Sisters to receive new Associate; witness renewal of 9

GREEN BAY, WIS. (Oct. 3, 2011) - One person will enter the Lay Associate relationship with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross while nine Lay Associates will renew their commitment to the religious community during a special prayer service on Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Sisters' Motherhouse in Green Bay.

Entering the Associate relationship will be Luann Rodriguez of St. Jude Parish in Oshkosh.  She has been preparing for two and one-half years by reading and reflecting on the life of St. Francis, spending time in prayer, and learning about the Sisters' charism (unique characteristics of mission). She has been assisted by her mentor, Sister Ruth Ann LaBine; her prayer partner, Lorrie Van Bakel, who is among the nine Associates renewing this year; and the director of the Associates, Sister Marilyn Herr.

The nine Associates renewing will be:

•    Tillie Huc, St. Mary Parish in Crivitz
•    Carol Kwaterski, St. Paul Parish in Combined Locks
•    Doris Peterson, St. Willebrord Parish in Green Bay
•    Joan Stone, Holy Family Parish in Marinette
•    Carole and Roger Strohm, Holy Spirit Parish in Kimberly/Darboy
•    Lucy Timmers, St. Paul Parish in Combined Locks
•    Lorrie Van Bakel, St. John Parish in Little Chute
•    Nancy Verber, St. Willebrord Parish in Green Bay

Sunday's prayer service will include the reading of sacred scripture, singing hymns, the entering of Rodriguez, the renewing of nine Associates, and the sending forth of all Associates to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ to their parishes and families.  Associates are invited to renew their commitment every three, five or seven years.  In all, there are 30 active Associates and four Prayer Associates.

Created in 1984, the Associates of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross are women and men who, while living their single or married vocation, commit themselves to a special relationship with the Sisters.  Associates have varied professions (teacher, farmers, business people, etc.) but share the goal of deepening their relationship with God by living Gospel values and partnering with the Sisters in prayer and mission. For more information about the Associates, visit the Associates section of our website or contact Sister Marilyn Herr via email or phone, or 920-884-2729.

Established in 1881, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross further the reign of God by compassionately responding to the needs of people through education, healing and related ministries.  The Sisters are rooted in the Cross, Sacred Word and Eucharist, and they value simplicity, hospitality, and prayer.