From left to right:
Sheila Rock, Maryann Kershey, Nancy Dale, Rosemary Welsh,
Carol Creek, Patrick Creek, Helena Hoogstraten, Anna O’Connor, Julie Rugh,
Stephanie West, Meagen Howe, Kathy Bryda.
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| The Cleveland CSJ community had a special
reason to celebrate the founding of our newly reconfigured Congregation, thirteen new associates!
On August 6, 2009, 12
of them made their commitment in the context of a prayer service based
on the Generous Promises and the CSJ charism.
The service opened with an original poem dramatically read
by new member Meagen Howe, a reflection on the spiritual journey
the candidates made since the day they began their orientation. Later, Sr. Mary
Schrader, Coordinator of Center Teams in Cleveland, gave a beautiful
reflection, interweaving the themes of the Feast of the Transfiguration, the
congregational anniversary and the life stories of each of the new associates.
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One of the candidates, Gerry Jones (seated right), was not able to join the
group for this commitment ceremony due to illness, so on September 20, 2009, a group
of sisters and associates traveled to Laurel Lake Retirement Village in Hudson
to support Gerry as she made her commitment with a ritual that she helped to
design. Her mentor, Sister Marie
Gillich, CSJ, presented an insightful reflection on the scriptural story of Martha
and Mary, revealing how Gerry’s gifts include the contemplative and active
aspects of the CSJ charism.
The Congregation rejoices in the gift of all 13 of these new
associates and the enthusiasm they bring to further the call to reach out to
“the dear neighbor”.
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New Associate Gerry Jones (seated) with her mentor, Sister Marie Gillich, CSJ (left), and other sisters and associates of the Congregation of St. Joseph.
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