the miseries of our day. We look at the world God loves and see a country divided, a crisis of what media to trust, a world of devastating piecemeal wars, orphaned children, persons trafficked, countless refugees, festering pockets of hate and a resistance to what science is telling us about the plight of Earth. Violence and threat are palpable. It is easy to be overwhelmed and paralyzed by the scope of the needs that can block us from the seemingly small but great good we can accomplish where we are.

We believe God desires a different future and that we sisters and associates are a exactly who God wants to help make God’s dream a reality. It is entrusted to us. We hear the challenge.

And so the question looms, “How big is my soul?” Our first sisters physically felt the hunger, the miseries of the people they served. They shared their hardships. Our lives prepare us for the same heartfelt connections. What heartbreak and loss have stretched our hearts so that we feel and know the grieving parents and widows of the Mideast? What personal trauma creates solidarity in us with all who suffer oppression, derision or shame simply for being who they are? What debt of gratitude for the unmerited blessings we have received binds us to those in need of our blessing?

While the sisters of the past are grateful for our appreciation of their spirit and good works, they are longing for more than admiration. They are longing for us to be in our day what they were in theirs, persons inspired by the Gospel to attitudes and actions of unbounded love. They long for us to join them in “exploration into God” – not through big projects but by daily building of relationships of reverence through the practice of non-violence.

The Associate s Fall 2016 s Volume 22 Number 1 page 3

God DesiresThe human heart can go to the

lengths of God.

Dark and cold we may be, but this

Is no winter now. The frozen misery

Of centuries breaks, cracks, begins to move;

The thunder is the thunder of the floes.

The thaw, the flood, the upstart Spring.

Thank God our time is now when wrong

Comes up to face us everywhere,

Never to leave us ‘til we take

The longest stride of soul men ever took.

Affairs are now soul size.

The enterprise is exploration into God.

Where are you making for? It takes

So many thousand years to wake,

But will you wake for pity’s sake?

“A SLEEP OF PRISONERS,” from the play with that title, by Christopher Fry, 1951



On January 1, 2017, Pope Francis wrote this message for the 50th World Day of Peace:

On this occasion, I would like to reflect on nonviolence as a style of politics for peace. I ask God to help all of us to cultivate nonviolence in our most personal thoughts and values. May charity and nonviolence govern how we treat each other as individuals, within society and in international life? When victims of violence are able to resist the temptation to retaliate, they become the most credible promotors of nonviolent peacemaking. In the most local and ordinary situations and in the international order, may nonviolence become the hallmark of our decisions, our relationships and our actions, and indeed of political life in all its forms.

Violence is not the cure for our broken world. Countering violence with violence leads at best to forced migrations and enormous suffering, because vast amounts of resources are diverted to military ends and away from the everyday needs of young people, families experiencing hardship, the elderly, the infirm and the great majority of people in our world. At worst, it can lead to the death, physical and spiritual, of many people, if not of all.

“All of us want peace. Many people build it day by day through small gestures and acts; many of them are suffering, yet patiently persevere in their efforts to be peacemakers”.[24] In 2017, may we dedicate ourselves prayerfully and actively to banishing violence from our hearts, words and deeds, and to becoming nonviolent people and to building nonviolent communities that care for our common home. “Nothing is impossible if we turn to God in prayer. Everyone can be an artisan of peace”.[25]

With Pope Francis, with those who have gone before us, all of us can say “Thank God our time is now.” Thank God we have one another, this mission and our ever faithful God to help us be more great-hearted than we dared to dream, ask or imagine.

Reflection Questions1. How do the challenges of today’s world resemble those faced by the first sisters?2. What graces do I need to respond as generously as they did?3. How can we support one another and practice together non-violence in thought, speech, action?

Suggested Spiritual Practices1. Set the daily intention to let your mission and charism permeate all you do, asking God’s help and the

intercession of your founder. 2. Beg for the grace to be stretch in love and notice at the day’s end how God answered that prayer.3. Practice gratitude. Thanks God for the opportunity to “fill up what is wanting in Christ.”

Co-creating the Future ... continued from page 3

Glory be to God whose power working in us can do

infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.

-Ephesians 3:20


Associate Barbara Roth, Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa

Wow! I never suspected the many uses of the CARA Report! I knew it was full of useful information; I believed it was a tool for moving the associate-religious relationship forward but I did not know how very important it could be in developing a vision and uniting leadership in congregations within themselves; unifying associates to associates; associates to religious and congregation to congregation.

I have had the privilege of studying and presenting the CARA document, commissioned by NACAR, to three different gatherings. Each was to a different group of membership and to a different level of leadership.

