AUGUST 2019
VOL. XXIV, NO. 1
www.ursulinesmsj.org
associates.msj@maplemount.org
Sharing “Love in Action” at Associates and Sisters Day
By Associate Joanne Thompson of Paola, Kan.
Ursuline Associates and Sisters Day 2019 was about examining our actions in love – how our lives are spent in ministry Joanne Thompson serving others. Father Joe Merkt made a return to Associates and Sisters Day for participants to explore more challenging Ursuline spirituality exercises. During the morning session, associates shared their bird’s-eye view of ministry and what drives them. Father Joe reminded us that Saint Angela became aware of others’ needs and that Ursuline Sisters and Associates in turn share their lives in various forms of ministry to others. By raising of hands, 90 percent participated in parish volunteer roles and 70 percent participated in community projects. Part of the Vision Statement of the Ursuline Associates in ministry reads that associates respond to their baptismal call and “accept the grace of leadership and manifest a range of skills and ministerial gifts” which allow them to: • Be effective listeners • Foster respect and offer compassionate care • Demonstrate good stewardship • Work collaboratively with other lay and ordained ministers • Have an ability to discern and nurture the gifts of all the baptized in order to build the Kingdom of God; and • Embrace a professional code of ethics worthy of Catholic ministry and abide by civil and Church law. Thoughts shared after allowing these words to speak to them were: “Gifts without the giver are bare. The baptismal call is being buried and living with Christ – the giver from whom all gifts flow.”–Sister Pam Mueller
There were lively discussions on Associates and Sisters Day on June 22, including Father Joe Merkt’s question about personal spiritual events in the past year. Clockwise from bottom, Betty Stone, Marian Bennett, Tina Wolken, Sister Pam Mueller, and Joan Perry.
“Gifts we have are given by grace. We are all journeying. We journey with a rich variety of Sister Elaine Burke, left, visits with Memphis Associates George and journeyers.”–Sister Lorna Horishny on Associates Day. Sharon Sullivan “It is looking others in the eye, being there for them and reflecting their joy, too.”–Associate Nanette Foley “It is the gift of service – the joy of serving others in a positive way.”–Associate Risë Karr “Each of us is a minister to others. We have an opportunity to help others.”–Associate George Horishny “Joys of heaven will be meeting the people who we minister to and who were impacted by our actions … where we can hug each other and meet and share our joy.”–Father Joe Merkt There were more challenges to develop and grow in ministry offered as well. Many acknowledged to continually seek opportunities to improve their ministry skills as well as developing and nurturing the prayer lives of their associate community. Sister Elaine Burke requested traditional prayers daily for Ursuline Sisters in their efforts utilizing collaboration, visioning, planning, communication and decision-making as they face the challenges of a changing future. Father Joe said our ministry is called to be a ministry of accompaniment – “we listen and accompany them on a journey. We pray with them. We walk the journey and allow the experience to be shared.” Continued on page 2