Love and Presence

Spring/Summer 2026

Community

By Associate Kathleen Kovatovic, Editor

 Lately I have been thinking a lot about “community.” I realize my community has changed over the years. For many of us, our first sense of community was in high school where we found ourselves in different groups based on shared interests, shared passions, and shared experiences.



As I grew and matured, my interests changed and so did my community. I consider myself so fortunate to be able to have the School Sisters of St. Francis and Associate Relationship as part of my community.

In this issue, I am proud to highlight Associates Karen Dosemagan and Arlene Floyd, two members of our community, who bring with them abundant gifts and talents. 

Associates meet at Alverno College, Milwaukee

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Arlene Floyd

Associate since 2015



I am in the midst of a career in social work. For the last 11 years, I have worked with indigent homeless people in sunny El Paso – specifically the homeless veteran population. 

Fanning the Flame: 
Creating, Thinking, Planning for Associate Relationship

By Cherie Esposito

On May 2, 2026, an eager group of associates and sisters gathered to envision dreams of the future of Associate Relationship with the School Sisters of St. Francis.

Participants entered a room where the tables were decorated with symbolic candles to help us visualize the light each of us brings to our diverse settings and situations. After a time of socializing and catching up, the meeting began with a welcome that included prayer and an introduction of the day. The song “Companions on the Journey” captured the theme of the day perfectly.

The first session, titled “Legacy,” honored the past and celebrated the fierce and loving sisters each of us encountered. A moving tribute involved each person present naming a sister who was no longer with us physically but remained in our hearts, drawing us forward into the new future.

After a short break, new table groups formed to tackle the next topic of “Calling.” This began with a distinction being given between being part of a group and the meaning of a calling. Given time to reflect on our past and current callings, each of us was surprised by the impact we individually had.

“Community,” the third focus topic, reminded us of the importance of relationships and of the common mission and charism we share with the School Sisters of St. Francis. The new table group for this session reflected on the ministries and commitments we participate in today.

Finally, the participants were challenged to dream and imagine the future together. People shared their hopes and excitement as we, anchored in the charism, reached forward into what could be. The conversation was animated and creative.



The Associate Relationship team shared their vision, including diving deeper into what it means to be an associate; plans for providing a common formation experience for those who have been associates for some time and did not participate in a small group process; and how we can grow together, connected to each other as associates. As each person left, there was a renewed commitment and hope for a powerful future.

Answering the Call: Mission Volunteers Journey to Holly Springs

Please see the U.S. News dated April 30, 2026, for Associate Mary Ann Wiznerowicz’s detailed account of the trip to Holly Springs that six of our associates made in April.

LINK TO: https://conta.cc/4cZEOEX

Please enjoy these pictures depicting our associates pitching in wherever they saw a need.  

The Mission Committee is currently looking into another opportunity to continue our mission at the Maryville Crisis Nursery in Chicago. Like last year, this would most likely be a one-day experience in late summer or early fall. Be on the lookout for information from the Mission Committee in the near future.

2026 Holly Spring Mission Trip

Sisters and associates in Gregory House in Holly Springs, MS

Associates (from left) Jan Benson, Mary Ann Wiznerowicz, and Rob Hoffmann completed a porch deck and railings at a home in Byhalia, MS.

At the Garden Café associates helped to package and serve over 200 meals on Tuesday and Thursday. 

Associate Lydia Johnson cutting and sewing burp cloths and baby blankets. These items were delivered to the Social Services office in Hernando, MS.

Associates (from left) Barb Kluka and Karen Dosemagen working in the dining room at Gregory House.

The associates volunteering weeded and planted 10 raised beds of vegetable behind the Garden Café

BOOKS, VIDEOS, MOVIES AND PODCAST OF INTEREST

BOOKS

The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America

Author: Richard Rothstein

(2018, Norton)

Through extraordinary revelations and extensive research, Rothstein comes to chronicle nothing less than an untold story that begins in the 1920s, showing how the process of de jure segregation began with explicit racial zoning, as millions of African Americans moved in a great historical migration from the south to the north.

A Crown of Stars

Author: Shana Abé

(2026, Kensington)

A sumptuously vivid and poignant account of the Lusitania’s fateful last days, drawn from the true story of an extraordinary young actress who survived the unthinkable.

The Future Is Peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land

Authors: Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon

(2026, Crown)

Two lifelong peace activists and guides to Israel/Palestine, both of whom have lost family in the conflict, take readers on a revealing life-changing journey across this holy, bloodstained land and discover the mythic, political, and personal history that divides but also binds them and their peoples.

Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You'd Rather Cancel

Author: Loretta J. Ross

(2026, Simon & Schuster)

Ross vividly illustrates why calling people in – inviting them into conversation instead of conflict, and focusing on your shared values over a desire for punishment – is the more strategic choice if you want to make real change. And she shows you how to do so, whether in the workplace, on a college campus, or in your living room. (Note: This book was read and discussed in the Peacemaker’s Book Club hosted by Associate Jean Hoffmann)

 PODCASTS

The Environmental Justice Lab (Dr. Lesley Joseph). This podcast explores the history and modern-day fight for environmental justice, from the grassroots movement in Warren County, North Carolina, to the water crises in places like Flint, Michigan.

Brennan Center LIVE (Brennan Center for Justice). Featuring well-known thinkers, this podcast presents conversations on issues related to democracy, justice, race, and the U.S. Constitution.

1619 Project Audio Series (The New York Times). This podcast is part of a larger initiative that reframes American history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at its center

The Holy Post (Phil Vischer). Join VeggieTales and What's in the Bible? creator Phil Vischer and co-host Skye Jethani (author, speaker, pastor) for a fast-paced and often funny conversation about pop culture, media, theology, and the fun, fun, fun of living a thoughtful Christian life in an increasingly post-Christian culture.



IN CONCLUSION

I would like to close this issue with a quote from former President Barack Obama:

“We are reminded that, in the fleeting time we have on earth, what matters most is not the wealth, or status or power or fame, but rather how well we have loved and what small part we have played in making the lives of other people better.”

Let us continue to be kind to one another!

I would like to thank all of those individuals who contributed to this newsletter.



This is a platform for associates, and I welcome any ideas for upcoming editions. I am especially interested in your recommendations for associates I can feature in future editions! Please email all ideas and comments to me at kkovatovic@gmail.com.