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Associates
Journey of Faith
Commissioning Day
by Rochelle A. Ramirez
During the Commissioning Services on Sunday, June 19, 2011, the Sisters welcomed me as a Presentation Associate. This day will remain very special as I joined Sisters of the Presentation in this Journey of Faith.
The Energy – THE HOLY SPIRIT in the Presentation Chapel that special day was overwhelming and such that it held my emotions captive, making it a challenge to deliver, without tears, my promise and commitment. Additionally, the sincerity of the young Mater Dei sisters who shared their lovely voices and music, enhancing the ceremony, filled my heart with gratitude, hope and confirmation that THE HOLY SPIRIT is very busy, inspiring our young people to dedicate their lives to God and service to others. The Mater Dei Sisters joined us for the day.
With the Sisters’ and Associates’ guidance, I welcome the many opportunities to gain a deeper appreciation of Nano’s exemplary life as I witness the enthusiasm which drives their commitment to their individual ministries.
As Nano said, “There is no greater happiness in the world than to live in union.” Thank you to all who were instrumental in guiding me toward this commitment. I will always remain grateful for this wonderful gift.
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We as Presentation Associates stand in partnership with 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 Sisters of the Presentation 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 Sisters of the Presentation by way of Association with them, contact the following for more information:
Sister Stephanie Still, PBVM
sstill@pbvmsf.org
(415) 422-5013
at 281 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118
The following is the
reflection given by Jane Hetherington, an Associate, after the Gospel
reading.
Good morning and welcome to our third annual Associates' Epiphany celebration. The feast of the Epiphany offers us three wonderful themes for reflection: journey, stars that guide us and gifts. Of these three, the theme I am focusing on today is that of gift, specifically the gift of Association. What calls women to become Presentation Associates? What is the gift that Presentation offers its Associates? What gift can Associates bring to Presentation? Naturally, I will answer these questions from my own experience as a Presentation Associate. And, while I would never presume to speak for ALL the Associates, I know I am not alone in feeling as I do about Presentation.
As part of the chaplain training program in which I am presently involved, I was asked to identify and discuss major life events, relationships and cultural contexts that influence my personal identity as expressed in pastoral functioning. After I figured out what all that meant, I wrote: "I realize that probably the major influence on my personal identity as expressed in pastoral functioning is my experience with nuns. As I think back on my life, I know that the influence of nuns on me has been HUGE." And, without question, it is my twenty-year relationship with Sisters of the Presentation that has had the greatest influence on me.
Becoming a woman of justice is the greatest challenge that Presentation has offered to me during these years. How can I continue to look the other way when this community I cherish and these women I revere are relentless in their efforts to serve the poor and to right the wrongs of the world? How can I not care when they care so much? Twenty years of being challenged and stretched: the first of Presentation's gifts to me.
Community is the second gift. To be a member of the Presentation Community is a most precious gift. Support, caring, love: that has been my experience of being a part of this community. When I have needed it the most, Presentation has been there for me. It is the spirit of this community that has inspired and strengthened me for so many years. I really do count on you - and you haven't failed me yet.
Certainly the gifts of fun and laughter must be mentioned. There is nothing like a Presentation celebration. Once I mentioned to a Sister that my favorite Presentation event was our commissioning in June. "Oh," she said. "You enjoy the commissioning service?" "Well," I replied. "I certainly do enjoy the commissioning service but it is the party after that I really love." Probably not the spiritually correct answer - but the truth. Presentation women know how to have fun!
But the greatest of gifts I have received as an Associate - and on this point I am sure all Associates would agree - is the privilege and opportunity of knowing Sisters of the Presentation. I have said to Sisters often: "It is not what you do that inspires us - although it is pretty inspirational - but who you are." And who are you? I see you as women of prayer, of faith and of commitment. Women who can truly sing the words “Because we love God, we are who we are and we do what we do...” For twenty years you have inspired me, guided me and helped me as I have struggled to be the same. What greater gift could there be?
Gratitude is the
appropriate response to receiving a wonderful gift - and I am very grateful for
all the gifts I have received as a Presentation Associate. The gift I offer in
return is to do all I can to live as a Presentation woman: bringing the
Presentation charism to life in my ministry, living a life committed to the
Gospel, loving and following Nano the best I can, striving always to be ready
and willing to go one pace beyond and doing all that I can to keep the lantern
burning bright. Like the Wise Men, I will not be traveling alone on this
journey. Many wise women - Presentation women, will accompany me. And that
gives me peace and joy.
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