Meet our ASSOCIATE jubilarians

40 year associate jubilarians

Alice Beresford

Being an Associate the past forty years has given me the opportunity to serve and be a part of this wonderful Franciscan community that I love.  The Sisters and Associates have helped me celebrate life and supported me when things were tough with their prayers, love and presence. I pray that there will be many more years to celebrate life together.
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kathleen goodin

The associate program was just getting started and I knew I wanted to keep in touch with the Sisters. I first met the sisters in grade school and Marion College, also through Sr. Yvonne Conrad my contact and friend till her death. I enjoyed visiting Oldenburg when I could still drive. I am 83 now. I love getting news and I think the prayer partner is a wonderful idea. I continue to support the Sisters through prayer and donation. I hope to be able to come in August. 
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25 year associate jubilarians

Shirley Doll

angie ventimiglio
Celebrating their 25 years, but not featured, are: Bertha Black Eagle, Colleen Couture, Letty Ann Hogan
I feel blessed to be connected with my beloved Oldenburg Franciscans.  I’m so proud of them and grateful.  I continue to live simply and to be aware of God’s presence in and around me, particularly in other people.  
I have been blessed with 25 years as an Associate of the Sisters’ of St. Francis Oldenburg. We have together been “Companions on our Journey” through prayer, Spiritual guidance and enrichment, laughter, and tears. I have always called “the Burg” my second home. So many friendships have formed, some still here and others gone to reap their Heavenly reward. Blessed also with the VIS Program, whom I knew was always with me either in prayer or in person waiting for me when I arrived at the Burg. Praying to see my second home when we celebrate with all the Sisters and Associates, as Companions on our journey till we are called to our Heavenly home.

15 year associate jubilarians

Mary Kondrath

My Associate relationship with the Oldenburg Sisters connects me intimately with the Community that I have felt a part of for almost my entire life.  It has broadened my view of God’s love for each and every person and the whole of creation.  Being an Associate of the Sisters of St. Francis gives me a port in the storm, something to hold onto, when I might otherwise lose focus of the Franciscan values which I cherish.  That is invaluable to me.  

Shirley Lorenz

My Associate Relationship can be described in one word, “Connection.”  The Richmond Associate Group has been faithful to each other for years.  My first connections to Oldenburg were to S. Jean Clare Theobald, my late Sister-in-law and Carol Hatfield who served as my contact person in my preparations to become an Associate.  Over the years our Richmond Associate group has seen a number of members come and go, but the one thing that has remained has been the depth of our friendship and our commitment to holding each other in prayer.   

monique robinson

I am honored and blessed to be associated with the dear sisters at Oldenburg. Miles of highway and busy work schedules may keep us apart, yet the internet keeps me linked to all the good energy and love. The lessons learned and shared at Prayer Lodge still have rooted me in care of Mother Earth. I am grateful for being included in the good company of Sisters and Associates. 

BETSY SAVARE

When I learned what being Franciscan means I realized that was who I have always been but I didn’t have a name for it. Being an Associate is the icing on the cake! I can talk with and spend time with people who think like me and share the same values that mean so much to me. ​

Mary WERLE

My Connection with the Sisters and Associates continues to challenge me to live simply and deepen my Gospel values in my service to the Church, and others especially the poor.  Prayer is a vital part as I continue this journey.