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Associate Relationship
Archive - Associate Renewals
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| Associate Jennifer Hall (left) and Sister Phyllis Wirtz |
Jennifer Hall renewed her associate agreement during a service with members of the Mutuality area community and guests August 6 at Sacred Heart Center in Milwaukee. Jennifer lives in Canada, so this gathering was an opportunity for those present to learn more about her life and ministry. She keeps in touch with the School Sister community through her sister and associate friends, community mailings, and the Facebook page. Part of her associate agreement states that she will live the Gospel by working with teenagers at All Saints Anglican Church in Vernon, British Columbia; expressing her spirituality through her artwork; and nurturing compassion in her relationships with other people and with the Earth.
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| Associate Geraldine Weaver |
Geraldine Weaver renewed her associate agreement May 14 at the Gubbio area community meeting in Aurora, Illinois. In addition to serving as liturgical director at Rosary Nursing Home, Geraldine is a prayer minister for cancer patients and prays daily for the people named on the community’s prayer requests. She also responds to emails from members of Project IRENE (Illinois Religious Engaged in Non-Violent Endeavors) and the Congregational Connections. Geraldine’s spiritual life is enriched by daily attendance at Mass and meditation, as well as through involvement in a reflection group. “I find my connection the Sisters and Associates of the Gubbio area community very meaningful and supportive,” she said. “I’m always looking for new ways to increase my knowledge and foster my connection with the School Sister community members.”
Associate Renewal in Campbellsport
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| From left: Sister Marionita Gergen and Associate Lisa Ann Feilen-Bentzler |
Lisa Ann Feilen-Bentzler renewed her associate agreement on April 16th at the
Bethany area community meeting in Campbellsport, Wisconsin. Besides being a beautician for the sisters in Campbellsport, she attends liturgies, funerals and prayer services at the convent. She volunteers to
help at jubilee celebrations, the 4th of July parade
and other events related to the life of our sisters. By way of the area community meetings and through other means, Lisa Ann’s relationship with the School Sisters of St. Francis continues to grow and positively impact her life. Lisa also serves on the new SSSF Associate Advisory Council.
Two renewals in March
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| Associate Judy Fregetto |
Judy Fregetto renewed her associate agreement at the Pax area community meeting in Chicago, Illinois. “Area community meetings with sisters and associates help me keep focused on the intangible aspects of life which, in turn, help me find peace and meaningfulness in life,” she said. Judy is looking forward to becoming involved with moving associate relationship into the future by serving on the Advisory Council. Her ministry is advocating for the well-being of children by working with health care and family support ministries and through her professional role in the education of young physicians.
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| From left: Sister Phyllis Wirtz and Associate Rosaura Solano |
Rosaura Solano renewed her associate agreement at the Mutuality area community in Milwaukee,Wisconsin. Rosaura serves as the secretary in the U.S. Province for Spirituality and Formation, Associate Relationship and Social Justice. Through this position, Rosaura has met many sisters and associates and learned more about the SSSF community. She finds that being an associate has transformed her life. “Being an associate has helped me to be more conscious about the difference between what I need and what I want, which has helped me live more simply,” she said. Rosaura challenges herself to live the Franciscan values of respect for every living being and our environment. She also volunteers in different ministries in her parish.
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| Associate Patricia Klaas |
On January 23rd, Patricia Klaas renewed her associate agreement for five years at the Pax area community meeting in River Grove, Illinois. Patricia has been an associate for nine years. She finds that her relationship with the sisters and associates has deepened, intensified and broadened. The sharing, openness, trust and support of the Pax area community is the “fuel that that keeps her life going” from meeting to meeting. Patricia is involved with her parish and the American Legion. “I will continue to live each day unselfishly – extending hospitality, caring and serving others,” she says in her associate agreement.
Two associates renewed their associate agreement on December 5th at the Acts 29 area community meeting in Milwaukee.
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| From left: S. Barbara Kraemer, Associate Margaret Simmons, S. Ruth La Mothe , Associate Karen Metallo, S. Sylvia Leonardi and S. Grace Golata. |
Karen Metallo has felt closer to the sisters and associates by being an associate the last few years. “For me to be effective in ministry, it is so important to have a community with which to pray, share, and reflect. We truly support one another and these experiences deepen my spirituality,” she said. Karen serves as pastoral associate in her parish where she ministers to older adults, to those who are sick and those who are grieving a loss. She is also the chaplain for the Sheriff’s Department in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Margaret Simmons has been an associate for 23 years. She finds her School Sister contacts keep her attention on living like Christ and trying to be a good example for others. “I feel very connected to the sisters and associates in my area community and consider them very caring and prayerful people of God,” she said. Employed by a social security administration office, Margaret strives to be aware of the spiritual and physical needs of her family, friends and community. She tries to be available when someone needs her and enjoys bringing God’s love into the lives of those around her.
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Associate Frank Zammuto |
Frank Zammuto renewed his associate agreement on December 11th at the Chiara area community Christmas gathering in Rockford, Illinois. He spoke about his history with the School Sisters, which began when he was quite young. “The Sisters I met at Maria Linden as a teenager made a big difference in my life and I cherish those relationships and memories,” he stated. At the gathering, Frank shared stories about the sisters and reflected on the ways the community has continued to be a source of inspiration and support for him. Frank continues to enrich his spirituality in the Franciscan tradition and offers his talents to the School Sisters of St. Francis