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Colorado hosts first “Charity Family State Gathering”

In March 2011, directors of Associates from the 12 congregations which comprise the Sisters of Charity Federation came together to discuss ways they could collaborate. As they brainstormed, it became clear that some Associates are often left in areas where Sisters used to minister or Associates move to different parts of the country and world for job or family. Many then find themselves alone without Charity Family support. “Why not see if we can gather Associates from our different communities in the same places?” And so it began, the idea of a Charity Associate Directory in which Associates of the Sisters of Charity Federation communities would be listed. But that didn’t seem like enough, so instead of just putting names together, the directors decided to get the people together. Mary Jo Mersmann, director of Associates for the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, announced she was meeting with Sisters and Associates in Colorado Springs, Colo., in September 2011 and that anyone who had Associates in that state were welcome to invite them to gather and meet one another. Peggy Cekoric, director of Associates for the Sisters of Charity, New York, agreed to travel there and lead the meeting with her. Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Associate Kate McCord made arrangements at St. Francis-Penrose Hospital for a meeting room and refreshments. Invitations were sent and people gathered on Thursday, Sept. 22 in the Cactus Room at the hospital, where Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati have served since 1893. Four Associates of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, New York, one Associate of the Sisters of Charity of Convent Station, N.J., one Associate of Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Ky., and more than 20 Associates and Sisters from the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati shared stories, food and prayer. One of the highlights of the gathering was the commitment ceremony of Vie Thorgren, Associate of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. All present carried their candles in procession and signed her lifetime commitment document. Vie also gave a beautiful presentation on her relationship with St. Louise de Marillac and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. It was a bonding experience and together all realized that they are part of the bigger Charity Family. Future events are being planned – Elizabeth Seton’s Feast Day, Thanksgiving celebrations and much more. This is the first of many state gatherings the directors of Associates in the Charity Federation are planning. Rosemary Carroll of Sisters of Charity of Convent Station will be gathering those living in or around Massachusetts in the near future. Associates and Sisters of the SC Federation congregations will receive a special invitation to an event in their area of the country throughout the next year. The original group from the SC Federation gathering in March 2011 included: Peggy Cekoric from the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, New York; Rosemary Carroll, Sisters of Charity of Convent Station, N.J.; Jo Ann Paulin, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Ky.; Mary Jo Mersmann, Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati; S. Maria Sutherland, Sisters of Charity of Halifax; S. Stella Maris Craven, Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, S.C.; and S. Sharon Smith, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kan.

 

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