Lynn and Gerry celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary in December 2014. They have two daughters and one son and are proud of their five grandchildren. Lynn and Gerry are graduates of Marquette University.
Holy Spirit Parish is graced with Lynn and Gerry’s ministries as Team Leaders of Christ Renews His Parish, catechists, Proclaimers of the Word, and other volunteer work.
For Lynn and Gerry, the Associate relationship has offered learning and bonding opportunities through the GATHERINGs, Dialogue Group occasions, and Community celebrations.
What was your first step toward considering the Associate Relationship?
Lynn: After retirement, I wanted to find a way to increase my spiritual relationship with God in a communal setting, so I decided I would do it by attending daily Mass. At daily Mass, I discovered a dedicated group of people who practiced and lived their faith by starting each day in praise of God and by receiving Eucharist. Soon, I forged a bond with my fellow communicants, prayed the rosary with them, shared prayer breakfasts with them, and attended retreats and Bible study with them.
How did you decide the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross was the community to which God was calling you?
Lynn: One day, I mentioned to Lucy Timmers, a fellow daily communicant, how blessed I was to share such a close relationship with the people at daily Mass. It was she who told me about the Associate Relationship that she enjoys with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross. I was intrigued with the relationship because I had taught with Sisters Christine Wochos and Ruth Ann LaBine at St. John Nepomucene School in Little Chute, and I knew them to be kind, generous, prayerful, and happy individuals. Somehow, I felt that God was directing me to a Franciscan call.
What was your first step toward considering the Associate Relationship?
Gerry: Like my wife, Lynn Miller, I continually look to increase my spiritual relationship with God. Previously, I attended daily Mass, said the rosary daily, and participated as a member of parish and diocese committees. Because of some recent illnesses, however, I have had to slow considerably my involvement with Church activities. That said, association with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross allows me to continue my faith journey along with others dedicated to a strong spiritual life.
What key learning did you discover about yourself, the Sisters, the Church or Franciscan life during the formation process?
Gerry: During the formation process, Lynn and I learned that the Franciscan lifestyle encourages us to live Christ’s Gospel message as a path to attain holiness, to grow in friendship with God, and to serve others. It also challenges us to appreciate even more the Roman Catholic Church and to live the Franciscan values of conversion, contemplation, poverty, and humility.