The first was to a regional group of Sinsinawa Dominicans with the prioress and council members present. Associates and religious were the majority of the gathering. A short briefing with the antidotal sayings read by different members was all the time we had. It was well received and an invitation to share the survey with the annual summit of associate promoters was extended and accepted.

The second group, the associate promoters of Sinsinawa, were highly motivated to respond to the major finding of the CARA report and they eagerly engaged in the discussion questions. Together this leadership group of associate promoters and the congregation members visioned new structures and direction together.

The third group of Cenacle associates entered the gathering with hope for engaging the associates in such a way as to unite them and give them direction for the future. The Cenacle associates, for the first time, were without vowed religious leadership in their area and were unsure how to go forward.

Their interest was in how other associates carried out their mission and assumed leadership. This was a discussion they longed for and continue to have based on the CARA survey.

All three groups came away with new insights and deep respect for NACAR. They all saw the value of an organization that was able to unite congregations, resource and develop leadership among associates and deepen their relationship to each other.

How to Use the CARA Report and Study Guide

Various groups of associates and religious, pictured above, spent time in conversation and reflection on the new CARA study, using the valuable study guide provided by NACAR.



CARA REPORTS 2016 Order Form

Name _________________________________________________________________

Congregation ___________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________

City/Prov, State/Reg, Zip/Postal Code

_____________________________________________________________________

Email _________________________________________________________________

Phone Number __________________________________________________________

NACAR Member / Non-Member Complete Set – Part I, Part II, Special Report, Study Guide $110.00 / $175.00 (Appendixes are emailed) Special Report (8 page) + Study Guide booklet $12.00 / $20.00 Special Report (Pack of 10) + 1 Study Guide $20.00 / $40.00 Special Report (Pack of 25) + 1 Study Guide $40.00 / $60.00 Part I Director/Leadership Report only $60.00 / $90.00 Part II Associates/Vowed Members Report only $60.00 / $90.00 (Appendixes will be emailed) Shipping and Handling is included within United States/ additional costs for international shipping will be billed. ORDER FORM Complete Set = ______________ Special Report + Study Guide = ______________ Special Report (10 pack) + Study Guide = ______________ Special Report (25 pack) + Study Guide = ______________ Part I only = ______________ Part II only = ______________ TOTAL Cost = _______________ Make checks payable to: NACAR or pay online through PayPal www.nacar.org Mail check to: NACAR Office, 5900 Delhi Road, Mt. St. Joseph, OH 45051 Email completed form to: [email protected]


Focus onNERA Meeting

Associate Patricia St. Amand, director of communications and associates

“The results of the 2016 CARA study gives us insight into who we are and what is missing in the associate movement,” noted Cathi Duffy at the 22nd New England Region Associates (NERA) gathering in November. “It tells us, too, that the sisters’ own appreciation for their congregation’s charism and mission is deepened because of their relationship with associates.”Cathi Duffy, associate director for the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and the NACAR board’s treasurer, was invited to engage the audience in conversation about the study. She compared the 2016 study to the first CARA study in 2002, highlighting the growth and potential movement data show for the future.

When a NERA participant asked Cathi, “What surprised you about the report?” she replied, “That sisters and associates feel the same about the Associate relationship and that both have a common concern about the future” as it pertains to associates helping to carry their respective congregation’s charism and mission forward. She suggested that congregations study these data with their eyes on the question, “What does it mean for associates? And what does it mean for the future?”

Fran Popko, a Sister of Providence Associate and co-planner of the NERA gathering, commented, “The attendees appreciated the opportunity to compare the results of both studies and to interpret them relative to their own congregations. They enjoy the companionship, mutual support, and encouragement provided through these discussions.”

Associate Kathy Doyle, Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, co-director of associate program

Co-directors of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York, associate program, Sister Jeanne Williams and Associate Kathy Doyle were very impressed with the recent NACAR-funded CARA report study guide. Much of the survey dealt with topics (especially leadership and charism) of significance to our associate program. A copy of the study guide was ordered for each of the 14 attendees of our annual three-day joint meeting of the associate advisory committee and local area coordinators at St. Clare’s convent in Tampa in October, 2016, for review, prior to the gathering.

At the meeting, before our discussions, the background of the CARA study was presented. Then the associate leaders from three of the four countries where the sisters minister (U.S., Jamaica and Brazil) were invited to share their observations in light of these questions: What is your general response? What surprises you? What is confirmed?

