Asssociates revitalized, inspired

During the Area of North America Assembly in March 2011, the sister and associate contacts for each of the seven areas of the United States were introduced. These associate communities are gathering and experiencing the dynamic energy that is fueling the reestablishment of the Associates Program.

We are especially grateful that Sister Paula Goettelmann and associate Jerri Scarzella generously responded to the call to take on leadership roles in further developing the associate community in the Maryland/Virginia/Washington, D.C., area. During the past few months we were struck by the amazing way both Paula and Jerri complement each other with their gifts and insights into what it means to be a Holy Cross Associate. The associate seed has been planted firmly in this area, and we are looking forward to having them as the newest members of our associate leadership team.

Another significant event occurred in June. The leaders of associate groups representing the four Holy Cross congregations — Marianites of Holy Cross, Sisters of Holy Cross, Sisters of the Holy Cross, and the Congregation of Holy Cross — met in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Holy Angels Congregational Center to continue networking and getting to know one another, a process that began at last year’s North American Conference of Associates and Religious (NACAR) meeting in St. Louis, Missouri.

When the branches of Holy Cross gather for any reason, two realities are immediately evident: our diversity and our unity. This gathering was no different. The diversity of how the associates are envisioned, as well as functioning within the four congregations, is held together by the unity of Father Moreau’s vision regarding the shared ministry of religious and associates. Such unity in diversity, and diversity in unity, provided a wonderful backdrop for our sharing. Go to The Beginnings of a Renewed Journey to read a full description of this historic meeting in New Orleans. We are looking forward to our next gathering at the 2012 NACAR Conference in Chicago. In the meantime, we stay in touch with periodic phone calls and Skype to continue building the relationships among us.

Please pray for the continued development of our associate community. Know that we are eager to help you initiate an associate group in your area if you believe you are called to participate. Once again, if you have any questions or comments we look forward to hearing from you. 

L to r: Associate Judith Plummer attends an Associates Program meeting with Sisters Jeanne Buisson and Mary Margaret Weber in Maryland.