A PRESENTATION ASSOCIATE

        is a woman or man who shares in the Presentation vision, mission, 
        and spirituality and has bonds with the congregation without being
        called to vows.

PRESENTATION SISTERS INVITE ASSOCIATES

Because we believe

•  That, as Presentation Sisters, we must collaborate with others in responding to    
    the universal baptismal call.  We are impelled to fulfill the mission of Jesus by
    seeking to build God’s Kingdom of peace and justice through love and service,     
    especially to the vulnerable and the poor.

•  That all are called to unity in diversity:  There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.  
    (Ephesians 4:5)

•  That all are called to use their gifts for the common good.

•  That we extend the mission and ministry of the Presentation charism through the gifts 
    of women and men who are bonded with us but are not vowed members of the  
    congregation.

•  That we are responding to Nano Nagle’s charism, “If I can be of service in saving souls
    in any partof the world, I would willingly do all in my power.” (Nano Nagle’s letter to
    Miss Fitzsimons, July 17, 1769)

•  That we must support and encourage women and men who feel called to serve the
    church through a closer association with us as Sisters of the Presentation of the   
    Blessed Virgin Mary, Fargo.

•  That we are responding to the ways the Holy Spirit is working in our Church and in our
    Presentation congregation.

•  That the charism that we hold in common with Nano Nagle is also found in men and
    women not called to vowed membership.


WOMEN AND MEN CHOOSE TO BE PRESENTATION ASSOCIATES

•  To respond to a call, an inner longing, to more deeply share inChrist’s mission by being 
    bonded with the Presentation Sisters and Associates.

•  To collaborate with the Presentation Sisters and Associates in the mission of Jesus.

•  To share in the vision, goals, mission, and ministry of the Presentation Sisters and 
    Associates.

•  To extend the Presentation spirit, charism, hospitality, and service.

•  To make one’s gifts and special graces available to others through a commitment to 
    some apostolic ministry, through participation in a specific work of the Congregation, 
    a ministry in the local Church community, or other means.

•  To have a closer association with the Presentation Sisters and Associates for support
    and help in one’s ministry.

•  To have mutual prayer support.


CRITERIA FOR BECOMING A PRESENTATION ASSOCIATE

•  18 years or older

•  A desire to deepen one’s relationship with God

•  A desire and ability to commit oneself to active service

•  A willingness to enter into the formation process

For more information contact Sister Francine Janousek 



ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

There never seems to be a dull moment for Associates.  Here are some of the events we enjoy:

Tour de Habitat

Associates and Sisters known as the team Riders of the Purple Sage participate annually in a fund raiser for Habitat for Humanity.  Amidst laughter and riding a stationary bike for 15 minutes each, there is a great deal of community building and good will going on.  The day of the event, a prayer service is held in the chapel at Sacred Heart Convent with a blessing to send the Riders on their way.  A simple luncheon follows and then the Riders are off to the local YWCA to join in the fun.  In the first four years of riding, the group has raised over $16,000, enough to lay the foundation of a new home!  The funds come from family, friends, acquaintances and are always most welcome.  

This year the event is on March 6th.  Team members are Associates Brian Arett (Captain), Mary Feist, Patty Greenshields, Don Smith, and Sisters Olivia Scully, Francine Janousek and Anne O'Brien (alternate).  Please join us for cheerleading at the 1 p.m. timeslot at the downtown Fargo YMCA.

Here are the 2009 Riders of the Purple Sage:

Standing in front of the statue of Nano Nagle, foundress of the Presentation Sisters and inspiration for assisting folks with housing needs are (Left to Right):  S. Francine Janousek, Associates Captain  Brian Arett, Tony Rheault, Mary Feist, JoEllen Smith, and Don Smith.

Associate Day

Annually, Associates gather at Presentation Center in Fargo for a day of celebration when Candidates are welcomed into Association, Covenants are renewed, anniversaries of Association are recognized, input is given, a simple business meeting is held, and there is ample time for enjoying the company of Associates and Sisters.  

Nano Nagle Leads the Way was the theme of Associate Day, May 2, 2009.  During the Opening Prayer service, eight candidates were received as Associates.  Associate JoEllen Smith gave a reflection.  Dr. Ed Sellner took up the theme of the day and challenged the group to lead from the heart as did Nano Nagle.

Dr. Ed Sellner, presenter at Associates Day 2009