After the discussion it was recommended that the advisory committee continue to use the study as seeds in their deliberations to enhance and promote the associate way of life. Later that week, Sister Jeanne and Kathy participated in the informative CARA study webinar provided by NACAR.

ReviewCARA Study

Cathi Duffy

Allegany Franciscan Associates

CARA Report Study Guide

Groups Explore CARA Study

StudyGuide



the CARA StudyApplyingAssociate Kathy Noether, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, BACAR co-director

What is our common call? What can we glean from one another? Where are we going? These were just a few of the questions that come up at quarterly San Francisco Bay Area Conference of Associates and Religious (BACAR) discussion groups. January wasn’t any different! A bright spark was generated by several communities represented at the first discussion group of 2017 held at the Holy Family Sisters motherhouse in Fremont, California, with over 25 sisters and associates. Having been introduced to the results of the CARA study at the BACAR conference in October 2016 we delved into areas that held particular interest from the group.

Using documents and articles, we reflected on steps that led to this study: • CARA Study of Associates and Religious: 2000,• NACAR Survey to Associates and Religious: 2014,• CARA Special Report: 2016,• CARA Key Take-Aways: NACAR Webinar,• NACAR CARA Study Guide: 2016.

The NACAR study guide prepared as a ‘springboard for reflection and action’ was used as an outline for discussion. From the eight major results of the CARA study, we chose two areas to begin our discussion: leadership development and financial sustainability. Following the format set in the study guide for small group discussion of gather, read, reflect and discuss, an enriching dialogue followed.

There was a consensus of thought stating that each associate is a leader and enlightened with the charism of his/her community to spread the gospel and charism. Also, embedded in this is continued eagerness for compatibility with sisters and associates in mission and spirituality. From this discussion a smaller group was asked to define their leadership structure and present its format on the BACAR website as a study and informational preparation for our upcoming BACAR discussion group in Campbell, California.

From this point we seek to share what the communities of our area have in place, what works well and what ideas and visions are sought for the future of association. Through our website we have already begun to coordinate gatherings, talks, ministries, mini retreats and social justice activities, trafficking resources and other actions within the San Francisco Bay Area. We invite you to go to our site and catch up on our news and happenings: www.bacar2.org.

Above, participants of the BACAR discussion group gather to reflect on the CARA study recently.


http://www.bacar2.org


the Dreams of Our EldersCharism ...Reverend Arthur Carrillo, Passionist of the Holy Cross Province, Chicago, Ill., NACAR board of directors

Pope Francis issued a homily for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2, 2017, which also commemorated the 21st Annual World Day for Consecrated Life.

I was reading the homily with an eye to writing this reflection. Given the theme for this issue of our publication, I was paying particular attention to how Pope Francis' homily might shed light on the phrase used in our issue's theme: “the institute's mission and spirituality.” The expression broadly equates to “charism.”

I already knew, from following the writings of Pope Francis that a subject which he comes back to very often is that of the “mission” that the church serves. In his very first public utterances, he reminded the church that every baptized person, by reason of that baptism, shares in the mission of Jesus Christ, and shares in that mission collaterally with all the baptized.

Although Pope Francis does not use the word “charism” until the latter part of this homily, he presents Simeon and Anna, old but full of hope, as witnesses to the promise of a Messiah, whom Jesus later proclaims as present in the synagogue of Nazareth (Lk 4:18-19). Pope Francis then proceeds to address the religious, “We have inherited this hymn of hope from our elders.... In their faces, in their lives, in their daily sacrifice, we were able to see how this praise was embodied. We are heirs to the dreams of our elders...”

I think that is a rich way of paraphrasing the Greek-root “charism”–the dreams of our elders.

If our membership in the body of Christ is also a share in the mission of Jesus Christ, then the corporate body of a religious institute must also be an experience of the mission of Jesus Christ because the consecration of religious life is an extension of one's baptism, further empowering the Christian to mission.

In the year 2015, which was the Year of Consecrated Life, Pope Francis wrote in his message for World Mission Day: “For if every baptized person is called to bear witness to the Lord Jesus by proclaiming the faith received as a gift, this is especially so for each consecrated man and woman. There is a clear connection between consecrated life and mission.”

When religious institutes were challenged in the post-Vatican II era to explore their charismatic history in order to re-establish or re-orient their institutes upon the charisms of their founding, it was still before the North American Catholic Church had experienced the evolutionary development of associates. The fruit of that study and research energized many religious institutes for change/renewal. Change was produced by special general chapters, the re-writing of rules and constitutions, and, in more public expressions, in use of habits and life-style adaptations.

