Fall 2006, Volume 49, Number 3

Presentation Associate Process: Vital and Growing

The Sisters of the Presentation established an associate process in 1998, joining a rather recent Church movement that provides others the opportunity to join forces with the sisters in a sharing of lives and gifts. Today the number of Dubuque Presentation associates approaches 100 women and men who are committed to joining the Presentation sisters in furthering their mission and charism, in the spirit of foundress, Nano Nagle. As seekers, lay women and men bring new life to the sisters. As carriers of tradition, the sisters share a treasure of lived experience.

“Nano’s Nine,” an associate group of sisters and associates, exemplify the process. In August they completed a yearlong orientation, learning about the Presentation sisters, led by Sisters Lynn Marie Fangman and Carmen Hernandez and Associate Karla Berns. Six women who have known Presentation sisters throughout their lives as relatives, friends or co-workers came together with the group leaders to steep themselves in Presentation spirituality. After a period of discernment, each orientee decided to continue as a committed associate. As a small group, their ongoing meetings will support one another in growth, in service and in works of peace and justice.

One of these newly committed women, Deb McClimon, participated in the Presentation Immersion Trip in June, a journey of rebuilding in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Sisters, associates and other friends assisted families to strip their damaged living spaces after the flooding. Deb’s reflections show this service was hospitality in action: “Receiving a hug and a ‘thank you’ from Tula, the homeowner, (even though I was filthy!) was the most valuable part of the project for me. Seeing Tula made this more than gutting a house. It was giving Tula hope for rebuilding her home and life.”

Associates assist sisters in their ministries. Sister Barbara Rastatter, who operates St. James food pantry in an economically distressed urban area, regularly receives collections of goods from “The Handmaids,” a Dubuque group of sisters and associates. Associates and sisters collaborate on the spring garage sale, dividing profits among Presentation ministries. Groups bring food to the poor, send goods to various shelters and educate themselves about the Earth Charter and issues of justice.

Associates and sisters share prayer and life in many ways. A relay system of mail and email sends prayer requests to all. They sponsor annual renewal days. Sisters include associates in community celebrations, special events and regular occurrences. Associates write to sisters who are living away from the Midwest and visit the retired sisters at Mount Loretto. Association is indeed based on relationships.

Left to Right: Newly committed associate, Deb McClimon, signs a pledge of commitment to carry on the charism of Nano Nagle, as Sister Carmen Hernandez witnesses.