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Associates
A joyful conclusion to the day was the incorporation of Mary Lou Barr and Mary Grasafi to Associate Commitment.
Associate Mary Gibson receives her ASLW pin from Theresa Weber, SLW
April 19, 2008 marked the third annual retreat held at Christ the King, Flint, Michigan. The theme of the retreat was “Spirituality of the Earth Charter.” Mary McDevitt, IHM from Flint, Michigan talked about present day actions to sustain our world for future generations. Many in the audience were already attuned to eco-friendly practices. The day of prayer and sharing culminated with the Renewal of Associate commitment and welcoming Mary Gibson, ASLW as an Associate.
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. The first Associates began to meet with SLW, sharing prayer and the unfolding development of the young religious community.
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. Topics were selected that helped the lay men and women identify with the spirit of the Sisters.
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. The interested person and the mentor meet on a regular basis. In the meetings, various topics relating to the history, the Mission and the guiding Statements of the SLW are discussed and shared. 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 29, 2007
Day of Reflection - Barbara Mass, SLW Living Word Associates traveled from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin and Louisiana. Friday morning, they shared discussions with the SLW. Later, they engaged in reflective sessions on Spirituality and Mission. Using the same process of the Contemplative Experience of the Sisters, they prayed, listened and shared the spirit of the Living Word. 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.
"The July 29 Associate Gathering was both informative and inspirational. The give-and-take of the Vision Statement discussion was truly indicative of how the Sisters of the Living Word share ideas, insights and lives. It was good to be included in this most important undertaking. Looking forward to see the final product. The afternoon Contemplative Experience gave me an opportunity to quietly consider and share the meaning of Living Word in my own life. Having participated in the past gatherings with many of the same Associates gave me a feeling of growing together in our desire to live the Mission and Vision of SLW." -Mary Pat Wilkans
"Our Associate meeting was a truly awesome experience." -Sheryl Smith, ASLW
"As we gather, our connection is evident in the easy way we share and pray together." -Josette Buehlman, ASLW
"Participating in the morning session with the Sisters allowed me to experience the vibrant sense of community...it gave me an opportunity to deepen my spirituality." -Helen Bajkowski, ASLW
"Energy (Holy Spirit) remained with me throughout the Assembly." -Jeannette Moquin-Bergeson, ASLW
"The experience was very uplifting. We learned Associates are interdependent with the Sisters, and joined with them in the SLW Mission to free the oppressed and give new life." -Jeannie Lagarde, ASLW
Standing: (l to r) Helen Bajkowski, Vicki Pusateri, Carol Kelzer, Jeannie Lagarde, Mary Pat Wilkans, Josette Buehlman, Sheryl Smith and Michelle Van Well. Sitting: (l to r) Jeannette Moquin-Bergeson and Anita Skelton.
Chicago, Illinois Donna Williams, SLW Four women meet with Donna. They meet monthly for about two hours. The content of the meetings are the Associate Formation Booklets and real life.
Virginia Thoennes, SLW and Helen Bajkowski, ASLW This group of 9 women meets almost monthly from September to May. Helen Bajkowski prepares the topic for prayer and discussion. There is a good deal of sharing individual concerns and joys. This group makes an effort to attend SLW events over the year especially the celebration of the Annunciation, March 25, and the Assembly. At the Annunciation, Associates renew their commitment after the SLW renew their vows.
Mary Cornille, SLW and Jeanette Salbert, SLW Group One consists of 9 women who meet with every second Tuesday of the month. They discuss topics like the SLW Vision Statement or a portion of the Earth Charter. One longer evening of reflection a year is usually conducted by an SLW. Once a year they have a pot luck supper and try to sponsor one activity to support Living Word ventures.
Group Two is a smaller group who meet once a month. Attendance at every meeting is difficult for the group because of sickness and family commitments. Meetings provide time for reflective silence and shared prayer. We discuss what it means to feel called by the charism of Living Word and complete exercises in the formation booklets. The group finds the time rewarding.
A third group is made up of men and women who live far apart and can not meet as a group very often. Mary Cornille, SLW stays in contact by phone, emails, cards and SLW information.
Chillicothe, Illinois Barbara Mass, SLW This group meets three times a year. They are completing the formation booklet.
Chillicothe Associates, March 2006
Sioux City, Iowa Rosalie Erdmann, SLW and Carol Kelzer This group of about 8 meet every 3 months. They consider themselves Partners in Prayer at this time, but are moving toward Association. They use SLW Community happenings and the Scripture for their prayer and sharing.
Louisiana/Mississippi Lynda Rink, SLW The 50 Associates in Louisiana and Mississippi meet both in large and small groups with SLW. They focus on the SLW mission and how they can be instruments of new life. In 2006, during the yearly retreat, 26 Associates gave witness through a public commitment to their investment in the SLW Mission. Associates in the New Orleans area are very much involved in all the SLW special events particularly in key fundraising roles.
Michigan Joanne Fedewa, SLW Ten to twelve women meet several times a year. In 2005, an SLW and an Associate led the group in a retreat reflecting the SLW spirituality. The retreat theme was based on the Earth Charter, a focus of the SLW Community.
West Texas Barbara Aretz The group of about 12 meets every 3 months. They consider themselves in the developmental stage of coming to Association. Carrie Miller, SLW did an introductory session with them in October 2005 and will meet again in February. They are using the initial formation booklets for prayer and discussion.
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