By Associate Carla Hobson
On Saturday, January 11, 2020, the Baltimore Area Associates hosted their annual Wine & Cheese social in the Villa Assumpta Assembly Room. This gathering was a particularly special one as it kicked off what will be a year-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of the SSND Associate Relationship in Baltimore.
The day began with a morning presentation, “Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda” by Dr. Pat Fosarelli. Dr. Fosarelli is a theologian, physician, scholar, and a lay minister. She is currently the Associate Dean of Instruction at the Ecumenical Institute of Theology of St. Mary’s Seminary & University, where she teaches practical theology and spirituality. A highly-regarded lecturer, Dr. Fosarelli frequently addresses both lay and religious audiences. We were honored to have her back as our guest and are blessed to have her as a friend.
Following Dr. Fosarelli’s presentation, we celebrated Mass in the chapel, then the day continued with a Wine & Cheese social where we recognized three of our longest-serving associates: Betty Gerlach, Peggy Ann Russell and Lindsay Thompson. Though Lindsay was traveling overseas and could not be present, we were delighted to have Betty and Peggy with us. We prayed, drank wine and enjoyed each other’s company. We then took a moment to recognize those associates who made their first covenant to live the charism of Blessed Theresa for the School Sisters of Notre Dame exactly 30 years ago.
Betty and Peggy were each presented with hyacinths, traditional symbols of constancy, peace of mind and a desire for heaven, fitting for such faithful and dedicated women. Keeping in mind how important gardening was to Mother Theresa--that it is a practice and discipline, a performance of service and prayerful meditation all at once--we hope the perennials sustain Betty and Peggy as they have sustained their covenant with the SSNDs these past 30 years. We also hope the flower’s sweet fragrance is a reminder to them of the sweetness they bring to our community!
