Spring 2007, Volume 50, Number 1
Update from the Associate Office
by Karla BernsTrip to Mississippi is a Blessing
When Presentation associates, Mary Irene and Harry Stanton, expressed interest in volunteering in Okolona, MS, with the EXCEL (Enrichment and Excellence through Community Educational Leadership) program, Sister Joan Brincks helped them get in contact with Sister Jean Ann Meyer, who is a teacher in the EXCEL program. Donations of school supplies, goods for the EXCEL store and monies were gathered with the help of the Cities of Faith associate group, which includes Julie Blomme, Stephanie Jacobson, Deb Blaul, Julie Duncan, Lucy Duncan, Jane Nagy, Kathy Meinecke, Sister Joan Brincks and Mary Irene and Harry Stanton. St. Joseph Parish in Mason City and others also contributed.
On January 23, with a car full of donations, Mary Irene and Harry met Sister Jean Ann in the classroom working with the children in the after school program at St. Theresa’s Catholic Center. After unloading the car, they were busy in the classroom meeting the assistant teacher, volunteers and children. They also read with the children and helped them with math. The next four days of their stay were spent getting better acquainted with this excellent program that started in 1988 under the direction of Sister Elizabeth Brown, CSJ, to further education, to promote community building and service and to foster healthy lives for families and individuals.
Harry spent time with handyman needs. Mary Irene enjoyed helping unpack, price and sell items in the “One of a Kind” store. Harry and Mary Irene enjoyed working in the classroom and meeting the many wonderful people associated with the program including the other areas of health and wellness activities, GED programs, Practical Learning Skill, Family Support Services, Baby Lending Library, Senior Citizen programs and cancer support groups. This program, with sites also in Calhoun City and Morton, MS, is helping to bridge the gap with the people and with the great financial needs of the area. Mary Irene saw signs of bridging in the friendliness of the people on the streets, in the store, in the school and within the EXCEL Commons. Harry reports that Sister Jean Ann exemplifies Nano Nagle as she puts in long days working with the needy day after day.
Mary Irene and Harry shared the following summary comments: “It is one thing to hear others who have been there to talk about Okolona, but experiencing it gives a much better picture. It is the people who care about one another that make it succeed. We feel blessed to have been able to have this opportunity and hope to be able to go again some day.”
Photos: Top:Harry and Mary Irene load the car with donations as they prepare to leave for Okolona, MS. Middle: Harry, an EXCEL student and his mother work on reading in the after school program. Bottom: Sister Jean Ann and Mary Irene enjoy their visit with some EXCEL students.
Presentation Garage Sale
On April 27-28, the Presentation sisters and associates will host their third garage sale in conjunction with Dubuque’s citywide garage sale. You are invited to come, shop and help support the mission of the Presentation sisters. The money raised will be divided among the following three Presentation missions:
1. EXCEL, Inc. (Enrichment and Excellence through Community Educational Leadership) in Okolona, MS – Sister Mary Jean Ann Meyer teaches and directs both the After School EXCEL and the Summer Learning Camps. Included in her work are classes for GED; life, job and parenting skills; and the One-of-a-Kind resale store. What started as summer learning opportunities for 60 children has now grown to serving over 10,000 people in a year.
2. The Mission Room at the Mount Loretto Motherhouse – Sisters James Marie Gross and Maria Goretti Dullard have operated the Mission Room for the past seven years. Donated clothing comes in primarily from employees and friends of the Presentation sisters and the Dubuque Discovery Shop. The materials are mended, sorted, boxed and sent to three Appalachian missions, three missions in Mississippi and two Indian missions. On occasion, clothing is also sent to St. James Parish in Chicago, IL and the One-of-a-Kind store in Okolona, MS. A recent letter from one of the missions expressed great appreciation for the superb condition of the clothing sent. Proceeds from the sale will help cover the shipping costs.
3. St. James Food Pantry in Chicago, IL – The Pantry was opened in 1972 to address the social needs of the people in the area. The neighborhood is densely populated and marked with dire poverty. St. James strives to provide the poor and homeless with lunches and warm clothing when they stop at the door. Sister Barbara Rastatter is the director and reported that in 2006, the following were served per month: 800 families, 1857 individuals and 200 homeless persons. In addition, there are around 60 deliveries to homebound seniors. St. James receives no government funding and is completely dependent on private donations to operate.
Mentoring Orientation ProcessWith great joy and excitement, the Associate Process Office now has a mentoring orientation process developed for men and women who wish to become Presentation associates but because of distance or job restraints cannot be part of a formal orientation group process. A sister or associate will be partnered with the candidate throughout the process, meeting regularly via phone, email or in person.
If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more about the mentoring process, please contact the Associate Process Office, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001, or call 563-588-2008 or email associates@dubuquepresentations.org.
As Sister Raphael Consedine, PBVM, writes: “Go Out! For need calls loudly in the winding lanes and you must seek Christ there. Your pilgrim heart shall urge you still one pace beyond, and love shall be your lantern flame.”
Seven New Associates
L to R: Al and Marlene Myers from Marion, IA, and Donna and Ron Weaver from Manchester, IA, made their first commitment as Presentation associates on January 28, 2007 at the Myers home in Marion. Sisters Sheila Ann Dougherty, Annette Kestel, Lisa Schmidt and Ann Jackson led them in the orientation process and were present for their commitment.
L to R: Ron and Mary Dankert and Judi Weydert from Dubuque made their first commitment as Presentation associates on February 11, 2007 in the Mount Loretto Chapel as part of the Sunday liturgy. Sisters Pamela Quade, Joan Lickteig, Marilyn Breen and Associate Barb Ressler conducted the orientation and commitment ceremony.
The new associates are eager and willing to do whatever is needed to assist the Presentation mission. They join 92 other committed men and women associates in sharing their unique gifts; living out the Presentation spirit of presence, hospitality, compassion for those in need especially the poor, respect for all people, in their own individual life style; and strengthening gospel values and deepening prayer life through regular faith sharing and prayer meetings.