News - Associates RSS Feed

At the heart of San Francisco's Sisters of the Presentation Motherhouse, a significant event unfolded on April 21st, 2024: Cyndy Zimmer's Commissioning as an Associate. Crafted with grace by Tina Panelli, the ceremony resonated with prayers and songs embodying the Presentation spirit. Cyndy's signing of the Associate Covenant, alongside Sister Rosina Conrotto, symbolized her commitment to the community's cherished ideals. Delve deeper into the profound journey of service and compassion awaiting Cyndy as she continues Nano Nagle's inspiring legacy.

In a world often tumultuous and ever-changing, there are certain constants that anchor us, providing light in the darkest of times. For many in San Francisco and beyond, the Presentation Sisters stand as beacons of hope, embodying compassion, dedication, and unwavering service. This year marks a significant milestone in their journey - the 170th anniversary of their arrival in the City by the Bay. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the Associates, alongside esteemed leader Cathy Pickerel, chose Leap Day as a day of thanksgiving, a day to celebrate the profound impact of the Sisters' mission.

Presentation Learning Center in Watts is a ministry of the Union of Presentation Sisters. Some of our Associates recently visited the Center and found Nano's spirit and legacy alive and well!

This is an invitation for YOU - to a Zoom gathering of Presentation Sisters, Associates, alumnae, employees - anyone who is connected to the Presentation Sisters through a shared sense of mission. Come share the paths that have brought us to this commonality!

In May, the Sisters and Associates were able to hear from Ann Chermak Dillen, a career diplomat who now focuses her attention on Ukraine's democratic development by organizing women's leadership projects and supporting Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). This month she provided an update on pending legislation and urged pressure on California's national legislators.

Stefan Salinas of San Francisco has written a book for children telling the story of the foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Join the author and Presentation Associate Nanette Miller, who commissioned the book, for a conversation via Zoom on August 29.

Bishop George Pallipparambil of the Diocese of Miao celebrated Mass, and then spoke with the community about his Diocese and the impact of their donation earlier this year, through an Easter Egg Grant.

In late April and early May, six Presentation Associates journeyed to Ireland to visit the birthplace of Nano Nagle, and the sites where she ministered. They encountered warm Irish hospitality, and deepened their appreciation for Nano's vision and sacrifice. Yolanda Santillan and Gerry Fagoaga recounted their experiences in this article.

On May 22, the Sisters and Associates heard from a woman knowledgeable about the current situation in Ukraine. Ann Chermak Dillen is a career diplomat now working on democracy development in that country. She explained the circumstances that Ukrainians are living in, the politics of the situation, and the horrific atrocities being committed there. Watch the presentation and learn how to help.

May Barisone is an Associate with the Presentation Sisters, San Francisco. She was recently asked to share the story of how the Sisters have influenced her life and what being an Associate means to her. “My first memory of the Sisters of the Presentation was...

Gilroy: the Ohlones, garlic, ranches, agriculture, the San Francisco Presentation Sisters: all these define the town today. Learn more about the enduring influence of the Sisters at St. Mary School.

Sixteen representatives of the San Francisco Sisters of the Presentation - Sisters, lay Associates, staff, and other partners - attended a Presentation conference to discuss ways to help each other lift up Nano’s lantern in these days.

Cathy reflects on her connections with the Sisters of the Presentation as a teacher and Associate, and her new means of continuing connections with former students through Facebook...

When did this incredible, ever changing and challenging journey begin? I would  have to say from early childhood to the present day.  My introduction to Presentation Women took place during my elementary school  years...

By Kay Sweeney, Associate Program Facilitator Betty Canton Self is a woman (pictured) who has never allowed her heart or feet to stay still. She has been a Presentation Associate for more than twenty years. After leaving Texas, where she lived after escaping the civil...

Barbara “Bobbi” Evans was part of the first graduating class of Our Lady of Loretto High School in 1953. She had her heart set on attending Immaculate Heart High and “not that new school,” as she pleaded with her mother, but fate had other plans. There she made many dear and life-long friends...

As a little girl after finishing her chores and homework, Jane would gaze at the world map on her bedroom wall and dreamed of the countries she hoped to visit one day. Growing up in New Jersey she got bitten by the wanderlust bug at an early age and it has stayed with her all her life...

Three young women in India have hope for the future with our help. Associate Nanette Miller, works with the the Diocese of Miao in northern India and has this report on the use of funds provided these girls through the annual “Easter Egg Grants...”

After a year of preparation, Yolanda Montano Santillan, Our Lady of Loretto High School, Class of 1974, Los Angeles, joined the Presentation Associates at the 2019 Assembly on June 22, 2019. She was presented to the community by Rosalie Cabrera, Our Lady of Loretto...

Spotlight on Ministry – Kay Sweeney met the Presentation Sisters when she was participating in a Maryknoll summer program in Guatemala. She had gotten a taste of ministry to the Spanish speaking on a trip the year before...