Sinsinawa
Spectrum
A Congregation News Magazine
Feeling Fortunate for Sister-Associate Relationship
by Associate Mary Ann Martin
Mary Ann Martin
I was 7 years old when my dad took me to my first Sunday morning catechism class. When the class ended the room cleared out quickly. Parents were in the hallway and disappeared with their little ones in tow. I was left alone with Meriel Tyler, OP (1907–2001). She was very kind, of course, but I was in tears by the time Daddy appeared, out of breath and explaining that he had stopped to talk to someone for a few minutes after Mass. This was the beginning of my lifelong relationship with Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. It is a gift I cherish with profound gratitude.
Sister Meriel would later be my 8th-grade teacher and was principal at St. Augustine during the five years I attended school there. I was so fortunate to have Sisters in South St. Paul―and later in the Academy at the Mound―who provided us with strong foundations, both academic and spiritual. They taught us to pray―not just memorized prayers but by sharing their own thoughts and feelings. We were taught compassion and the need for social justice in our world. Eucharist was central to our religious experience.
Sometime during my Academy years, I heard or read Mother Samuel’s definition of love: “joy and gratitude, reverence and responsibility.” I wrote it down and have always remembered it. I notice she put “joy” first, and I think of all the joyful welcomes I have received at various Sinsinawa houses and gatherings. I think of Sisters and Associates whose joy always shines through to lift our spirits.
We know these people are fully aware of the tragic dimension of life, but perhaps they grasp more fully the complete Paschal Mystery. As the Dominican Sisters of Peace affirmed at their inaugural Chapter, “We witness to the living presence of the Risen Christ.” I think this requires a special awareness of the reasons for gratitude in the course of any day. Albert Nolan discusses this in his book Jesus Today which some of us read and discussed together. I still need to deepen this awareness.
Reverence―we have an awareness of the sacred, of the presence of God, in every human life and situation, in all of nature, in various cultures and traditions, in our journey together into an uncertain future.
A sense of responsibility requires us to take good care of ourselves―physically, mentally, spiritually. It requires us to get rid of most of our “stuff” while we are still able to do it ourselves. I am trying but finding it difficult and slow-going. Responsible behavior allows us to count on one another and is an essential element in developing the kind of mutuality we hope for in the vowed Sister/Associate relationship.
Here in Minneapolis, Sisters and Associates interact together in regional gatherings several times a year. I am a member of Sarah’s Circle which gathers monthly for prayer, study, and supportive community. I also participate in an antiracism caucus by conference call once a month. When I first got to Minneapolis a few years ago, I completed the Befriender training program at the basilica and was active in this listening ministry for two years. Now I listen to a few of the people in our condo building who simply need to talk. Community building is important here, too. When I am able to get to the Villa, I enjoy visiting and listening to Sisters there.
I am limited in what I can do, but “Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. Any small, calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this suffering world, will help immensely” (Clarissa Pinkola Estes). We have wonderful models of that in so many who have gone before us and in many who continue to serve. I am deeply grateful to be sharing Dominican life with all of you.