As our current religious institutes in North America continue to experience a diminished number of candidates, we have over the span of two NACAR-sponsored CARA reports on the associate movement in North America realized that the questions of charism which were once directed to religious institutes about their charisms were inadequately addressed if the hundreds of associates who had taken their place alongside professed religious were not now taken into account.

Reverend Arthur Carrillo


The Associate s Spring 2017 s Volume 22 Number 1 page 10The Associate s Spring 2017 s Volume 22 Number 1 page 10

Where once a religious institute's charism could be appreciated by looking within the structures of community life, today it is clear that the charism of a religious institute transcends the boundaries of religious profession and juridical membership.

Still we do not want to “dilute” the meaning of “charism” in order to adapt it or to give it meaning in other ways of life. It is not necessary to do so. If we look at the evolution of meaning that “charism” received since the Second Vatican Council, we can see how the spirit of life in the church has breathed the breath of life into the charisms of religious life by inspiring associates to take their place alongside their religious brothers and sisters.

The discerning which every charism calls forth is properly a corporate discernment in the church; and in the determination of how a religious community shall evolve, the magisterium of the church plays a significant, but not exclusive role. The religious institute itself continues to reinforce its identity in sharing such an identity with others, in calling associates forth.

Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sandra M. Schneiders writes on this issue of discerning charisms in her book Finding the Treasure: Locating Catholic Religious Life in a New Ecclesial and Cultural Text (the first volume in her Religious Life in a New Millennium series): “Without a doubt the institutional church is part of the discernment process and may be the only agency qualified to give definitive public approbation, but it may be unduly simplistic to say nothing of counterintuitive to imply that the primary task of discernment rests with authorities outside the communities who live the life and those that are directly affected by its life and ministry (pg. 284-285).”

Just as the language of “charism” gave professed religious a way to explore their identity as religious, the associate movement in North American will enrich the appreciation of the charisms underlying religious communities by expanding the experience of those charisms among the baptized.

The NACAR Board of Directors wishes to encourage comment and dialogue on issues presented in The Associate. please log onto the NACAR website to share your

reflections with other members and to stimulate a dialogue.

The Dreams of Our Elders ... continued from page 9

http://http://www.nacar.org/nacarnews/reflections/229-charism-the-dreams-of-our-elders.html


PrayerFeature

To Be Still

It often seems so complicated, this thing called prayer, dear God. I

can chatter on for hours, and even talk to myself, but when I’m in the quiet, searching carefully for my words it is difficult to know what to say. Do I look heavenward for inspiration or close my eyes to

prevent distractions? Do I whisper or shout? What if I remain silent, will you hear me? Will you know

what is in my heart? If I turn what I feel into words,

will my feelings of thanks, sorrow, and praise become real? Can you

take my words and make them flesh? I won’t ask you to take away

what I find difficult and I could never ask you to provide more than I already have. Inspired by

the Spirit I do wish to live fully in this world, the here and now, but just not forever. I don’t ask to be perfect, pure or painless. I ask for the strength to be blemished and the courage to be responsible for my faults. Fill me so full of life that I forget to be afraid. Am I asking too much? Then, I pause to breathe in your presence. I sit in your love, still the “me’ that is talking, and I listen. And you are

enough.

Technophobia is not an option anymore!

Associate Mary Jo Mersmann, Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, director of associates

In the Fall 2016 issue of The Associate, Lisa Olson explained the technical aspects of using the video conferencing platform ZOOM for group meetings. In this article, I would like to share how I am using videoconferencing to facilitate meetings for my associate advisory committee, regional representatives and for one of my associate small groups.

With one click on a link, we can see each other, hear each other and communicate for as long as we need with folks in Denver, El Paso, Pineville, Lansing and Cincinnati–all of this without worrying about travel issues, weather or time constraints. My small group meets at a set time once a month for faith-sharing and prayer. We live in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Colorado. Our biggest challenge is setting a time that works across time zones.

Time is a bigger challenge for Fred, NACAR’s website administrator, who lives in the Philippines. We use email just about every day but sometimes we need to talk at length about an issue or concern. I send him a link and we connect in the early morning for me, late at night for him. We can even share our computer screen so that we can clearly define the issue and solution.

The NACAR board and all committees now meet using videoconferencing. The meetings can even be recorded so that minutes can be verified.

An audio conference call is adequate but it is often difficult to determine who is talking and to keep people engaged. With a video and audio meeting, every person remains engaged and participative.

There are practical and emotional reasons why videoconferencing has become meaningful for me. Sisters and associates live across the country and yet want to remain connected. Meetings from various areas of the country are important to gather opinions, have important discussions and make vital decisions. Prices for airfare and gasoline can be intimidating. Time is limited. Health issues and weather always play a role.

