Associate Retreat 2005

by Jean Anthony, Associate

In mid-October, as eight days of rain ended, Associates          gathered   at St. Mary’s Villa in Stanfordville, NY, for their annual retreat. It was a glorious time as friendly faces and loving hearts came together to share the journey, to pray, to be open to the wisdom and love found in community.

Sister Mary McCormick graciously led us as we looked anew at relationships in our lives. Gleaning insights from a variety of sources (from the Book of Ruth to Fried Green Tomatoes) we examined our lives and particularly our relationships with our mothers and daughters. The gentle pace and content proved fruitful as we shared significant moments, deepening our understanding and our friendships. We could savor what our own Elizabeth Ann Seton valued so well in being friends.

We walked around Sisters Hill Farm as the sun reappeared and enjoyed the balmy autumn weather. On Saturday evening we drove to nearby Bangall for Mass. The tiny, wood framed church cozied us as we sang and prayed. Our meals were simple, delicious and full of lively conversation. As Sunday afternoon arrived we were talking of when we would meet again. This precious time goes all too fast!

Thirteen was a lucky number at Stanfordville. Ten Associates are joined by Sr. Mary Gallagher (2nd from left), Sr. Mary McCormick (4th from left) and Sr. Mary Regina Caulfield (5th from right, in the white top).

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Jean Anthony is in the photo above, at the far left. She has been an Associate of the Sisters of Charity of New York for two years. She is a graduate of the College of Mt. St. Vincent, which evolved from the Academy established by the Sisters of Charity in 1847. Jean is the mother of 8 and the grandmother of 11, soon to be 12. She has conducted Archdiocesan programs on marriage and natural family planning.

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This article first appeared in the Winter 2005/6 issue of VISION