Celebrating Associate Commitment

On the feast of St. Dominic Day, August 8, 2009, five candidates made an Initial Commitment in associate relationship in the Siena Center Chapel.  Each spoke their commitment statement pledging to share in the mission, direction, faith-sharing and ministries of the Racine Dominican Community.  Sister Maryann McMahon accepted their commitments in the name of the community.

Associates pictured with their sponsors are S. Carla Mae Streeter with Elizabeth La Jeunesse, S. Chris Broslavick with Claire Quiner, S. Maryann McMahon, S. Karen Fredrickson with Douglas Gundlach, S. Pat Mapes with Catherine Gundlach, S. Mary Vaughn with Susan Dupont.

These associates and sponsors will continue in a two-year study program to explore ways to connect with and be involved in the ministries of the Racine Dominicans. They will also participate in days of reflection and community gatherings.

During the same ceremony, three associates made a Commitment Renewal and were given an associate pin.Their commitment statements were received by S. Maryann McMahon.

Pictured are S. Joanette Nitz with Diane Kelly and S. Carolyn Leffler,  S. Karen Vollmer, co-director of associate relationship, S. Maryann McMahon,  Janet Payne and S. Jeanne Kimler, Joseph Marco and S. Betty Ann Heegeman.

Associate Martie Washburn shared a scripture reflection from John 1:1-5, 14, 16. She spoke of the Word in the Gospel as Jesus.  “How powerful this scripture is – to hear that ‘the Word’ was pre-existent with God before creation, the instrument of creation while in intimate relationship with God, and finally, the essence of God, gives us a lot to contemplate. The Word created earth by speaking.  The Word recreated lives by speaking God’s wisdom here on earth. As an Order of Preachers we cannot lose the significance of this message.”

Associate Jo Kuchta made her Commitment Renewal during the vigil liturgy for the feast of the Assumption, Friday evening, August 14, 2009.  S. Beverly Hebel is Jo’s sponsor. Jo moved to Nashville, TN, after the death of her sister, S. Shirley Kuchta. Her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Mark Dorais, brought Jo to Racine for a visit. This became an opportune time for Jo to renew her commitment and receive an associate pin.