Adjusting to different technology can be scary, yet weighing the benefits of staying connected, having meaningful conversations and making important decisions with the input of all involved gives me little option. How about you?

Associate Carolyn Meyer, Oldenburg Franciscans


Wisdom from the PastCapturing the Story

Associate Nancy Davis, associate director, Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaclate, Joliet, Ill.

‘“We celebrate the past to awake the future.” -John F. KennedyRecently I completed an eight month project compiling our associate archives. Why now? Why not now–while many of our beginning associates and directors are still living and can celebrate their own story as well as bring inspiration to those who more recently committed? The associates of the Sisters of St Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet, Illinois, are in our 44th year. We began with one young woman who wanted to be a missionary in Brazil (and later became a vowed member) to more associates than vowed members.

Through the years our associate directors have kept records, some more than others. Each captured the highlights and milestones of her leadership. It was my challenge and privilege to create a whole that told the associate movement from its beginning, while making it an easy resource for those searching our history.

Process of Establishing Our Associate Archives Not having tackled archival work before, I sought information, learning that the approach is fairly wide open, with one strong recommendation: save the organization’s minutes. Thus, my start.

Binders 1 and 2: associate minutes and accountability reports, volume one and two I went through folders, binders, and other loose files, finding all meeting agendas and minutes. I chronologically placed all I found under each director’s years of service. In more recent years, directors wrote accountability reports for the general chapter, which I added since they are a rich summary of events.

This initial exploration led me to the following:Binder 3: associate newsletters

Our newsletters dating back to 1991, told the associates’ story in many ways—from reflections, poetry, news briefs and longer reflection work. Definitely to keep!

Binder 4: associate gatheringsFrom the first day of reflection and retreat weekends, we have agendas or flyers. In quick review we can see what topics were important as well as which speakers and facilitators graced our presence.

Binder 5: associate surveys, task forces and reportsThrough the years we had three survey undertakings which provide another level of information, demonstrating the drive and the spirit of our associate relationship.

Binder 6: associate brochuresThis binder contains a sample of each brochure developed in the past four decades.

Once duplicate material was discarded and binders were assembled, I created an executive summary which I trust will become the quick reference for all things archival. This document consists of:• One-two page bulleted summary of the highlights and milestones of each Director’s tenure, including

demographic data on the number of associates, living, deceased and withdrawn• Listing of all associate gatherings, topics and speakers/facilitators• Listing of all who served in associate leadership: directors, co-directors, assistant directors, executive managers,

and leadership board/council

With over 30 years as an associate, I was pleased with the new level of respect I gained for our associate relationship and am eager to share our story in our congregation’s associate newsletter, The Companion.

“Study the past if you would define the future” -Confucius

Have you a story from

your archives that you’d like to share? We

invite “Wisdom from the Past” to become a placeholder for your

stories. Please submit to [email protected]


Associate Candidate Kelly Litt, Dominican Sisters of Peace, justice promoter

“You have to understand, that no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land.”

-Somali-British poet Warsan Shire

While a student at Ohio Dominican University, I was inspired by the Dominican charism to preach truth. That inspiration led me to participate in a year of service as a Dominican Volunteer with the Dominican Leadership Conference NGO to the United Nations. One of my focus areas at the United Nations was the issue of migration. I learned about the impossible decision

individuals made to leave their home, their livelihood, their family, and travel incredible distances while risking being kidnapped, robbed, cheated, stranded, or even trafficked.

Migration has always been an issue that evokes a great deal of emotion within me especially in our current global context where immigrants and refugees are faced with such dire situations that they have no other option but to take dangerous journeys in the hopes of finding a better life. I can’t imagine attempting to make a 1,500 mile journey riding on top of a train, walking 389 miles in the desert, or attempting to survive a three-day-long trip across the Mediterranean Sea in a rubber boat crowded with hundreds of others.

MigrantsWe Are All And yet, individuals take these journeys daily. It is incredible, and terrifying, to see how large the issue of migration is and how seemingly interconnected it is to every other justice issue. War, violence, poverty, political instability or repression, lack of access to food, water, and healthcare, discrimination, religious persecution, human rights violations, and climate change are all factors that push, and even force individuals to leave their sense of familiarity and comfort behind to try to make a new home.

