- October 8, 2020 Association
by Nicole Nicoll, KC Director of Formation
A light rain laid over the freshly cut campus lawn of Avila University, and the sun filtered through the trees making a beautiful site for a very special event. On Aug. 7, mentors and close family members arrived at the Orschein Memorial Chapel to hear and witness the initial and ongoing commitments of eight associates from Avila and St. Teresa's Academy.
The campus was empty, but ready to begin classes in a couple of weeks. Concern for the coronavirus was on everyone’s minds as they all wore face masks, stayed six feet apart. Associate David Armstrong, Avila's campus minister, saw to it that the chapel was disinfected and reminded the guests to keep a distance. Singing was forbidden in fear of spreading disease.
Sisters Ruth Stuckel, Marie Joan Harris and Laverne Aufmuth represented the Sisters of Carondelet. And the presence of Associate Kay Komotos, director of Association from St. Louis, was greatly appreciated.
Everyone was very serious as the initial candidates took their turn walking to the podium. I was sad that the event was so simple for our candidates, but as I wiped my tear and listened to each of them speak one by one, I realized a lovely theme of “love of neighbor without distinction.” These five holy women know the core meaning of loving the dear neighbor without distinction.
... I further pledge to support the sisters and uphold the ideals of being receptive to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, loving the dear neighbor without distinction, moving always toward the more ... —Abigail Jelavich
... I commit myself to living the CSJ charism to cultivate and facilitate peace in loving the dear neighbor without distinction. I commit to making a difference in the community by working to foster equality and justice ... —Siabhan May-Washington
... I aspire to join this community, to perform all the spiritual and coporal works of mercy of which I am capable, to relieve the sufferings of the dear neighbors, with the hope of contributing to unity in a broken world... — Melissa Johnson
... [I commit to] work towards the values of equality, love of the dear neighbor, and further growth in understanding and living in right relationship between myself and God, myself and neighbor, and myself and the earth ... —Suzanne Slepitza
... Through prayer and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I will strive to be humble, charitable and love neighbor without distinction. Today, I join hand and hearts with my community for healing, reconciling and fostering right relationships with all people with whom I interact and serve... — Janet Woulfe
In addition to the five initial candidates, three associates made their ongoing commitment: Casey Colleen O'Flaherty, Nancy Siebolt and James Wright.
Although we were without music, hugging and cake, it was the holiest of gatherings, sanctified by the sun forcing itself through the trees and the smiles that brought us all together.
Barbara Roberts, director of the Kansas City Regional Mission Advancement Office, also made her initial commitment as a CSJ associate on Sept. 18 at Avila University.