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On April 21, 2024, CSA welcomed Patti Reese and Karen Abler into associate relationship. The formal commitment took place in the motherhouse chapel, surrounded by Sisters, Associates, family, and friends.

As part of the associate discernment process, each woman was assigned a mentor. Patti worked with Sister Patrice Rog and Karen worked with Sister Eileen Mahony. During the past year, Patti and Karen met with their respective CSA mentors to discuss and reflect on the spirituality, charism, mission, and history of CSA and associate relationship. This process helped them discern their call to live an associate way of life integrating the mission and charism of CSA and to reflect on how they might nurture and expand their connection with associates and sisters.  

Associate Patti Reese said, “Thanks to the discernment process, I have moved from having a religion to having a personal relationship with the Lord and I look forward to sharing my experience, strength, and hope as I join this group in serving Jesus. As Pope Francis reminds us, ‘Our life spreads light when it is given in service. The secret of joy is living to serve.’”

Associate Karen Abler reflected similarly, “The discernment process allowed me to continue to deepen my relationship with God and to fully respond to my baptismal call and to daily saying ‘yes’ to what calls me. The associate relationship will allow me to join with other CSA associates and sisters to continue to live out the mission, charism, and spirituality of CSA.”

To find out more about what it means to enter into an associate relationship with CSA, contact Kelly Robe at krobe@csasisters.org.