“We are grateful for your commitment to God and to the parish,” said Archbishop José Gomez at the beginning of the liturgy, describing the commissioning as another beautiful day in the life of the Cathedral parish.“It’s a good day for all of us because the readings help us to reflect on the meaning of our discipleship and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives,” said the archbishop. His homily focused on how the gifts of the Holy Spirit are signs of God’s love and care, helping every person to make progress in their journey of faith. Following the sermon, Kathy R. Enright, director of the archdiocesan Office of Parish Life, stepped forward to present the candidates. “It is our witness that God’s love has strengthened these pastoral associate candidates present with us today,” said Enright. “They have listened well to the word of God, applied themselves in study and formation, lived as faithful followers, and taken part in their communities’ life of prayer and service.” Enright then individually called out the candidates from the congregation to stand facing the altar.“Let us now ask God to strengthen and bless our sisters as they begin their new pastoral service,” said Archbishop Gomez. He prayed that the Holy Spirit would “uphold them always as they take up their new responsibility among the people of the parishes they will serve.”The archbishop then gave them a certificate and a gift “as an expression of our gratitude for the faithful service you pledge today for the parishes of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. May it stand as a reminder of our support as you continue to fulfill your Baptismal call.”At a reception following the Mass on the Cathedral Plaza, Sister Kuhel, serving since last fall as a pastoral associate at Blessed Junipero Serra Church in Lancaster, called the commissioning a “wonderous” event.Claudia Draper, among 25 parishioners who attended the commissioning from Lancaster, said Sister Kuhel has made “such a difference. It’s wonderful to feel her presence” at the parish.Sister Molina previously served in the Diocese of San Bernardino as the longtime director of the Department of Ministry of Educational Services as well as the director of the Office of Religious Education and Formation and, before that, ministered as a pioneer pastoral associate in the archdiocese.“I think that Alice is particularly suited to serve in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles because of her understanding of diversity and multi-cultural dimensions of our church,” noted Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary Sister Mary Genino. “She also has many different skills she brings to the ministry as well as her experience, particularly in light of faith formation and administration.”Newly-commissioned pastoral associate Donna Trematerra’s mother Patricia said she was very proud of her daughter, who attended St. John’s Seminary for an MA in Pastoral Ministry, which she holds in addition to her MA in psychology from Pepperdine University. Currently serving as an assistant at St. Maximillian Kolbe Church in Westlake Village, Donna has taught religion and served as a school counselor at Santa Clara High School in Oxnard. “I’d like to be able to serve God’s people, and I’m looking to do God’s will wherever he sends me,” she said.{gallery width=100 height=100}gallery/2011/0603/passociate/{/gallery}
