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Process to becoming an Associate

mm1. Express a desire to join in the spirit and vision of the Franciscan family.
mm2. Interview with one of the co-ministers for Associates.
mm3. Begin a period of inquiry.
mm4. Discernment
mm5. Make a commitment to live the values of St. Francis.

The process for becoming a Franciscan Associate begins with responding to an inner call to deepen your spirituality, sensing that you resonate with the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare. You are invited to do this in relationship with the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, sharing in their spirit and mission.

If you desire to grow spiritually in relationship with the Franciscan Sisters, please contact the Office for Associates. Feel free to call and speak with one of the co-ministers. This expression of interest will be followed up with an interview with one of the co-ministers.

The period of inquiry, during which time you are called an applicant, is a time of exploring and learning. You will explore the life and spirit of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. You will also become familiar with Franciscan spirituality, values and the Community of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota.

Reflection through orientation and formation sessions as well as retreats helps in the discernment process. These are opportunities to contemplate becoming an associate through prayer and sharing with the sisters and with other applicants and associates. This is the final step before making the commitment to become a Franciscan Associate.

Committment Ceremony

The commitment ceremony is the time to proclaim “Yes!” to an ongoing growth in Franciscan spirituality in relationship with the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota. Associates strive to bring Franciscan values to all whom they contact in their daily lives. The commitment statement is as follows:

“I desire to be an Associate of this Franciscan Community of Little Falls, Minnesota because I wish to be a sister/brother to all of you and to all of God’s creatures. With you and with God’s help, I want to make the world a more loving, just and peaceful community. Together with you I want to carry the spirit of Francis and Clare into our world.”

Our Franciscan Community continues to grow
by Judy Virnig

The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls and associates rejoice and welcome four new associates! Rita Britz-Toenies, Bev Gerads, Bea Monn and Olie Pick made their commitment as Franciscan Associates on Sunday, October 14, at a festive liturgy in Sacred Heart Chapel at the Motherhouse.

At this same liturgy several associates renewed their commitment for another five years. Those present celebrating 20 years of commitment: Betty Bodnar Belanger, Rosemary Boehm, Leona Horak, Janet Rogalla and Teresa Voge. Celebrating their fifth anniversary of commitment were Jim and Alice Vogel.

Following a festive luncheon, Rochester Franciscan Sister Ruth Snyder and Sister Adela Gross from Melrose, Minn., gave an interesting and informative presentation on immigration myths and reality in St. Francis Hall.

We also welcome Lois Willette, who made her commitment as a Franciscan Associate on October 8, 2007, with her Franciscan Life Community in Minneapolis.

Meet the Associate Ministers

Sister Pat Imdieke
Three years ago I was asked by our Franciscan Community to consider the position of co-minister of the Associates. These three years have made me realize, once again, how God guides us to where we are supposed to be. A strong underlying motivation for my ministry has been to facilitate the laity in taking their rightful place in the Church. Ministry with the associates has not only helped me realize this even more deeply, but has enriched my life considerably. That the laity is gifted with the Franciscan values is so evident as I visit with potential and present associates. Our world needs these values that energize both the sisters and the associates, and the support that we give to one another in our efforts to live them is paramount. I hope that the information on the associate relationship with the Franciscan Sisters that you find on this Web site will be both enriching and helpful.

Contact Sister Pat: email: pimdieke@fslf.org / phone: 320-632-0698

Judy Virnig
I am a woman blessed with husband, children and grandchildren. I have been an associate of the Franciscan Sisters for nearly 20 years. Currently, I minister to our associates and applicants in the States and as liaison to our associate office in Quito, Ecuador. It is exciting to share this Franciscan journey with persons who desire to live the values and spirit of Francis and Clare of Assisi. Being a Franciscan associate challenges me to a deeper involvement with issues that affect the well-being of our global community and all of creation. Working with a community of sisters and associates on these issues empowers me to go beyond my comfort zone by taking the risk to stand up and be counted. Praying with this community of sisters and associates gives me the courage to “do what is mine to do,” as Francis charged his brothers to do.

Contact Judy: email: jvirnig@fslf.org phone: 320-632-0693. Feel free to write in English or Spanish.

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