Joined by their Jesuit companions, especially Jesuits in Omaha, family, and friends, Ignatian Associates from across the Wisconsin Province attended a Mass of Commitment at St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Omaha on Sept. 4 to formally welcome 18 new promised members while an additional 31 people renewed their promises.

Mass was the culmination of a weekend gathering that included the group’s annual Pre-Promises Retreat, held this year at the Creighton University Retreat Center in Griswold, Iowa.

Those completing the two-year formation period in Omaha are Charlene and Mark Covey, Anne and Bob Ginn, Lisa and Tom Kelly, Andrea and Daniel Lawse, Mike and Sue McDermott, Karen Tibbs-Nnawulezi and Chuma Nnawulezi.

In the Twin Cities, the following people completed the two-year formation period: Pat Barry, Tom Cinadr, Connie and Jack Pelner, and Carol O’Boyle and Bob Silvagni.

Associates make three promises in all – simplicity of life, fidelity to the Gospel and to their Associate and Jesuit companions, and apostolic availability.

The 18 who made promises for the first time join 55 Promised Ignatian Associates in Ignatian Associate communities in Milwaukee, Omaha, and St. Paul that meet regularly during the year.

Fr. Thomas Lawler, SJ, provincial assistant for pastoral ministries, retreat ministries, and lay formation, presided at the Mass. Concelebrants included Fr. Bob Dundon, SJ, pastor of St. Benedict the Moor Parish, and Fr. Richard Hauser, SJ, director of this year’s retreat, and other Jesuit companions.

Ignatian Associates are Catholic adults, married and single, who are committed to advancing the Jesuit tradition of service to the Church and ministry to the poor of the world. Their formation is rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Additional information about Ignatian Associates is available at www.ignatianassociates.org.

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