Mission Statement Presentation
Associates are Catholic women and men committed to the person and
teachings of Jesus Christ. As they live out their Christian vocation in
the spirit of Nano Nagle, the Associates share community of faith,
prayer, and service with the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
In sharing their own gifts, they become an extension of the mission,
spirit, and charism of the Sisters. The mutual bondedness of Sisters and
Associates enriches the people of God and continues to give witness to
the Gospel message of justice and peace through compassionate love.
We as Presentation Associates stand in partnership with the Sisters of
the Presentation who share in the charism of their foundress, Nano
Nagle. We reach out in faith, in a spirit of hospitality, compassion and
simplicity to all of creation.
So begins the
Presentation Association Responsibility and Mission Statement.
Partnership. Hospitality and compassion. Faith and simplicity. The
charism of Nano. These qualities are at the heart of what our
Association is all about.
Associates aren’t
“nuns in training.” They aren’t even members of a modern day sodality.
Associates are mothers and grandmothers, nurses and teachers, working
women and retirees, all of whom have been captivated by Nano’s charism
as expressed by the Sisters. Some of us are graduates of Presentation
schools. Others met Presentation Sisters in their parishes. Some came to
experience Presentation at the invitation of another Associate. Whatever
the starting point, once our path led to Presentation and Nano’s story,
we were hooked!
Our
connection to Presentation can be experienced in retreats at our Center
in Los Gatos and prayer days at the Presentation High School, San Jose,
or the Motherhouse in San Francisco, some led by Presentation women,
some by invited speakers.
Associates also join Sisters in programs designed to educate about
justice issues – the trafficking of women and children, the control of
water and the death penalty come to mind. Joining the Sisters at vigils
and rallies associated with these causes ensures that we are not just
about words, but also deeds. Associates work with the Sisters on key
congregational committees including the Justice and Vocations
Committees. “Family” events like our summer picnic, the recent Epiphany
Party and various dinners throughout the year provide lots of
opportunities for learning and praying, fun and laughter.
If
you are interested in exploring justice, community and Nano’s charism
with Presentation Sisters by way of Association with them, contact the
following for more information: Jane Hetherington at
jane.hetherington@gmail.com, Cathy Pickerel at
cathypic@earthlink.net or Sister Bernice Gotelli, PBVM, at 281
Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118.
What is the Associate Program?