[Who are Associates] [Association Process]
In recent years, a new movement within
religious communities has reached out to embrace lay women and men who have
expressed a desire for closer bonding with vowed religious. The Sisters of St.
Francis of Holy Name Province wished to collaborate with other people for
mutual strength and enrichment in living the Gospel. As a result, the Associate
Program of the Stella Niagara Sisters was "birthed" in 1987 and has
grown into several Associate Communities.
A Commissioning Ceremony seals the pledge of Associates and Sisters to support each other mutually in prayer, faith sharing, gospel living, and ministry.
There are now commissioned Associates, as well as inquirers and pre-associates, in Florida, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. The enthusiasm and dedication of the Associates promise that the charism of St. Francis and Mother Magdalen will continue well into the new millennium.
Commissioning Services Spring '09
In the picture on the left, Elaine Abersold, Ann Marie Galbo, Tracey Galbraith, Tracey Kent and Dolores Kosinski are commissioned at Stella Niagara. In the picture on the right, the convenors, Elaine Schuttinger and Sister Christella Ritchey along with Vocation Director, Sister Ann McDermott receive the commissioning of Deborah Koetz, second from the right, in Columbus, Ohio.
For additional information, please contact:
S. Ann E. McDermott OSF
St. Francis House
2647 Pierce St.
Hollywood, FL 33020
Ph. 954-925-5875
Fax
954-925-3182
e-mail: sannmcd@bellsouth.net or
vocations@franciscans-stella-niagara.org
or
Zoila L. Diaz, Associate
2415 Hayes St.
Hollywood, FL 33020
Ph. 954-923-6961
Fax 954-923-6961
email: zoilaldiaz@bellsouth.net