By Sister Debbie Liesen, SSND, Director of Associates
The Annual Associate Gathering was held on the evening of Tuesday, June 10th and during the day on Wednesday, June 11th. It was all via Zoom, with several of the Central Pacific Associates and Sisters joining us.
The Associate Area Coordinators chose “Pilgrims of Hope” as our theme for this year’s gathering.
Dr. Patricia Fosarelli was invited to join us and offered some reflections from her broad scope of experiences. She is a physician and practical theologian who teaches in the areas of spirituality and pastoral care. She is also a spiritual director and has served as a pastoral associate and a director of religious education.
Overall, our time together was one of listening, sharing, and practicing hope. It was a time of encouraging one another and discovering ways to address the challenging needs of our time. It left us with the confidence to carry on, with faith in new beginnings.
As Peggy Ann Russell said, “Hearing the struggles of others and seeing their faith and hope was inspirational. Also, learning that hope must have agency – not just lip service. I will never again use the words “hope” and “wish” without thinking about the difference!”
