by Lori Benge, Ministry of Vocations/ASC Family Director
The ASC Family continues to grow! It is a driving mission of mine to help all Associates and Sojourners realize they are part of something much bigger than their individual groups. Together, we are one community, united by a shared mission, prayer, and spirit.
Over the past year, I have worked to foster this sense of connection through shared emails, events, and retreats across all areas. Even when an Associate or Sojourner cannot personally attend, we remain united through prayer. Last spring, we held our first U.S. Region Associate Retreat, with more than 20 participants joining both in person and via Zoom, a beautiful sign of our expanding family. More gatherings like this are planned.
As our community continues to grow, so does our joy in celebrating new life and new commitments. To honor this unity, I created a Covenant Commitment template that can be adapted and personalized for each Associate, while keeping us united in our shared promise. Whenever possible, we have also live-streamed and archived our celebrations on YouTube so everyone can join in the joy, no matter where they are.
In the past few months alone, we’ve had 17 new covenant celebrations, a true blessing! Below are highlights from these graced moments:
Fresno, California – On May 4, a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Fresno, CA, brought together Associates from the Metro and Beyond area in Belleville, IL, to celebrate and welcome two new members to our ASC family, Ruth Parra and her daughter, Eliza, who joined as a Junior Associate. The gathering was graciously hosted by Dan and Ada, Ruth’s Associate mentors, in their Fresno home, while Sr. Cecilia Heilmann and Sr. Jan Renz co-hosted the virtual celebration from Maria Place in Belleville, IL.
Wichita, Kansas – The Chapel of the New Covenant in Wichita hosted a covenant celebration on Tuesday, September 30 for seven new Associates from Newman University. They made their covenant commitments, joined by Matthew Umbarger, Theology Professor and five-year Associate, as well as members from the Wichita and Andale groups who renewed their commitments. Father Tom Welk presided at the Mass and blessed the pins received by Debbie and Bob Beumer, Brenda Whitley, Georgia Drewes, Kathleen Jagger, Lawna Kurtyka, and Sonja Bontrager. Family members joined the associates and Adorers for a joyful evening meal following the celebration.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – On Saturday, October 4, seven Associates from the greater Oklahoma City area spent the day at the Wichita Center with Sr. Mary Kevin Rooney. The following morning during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, Debbie Bennett, Carol Deal, Joyce Hollier, Cynthia Hollier, Carol Manning, Mary Mahon, and Selonda Moseley renewed their covenant commitment.
Columbia, Pennsylvania – On October 21, seven new Associates made their commitments during Mass at St. Anne’s with Fr. Augustine presiding: Louise Beighley, Josie McCleary, Alice Noll, Mary Ann Smith, and Rose Ann Visniski. Edna Alejos and Kathleen Nissley, who were unable to attend due to family and health reasons, will make their commitments soon. Several sisters, associates, family members, and friends joined the celebration, followed by a wonderful, shared lunch and conversation.
Upcoming Celebration – Murphysboro, Illinois – Looking ahead, Janet Belles and Sue Birkner from the Murphysboro area will make their covenant commitments on November 23 before Mass at the Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine in Belleville, IL.
All of our new Associates prayed together:
Trusting in God who is ever faithful, I commit myself to live more fully the message of the Gospel, following the special attraction of Saints Gaspar and Maria to the redemptive mystery. Striving to respond to Christ’s call to discipleship, I promise to share the spirit and mission of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ as an Associate of this community. May the Spirit guide me and the power of the Blood of Christ strengthen us to be faithful to this commitment. Amen.
In response, the Adorers prayed:
We, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, welcome you to share with us the mission, spirit, and charism of our life as we journey together in a life of adoration that impels us to apostolic service. May we together make the living of the Gospel more credible to the needs of our dear neighbor today. We invite you to continue to embrace the vision and charism of Maria De Mattias, and with us, proclaim to a broken world the unconditional love of Christ. May the blessing of God be with you forever and ever. Amen.
A heartfelt thank you to all who mentored our new Associates, supported them through prayer, and continue to accompany those discerning their Baptismal call.
Our ASC Family continues to grow across the United States and is richly blessed with committed individuals in more than 20 states. Please continue to pray for them—and invite others to join or simply explore what it means to be part of this vibrant community. Together, we will continue to lead by example, remain faithful to our mission, and let God do the rest.
Blessings and thank you to all.
Ruth Parra
ASC Associates at Newman
Columbia Commits
Oklahoma Recommits