In a sense, we are all migrants: life is a constant spiritual, emotional, and physical journey. The acts of moving and searching fill our lifelong journey. I am reminded of St. Dominic who often traveled far in order to reach the people and to share the Gospel. Dominicans, as itinerant preachers, understand that they will go where they are called to serve God and to serve others, just as migrants understand that they will sacrifice everything to provide a better future for their families. As the justice promoter for the Dominican Sisters of Peace, I now have the privilege to work with countless sisters, associates, and community members who are making great strides forward on various justice issues. I find my passion and my hope for our future through collaboration with these groups and from witnessing their endless work and determination to help individuals in our communities and fix unjust structures in our society.

In that solidarity, the Dominican order has spoken to my heart. In that loving understanding of preaching truth and living peace, I have been drawn to the Dominican Sisters of Peace. As an associate candidate, I see truth, value, and hope in this group of itinerant preachers who will go to great lengths to serve God, our communities, and our world.

Kelly Litt


Celebration of St. Marguerite Bougeoys Associates Carl and Peg Madigan, Congregation de Notre Dame

January 15, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel was alive with sisters, associates, friends and supporters as we celebrated St. Marguerite Bougeoys’ feast day.

Archbishop Christian Lepine presided over our celebration of the mass and spoke of Marguerite’s history and her impact on the beginnings of Ville Marie. He emphasized, over and over again, that the source of her strength was her life of prayer, especially prayer to Mary and to Eucharist. Her life is a model for, not only the Congregation de Notre Dame community, but for all believers. A life dedicated to following Jesus in the accompaniment of Mary.

Sister Agnes Campbell, our congregational leader, led the opening procession carrying a beautiful model of a sailing ship under full sail, symbolizing Marguerite’s voyages between France and Ville Marie. The readers were Sister Sophie Christine Mbougoum, a member of the leadership team, and Roger Lauren, a longtime friend of the congregation and of Bon Secours Chapel. Notre Dame Associate Muriel Kilgour offered the intentions, and Associates Carl and Peg Madigan, with Adriana Tamburro, participated in the offertory procession.

Our hearts were filled with thanksgiving for the Notre Dame community as we raised our voices in song with our international community both near and far, led by Veronica Tamburro. The recessional song was, O Marguerite, a beautiful tribute to St. Marguerite.

With the celebration over we all slowly left the chapel with hearts afire, savoring the beautiful moments of this special feast day.

Associates Receive Symbolic MedalAssociate Beth Hayes, Sisters of St. Mary of Namur: Eastern Province

The Associates of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur: Eastern Province walk in solidarity with the sisters more than ever. On August 6, 2016, six associates making their first commitment and 29 associates renewing their commitment received a congregational medal, clearly identifying the special relationship the sisters and associates have. The medal represents a new era for the associate relationship. In tandem, sisters and associates are in dialogue about how associates can assume more leadership.

As seen in the picture this medal replicates the Jesus symbol on the crucifix the sisters wear.

Associate Joan Metz shares her experience. “In April of 2015, I became an associate of the Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur. From that day in April I have known a newness of life. Then, in August of this year upon renewing my commitment, I was presented my medal signifying I am an associate. It was with gratitude, I stood in the chapel wearing that outward sign of the change taking place within! I know I speak for each of my fellow associates when I say thank you for the privilege of being a part of your extended community.”


Associate Kathy Doyle, Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, co-director of associate program,

On a cold and rainy Saturday in October, 65 religious and associates from eight communities gathered at the motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in Aston, Pennsylvania, for the biennial 2016 day of reflection offered by the Intercongregational Associate Directors (IAD), a NACAR-supporting organization that represents congregations of women religious in Eastern Pennsylvania, specifically the Philadelphia area, Reading and Scranton.

Sister of St. Joseph Catherine Nerney, director of the Institute for Forgiveness and Reconciliation at Chestnut Hill College since 2009, who earned her master’s in theology from St. Michael’s College in Vermont and her doctorate in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., was able to dispel the gloom visible outside with her animated and heartfelt presentation, “Becoming the Vibrant Communities Jesus Dreamed,” inside.

Community is one of the hallmarks of the Christian tradition. Because associates, lay persons living the mission of their various religious congregations, gather in groups much as the early Christians did, shaping communities that are vibrant, healthy, focused and faithful is essential.

Sister Cathy, suggesting a process of gaze, interpret, reflect, contemplate, said that the work of the church,

Becoming the

Jesus DreamedVibrant Communities

and especially the small church communities it contains, is that of motherhood. She asked us to look closely at an Old Testament word rechem, which literally means ‘womb love’ – the outpouring love of childbirth that seeks only the good of the other, as descriptive of what a vibrant community should be.

