St. Louis Associate Gathering: Fan Into Flames

by Cathy Cassy, Associate

"Fan into Flames the Gifts of the Spirit Within You" was the theme of the first Associate Province-Wide Gathering sponsored by the St. Louis region Associates under the direction of Sister Barbara McMullen on October 21-23, 2005 . More than 50 representatives were present, including regional associate directors, Associates and Sisters of Divine Providence, coming from the four regions of Pittsburgh, Kingston, St. Louis and eight members traveling all the way from Puerto Rico.

The St. Louis Associates opened the ceremonies Friday evening with a reflective ritual of lighting the flame to begin our journey toward discovering: "Where is your fire?; What is it that burns within you?; What do you want to fan into flames?; What can we as a group fan into flames?

We're in a time of change as we now work as a new "total province" Associate group which leads us to look at the context of our mission, ministry, and vision in a new way. As we change our focus, we realize that we must be passionate about our mission, calling, and charism. So, collectively, what can we do to fan the flames that burn within the four Divine Providence regions to further promote the mission of the Divine Providence Community?

A video of The Charism Challenge , presented by Edwina Gateley, was the catalyst for thought and discussion on new possibilities for the "total province associate group." Edwina, a noted activist who provides retreats for oppressed women-women who need to experience love, beauty, and space in this world, challenged all to look within and find ways of s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g and breaking down barriers to make a difference in our world. She reminds us that not only has God given us a mind to think with but also a heart which allows us to be more creative and reach out to new challenges. We have the ability to transform violence, hatred and anything that threatens or destroys life. We can become healers to each other. We have the power within each of us to make a difference and collectively as a small group of committed individuals we can change the world. Edwina presented the challenge to be "hot, juicy and to stretch." She talked about being "hot" with the burning desire to make a difference; to be "juicy," flowing with creative ideas toward new possibilities; to "stretch" oneself to be everything you can to rebuild the ruins of this world knowing that God will always provide for us-"Be Not Afraid.the invitation is ever before us to believe in possibilities and loosen up to embrace new life."

Sunday's opening ritual was presented by the Puerto Rican Associates and Sisters reminding us that we as men and women of Providence are called to life and called to trust that there are great possibilities for making God's providence more visible as we co-create our world in daily living.

Working toward stretching ourselves, the Associates and Sisters focused on the corporate commitment statement: To Promote a Consistent Ethic of Life . This commitment means that we would work together to protect all life and to oppose anything that threatens or destroys it.

The group discussed many actions that could be undertaken as our first steps in fulfilling this commitment. An overwhelming consensus of three-fifths of the group decided to: "Join Puerto Rico in the spirit of their November 1 Day of Peace through individual and/or corporate action and continue to be a peace presence in the world." We can promote peace through prayer and action.

Sunday afternoon was spent visiting Providence Center , the central operations offices and building for the St. Louis Sisters, and Room At The Inn, the shelter site caring for homeless women and children. Gil Weyhaupt gave a PowerPoint presentation explaining the history and work of Room At The Inn; Colleen Price talked about the history and work being done at La Posada Providencia in Texas .

Sunday evening's closing ceremonies included liturgy services with celebrant Fr. Friedel, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, who is an Associate and former student of the Sisters at Mount Providence School. After a wonderful supper provided by the Pallottine Renewal Center , our host location, the Kingston region provided the "Sisters Blessing and Sending Forth Prayer," reminding us once again that "We are Partners in Providence."

Now, all was not totally work. Time was set aside to visit the St. Louis retired Sisters who live on the fifth floor at St. Clare's Hospital in Alton , Illinois . The time spent meeting and greeting old or new friends was a happy time for all. While we were on the Illinois side of the river, a committee of Sisters still working in metro communities chose to take over the Turning Leaf Party , an annual event usually planned by the Associates for the Sisters, and make it a time for all to enjoy good food, good company and great fun. Sisters Jacklyn Pritchard, Ann Pairn, Sophie Meehan, Margie Luddon , and Joan Wolf planned and presented a Turning Leaf Party we will all be remembering for a long time. Thank you Sisters!!!!

Sunday evening brought us to the not-so-easy time of saying goodbye and seeking hope for the opportunity to meet again. Reflecting on these three days, we discovered many things about ourselves as a new total province of Associates:

•  We are global

•  We are blessed with balanced, diverse, much-needed gifts for ministry with enthusiasm as God's family

•  We are all very proud of our heritage and that we all have many gifts and we feel at home with each other - being an Associate is coming back home

•  We are diverse but one in the spirit with a wonderful sense of humor

•  We're widening the circle of friends through the spirit and commitment through community

•  We shared our energy, passion, joy, and love of community

Thoughts attendees from each region wanted to share:

Kingston attendees:

Regional Associate Director: Sister Emma Jean Middendorf, Anne Moberg, Linda Lennon

"This weekend was a great opportunity to: meet Associates from other areas, bond with one another as friends, share our experiences with the community to form a unified group with a common focus and spirituality." Ann Moberg

Pittsburgh attendees:

Regional Associate Co-Director: Sister Janet Schaffran , Sister Lisa Paffrath, Leadership Team Liaison, Sister Marilyn Bergt, Georgia Boehm, Joyce Burkhardt, Nuala Filberg, Paula Gilchrist, Joella Gipson, Sister Mary Jane Kiley , Judy Kim, Alice Lamont, Gertrude McCrum, Eileen McMonigal, Jim Montgomery, Dolores Pawlak, Pat Rampolla, Pat Schneider, Patt Srigley, Sister Betty Sundry, Sister Mary Weatherly, Dorothy Webb, Cathy Wronkovich,

" 'Meet me in St. Louis' will always remind me of the warm hospitality we received here from St. Louis Sisters and Associates." Nuala Filberg

Puerto Rico attendees :

Regional Associate Director: Hna. Maria Torres, Hna. Margarita Rivera, Hna. Rose Elena Reyes Colon , Rafaela Reyes Colon , Carmen (Nazario) Echegaray, Carmen Loida Vazquez, Josefina and Juan Arbelo

"The Associates were aflame this weekend because we opened our hearts to the Holy Spirit and He inflamed us in His love." A collective quote from all the Puerto Rican attendees.

St. Louis attendees:

Regional Associate Co-Director: Sister Barbara McMullen, Pat Alsop, Diane Bailey, Ginny Becker, Beverly Camper, Cathy Cassy, Cathy Cullen, Mary Hassler, Linda Hoeflin, Rita Kramer, Colleen Price, Terry Southerland, Rose Vierdag, Mary Fran Weir, Gil Weyhaupt, and Mary Ann Young.

"Our flame lit by the Holy Spirit to bring the CDP regional Associates together carried us through to a successful completion of our burning desire to plan and implement a meaningful experience for all." Beverly Camper

CLICK HERE to few online photo album of this event.

Pittsburgh Annual Retreat

The Pittsburgh area of the Marie de la Roche Province holds a retreat annually. The weekend retreat is usually held in the spring; it begins Friday evening and ends at Noon on Sunday. Associates gather at Kearns Retreat Center which offers the opportunity to enjoy the comfortable accommodations, beautiful chapel, nature walks and the labyrinth meditation area.

Previous Retreat Leaders have included Sister Mary Ellen Rufft, CDP, Sister Doris Klein, CSA, Rev. Bonnie Thurston, Ph.D. and Sister Michele Bisbey, CDP and Rev. Andrew Purvis.

The Associate group also offers two reflection days each year led by Sister Janet Schaffran CDP and Pat Rampolla. All Associates and friends are invited to attend. People of all faiths are welcome.