Associate News

Jill Poehlman, Promoter of Associates
As I launch into my fourth year as Promoter of Associates, I am keenly aware that Associate Relationship (and by that I mean the internal understanding between associates, as well as our relationship to the canonical community and the larger church) will always be a "work in progress". No one has awakened us to this reality more than Sr. Kate Kuenstler, PHJC. Kate---Canon Lawyer and NACAR Keynote Speaker---is a frequent presenter and resource for those attempting to understand and define the phenomenon called Associate Relationship. While she would surely reject the label of "expert", it is nonetheless Kate to whom many turn for advice and conversation as our journeys unfold and new questions emerge.

After attending some of Kate's presentations and interacting with her personally, we invited Kate here to be our keynote speaker for the 2010 Annual Gathering of Associates and Sisters. She then became our natural choice to facilitate the First Annual Summit of Area Promoters and Advisors in March of 2011, as together twenty-three Associates and Sisters gathered for a weekend at Dominican University to explore our "next steps".

So where has our journey, with Kate as our guide, taken us the past three years?

Hearing so clearly what we recognize within ourselves-that Associate Relationship is a call from God, a movement of the Spirit, a unique and true presence flaming forth in the church-Associates are being affirmed, strengthened and motivated to be true to their call in spite of practical obstacles or momentary disillusionments.

Reminded of the importance of "following the founder", Associates are finding that our lives do indeed reflect the long and dedicated examples of our Sinsinawa forebears to go where the need is great, even if-especially if-the need is within our own families, neighborhoods, communities, workplaces and churches.

For many, the invitation into Associate Relationship came out of deep friendship with a Sister or a number of Sisters, not unlike many sisters' invitations to vowed life in the past. We understand, however, that this reality does not completely define Associate Relationship. We realize that we must always strive to maintain our loving bonds; but while important and life-giving for both parties, friendship must not be confused with Associate Relationship, which is about Mission.

Understanding that we are an autonomous community, by the fact that we are not canonical, Associates now realize the responsibility to draw upon our gifts and share in the demands of leadership. Area Promoters, usually an Associate/Sister team, were recommended by their own area groups in most cases. Now numbering thirty-six, these Area Promoters have made a commitment to study and leadership training. Of these, eleven currently serve on a rotating Leadership Team.

We continue to be guided by the Spirit and rely on the Congregational Leadership, these 36 Sisters and Associates as well as our entire congregation and community of Associates. Further, we are now networking with various Dominican and other Congregations and Associate communities. The companionship and resources are many and the love is abundant.

On Mar. 9-11, 2012, Area Promoters and Advisors will gather for our Second Annual Summit, once again guided by Sr. Kate Kuenstler. Our tasks will include revision of our guidebook and accompanying resource book and discussion around how to deepen what Kate refers to as "a community of communities" and how to further companion each other in Mission. Watch for news of this summit in the next issue of Spectrum.

Circle of Preachers
Circle of Preachers - Dec. 6, 2011 - Mound Sisters’ Sub-group



The Sisters of the Circle of Preachers met in the Dominican Life Room at the Mound on

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. The prayer, provided by Sister Carol Sutter, was the Indian Prayer of 6 Directions: North, South, East, West, Earth, Heaven. Minutes of the November meeting were read, edited and approved. Sisters present were Sr. Alyce Kelly, Sr. Carol Sutter, Sr. Clara Blozis, Sr. Ellie Hoffmann, Sr. Emily Herrington, Sr. Estelle Wiltz, Sr. Rosa Rauth and Sr. Tarcissia Buchele. Sr. Jeanette Landuyt and Sr. Joann Feist were away.



Immigration has been our focus. Our study and discussion were facilitated by Sr. Ellie, using the excerpt “Sojourn to the Promised Land,” from “Becoming Welcoming Communities,” issued in 4 sessions by Wisconsin Council of Churches.



We shared our experiences of times when we felt unwanted, were non-welcomed, or non-welcoming, or non-accepting of each other. Places where we lived, or where we moved, brought memories of knowing German, Irish, black families, and instances of racism as well as understanding of other nationalities. More information was found in a fact sheet: “Immigrants in Wisconsin in the 1800's.” This provided a background for possible action on the immigration issue.

New Family Members:
Our newest family members will make their initial coveneant with the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters and Associates on Sunday, February, 26, 2012 in West Palm Beach, Fl.

Bridgett Flynn, Galye Galdames and Patricia Hawkesworth will formally join the family.

Fire of Love

Associate Community

Having opened our hearts to this profound time of grace
And being created anew by the Fire of Love,
We commit ourselves to living boldly
Together into the next five years.
We call one another to
Speak courageously and risk for justice
Live authentically and relate transparently
Reverence Earth and expand consciousness
Dream globally and collaborate intentionally
Search contemplatively and study communally
Explore the emerging Wisdom of God.

Associate Relationships and Area Promoters

As Associates we call one another to embrace the direction statement in our own lives. We look forward to our deepening spirituality and growing relationships with the vowed community, one another and all creation. We commit ourselves to these new directions. In order to facilitate our mission and work, we share the following areas of responsibility!

Area Promoters

CALIFORNIA
Associate, Penny Donovan
Sr. Elizabeth Rodkewich

TRINITY
Sr. Ellie Hoffmann
Associate, Diane Moss

FlORIBBEAN
Sr. Jeanne Drea
Associate, Barbara Roth
Associate, Paula Winker

GREEN BAY
Sr. Carol Hlava
Associate, Ginni Engelbrecht (contact)
Associate, Beth Winkel (contact)

MONTANA
Associate, Laurie Bartoletti
Sr. Alice Ann Byrne

NORTHERN LIGHTS
Sr. Mary Catherine St. Martin
Associate, Margaret Webinger

SOUTHERN
Sr. Patty Caraher
Associate, Karla Ruggiero

CHICAGO LOVE
Associate, Jana Minor
Associate, Janie Peterson
Sr. Carol Fox

CHICAGO AMOR
Sr. Kaye Ashe
Associate, Terezka (Terry) Jirasek

CHICAGO AGAPE
Sr. Marilyn Aiello
Associate, Ann Campagna

MADISON
Associate, Rebecca Cecchini
Sr. Beverly Fowler

VIRTUAL
Associate, Gloria Alt
Associate, Jim Baltus
Associate, Patricia Butler
Sr. Maureen McDonnell