Stella Maris Incarnate Word Associates Committed to Hear the Cry of the Poor

Laudato Si' Article 10 on Saint Francis of Assisi:

"...He shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace."

Lamar, S. Marylou and Connie

For more than two decades, the Stella Maris Associates Community has been serving the needs of the vulnerable people through their generous contributions of services and resources especially Corpus Christi communities.  From what originally was two communities, the 15 associates now formed one community.   The first community was founded in 1999 by Sr. Marjorie Muldowney at the request of Sr. Kathleen Coughlin.  These two Incarnate Word Sisters used to live in Corpus Christi serving the CHRISTUS Spohn hospitals.

Stella Maris recently gathered on November 15.  The group usually meet at least once a month.  The associates has a strong friendship for each other built and solidified over the years. Some have been friends since they were working for CHRISTUS Spohn.  Though some of them were from the hospital, some friends were inspired by the Holy Spirit to join the group.

Connie, a previous employee of CHRISTUS Spohn Shoreline, is the last remaining founding member of the group.  She remains committed to keeping this community active along with the other members of this community in serving the needs of the materially poor and supporting each other through prayers and presence.   Margie was once the Director for Mission of CHRISTUS Spohn and facilitating the group meetings.  For the December's mission to address the cry of the poor, the group decided to donate hygiene and winter items.  The recipient of this year's Christmas project is the Mother Teresa Shelter.  This is a ministry of Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi.  This organization provides not only a shelter but a community, and treatment program for the unhoused.

IWA at their Women's Annual Retreat in Schoenstatt Movement Center

The works of the community is not only in the physical but also spiritual.  The Stella Maris gathered again for their Annual Retreat "Walking with Mary" during the Advent Season in December 6 at 9am until 3:30pm in Schoenstatt Movement Center.  The associates were reunited with their long time friends and new friends from different parishes of the diocese.  The attendees enjoyed the retreat praying, reflecting the Advent Season, and being in the company of familiar faces and eating snacks and meals together.  The retreat ended with the celebration of the Eucharist.

IWA with Mother Teresa Shelter Staff/Volunteer

The group gathers once a month to catch up on supporting each other and talk about their mission.  They support each other as well in prayers through group texts when there are life challenges such as illnesses in the family, life-changing events, death, etc.  During the Advent Season, they wanted to provide essentials to the residents of Mother Teresa Shelter. The Stella Maris decided to reach out to each other to gather the resources for donation for the shelter. Eventually Margie, one of the associates, got all the gift items.  Few associates decided to meet each other to drop off the 20 gift bags or more, containing hygiene items, and special winter items were also provided such as additional blankets, and coats.  About 25 to 35 clients of Mother Teresa shelter have benefited from this initiative.

Interested in joining us in animating the Catholic Social Teachings, Laudato Si', or any social justice concerns?  Reach out to us: jpic.office@amormeus.org.