Associate Recommitment

by IHM Associate, Suzanne Lee

The Region 2 Associates gathered at St. Pius X School in Bowie, MD on Sunday, November 9, for their recommitment ceremony from 12:30 to 2:30. A total of twenty Associates from Circles of Grace located in La Plata, North Beach, Bowie and Silver Spring, MD, joined Sisters Ruth Harkins, Director of Associates (Scranton), Ann Parker (Bethesda), Theresa Frere (Newburg), and Anne Mary Smith, (Silver Spring). Sister Ann Parkerplanned the event with the help of Sister Ruth, April King (regional coordinator), Ann Gillispie (Principal of St.Pius X), and me.

We were treated to a delicious assortment of sandwich trays, fruit and vegetable trays, chips and drinks arranged by April King. Associates also brought desserts, brownies, apple muffins, and cookies. We picked these up in the teachers’ lounge of the school and brought them to the spacious library across the hall. A lighted tree decoration was adorned with leaves with special sayings for all the participants to bring home. Sister Ann Parker also gifted us with hand crafted crosses that had a mustard seed in the middle to remind us that if we have the faith of a mustard seed, it will grow exponentially into a tree.

Sister Ann had assigned seats so that there was a mix of Associates from different areas at each table and provided some thought provoking questions to discuss. Each table had a recorder who wrote down the answers that the Associates shared. Getting together with Associates from different areas of Maryland and the Sisters who took the time to join us was very enlightening and productive. “IHM Associates are women and men from all states of life and creeds who are seeking a deeper experience of God for their own transformation and for the transformation of the world.”

There is something very special about sharing our faith life and stories with one another, and I feel blessed to be a member of the La Plata Circle of Grace. Under the guidance of Sister Ann Parker having monthly meetings with like minded Associates helps deepen my spiritual life. We owe so much to the IHM Sisters for starting the
Associate program over 21 years ago.

For the recommitment ceremony, we shared prayers as we recommitted ourselves to the IHM Charism of unconditional love, creative hope and fidelity.

Below are photos from other Associate Recommitment ceremonies that occurred in December.

The Scranton IHM Associates Recommitment Ceremony took place on Sunday, December 7, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.

The Delaware IHM Associates Recommitment Ceremony took place on Monday, December 8, at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. Following the liturgy and a festive meal, the associates engaged in a lively discussion on circular leadership.

The Florida IHM Associates Recommitment Ceremony took place on Monday, December 8.