A strong turnout for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Associate fall gathering reflected the relationship’s growth as new and longtime Associates joined Sisters at Nazareth Sept. 25-27. The weekend culminated in a ceremony at St. Vincent Church where 18 people made their first commitments as SCN Associates, two renewed three-year commitments, and four made lifetime renewals. Sister Barbara Flores, Provincial of the Western Province, called the gathering a “beautiful milestone” for the Associates and Sisters alike.
“This is wonderful, and all I can say is that the spirit is unmoving,” Sister Barbara said.
The gathering, “Discernment & Commitment: A Life of Love & Service,” offered time for prayer, reflection and conversation. Participants met for retreat sessions Friday and Saturday, shared meals and listened to the personal commitment statements of those preparing to become Associates.
At Saturday evening’s ceremony, Sister Barbara welcomed Associates, Sisters, families and friends. She invited them to pause and consider what the commitments meant, both for those making them and for the wider SCN community.
“Your commitment enriches our SCN community,” she told the new Associates. She said their response also called others to deepen their own commitment and strengthen their witness “to a world desperately in need of love and service.” She thanked the families, friends and mentors whose prayers and support had accompanied the candidates through formation.
Associate Lakmé Kodros reflected on the path that led her to the Sisters. After her husband died, she searched for a renewed sense of purpose. A volunteer experience in New Orleans gave her the chance to pray and work alongside the Sisters.
“It was in New Orleans that my soul was soothed, my restlessness was healed,” she said. What stayed with her was the joy she found in the community. Now, about a decade after beginning her own journey as an Associate, Lakmé said she continues to discern how to serve.
Associate Pam O’Connell introduced the candidates, each of whom had completed the initial formation process with the support of a mentor. Their recorded personal statements had been shared with retreat participants earlier that day. Pam said the candidates came from different backgrounds and life experiences, but she heard a common thread in their stories: “For every story, the Holy Spirit is threaded in there.”
The 18 candidates then made their first public commitment together and received SCN Associate pins and certificates. Colette Leet and Rosemary McAdam renewed their three-year commitments. Robin Cleveland, Lakmé Kodros, Tammy Mattingly and Elaine Rhodes made lifetime renewals.
In their commitment prayer, the Associates asked to grow in love and compassion in the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac and Mother Catherine Spalding. They pledged to share that compassion with others and seek ways to serve people in need, especially women and children. The ceremony also included a promise of prayer and support from the Sisters, followed by an affirmation from family and friends.
The gathering continued Sunday with prayer, an open forum and Mass. As participants shared what they would carry from the weekend, the new commitments gave the growing Associate community another reason to look ahead.
It truly was a wonderful experience. I observed, although the instructions were the same for making commitment statement, all were entirely different ! All enriching and you could really learn more about the candidate .
I was told it would be a joyful weekend and that it was along with peaceful . I had no distraction except when my apartment room mate went missing! ( she was found safe and sound! ) the kindness and welcoming to the retreat and from the associates , staff and sisters so heartfelt!