- December 30, 2025 Association
The Associate Leadership Board (ALB) met in St. Louis in early November with representatives from across the province, including sisters and associates. The regional coordinators joined the gathering so all could connect and share what is happening.
KANSAS CITY
Molly Gallagher, the Kansas City (KC) regional coordinator, shares that the region is adapting following the closure of the KC Mission Advancement Office.
This fall's Linger Over Breakfast became a Morning of Reflection, drawing 30 attendees and featuring Sister Ruth Stuckel and Associate Nicole Nicoll. S. Ruth’s presentation, “Mysticism,” focused on the study of mysticism and the transformation of three mystics: Paul, Ignatius and Teresa of Avila. Nicole’s presentation, “A Morning of Prayer for the Unexpected,” was inspired by her personal story of a chance meeting with a grieving fellow parishioner at an art museum that taught her to be open to God’s spontaneous guidance rather than following her own favored path.
Dining to Donate will continue at Jasper's and is scheduled for March 25. Formation is progressing slowly, with interest expressed via email. Molly plans to update the directory and support the Sharing of the Heart groups.
On Dec. 8, the KC region welcomed Chris Newman, the chief operating and financial officer at St. Teresa’s Academy (STA) as a CSJ associate. Molly and Sister Ann Landers led a special ceremony during STA’s all-school Mass, celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
ST. LOUIS
St. Louis continues to thrive with quarterly gatherings that offer time to connect, share mission-focused announcements and hear from local speakers. Regional co-coordinators, Associates Maureen Wessels and MarySue Rosenthal Gee, share that formation is moving ahead with four associates finishing in December and a new group starting with a streamlined 10-month process and video resources. Mentorship dinners combine fellowship with chapter discussions and guest speakers.
They are refreshing the directory to highlight active members. Social events, such as trivia night and the annual potluck, which alternates between Nazareth Living Center and the Carondelet Motherhouse, help keep the spirit strong.
Associate Lori Fick shares that planning is underway for the 2026 Province Retreat, sponsored by Association. The event is scheduled for June 11-13, 2026, at the Pallottine Renewal Center in Florissant, Missouri. Volunteers are welcome! Contact Lori or Agrégée Angie Voholt-Wilsey if you are interested in helping. The ALB will share more details in the coming months.
DENVER
Sister Clare Spaeth reported that Denver’s “tiny but mighty” group meets monthly for a Sharing of the Heart and a State of the House update. They participate in city events when possible.
This region has ceased active recruitment due to the aging of its participants.
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin welcomed Associate Mary Ellen Julien as their regional coordinator in August. She compiled a list of 69 members and created a document for shared updates.
In Wisconsin, regional gatherings occur in the fall and spring, with small groups rotating through planning and hospitality duties. Wisconsin emphasizes shared responsibility. Events have been held in Green Bay, with Appleton next.
Mary Ellen is recruiting leaders for new small groups as part of a “Come and See” initiative that encourages associates to invite potential new associates.
The Wisconsin region joyfully welcomed three new associates during their sectional gathering on Oct. 18. The new regional coordinator, Associate Mary Ellen Julien, and their formation leader, Associate Carrie Arnold, led the commitment ceremony, welcoming Joleen Krings and Roger and Betty Vanderveest to CSJ Association.