Fall 2006, Volume 49, Number 3

Gathering of the Grassroots Membership
of North American Presentations

L to R: Sisters Julianne Brockamp and Mery Cary Paz review small group discussion notes.	L to R: Sister Joellen Price, Associate Judi Moritz, Sisters Sharon Kelchen, Rita Menart and Joan Brincks relax at the banquet dinner.	L to R: Sisters Kay Cota, Paula Schwendinger, Annette Skyles, Benjamin Duschner, Barbara Rastatter and Margaret Anne Kramer gather for an outdoor lunch.

Converging to share their roots and focus on further collaborative actions, nearly 100 Dubuque Presentation sisters and associates were part of a gathering of over 400 North American Presentation sisters and associates at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, from June 29-July 2, 2006.

The theme of the 2006 Convergence was “Walking One,” expressing the hope held by the Conference of Presentation Sisters for unity in working together to advance the mission and vision of Presentation foundress, Nano Nagle. The Convergence provided an opportunity for Presentation women and men to come together to remember their heritage, to celebrate their stories, to build relationships and to plan future projects.

“Our desire is to grow together, to walk one, with a vision of the past and a dream of the future where peace, justice and integrity of all creation become a reality,” said Sister Monica Miller, PBVM, Executive Director of the Conference of Presentation Sisters and member of the Sisters of the Presentation of San Francisco, CA. The Conference of Presentation Sisters includes Presentation congregations from Aberdeen, SD; Dubuque, IA; Fargo, ND; Newfoundland, Canada; New Windsor, NY; San Francisco, CA; and Staten Island, NY. The U.S. Province of the Union of Presentation Sisters, based in Los Angeles, CA, is also a member of the Conference.

The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary were founded by Nano Nagle in Cork, Ireland, in 1775 for service to the poor and oppressed. Today there are 3,000 Presentation sisters and associates in 26 countries working in education, pastoral ministry, health care, social services, and other works of justice.

L to R: Sisters Annette Skyles, Karen Jasper and Janet Stelken pause for smiles.	L to R: Sisters Nora Welter, Josita Zieser and Sheila Kane reconnect during break time.	L to R: Sisters Anthony and Rosanne Rottinghaus and Catherine Wingert take advantage of the golf cart shuttle.

L to R: Sisters Ruth Ann Takes; Joan Brincks; Jocelyn Quijano of Union, United States Province; and Rita Menart express unity in dance.	L to R: Sisters Lynn Mary Wagner, Lisa Schmidt, Suzanne Takes, Carla Popes and Sharon Kelchen enjoy spending time with each other.	L to R: Associates Sister Virgie Luchsinger, SFCC, and Pat and Gino Pacetti, Sisters Dolores Moes and Janet Goetz enjoy the dinner conversation.

L to R: Associate Pat Pacetti and Sister Sheila Ann Dougherty catch up on each other’s lives.	L to R: Sister Catherine Fiegen of Aberdeen, SD; Sister Pamela Quade; and Sister Linda Isola of Staton Island, NY, register participants.	L to R: Sisters Jessi Beck and Julia Wingert take note of the day’s discussions.

Personal Reflections on Convergence 2006

It was wonderful to bring sisters and associates together to share stories. I am hopeful that from this gathering, ideas for more collaborative projects and communication at all levels will come.
Sister Nora Welter

We were all connected with a spirit-felt energy unifying us as one voice. The richness of the prayer rituals, the small group discussions and talks spoke to my heart. There was a reverence of listening to one another, to our stories and to Nano’s story and to the needs of the poor. We were so ready to be with one another.
Sister Carla Popes

This convergence, the blending of knowledge, understanding, information and experiences of our sisters from parts of the United States, Canada, Ireland, India and Australia, expanded my worldview and deepened my commitment to spend myself for the poor. I can now imagine that together we have the strength and power to address major social ills of our time. This group of impassioned, committed women, in partnership with people associated with our sisters, can be leaders in addressing the illnesses of our nation and our planet. Together we can make a difference.
Sister Irma Ries

With this experience of Convergence, I found that the gathering of sisters and associates from all over North America very meaningful. Meeting new Presentations and renewing former acquaintances was most exciting. The connection of persons from many age groups, talents, ministries and more, made me realize that putting a public face on Presentation and speaking with one voice on issues of justice can be powerful.
Sister Anne McCormick

It was an unbelievable opportunity to be with sisters and associates over three nights. It should happen every few years. The natural surrounding of the University and good weather provided warmth for groups to chat and rest. I loved seeing Nano breathe and live in so many and to talk to those who are close to her. We bear Nano’s DNA in our spiritual life. We can rely on Nano’s ancestoral heritage and call upon it frequently.
Associate Sister Virgie Luchsinger, SFCC

It was as if I knew all of those at Convergence forever. Through prayer and liturgy we could deepen our connection and feel so much in common that will mean putting energy together for joint projects.
Sister Cheryl Demmer