Jeannine Larocque (Windsor, Ontario) "I have been an associate for 18 years. It is an integral part of who I am today: a woman of the charism deeply immersed in my baptismal call. How I choose to live as a woman, a mother, a widow, and a cancer survivor, is greatly influenced, not only by my baptismal call, but also by my call as an Associate.
"With Jesus at the center of our baptismal call, we are connected in a pattern of love, sharing gospel values that move us to act for justice. All are weavers under the guidance of the Divine Weaver.
"Having carefully examined and studied the earlier tapestries of our rich heritage we realize that a new work of art is evolving. The fledging tapestry is remarkably similar to that woven by our founding mothers. The vivid, fiery colors of risk taking, love of the poor and disadvantaged, respect for the development of the whole person, as well as an abiding love of Jesus and Mary, seemed to be sparks emanating from a fire already burning on the backdrop. It is obvious that the charism given to the Church as gift is elemental to both works.
"This modern tapestry is incomplete. It is a work in progress. There is a need for a whole school of weavers. Associates are being called to gather the threads, connect the patterns and become the designers (leaders) in this amazing SNJM tapestry. Can we meet the challenge?"
Pam Wood (Seattle): "Attending the 2006 Congregational General Chapter had a profound impact on my commitment as an Associate. Coming face-to-face with the international reality of the SNJM community, hearing of the diverse yet interconnected ways Sisters and Associates serve the poor and disadvantaged on three continents, was inspiring. Participating in the creation of the Acts of the Chapter helped me better understand the process of discernment and taking time for quiet so that I could hear the Spirit speaking. As a result, I re-examined my commitment to see how my gifts 'fit' and how I could add more value in my local community. Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher fanned the flames of my commitment at the Chapter, and changed my life forever."
Kathy Herrington (South Bay, California): "aving had a history with the Sisters of the Holy Names going back to 1954, I turned to them when I was searching for a way to improve my prayer life. Since becoming an associate twenty years ago, I have improved my prayer life, gained in self confidence, learned many new skills, and found lasting friendships among both the Sisters and Associates. We Associates have been included in many meetings, have been asked to sit on committees, are invited to celebrations and special events, share ministries together, and have been prayer supports for each other. I have been truly blessed to receive this vocation, this gift of the Spirit."
Nancy Gast (Northeast Portland): "I grew up in a small community in the state of Washington. There were two churches in town, a Catholic Church and a Community Church that served all of the Protestant faith groups in the area. As such, we were taught the basics of Christianity: to love Jesus and to practice the Golden Rule. Our small youth group was taken on field trips to visit churches (Baptist, Lutheran, Evangelical) located in other towns as well as the Catholic Church in our own community. I was taken with the Catholic ritual but never pursued it in my youth.
"I moved to Portland, Oregon, to continue my education and became a registered Medical Technologist. I was baptized in 1963 in California. After returning to Portland, I was invited to join a prayer group. It was there that I met the Sisters of the Holy Names. There was something about these women that caused me to ponder what my life was all about. I resisted the tugging at my heart until I could no longer say no. I soon became an Associate, and the Sisters and other Associates were soon to be my main fuel for Spiritual Food.
I left the safe environment of the hospital arena and entered Corporate America as a medical equipment sales representative. The support of the Sisters, their prayers and encouragement, helped me fulfill my call to bring high-quality and affordable laboratory testing to the smallest and poorest of communities that had hospitals to serve them.
"I became the co-director of the Associates in Oregon in 1992. My dream for the future is to inspire others to fulfill their Spiritual Goals by joining with the Holy Names Community to share hope, joy, faith, and love as we live out our gospel values as Jesus taught them."
Margaret Ann Kennedy (East Bay, California): "I had had a longstanding relationship with the Sisters. My mother went to them in grammar school and high school. My father was the Sisters' doctor. I had them in high school and college. I was also in the community for a few years. Later as a laywoman, I ministered with them. I feel that my association with the Sisters of the Holy Names keeps me honest, focused and aware — especially as regards social justice issues. Their charism, I think, gives rise to a unique spirituality in which we can participate as Associates. Fellow Associates, too, are valued companions 'on the journey' and — both Sister and Associate — are blessings in my life."
Peggy Phelps Simms (Mid-Atlantic): The ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Names in St. Gabriel Parish in Washington, D.C., begun in 1924, continues today. One way our ministry continues is through St. Gabriel's Petworth Youth Program, which operates as an outreach to all members of the parish and community. The program includes an after-school tutoring program, athletic teams, a retreat program and other enriching activities. The program assists inner-city students in many ways, and spreads the charism of Mother Marie-Rose Durocher.
"I feel that my association with the Sisters of the Holy Names keeps me honest, focused and aware — especially as regards social justice issues. Their charism, I think, gives rise to a unique spirituality in which we can participate as Associates."
Margaret Ann Kennedy, East Bay, California
(Windsor, Ontario)
(Seattle)
Kathy Herrington
(South Bay, California)
Nancy Gast
(Northeast Portland)
Margaret Ann Kennedy
(East Bay, California)