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Dear CUSAN Family,
Writing in The CUSAN is a first for me. However, I have an important message, and this seemed to be the most effective way to communicate it. Within the next several months, our beloved Anna Marie Sopko will retire as Administrator of CUSA. She has been the soul of CUSA for so many years. Her concern for each member is matchless and without limits. She has truly found God's will or purpose in her suffering.
Anna Marie has been a wonderful, effective leader of CUSA. I have eagerly accepted the role of spokesperson for her as CUSA made many contacts throughout the country spreading the good news of the unique spiritual benefits in sharing one's illness or disability. It has been a true joy and a seamless partnership to have worked along side of her. Whenever deadlines seemed impossible to meet, she would always remind me that we could go to Tahiti instead. I have been truly blessed to be her friend. She is special!
Lorraine Vorrius has been ever at her side for almost as long as many of us can remember. Whenever I have complimented Lorraine on some aspect of a job well done, she has been quick to remind me that her "boss was responsible." Her modesty and quiet competence belie her effectiveness and countless contributions to CUSA's long life. So I also want to thank her for all that she has done for CUSA.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., will succeed Anna Marie as Administrator of CUSA. Most members know Father through his service as editor of this magazine and/or as Spiritual Advisor for the CUSA gl/egl groups. His familiarity with CUSA's operations and his twenty-five year history with CUSA make him an ideal candidate for the position. Anna Marie and Lorraine have already been working with Father Lawrence to effect a smooth transition from Bayonne, New Jersey to Cicero, Illinois.
The change in administrative leadership does not change the character of your role of support and prayer for your fellow CUSANS. The change in leadership will not change the personal spiritual value that each of you derives from membership nor the fabric of CUSA. While it is our hope that this will always remain so, change is inevitable for every living person or organization.
In the winter 2006 issue of The CUSAN, Jan Benton of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) and Father outlined the benefits of a partnership or collaboration between NCPD and CUSA. When Father assumes Administrative Leadership for CUSA, he will be working closely with Jan in building a strong collaborative effort. The structure of NCPD provides a wonderful avenue through which to publicize CUSA to a much larger audience within the community of persons with chronic illness and disability. The Board of Directors of CUSA has been searching for a way to help it to grow, to become better known, to reach more people. We feel that this collaboration is an ideal formula for success in those goals as well as in sustaining the present ministry or apostolate.
As I said earlier, change is part of every person’s life. It is also a part of CUSA’s life. I want to assure you, however, that the objective of the Board of the Board of Directors is not so much to change CUSA as it is to strengthen it. Each of you is very important to us. Join with me in thanking Anna Marie and Lorraine for their years of service (richly deserved thanks, at that) and in offering your best wishes and prayers for Fr. Lawrence as he assumes this leadership role.
I am writing this letter between the Feasts of the Ascension and Pentecost. As we celebrate the birth of the Christian Faith with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we also note that CUSA is coming close to a significant milestone as well. This is a time to celebrate – sixty years and still going strong!
Sincerely and gratefully,
Mrs. Joan Donnelly, President
CUSA Board of Directors |
