- February 24, 2023 Association
By Associate Mary Armbrust, Director of Association
The Associate Leadership Board (ALB) is happy to announce the regional associate coordinator for St. Louis, Associate MarySue Rosenthal Gee. 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 MarySue as she shares about her life, work and what she brings to the regional coordinator position.
My Life in St. Louis
I was born in St. Louis and raised in Kansas City, where I attended St. Teresa’s Academy and first picked up a camera. I returned to St. Louis as an adult to join the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. I worked as a radiology technologist while in the order and after leaving. In 1991, I began volunteering with Food Outreach, a local organization that provides nutritional services to those living with HIV/AIDS or in the treatment of cancer. By 1999, I’d taken a position on staff as director of Operations, a role I enjoyed for the next 20 years. I met my wife in 1991, and we were legally married in 2015. We have two adult sons and one grandson. Thankfully, our youngest son and grandson still live here. In addition to my work at Food Outreach, I’ve been active in a number of St. Louis organizations and associations and remain deeply committed to my city and community. I am an avid photographer and board member of the St. Louis Camera Club.
How I Became an Associate
I joined the CSJ community in 1979 but left before making first vows. The charism of the sisters, however, has stayed with me and guided my life since then. I’ve always felt close to the community and committing to Association feels like a completion.
The Gifts I Bring to the Regional Coordinator Position
I am well-organized and have years of experience working with volunteers and community members. I enjoy managing people and building relationships. I am patient and a good listener. From my passion for photography, I have developed a keen eye and focus on what matters. I most look forward to getting to know the other associates and sisters and continuing to grow in our ministries and charism together.