- December 20, 2022 Association
Carrie will coordinate associate formation and promote spiritual and ministry opportunities for the Wisconsin region.
By Associate Mary Armbrust, Director of Association
The Associate Leadership Board (ALB) is happy to announce the regional associate coordinator for Wisconsin, Associate Carrie Arnold. Regional coordinators are volunteers that serve associates within their region in collaboration with Director of Association Mary Armbrust. Their work is to support the unique ways of initial formation, ongoing spiritual formation, and living out the charism in their own communities. Get to know a bit about Carrie as she shares about her life, work and what she brings to the regional coordinator position.
My Life in Green Bay
I am a Wisconsin lifer. My great-great- and great-grandparents emigrated to Wisconsin from Denmark and Norway, so I know that an affinity for cold and dark is in my bones. I’ve been married to my husband, Bob, for 46 years. We have three grown children and one grandchild—none of whom lives within 2,000 miles of us—so we have cultivated family-like relationships with many precious friends in and around Green Bay.
How I Became an Associate
A huge part of what drew me to Association is that desire for friends, in particular, those who are on a similar spiritual path. After many years working in the institutional church, I left because of its stance on women, LGBTQ brothers and sisters, and other positions that hurt my heart. I couldn’t put energy toward it anymore. But leaving my parish left me rootless and without my “people.” Thanks to Sister Judy Miller for inviting me into Association. I have found my home and my tribe, and I am profoundly grateful.
The Gifts I Bring to the Regional Coordinator Position
I have served on the Associate Leadership Board (ALB) for six-and-a-half years. I’ve enjoyed listening to and responding to the expressed needs of associates for more interaction with sisters, especially cooperating on serving the dear neighbor, more opportunities for spiritual growth, and more community-building activities. There are many ways to do this province-wide, and the ALB is working on those ways. There is also great opportunity to work on these regionally in ways that fit the culture and needs of the particular region. Our Wisconsin associates have so many gifts to bring to our table. I am excited to be part of inviting and welcoming their sharing.