Associates extend hands of Little Sisters of Poor

But as she recently prepared to be received into the group, the parishioner of St. Madeleine Sophie Church in Guilderland and retired doctor had another view.

"It's been wonderful!" she said of her year of preparation. "It has enriched me spiritually."

Associates

Sister Frances McKay, LSP, who leads the local group, called the associates "extensions of our hands." Associates in the Albany Diocese work alongside the Little Sisters at their home for the elderly, Our Lady of Hope Residence in Latham.

"They make promises that they will help us and have respect and dignity for the residents," Sister Frances explained.

Many tasks

"Wherever the need is, we offer our services," said Anne McTavey, a parishioner of St. Rita/Sacred Heart parish in Cohoes. "We bring people for ice cream, feed them -- show somebody cares about them, that they're not alone."

Mrs. McTavey has particularly enjoyed the monthly meetings, at which the members study the life of Blessed Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters. "In the spirit of Jeanne Jugan, we make the residents feel loved, [and show] how important they are and the value of their sufferings and prayers," she noted.

Dr. Aliwalas spoke with pride of helping residents write letters that they considered too personal to dictate to others. "The most important thing is spending time with them -- talking to them, giving them some loving touch," she added.

Accomplishments

"It's very exciting," said Sister Frances. She noted that when the Little Sisters say the Divine Office together every night, some associates join them. They have also been enthusiastic about recruiting new members.

The group leader is also pleased at the wide range of people who've joined, from doctors to retirees and even a staff member at Our Lady of Hope. She said many more people have asked to become members, and a new group of 12 are now starting their year of study.

Plans

Before the event that received her into the group, Dr. Aliwalas told The Evangelist, "It's a very special day. The bond we will feel with the people that inspire us!"

The associates are lay men and women, but she noted that they also promote religious life: "We are aware of the lack of new vocations, so we're spreading the news about that."

(For information about the Association Jeanne Jugan, call Sister Frances at 785-4551.)

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