|
Associates
West Texas Associate Commitment
Carrie Miller, SLW facilitates a retreat for the West Texas Associates on March 27. The Associates renewed their commitment to the SLW Mission at this time.
Barb Aretz, ASLW reflects on the retreat topic presented
Emma Galindo, ASLW participates in the ritual of renewal while Robert Mills, ASLW prays
Louisiana Associate Commitment
On March 11, Louisiana Associates and SLW gathered for an evening of prayer and renewal while celebrating the feast of the Annunciation.
ASLW, Mary Grisaffi, Linda Strohmeyer and Pat Frederick, prepare for the reflection and renewal of their Associate Commitment
ASLW, Debbie Bergeron and Me-Me LeBlanc, pause for a moment in the reflection
Associates from Louisiana pose after the renewal retreat and ceremony
Liz Bowls from Detroit, MI made her commitment on May 2, 2009 at Christ the King Parish in Flint, MI. Other MI Associates renewed their commitment for another year.
Associates are involved with the Living Word Sisters through
As early as 1978, lay men and women initiated discussion regarding connection with the Mission and spirit of the Sisters of the Living Word. These men and women recognized in themselves the energy of bringing new life to others. The Word spoke to them in Scripture, through others, in life and in creation.
In 1992, two Associates addressed the SLW Assembly. They expressed their excitement at being connected with the SLW Mission and with the lay Associate movement that was happening to other religious communities across the United States. After the 1992 Assembly, several SLW and Associates worked together to formulate a process of becoming an Associate.
In 1993, six men and women made a one year commitment to the Mission and spirit of the Sisters of the Living Word. Over the years since, other men and women continue to make this same yearly commitment around March 25, the celebration of the Annunciation, the Community feast day.
There are Associates groups in Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Texas. SLW Associates live in Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Wisconsin and West Virginia. These approximately 140 people share the Gospel vision and identify with the SLW spirit in varying degrees and forms. The photo gallery highlights some of the groups and their ways of identifying with the Living Word Mission.
Becoming an Associate A person becomes an Associate through a process of prayer, reflection and study with an SLW mentor or another Associate. The process involves identifying the spirit of the Living Word in the life of the interested person. Through meeting with a mentor on a regular basis, various topics relating to the history, the Mission and the guiding Statements are discussed. At a mutually agreed time, the Associate is invited to make a yearly commitment to the Mission of the Sisters of the Living Word.
For more information, please contact slwcommunications@yahoo.com.
Associate Gathering, June 28, 2008
Day of Reflection - Barbara Mass, SLW Living Word Associates traveled from Illinois, Wisconsin and Louisiana. Friday afternoon and evening, they shared prayer with each other. During that time, Associate Anniversaries were celebrated. The Associate Planners had prepared remembrances for the honorees. One of the first Associates to make a commitment to the ASLW Mission was present as well as several other anniversary people. On Saturday, the Associates joined the SLW Assembly and spent time in Contemplative Experiences with the Sisters. They prayed, listened and shared the spirit of the Living Word as both Sisters and Associates looked into the future with the new Direction Statement. The quiet atmosphere allowed for deeper reflection and application of the Mission of the Sisters of the Living Word to the daily lives of the Associates.
Click here to view photos from the gathering.
Note: You will need Adobe Reader to view the document. Click the link below to download Adobe Reader, for free, to your computer. http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
Associates continue to find ways to reflect on the nature and purpose of their association. This is expressed in a variety of ways in the different regions. Their commitment to grow in prayer, witness to Gospel values, our SLW Mission and be supportive of each other, are the key factors that bond them to SLW and each other.
Associate Groups Illinois Mary Cornille, SLW Olive Street Associates/Scattered Locations Eight Associates on Olive St. meet faithfully. Eleven others find creative ways to meet in smaller groups or at SLW Center gatherings. Associates use “telephone prayer sharing” as a new way of reaching out to those unable to attend meetings or who live at a distance. Prayer and faith sharing on scripture, our SLW Mission Statement or topics being studied by SLW, such as the Sacred Circle. are the focus of the gatherings. All gather once yearly for mass and/or some special prayer service as well as social gatherings. The groups are very conscious of keeping in touch through prayer/telephone/email prayer requests.
