Oblate Associates Update
Greetings Oblates and Oblate Associates,
I hope your summer is going well. In the OMI Lacombe Canada world, it is certainly a lot quieter than last year, with the Lay Congress, Chapter and Convocation all happening within the space of a few months. Work continues though, and there is some Associate news to share with you.
First, there are changes this year with regard to the District Animators in OMI Lacombe. Terms came to an end last year, but for various reasons, there were delays in making new appointments. I am happy to say we now have our animators in place for four districts. There are a few retirements, new appointments, and renewals.
In British Columbia, Ken Forster is the new Oblate animator for two years, November 2022 – November 2024, with David and Karen Sax accepting reappointment, November 2022 – November 2023. Darcie Lich and Joseph Jacek are new animators in the Saskatchewan district. They join Gerry Weinkauf, who is reappointed, while Mike Dechant retires. Brother Anthony District has Dan and Joanne Friedt replacing Debbie Doornbos while Susai Jesu has accepted another term. They join Eleanor Rabnett, who is reappointed and Pamela Dixon, a new animator. Eugene Whyte retired earlier in the year. The terms for these three districts are June 2023 – June 2025.
Our thanks go to Mike, Debbie, and Eugene who served so generously in their districts. Oblate Association is well and thriving because of their commitment. We are grateful to the new animators, Ken, Darcie, Joe, Dan, Joanne, and Pamela and for those who accepted renewal, David, Karen, Susai, Gerry and Eleanor. Oblate Association is in good hands!
Please feel free to contact the District Animators in your area; contact information is available through the District Administrators.
Second, I hope you are planning on joining the Province-wide ZOOM call scheduled for August 15, Feast of the Assumption. The announcement came out in What’s New and the Zoom link will be sent closer to the date. One of the goals in the Forward Together Strategic Plan is to strengthen our community ties and heighten awareness of Oblate Associates’ presence. We can do this through participating in these on-line events. They are great times of prayer, sharing and deepening our connections. Keep checking in What’s New for the invite; hope to see you there!
Third, we have received good news about Oblate Associates at the Congregational level. At the 37th General Chapter, capitulars committed to creating structures of support for associations throughout the Oblate world: “We further mandate the establishment of a new General Service or an Office for laity sharing in the Oblate charism to support the official network. [Pilgrims of Hope in Communion, 37th General Chapter H.2.
To that end, in May 2023, Father General appointed Mr. Stefano Dominici, a lay associate from Italy, as the first Coordinator of Lay Associates and Association, effective 1 June, 2023. Stefano was a member of the central team that organized the 2nd Lay Associates Congress in 2022 and part of the team of Associates that made a presentation at the 37th General Chapter (2022). I worked with Stefano on both those teams and can attest to his expertise in taking on this role.
Stefano is tasked with maintaining the network of associates and associations within the congregation, and, working together with others, both vowed Oblates and associates, proposing to the Superior General and his Council ways of implementing the mandates of the 37th General Chapter on Lay Associates. One of his first steps will be to establish an international team and we look forward to what comes next!
Finally, if your summer is lazy and you have extra reading time, I urge you to read, “Acts of the 37th General Chapter, Pilgrims of Hope in Communion,” if you haven’t done so already, that is! Setting out the pathway for the next six years for Oblates and Associates alike, it is inspiring and challenging. While the Associates’ presence is included throughout, there are specific references and recommendations in IV.18ff. and V.H.1-5 that move Associates and Associations to a new level in the congregation. It is an exciting time!
So as your summer unfolds, blessings. Saint Augustine encourages us, “Go forth on your path, as it exists only through your walking.” Wherever your journeys take you, may they be grace-filled.
Sandra Prather
Provincial Animator
Oblate Associates
OMI Lacombe Canada
sandramprather@gmail.com
