Associate Covenanting in the East

 On March 3rd Sunday we began the celebration of Associate Covenanting with our musicians Megan LoBue and Nancy Quinn leading us in “ All are welcome, all are welcome in this place”. Yes, it was a joyful welcoming celebration of our new Associates Valerie Di Maulo, Patti Schweizer and the renewal of covenant for five years for Gail DeVito, Margaret McGuiness and Jean Tuzzo.

Sister Sheila Lemieux (Congregation Leader) welcomed those gathered. She reminded us that making of a covenant is always serious and solemn matter before God and God’s people. She emphasized that the Associate with their covenanted association with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace enriches the life, ministry and the charism of the Congregation. She thanked the Associate Co-Directors, Susan Whitsell CSJP and Eileen McCann CSJP- A, and the core group for their dedicated service to make this a reality.

Kate Chambers CSJP- A provided us with a thought-provoking reflection. Reflecting on her own journey as an Associate, she asked the thought-provoking questions: Why one needed to be an Associate? Why be part of this particular group? “My experience as an associate has shown me that the challenges put forth in the scriptural readings cannot be lived out alone. They are best lived out within a community of faith – one that invites and offers hospitality; one that forms the heart; one that shows the way through authentic speech and deeds of integrity. Being bound up with others who strive to live the vision of God’s kingdom, provides ways to speak rightly, act justly, and grow in love. All of us will renew our commitment as either Associates or Sisters. We will speak our willingness to not only live out our gospel call but also to support, invite, challenge, and encourage each other to grow in our love for God and for those in our care”. Read Kate's reflection.

The Prayers of the Faithful, written by Gail DeVito, were extremely appropriate for the current happenings in our world. The response, May our eyes be open to the presence of God, could be our daily prayer. Download a copy.

We paused to remember the life and witness of Judy Maltzan, Irene King Mennitt, and John Casey, who died in the past year. To read the remembrance of an Associate, click on the person’s name.

We ended the liturgy with the Recessional Song “We are called to act with justice…” Yes we had so much to celebrate, the celebration continued by sharing a delicious meal and great conversation, smiles, and laughter at St. Peter’s auditorium.

Thanks to:
Sheena George, CSJP for writing the article
Peter Pieroni for the photos!

NB. Click on any photo to view an enlargement!