Donna Williams, SLW Chicago North Side Four Associates meet monthly on Tuesday evening from September to May Present resource being used: Soul Sisters: Women in Scripture Speak to Women Today. Prayer and sharing are part of the gathering as they see how one of the women in the Scriptures can be an inspiration/example in their personal lives.
Virginia Thoennes, SLW Arlington Heights Four to eight Associates meet monthly at SLW Center.. Members share life events/ participate in reflective and shared prayer. The group is very faithful in participating in SLW events at the SLW Center.
Barbara Mass, SLW Chillicothe Eight Associates and usually one or two from Chicago gather about twice a year. Distance prevents more frequent gatherings. Content from the Formation Books is used for group gathering/prayer and at other times the Liturgical year. When possible the Chillicothe Associates come to the SLW Center for celebrations.
Chillicothe Associates, March 2006
Iowa Rosalie Erdmann, SLW Sioux City Associate, Carol Kelzer, works closely with Rosalie SLW. Together they plan and meet every three months with about 10 persons who have chosen to be part of the SLW Partners in Prayer Program. As they pray and reflect on Scripture they are also given opportunities to see how the Sisters of the Living Word strive to live God’s word each day through their ministries. This group recognizes how their gathering and sharing is nurturing their spiritual /personal growth. Within the last two years they have found ways of outreach that tap into SLW spirit, values and ministry.
Louisiana Belle Chasse, Metairie, Northshore Forty-eight Associates in Louisiana meet both in large and small groups with SLW. Formation Books are used for those in the process of becoming Associates. This past year, writings of Foundress, Annamarie Cook, SLW were used as a means of furthering a deeper understanding of our call as Living Word. SLW prayer services (Founding Day, Annunciation), as well as liturgical resources are used. Associates gather yearly for a retreat at which time they renew their commitment. One new Associate joined the group this year. Two ASLW died during the past year. Associates are still very much committed to activities that promote SLW spirit and outreach. Associates also participate in events that support the ministries of SLW.
Michigan Joanne Fedewa, SLW Stapleton, Detroit Seven Associates meet about four times a year. Gatherings provide time for prayer, faith sharing and building relationships with each other, the Sisters and the sharing of SLW goals, ministries, community concerns and issues. Each year the Associates have a retreat at which time they renew their commitment. One associate who made a commitment last spring died in December 2008. The Associates and SLW gather for an annual picnic that provides an enjoyable experience for all.
Minnesota Agnes Martinka, SLW/Rosaria Schlecter, SLW St. Paul/Minneapolis Two Associates meet with SLW about three or four times a year. Efforts are made to stay in touch, especially at seasonal time. MN Associates are very active in their church parish and outside organizations such as Red Cross, the Lion’s Club, etc. The content for meetings includes visiting, prayer, discussion and planning. A series on the Eucharist by Fr. Richard Richstatter, OFM was used. Gatherings continue to keep us mindful of the SLW Global Spirituality focus. A Lenten retreat for Associates, Partners in Prayer and parishioners has been a special event for the past six years. It is anticipated for the coming year.
Texas Barbara Aretz, ALSW Midland/West Texas Twelve Associates have made their ASLW commitment. They meet on the third Monday of each month. Presently the group is using the book, 25 Windows into the Soul…Praying with the Psalms by Joan Chittister for prayer and sharing. The Associates do a community service project every other month. Five Associates are attending a three year spiritual director program in Lubbock. The group participated in outreach programs of many kinds: Safe Place, church parish programs, and a Garage Sale to support SLW ministries. Some Associates are hoping to attend the SLW 2009 Assembly in June. Three Associates attended the national NACOR meeting in 2008.
|
