On September 13, Wendy Bair of Monroe, Michigan; Erin Duffey Broderick of Havertown, Pennsylvania; and Calley Duffey of Monroe, Michigan, celebrated a special moment in their faith journeys as they made their commitments as IHM Associates with the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM).
Surrounded by members of the IHM community at the IHM Motherhouse in Monroe, the three women participated in the Rite of Commitment, a celebration of faith, community, and a shared call to live the Gospel in the spirit and mission of the IHM Sisters.
Their journey toward becoming IHM Associates was nurtured through prayer, reflection, learning, and companionship. Each candidate was accompanied by a vowed IHM Sister who walked with her throughout the process: Annette St-Amour, IHM, accompanied Wendy Bair; Margaret Alandt, IHM, accompanied Erin Duffey Broderick; and Monica Stuhlreyer, IHM, accompanied Calley Duffey.
As they journeyed together, each candidate and her vowed companion shared a journal that provided opportunities to explore the history and spirituality of the IHM community, reflect on its charism, and discover how the IHM spirit might take root and flourish in her own life. Through these shared experiences, they came to know more deeply the story of the IHM Sisters and the call to serve God and others with compassion, love, and hope.
At the heart of their journey was a growing sense of belonging. Each of the new associates expressed gratitude for the opportunity, sharing that she felt “honored to be an IHM Associate.”
IHM Associates are women and men who are drawn to the spirit, life, and mission of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They come from many walks of life and continue to live their own vocations while choosing to covenant with the Monroe IHM Sisters for a specific and renewable period of time.
Through this covenant, associates join with the IHM community in seeking to live the Gospel and carry the IHM spirit into their families, workplaces, communities, and ministries. Each associate chooses areas of particular importance to her or him, including prayer, community, and ministry, allowing the IHM charism to be expressed through the unique gifts and circumstances of each person’s life.
The Rite of Commitment is more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of God’s call, faithful companionship, and the many ways the Spirit continues to bring people together in service and love. The IHM Sisters joyfully welcome Wendy, Erin, and Calley as they begin this new chapter of their journey and give thanks for the gifts, faith, and presence they bring to the IHM family.
May their commitment continue to deepen their relationship with God, strengthen their bonds with one another, and inspire them to share the love and compassion of Christ wherever their journeys lead.
Interested in becoming an IHM Associate? To learn more about this meaningful journey of faith and connection with the IHM community, call 734-240-9672.
