Do all beginnings start with a committee? Well, this one did! Associate programs were in existence in the United States and Canada in 1985, when the Notre Dame Leadership Team proposed considering an Associate program for Notre Dame. For three years a committee of Sisters, clergy and laity met to brainstorm ideas, establish missions statements, goals and levels of membership. By 1988 the Notre Dame assembly approved the work. Then we hit a dormant period, with no further action taken until 1991.
Finally in 1994, the idea was revived again and this time "for real." A Mercy and a Servite Sister team (both of whose communities had experience with Associate programs) formally facilitated discussion with the Notre Dame Sisters to begin development of an Associate program. At this point, Sr. Rosalee Burke and Sr. Joy Connealy gathered co-workers, interested laity and friends to review guidelines and edit the mission statement. The draft was presented to the Notre Dame Community.
The Official Birth Date: 1996 Again with a committee, in 1996 Srs. Celeste Wobeter, Mary Kay Meagher, Michelle Hayek and Rosalee Burke began the formation of a "pilot program." Sisters submitted names of potential Associates. In October 1996 this pilot program was initiated with 15 potential Associates and 12 Sisters. Monthly gatherings were held during this year. It became very clear, very early on that this pilot program was emerging into a lasting reality. Less than a year later, in August of 1997, eight candidates in the newly formed Associate program were ready to make a formal commitment.
Following the first commitment ceremony, in order to enflesh the concept that the program was mutual, the Associates' pilot program committee was expanded to include four Associates. During our first year, Associates began receiving the Sisters' internal monthly newsletter. Sr. Mary Kay and Sr. Michelle attended the national conference of Associates in New Jersey. At that time we were the newest established group in the United States. Monthly gatherings continued and took on more and more a flavor of prayer and faith sharing. At the same time, the meetings were identified as only one of the many ways that association is established between Associates and the Notre Dame Sisters.
Early in the program's growth, the need for more coordination emerged. A decision to have Co-Directors further enhanced the concept of mutuality. Sr. Mary Kay and Associate Peggy Wilson became the first Co-Directors. The Associate committee became an Advisory Board to the Co-Directors.
During 1997 the Notre Dame Sisters held their General Assembly in Europe, which would be attended by our delegates from the United States as well as the three European provinces. The enthusiasm created through the Associate program led us to formulate a written and verbal report on the Associate Program to be presented at the General Assembly. The report included a history of the program, activities, and an album with a photo of each Associate including a statement of what the program meant to them.
The initial idea of extending the program outside Omaha began to be discussed during this same year. Sr. Mary Kay, Associate Mary Wood and Associate Rita Melgares attended the national conference in Cincinnati. All eight Associates renewed their commitments, and eight new persons made initial commitments.
Beginning in 1998, Associates were added to the Notre Dame communication Network. During this same year, some Associates joined standing committees of the Notre Dame Community. Expansion of the Associate program outside Omaha was further explored. In March of 1999, the Sisters gathered to flesh out this concept. It was decided to expand to the Wahoo area. Srs. Margaret, Celeste, Elaine and four Associates attended the National Conference held in St. Louis. In 1999, the number of Associates increased to 19.
1999/2000 was a hallmark year in terms of more birthing. The Wahoo group began. Sr. Mary Ann Zimmer and Associate Mary Anne Lucas began the year's activities in September with a half-day retreat. Five Associates made their initial commitments.
In 2000/2001 expansion continued and carried us into the new century with increased participation of Associates in both community meetings and committees. Mother Miriam from the Czech Republic and Generalate visited in the fall of 2000. An afternoon presentation of Notre Dame history was facilitated for all Sisters and Associates during their visit. Associates Paul and Jill Johnson attended the national conference in San Jose. A family picnic for all Associates and their families was held in the summer of 2001.
During 2001/2002 growth took on a new spurt with increased participation in Wahoo. Formalization of the program was accomplished in the writing of the Co-Directors official job descriptions, revised statement of purpose, board guidelines and history. Associates Sara Ramirez and Kris Lanik represented Notre Dame at the national conference. On August 10, 2002, Associates and Sisters celebrated the 5-year birthday of Notre Dame Associates. Following the commitment ceremony on that same day, there were 27 Associates.
In the spring of 2003, many Associates helped plan, took part in and attended the Renewal Weekend in Schuyler, Nebraska, at the Benedictine Retreat Center. The Renewal Weekend marked the beginning of preparations for a year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the refounding of the Notre Dame Sisters in Bohemia by Father Gabriel Schneider.
Also in the spring of 2003, the hard work of the Sisters and Associates on the Non-violence Committee launched the Safe Home Project. Sisters and Associates now advocate for transitional housing and supportive services for women and their children who are leaving shelters.
The Notre Dame Associate story continues.