Referencing two parables in Luke that illustrate this idea, the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan, she said the question that should guide our actions in any

relationship/community, but especially in one founded on faith and love, is, “What will happen to her/him/the community, if I do not help?” Rather than, “What will happen to me if I do help?” Pope Francis calls this ideal being a “Samaritan Church.”

She also stressed the importance of compassionate speaking and listening; to speak humbly and honestly and to listen

receptively and reverently. This holy work, as she termed it, is vital to the health of any relationship.

Because the conference was designed to enhance interaction between communities those present were able to meet and mix with associates from around the Philadelphia area as well as Maryland, New York, New Jersy and Connecticut, but also including an associate from Tacoma, Washington!

There was a good balance of lecture, quiet and sharing with an opportunity to practice compassionate listening and speaking skills. The general consensus was that it was a day “full of love” that birthed a genuine “spirit of community.”

Associates from six states gathered for a day of reflection sponsored by the Intercongregational Associate Directors.


Associate Judy Talvacchia, Society of the Holy Child Jesus

I first met the Sisters of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus when I attended their high school in Philadelphia, Penn. There was immediately something distinctive and welcoming about the sisters and the school environment. It had the feel of a family home rather than an institution. Perhaps that was partly because the school was housed in two 19th century brownstone buildings – but it was more than that. The “more” I came to know as Holy Child spirit. I felt part of an extended family that both nurtured and challenged me. “Be yourself, but make that self what God wants it to be.” These were the words of the Society’s 19th century founder, Cornelia Connelly, a wife and mother of five before she became a religious. I blossomed in the spiritual and educational environment that she cultivated in her schools.

When I reconnected with the sisters as an associate 10 years ago, I realized that what I had experienced as Holy Child spirit was rooted in the incarnational spirituality and the mission and charism of the Society. I explored the Gospel origins of the founder’s focus on the mystery of the incarnation in the creator God’s willingness to become a humble and hidden child. The hidden life of the child Jesus as he grew into his vocation influenced our founder’s philosophy of education. I was the recipient of her graced legacy because it was lived daily by her sisters, the lay teachers and the staff. I now have the opportunity to draw others to recognize the love and mercy of God poured out in the incarnation. As I recognize God in the humble and hidden of creation, I can help others experience the joy that God lives and acts in them and in creation.

What was that special spirit that drew you to your congregation? Perhaps it was a quality that you experienced but couldn’t quite articulate. Nevertheless, you were deeply affected because you experienced it as lived by the sisters and their collaborators. Now as an associate, you have the opportunity to delve more deeply into that spirit, embodied in the charism, mission and spirituality of the institute. As you explore that defining spirit with other associates and vowed members, you internalize the unique ways your institute lives out the gospels. You become a living witness of your congregation’s distinctive role in God’s dream for the world.

The charism, mission and spirituality of our congregations are the best gifts we can give to each other and to the world. No program or service is as effective as the gift of ourselves, formed by the spirit of the institute. We are the leaven that draws others to our way of gospel living and loving–that advances the reign of God. Let’s all renew our commitment to be steeped in the charism, mission and spirituality of our congregations so that we can share their God given gifts with the world.

Gifts Received, Gifts Given


Associate Joan Mills, director of associates, Franciscan Sisters of the Poor

“We looked up at the mountains. The smoke was so thick you could hardly see … and yet it was hurtling down on us.” Debbie was describing the fires of November 28, 2016, that hit the Gatlinburg, Tennessee, area. Her husband, David, nodded in agreement, then said, “I told Debbie to leave the car and let’s go.” The fires were fast. David, Debbie, and family lost everything.

The beautiful autumn leaves that lured families from around the country became food for a fire that wanted to devour more. Some 2,400 homes and businesses were completely destroyed. At least 176 persons were injured – 14 so severely that they died. Fourteen parish families plus many elderly persons lost everything.

After hearing the news on television, I kept getting a God-nudge calling my attention to do something. As each day passed, the nudging got stronger. I knew I had to do something. So, I called our associate advisory committee to see what we could do.

After discerning, we got in touch with the pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gatlinburg to see what some of their immediate needs were. From the sound of Father Antony’s voice, I heard immediately the pain they were experiencing. Some of his parishioners lost completely everything they owned in the fire. I knew that our associates had to do something.

Outreach TEN was created. Through this ministry, Blessing Boxes evolved–new household items and monetary donations would be collected to help those affected by the fire begin to rebuild their lives. The response to this endeavor has been overwhelming.

On Sunday, February 19, I, along with Sister Karen Hartman, drove a truck loaded with 25 huge Blessing Boxes of new household items, along with a monetary gift, to St. Mary’s for distribution to those most in need.

