- December 3, 2020 Association
When asked what led her to take the job of co-director/director of Association, Associate Kay Komotos replied simply, “God is at work, and we don’t always understand how until later.” Little did she know at the time, the Holy Spirit was at work, leading her to an opportunity where she would grow as an individual and as a CSJ associate all while creating change and growth for the province’s associate program.
Though, after five years, Kay says “it is time” as she steps down from the role that she has been so thankful for and looks forward to retirement.
In July of 2015, she joined Peggy Maguire as co-director of Association. Two years later, she became director upon Peggy’s retirement. Kay felt very fortunate to have Peggy there when she started. “She was a great mentor,” says Kay. “I learned so much from her, and I still call her whenever I have a question that I know she can help me with.”
With each year, Kay realized a truer understanding of what the commitment is to be an associate, to love God and neighbor without distinction. “It’s all about the charism, the community and the mission,” she says. “Being in this role, enhanced my appreciation for the commitment so much more. I’m grateful for this.”
Peggy shared the same sentiments as she felt privileged to work with Kay those two years and knew she was leaving the program in good hands. “Kay brought her many gifts and skills to that position as well as her great love for the Sisters of St. Joseph and their associates,” says Peggy. “When Kay became director, her exuberance and vision helped lead association into the future.”
While taking no credit for herself, Kay has overseen the continued growth of the associate program, focusing on furthering the communication and engagement with associates strategically and socially throughout the province as well as in the congregation and federation. “I won’t say it’s all of my accomplishments,” she says. “It’s the people I work with—that collaborative effort.”
In collaboration with the Associate Leadership Board (ALB), she helped implement a strategic plan with goals and actions. Other new developments which have taken place, in coordination with the ALB, are the regional associate leadership teams, plus the monthly Bulletin Board newsletters edited by Associate Carrie Arnold and the Spiritual reflections created by Associate Santa Cuddihee. Kay also worked on improving association email communication.
"By communicating to more associates in various ways about events throughout the province, we’ve built a better sense of engagement among the associates both inside and outside of St. Louis," she says. ACOF (Associates, Consociates, Ohana and Familia) held its first-ever congregational convocation in St. Louis in 2017 and its first provincial gathering of the Community of St. Joseph in Wisconsin in 2019; both events were well-attended.
Kay always looks for the grace in the midst of challenges. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunity for the communities to continue to connect was provided through Zoom. With the cancellation of this year’s convocation in St. Paul, each ACOF province is now hosting Zoom convocation events with the St. Louis province hosting in February. Commitment ceremonies have been held throughout the province either by Zoom or by observing social distancing/masking protocols. Come and See inquiries have also been done via Zoom.
“I guess the lesson is that you can’t just say no. It’s the willingness to look at how to do what needs to be done differently.”
“Kay taught me the depth and breadth of the associate program,” says Sister Fran Maher, Province Leadership liaison of Association. “Having attended the associate commitment ceremonies, I know our associates are one with the sisters in our spirituality, our charism of loving unity, and our mission.”
As for her most treasured moments, it’s the “powerful” commitment gatherings and her service on the Racial and Cultural Justice and Mission Agenda committees. Though, most of all, it’s the relationships and friendships built with the sisters and associates, the motherhouse staff, and her fellow congregational associate directors.
“When I first came to the motherhouse, I felt this spirit of the sisters,” says Kay. “And I still feel it. It’s one of love, acceptance, joy, wisdom and humor.”
Though Kay is retiring, fortunately for us, she will remain an associate, and we will continue to benefit from her presence among us. As she enjoys more time with her husband John, family and friends, getting back to her hobbies, and “to just be,” we know she will find new and challenging ways to share her many gifts for ministry.
By Sarah Baker, Communications Specialist