2009 Associates Gathering



Sisters and Associates gather at Sant Helena in Brazil to bid Sr. Johanna farewell.  The inscription reads:"Your mission inspired us to be women of action!  Thank you Sr. Johanna!"

                    Meet our Newest Associates

Dolores Dean is originally from Dallas, TX, but now calls Golden, Colorado her home.  Dolores is very involved in her church, Mother Cabrini Shrine, where she is a Eucharistic Minister.  She also volunteers her time in campus ministry at Holy Family High School in Broomfield, Colorado.  At Holy Family, Dolores is director of curriculum and teaches algebra and calculus.  She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Dallas and has her master’s degree from Fresno Pacific University.  Dolores has been a teacher for 40 years, a ministry she loves.  Most of her teaching career has been spent teaching high school mathematics.  She has been recognized as a mentor by the State of California as well as teacher of the year.  As quoted in her autobiography, Dolores would like to “be a woman of peace, have compassion for all, radiate passion to others, and love passionately and deeply and be in solidarity with all peoples of the Earth.”  She hopes the Associate Relationship can help her to live out her vision.  Sister Peggy Quinn, a friend of many years, is Dolores’ Companion Sister.

Marcia (Marcy)Van Natta was born in Decatur, Illinois but now calls Joliet home.  She is a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church.  Marcy has a bachelor’s degree in organizational science and also has a certificate in addictions.  She hopes to graduate in 2009 from Governor State University with a master’s degree in mental health (addictions).  As the present time, Marcy is coordinator of extended care and recovery homes at Stepping Stones Treatment Center in Joliet.  Marcy is hoping that the Associate relationship will strengthen her life and give her direction on her journey.  Sister Rosemary Winter was Marcy’s sponsor when she was received into the Catholic Church in 1989 and she is now Marcy’s Companion Sister in her Associate relationship with the congregation. 

Alice (Alie) Phillips was born in Chicago and now lives in Bolingbrook, Illinois with her husband, Jim to whom she has been married for 32 years.  They have a daughter, Natalie.  Alie is a member of St. Scholastica Church where she teachers religious education.  She also volunteers as a Eucharistic minister, minister of care, bereavement minister and wedding coordinator.  Alie is an administrative assistant to the president and CEO of McCrory & Associates.  As Alie was discerning her call to be an Associate of the Congregation, she shared in her autobiography that she thought long and hard about what she wanted from the Associate relationship and what it would mean to her.  As an Associate, Alie hopes to have a deeper spiritual understanding of her faith and wants to be part of “that movements” that walks with others down the path to the Kingdom.  Sister Suzanne Lesniewski, a friend of nine years, is Alie’s Companion Sister.