When we arrived, Father Antony greeted us: “God found a way to provide for us and here you are, Joan and Sister Karen.” In fact, while in Tennessee, Father repeated the phrase – with each having a different reference such as: I didn’t know you, I never met you and here you are.

Father Antony had PODS containers to store the items. The monetary donation was be used to purchase more items to fulfill needs. He had an exhaustive list of who needed what. Father established a wildfire relief fund for his parish.

The people were so humbled by the associates’ and sisters’ generosity. What amazes me is that after two hours of shared stories, David and Debbie echoed …only God is awesome.

Yes, Gatlinburg, amid it all, God IS awesome!

brought to Gatlinburg, Tenn.Blessing Boxes



EventsComing

Intimate Mission: From Charism to Mutual Communion The Conference of Associates and Religious of the Midwest Area (CARMA) will offer a day of reflection on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at the Best Western Plus Hotel and Conference Center, Dubuque, Iowa.

More information can be found at that time at www.nacar.org/events.

Lower Your NetsCasting Out into the Deep

An Associate Leadership Retreat presented by NACAR

Program overview

Sometimes, when we are at a point of not knowing where to go, the use of metaphor can help us. Associate leaders are invited to “get into the boat” and to chart new waters—a positive step to meet change. Through presentation, reflection and faith sharing, the retreat will help participants to face the woundedness within their roles and to discover the wisdom therein. From there we will seek to set our sails, put out into the deep and recast our nets with the desire to deepen the contemplative and prophetic dimensions of life and ministry. We will also explore lowering our nets to meet the hunger within our western culture – the desire for community and spiritual growth.

Tuesday, May 30 to Friday, June 2, 2017Facilitator

Judith Gomila, Marianite Sister of Holy Cross, is a native of New Orleans. She holds a master’s in theology and religious studies from St. Paul University, Ottawa, Canada, and has been been involved in faith formation and leadership training in various areas of parish life and within religious communities. Sister Judith has ministered in the inner city, on the bayou, in the Alaska bush and in seminary formation. She is the current public relations coordinator for the Marianite congregation, co-director of the Marianite associate program and editor of The Marianite, the congregation’s outreach publication.

time & location

The Retreat will be held at Loyola on the Potomac, a Jesuit retreat house, Faulkner, Maryland. Plan to arrive by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30, and depart after lunch on Friday, June 2.

cost & registration

The cost of this retreat is $495 for NACAR members and $550 for non-members. The registration deadline is April 28, 2017.

For more information & to register: NACAR RETREAT

http://nacar.org/events/event/23-intimate-mission-from-charism-partners-to-mutual-communion.html

http://nacar.org/events/event/27-lower-your-nets-casting-out-into-the-deep-associate-leadership-retreat.html


MembershipNACAR Individual Membership Application 2016/2017

Individual membership is designed for associates and religious who support the associate-religious movement and want to keep informed of trends, information and resources regarding the associate movement in North America. Individual members must have an email address in order to receive communications. Members may register on our website to access member sections and be listed in the online member directory. To register on the website if you have not yet done so: go to www.nacar.org. Click on register and follow the prompts. If you need assistance, contact [email protected]. See NACAR Individual Membership for a full listing of benefits.

Contact Information: Associate Religious

First Name: ____________________ Last Name: ____________________________________Prefix ____________ (e.g. Sr. Br. Dr. Mr. Mrs. Ms. Rev. Deacon) Suffix ______________Name of Religious Community: __________________________________________________Position Title: ________________________________________________________________Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________City: ____________________________________ State/Prov: _________________________Zip/Postal Code________________________ Country: ______________________________Ph (W): ______________________ (H): (____)__________________(C): (____)________________Email: ____________________________________________________________________***Must have email address to receive any communications from the NACAR Office.Name of Religious Community: __________________________________________________

Dues $25 (My community is a NACAR member)Dues $75 (My community is NOT a NACAR member)

Donation to support NACAR ___________Total Amount Enclosed: _________

Mail this form, with dues (US currency only please) to NACAR at the address below:

Associate Office5900 Delhi Road

Mt. St. Joseph, OH 45051-1500

Email: [email protected] Phone: 253-256-2227 Website: www.nacar.org

If you are interested in community membership, please see the NACAR website: NACAR Community Membership


http://www.nacar.org

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http://nacar.org/members.html

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http://www.nacar.org

http://nacar.org/documents/publicdocuments/nacar-membership-forms-1/101-congregational-membership-application-2015-2016/file.html

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