Preparing for Associate Relationship Changed Rodriguez's Work Life

Luann Rodriguez, right, attended the Associates' spring retreat as part of her preparation to become an Associate. Her prayer partner is Associate Lorrie Van Bakel, left.

On Oct. 9, Luann Rodriguez of Oshkosh will formally commit herself to the Associate relationship of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross.  Her entrance comes after two and one-half years of preparation marked by reading and reflecting on the life of St. Francis, spending time in prayer, and learning about the charism (or unique characteristics of mission) of the Sisters.

"I'm not a person who likes to talk in front of people," says Luann about the Oct. 9 celebration. "But I am excited.  It's going to be nice to be a part of the Associates.  They are very good people who are welcoming and committed to Franciscan spirituality which is living the message of Christ every day."

A member of St. Jude Parish in Oshkosh, Luann credits her former pastor, Father Tom Reynebeau, with creating a welcoming environment and forming her spiritually.

"Father Tom was instrumental," says Luann, "I liked his homilies.  He welcomed me, he listened and he offered good advice."  In fact, it was Father Tom who recommended that Luann connect with a spiritual advisor.  She did and, as divine providence would have it, the advisor referred her to an Associate group in a neighboring diocese.  After attending a few programs Luann decided that becoming an Associate was right for her but the location wasn't.  She desired a religious community with a stronger connection to the Diocese of Green Bay.  A quick internet search brought her to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross.

During her formation period, Luann learned about St. Francis, the Sisters' mission and became acquainted with the Sisters and Associates. She also met regularly with the Associate Director Sister Marilyn Herr (and her predecessor, Sister Fran Bangert) and her sponsor, Sister Ruth Ann LaBine. With Sister Ruth Ann, "We met and we clicked," says Luann.  "We met once a month and discussed books" specifically the two recommended readings, St. Francis and the Foolishness of God and Finding Francis, Following Christ.  

"We did a lot of other things," she adds.  "For example, there was a speaker at Monte Alverno (retreat center in Appleton) and we went to that. We took a trip to the Shrine (of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion) before the Bishop's declaration, and we visited the Jesuit Retreat House (in Oshkosh), and that was good for me."  

Luann says Franciscan spirituality is integrated into her life, most evident in her work as a therapist for Human Services of Winnebago County.

"The biggest impact has been with my job," she says.  "I had always done my job but now I do it from a much more spiritual base.  It's not just a job; I see the purpose in it.  I realize why I got put here, and I'm feeling more compassion for the people I work with.  I definitely pray for them."

Welcome, Luann, to the Associate relationship with the Sisters!