In the fall of 1989 in Southern California, my wife Anna and I went to meet Sister “B” (Bernice Petronaitis) one Saturday for breakfast. Anna had been volunteering at our parish as a religious education teacher and had become friends with Sister “B.” I thought I was just going along as Anna’s husband. Little did I suspect what I was in for!

After breakfast Sister “B” asked if we would like to know more about the School Sisters of St. Francis. We did and the next thing I knew I was being challenged to see my work and corporate career as ministry and part of my spiritual journey. Anna and Sister “B” had already talked about associate relationship and sharing in the journey of the School Sisters. The questions that Sister “B” asked were truly challenging and thought-provoking.

Over the next few months we talked about the School Sisters, their history, their decision to invite lay involvement and how we could be a part of that. Anna and I became associates in 1990 at the Sierra Francisca Area 305 Community meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. I thought my initial decision was more for my wife than for me. Somehow I just couldn’t see myself being involved in community with a group of nuns! I was not even sure I knew what a spiritual journey was.

My association has lasted over 17 years; I am surely a case of God working in mysterious ways.  After more than 25 Area Community meetings, trips to Milwaukee and a spirituality conference, my association with the sisters has had a life-changing impact on me. My “career” did fully become ministry. The wisdom, warmth and hospitality that I have experienced with every sister and associate has had a great impact on me. I am truly grateful and proud to be called “associate.”

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