Presentation Associate Ministers

Calendar

The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a congregation of women in the Church whose vowed members serve God’s people in many ministries.  The Congregation was founded by Nano Nagle in Cork, Ireland, in 1775, to teach and care for the poor and oppressed.  In time, Nano’s followers carried the charism to many parts of the world.  Today, women and men, inspired by her charism, work to enflesh it through their prayer and service. Since Nano’s charism is a gift to the Church for the spread of the reign of God, it is something to be shared.

Christian Baptism calls all people to participate in the Church’s mission of evangelization and transformation of the world.  Being an Associate Minister provides a way of living out Baptismal promises by sharing in the charism, spirituality and mission of the Sisters of the Presentation without being a vowed member.   Associate Ministers have the opportunity to extend the work of the congregation and the spirit of Nano Nagle.  The Sisters share their spiritual resources with the Associates and all are enriched by the spirituality of one another.  The congregation relates to the larger Christian community by this bonding of sisters and associates in spiritual growth, mutual support, and sharing in the mission of the Sisters of the Presentation.

Each Associate Minister is asked to belong to a local AMEN group whenever possible. AMEN groups
are composed of Presentation Sisters and Associate Ministers who meet regularly for prayer, mutual support, spiritual growth and fostering the mission. Retreats are offered throughout the year to the Associates in New England, New Jersey and New York.

Admission is requested through a Presentation Sister or an Associate Minister. For more information please e-mail: Sr. Pat Dowler  we3pbvm@verizon.net or  Mary Jane Person personmaryjane9@gmail.com     


Associates’ Retreat:  New Windsor, NY
On Saturday, April 30, 2018, sisters and associates from New England, Newburgh-New Windsor area, the Bronx, New Jersey and Pennsylvania gathered for an inspirational retreat day.
Fr. Dennis O’Brien, Presentation associate and priest from the Worcester diocese, shared his love for Nano and the congregation through prayer, song, and a message built on the words of Nano.  It was a beautiful and prayerful day and was completed with liturgy in the chapel in the late afternoon.  Everyone felt blessed to be a part of this day and came away deepened in the gifts of faith, hope and love.  Thank you, Fr. Dennis, for living out the words of Nano, “Love one another.” 


Associates’ Gathering:  Weston, MA
Associates gathered at Campion Renewal Center, Weston, MA on Saturday, June 9th.  Kathryn O'Connell Cleary presented "OAKS OF JUSTICE".  It was a powerful and reflective day. Kathryn asked about the preparation to become an Associate Minister. Sr. Pat shared the "Journal" with her. She also found Nano Nagle and an Evolving Charism helpful in her preparation in order understand Presentation history a bit more.
She wove Nano's story and Presentation spirituality beautifully into her reflections and used "Gathering the Dream" and "Take Down Your Lantern" within the common prayer.
Everyone was moved by her amazing inclusion of our history, charism, justice and spirituality.
There was time for personal reflection, shared reflections and just "being together".  God's Presence was certainly evident among the 20 Associates!
Campion Renewal Center is "Holy Ground" where nature speaks of God, where one's mind, body and spirit are stilled and we are reminded of God's love for us.