A religious community’s general chapter, like the one we just completed in April, is, ultimately, a commitment of the sisters to do their part and do what is needed for others. A chapter also requires prayer, contemplative dialog, and direction-setting for the coming five years. Ultimately it boils down to each sister doing her part and doing what needs to be done for others.
This is the same mantra that our associates, Mike and Betty Goldasich, have lived out since they married 61 years ago. From the beginning, Mike and Betty were committed to centering their social life on their community, parish, and their children’s schools.
While they lived in Springfield initially and have returned there, they also spent nearly thirty years in Jacksonville, their children attending Our Saviour School. Mike tells a story about his son, Matt, who finally felt accepted by his classmates once he kicked a soccer ball over the convent roof into the courtyard. Grinning, Betty added, “It takes a while not to feel like an outsider when you move to Jacksonville. However, we made long-lasting, cherished friends there.”
Betty and Mike benefitted from and strengthened the community spirit at Our Saviour. Betty chaperoned class field trips and brought treats for school and parish meetings. Mike responded to many of Monsignor Driscoll’s requests for advice on buildings and parish needs. They were eucharistic ministers at Mass. They wanted to do their part, even while running an architecture business and Lonzerottis Restaurant.
When they moved back to Springfield, the Goldasiches helped out with the Heritage Days event at Little Flower Parish. They also became associates of the Dominican Sisters, visiting sisters at Sacred Heart Convent and helping to coordinate associate volunteers for our 150th Anniversary celebration last year.
Like many of you, our Partners in Mission, Mike and Betty Goldasich are always willing to do their part and help when there is a need. Whether it is promoting Gospel values in the home or neighborhood, lending a helping hand, or donating to organizations like the Springfield Dominicans, you are generously “doing your part, doing what needs to be done” to build a community on Gospel values.
