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.   More Information can be found at Why be a Presentation Associate. 

For further information, please contact Sister Francine Janousek fjanousek@cableone.net  or call 701-237-4857, Extension 225.  

Associate Day 2011

Send Down the Fire

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 Reflection Associate Debra Boyer

Gift.  According to the dictionary a gift is something given voluntarily without payment in return.  Another meaning is to show favor toward someone. 

I believe the experience of being a Presentation Associate is a gift.  The Spirit led me through the stories of the life of Nano Nagel as well as the personal stories related by Sisters, Associates, and Candidates to join this faithful and inspired band.

I was graciously accepted into the Presentation Sister’s fold without any strings attached.   There wasn’t a list of expectations and requirements once I committed myself to living the charisms of Nano.  There were no tests or internships.  I was to be like Nano in the NOW in whatever ministry I would choose to express my commitment.  My discernment process or acceptance of the gift was a hesitant one.  After completing the learning sessions I decided that I simply could not take on any more responsibilities.  My plate was full and I had no more time to give.  My decision was honored with caring and respect-yet another gift.  Sister Francine ended our discussion with one thought.  She said, “I think it is interesting that you think of association as something you would have to do rather than a way of being.”  Hmmm, that idea was intriguing however I was not swayed.    During the following year that simple but profound idea kept popping into my consciousness.  Hmm, I could just be….that sounded so comforting.    I am the type of person who is always doing …could I just be?I realized that becoming an associate was to agree to live from the heart of Nano.  I was to be a continuation of her work in the world.  Association couldn’t be earned or bought; it’s simply a gift.  I believe that is a direct reflection of God’s willingness to send Jesus to us.  He’s the gift of hope, the gift of light, the gift of love.   It’s the giftNano Nagel brought to the poor and vulnerable of her time.  Her heart burned with the fire of passion to make a difference in the world, to stand for justice, and to teach so that others could reach their potential.  I am an elementary school counselor in a school with 54% poverty.  Many times the motto of ‘doing what needs to be done” would cross my mind as I listened to the stories of the children.  It was my goal to bring them hope, reflect their potential, offer guidance and advocate for them when necessary.  Sometimes, like Nano, I struggled with the burden of the job. 

As an associate I have a connection to a vibrant group of individuals with a shared vision and a place to rejuvenate and recharge. This is a group with an abundant variety of gifts.  Wisdom, acceptance, courage, perseverance, listening and the list goes on and on.This is agroup that offers genuine hospitality each time you enter through the door no matter how long you’ve been away.  This is a group that is inclusive and allows its members to dialogue, question, and reflect thus deepening awareness and understanding of our faith. I appreciate the sense of open mindedness without being judgmental.  That example has helped me continue to grow tolerance.   This is agroup that offers comfort, solace, and healing when death, disease, or other burdens are part of our life.  Bright smiles, shining eyes and laughter expand my heart when we gather to work, play or worship.  Clear sparkling voices lifted in song in the chapel along with familiar holy words of prayer spoken in unity fills my soul. 

I believe being a presentation associate promotes the gradual unwrapping of the spiritual gifts that God has placed deep in my heart. Opening those gifts together enriches our lives, empowers us to gift others in new ways, and makes a difference in the world.  Ultimately our gifts are beacons shining the light of God’s greatness to the world.

 Evening Prayer Reflection

Sister Stella Olson, PBVM 

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

        I smiled when I read the title of the day, “Send Down the Fire”.  I understood what that meant.  A few weeks ago one of our celebrants at daily mass said we should take the time to reflect the movement of the spirit in our lives.  I was feeling a little unsettled and I had been thinking about that very subject and knew it was time to do it again.  A week later I get the invitation to reflect on the scripture you just heard.  I no longer have to get hit over the head for me to understand that God is trying to tell me something.  When I took that unsettled feeling to prayer I discovered it was coming up on the one year anniversary of my brother’s death.  As I remembered our relationship and the circumstances of his death I cried and experienced the peace and consolation of God’s love.

         How do you experience the Holy Spirit in your life?  As our scripture tells us we all have different gifts, ministries, and outcomes but the same God.  Each one of us will experience the Spirit in different ways but I think it would be fair to say that it is through some form of prayer that leads us to the reality and understanding of the Spirit at work in our life.  I believe the secret is taking the time to quiet ourselves and listen to God at work in our midst.  I will take you back 20 years when I studied and became an Associate.  I knew God was walking with me but I couldn’t understand what it all meant.  I searched out a spiritual director who listened and encouraged me to become an Associate.  When I heard the story of Nano I experienced the fire within.  It was such a strong energy I read everything I could find written about her.  Three months later I said to my spiritual director, “Am I headed for a vowed life?”  His answer was yes, but.  At that point I took the fork in the road and said God….you lead the way.

         It was through prayer and reflection that I entered religious life four years later.  What I knew and experienced as a lay woman was enhanced by my participation in communal prayer.  I spent an hour of prayer in the morning and an hour of prayer in the evening over and above the communal prayer.  I was in awe of how God drew me closer to him than I had ever been.  The amazing thing was I used to tell my kids that the more you pray the more God will reveal to you the love you deserve.  Guess what… I hadn’t translated that for myself.

         I used to just love the song, “The Spirit is a Movin” all over this land.  I could feel the Spirit moving in my life.  I felt God was making up for the times I wasn’t fully aware of where God was moving in my life.  It was just because I was taking the time to pray and reflect that my antennae were so keen.  When I least expected something wonderful would happen for no reason.  I would say thank you God for leading me down the fork in the road.

         Our God has a marvelous plan for each of us.  We are called to pray, listen and respond.  When we take the time our gifts are revealed to us.  The communal life is calling each of us to stoke that fire within and be present to all people on the journey of life.  With Nano’s lantern lighting the way…. together we can make a difference.