- December 3, 2020 Association
By Associate Diane Bur
We finally did it! On Oct. 11, five Denver associates—Rosa Herron, Sukie Alarcon, Diane Bur, Frankie Rachell-Bruce and Theresa Montano—made their ongoing commitment in Associate Peg Connolly’s backyard.
Originally scheduled in March, the COVID-19 pandemic, with its precautions and restrictions, caused the cancellation of that event. We thought that in a couple months we’d once again resurrect our plans and proceed with the ceremony by July at the latest. We had no idea what was coming. So we waited … and waited … and waited.
In September, we decided we'd waited long enough and began thinking about how we could accomplish this event given recommended restrictions and our need for caution. We currently have eight vowed sisters and 14 associates in our Denver community who range in age from 57 to 89, many with chronic health conditions. What could we possibly do? And then, enlightenment: gathering outdoors in Peg’s backyard seemed like the perfect solution. Planning began in earnest and came to fruition a month later.
October weather in Colorado can be very erratic, so we prayed for a day without rain or snow. We were blessed with a beautiful, sunny, fall day with a temperature in the 70s. All of our vowed sisters and nine of our associates felt comfortable attending, masks in place. In addition, Sister Mary McGlone, who was visiting her hometown, attended.
Unfortunately, Frankie and Theresa, who wished to make their ongoing commitment, were unable to attend in person due to COVID and personal health reasons. Therefore, Peg was proxy for Frankie and Sister Mary Ann Figlino for Theresa.
All of those making their commitment cited inspiration, love and support by the community:
- … In the past eight months, despite not being able to meet as a group, the bond of love and support created by this family of sisters and associates, who I believe are living examples of the Maxims, ‘has strengthened and sustained me’. —Rosa
- … Your example of unshakeable faith, kindness, inclusion, and the lessons you have taught me about the value of community, have unequivocally convinced me that I want to recommit to being a CSJA … —Suki
- [I have been] inspired by the six strong, courageous, independent and committed women of LePuy … and today’s vowed and lay associate women … who have devoted their lives to loving and serving the dear neighbor without distinction. —Diane
- [I've] found that during these past three years the pearls of wisdom given to the Sisters of St. Joseph have flowed into my way of life and the way that I am now living … [I have] gratitude for my life, my family, friends, church, health and everyone and everything that touches my life. —Frankie
- I commit to serve in honor of the Sisters of St. Joseph, to the ministry of disabled people and to making their lives a little bit better. —Theresa
In addition to the commitment ceremony, we honored the “valiant women” in our midst whose jubilee celebration was also cancelled in March. Our mentor, Sister Jean Vianney Mindak, celebrated 70 years of vowed life, along with Srs. Dolores Bland and Mary Ann Figlino who celebrated 60 years. We honored them by reading a synopsis of their lives and service, invoking a special blessing over them and presenting them with a memento of flowering plants.
Our celebration of commitment and jubilee concluded with, of course, food. The associates provided a scrumptious potluck followed by cake, which was dedicated to our jubillarians. We had a wonderful day.