Individual insight and shared Franciscan values work for WomanWell

As partners in ministry, Sister Delmarie Gibney and affiliate Kathy Corey both sit on the board of directors of the FSPA-sponsored spirituality center WomanWell in St. Paul, Minn. As individuals they each bring a wealth of differing experiences and perceptions to the table. Together they professionally and spiritually fortify WomanWell, FSPA, the community served and the mission they share—to provide “empowerment of women of all cultures, creeds and socio-economic status. This mission rooted in the Franciscan tradition, we believe, reflects the impelling message of the Sacred that recognizes the web of life, which names all creation holy.”

Presence: For the benefit of WomanWell, what distinctive contributions do you see in each other?
Sister Delmarie: Kathy is an excellent board member, and has a passion for the mission of WomanWell. Out of her rich-lived experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother and professional she brings a gentle, compassionate and loving presence that informs all she says and does. Also, because of her long-time residence in the Twin Cities area she provides knowledge of good resources for WomanWell and consequently facilitates excellent public relations strategies.

Kathy: I have always admired Sister Delmarie’s sincere welcoming and hospitality, not just to me but to all guests who come to WomanWell—she is a great host, a great leader in that capacity. She seems to define a large part of her spirituality by her creativity, her ability to find beauty and joy and God in her actions and in her commitments to WomanWell and the FSPA community of sisters and affiliates.

Presence: How do these individual qualities impact mission effectiveness?
Kathy: She has a gift for finding opportunities for us to come together as heartfelt members, each with important stories.

Sister Delmarie: With the broad world views and strong commitment to Franciscan values she brings to the board, Kathy stimulates expanded reflection on the issues at hand.

Presence: How will joint ministry between the two of you, and FSPA membership and affiliation in general, propel WomanWell and FSPA into the future?
Sister Delmarie: Kathy’s active presence on the WomanWell board breaks stereotypes and myths of exclusion. Her commitment gives witness to how collaboration between FSPA vowed membership and affiliates enriches discussion and provides insight and options that otherwise would not be available. Board members, both vowed FSPA and affiliates, are invaluable in keeping the focus on the mission and Franciscan values.

Kathy: Our creativity in decisions comes from our collective life experiences. My path of moving the Franciscan tradition and legacy forward has been one of walking with FSPA sisters and affiliates who have been my teachers, guides and friends. I feel that if I listen with an open heart I will be guided further and deeper into the teachings and traditions of Francis and Clare and the FSPA. As an affiliate I feel that I can be a voice for integrating affiliate roles and opportunities, and at the same time WomanWell and its mission.