A growing number of Catholic women in Northern Michigan are finding a deeper intimacy with God — not by stepping away from the world, but by living their faith more fully within it.
Through the St. Francis de Sales Association, laywomen from all walks of life are embracing consecration, committing themselves to a life of prayer, virtue and quiet service rooted in the teachings of St. Francis de Sales. Whether widowed, married, divorced or single, they share a common desire: to encounter Christ more personally and bring his gentle presence into the ordinary rhythms of daily life.
The Daughters of St. Francis de Sales Association is an international organization of lay Catholic women who choose to live their lives grounded in the Gospel and according to Salesian teachings by living the Christian virtues: kindness, patience, joyful optimism, gentleness, strength and humility.
Answering God’s Call
Barbara Peterson, of Holy Redeemer Parish in Vanderbilt, who was consecrated in late September 2024, reflects, “I commit myself to strive for holiness as it is found in the Gospels, in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, and to serve the Church by the witness of my whole life and by my participation in its apostolate.”
A pillar of the apostolate is rooted in the little virtues that deepen intimacy with Christ and promulgate a service to his people.
Serving as the lead for the association in the Diocese of Gaylord, Betty Hamilton, of St. Mary Cathedral Parish, articulates that her consecration 11 years ago into the association has made her relationship with Christ her priority.
It is the mission of St. Francis de Sales Association to serve together in our parishes in ways that help the priests and others.
Betty explains, “This has helped me feel closer to God — more now than ever, as the feeling continues to grow because I am intentional about studying and understanding the Scriptures, living the catechism, receiving the sacraments, participating in parish activities and ministries and helping others in their time of formation.
“God reveals himself to us in the Church, in the Scriptures, in the sacraments — especially the Eucharist — and in the events of our lives and through one another,” Betty adds.
In a parallel voice, Gaylord resident LuAnn Deane shares her intimate perspectives.
“In 2017-2018, I was dealing with personal issues that only God could have brought me through,” reflects LuAnn, who was consecrated in April 2021 at St. Mary Cathedral Parish.
“In this process, I felt called to look more to the needs of others and become more involved with the Church and, as a Catholic, with all those who were placed into my life.
“Faith in God and dependence on him have always been strong in my life. Intentionality and action were the parts of my faith life that were often missing. I found it too easy to drift along and in general preferred to be invisible, or at least ‘behind the scenes,’” LuAnn continues.
“The formation with the daughters helped me to become more aware, more confident and more intentional in living a life of open and joyful faith.”
Echoing this same sentiment is Gaylord’s St. Mary Cathedral parishioner Anna Wenzlick, who said: “I was led to consecration because there is a deeper level of learning. The Salesian approach is a complete curriculum. The teachings of St. Francis lead us to the virtues that we want to espouse.
“I have learned that he wants to meet me where I am and walk with me. He wants to be close to my heart.
I have found such peace in this study,” she reflects.
Anna is currently in the formation process, which fosters value and more intimacy for ladies because of the monthly group gatherings, retreats and ongoing readings and discussions with an assigned companion.
Transforming the Soul
The impact for consecrated and lay faithful alike is transformative.
“We work to ensure the lay faithful know that God is love and how to live faithfully in his presence. We help believers find holiness — devotion to God — in daily life and that developing relationships help strengthen our spiritual lives,” offers Betty.
Barbara adds, “The benefits of affiliation in this association offer a simple way of reconciling the often-conflicting demands of home, family, career, church and community with growth in the spiritual life.”
The conflicting demands we all wrestle with can spur a journey for meaning that, through prayerful reflection, leads to Christ in the Eucharist.
For Betty, the journey for a more intimate relationship originated before consecration. “I was searching for something more,” she reflects. “I know I needed my Savior and friendship with other women who were pursuing a deeper relationship with him.
“There was no singular event that sparked this desire but rather a developing yearning for Christ’s full presence in my life. One principal offering was reading St. Francis de Sales’ Introduction to the Devout Life, taught by Father Steve Shott, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales priest at my parish in Florida. This had an impact on my life because it caused me to continue searching and ultimately find the daughters,” reflects Betty.
Barbara echoes, “There was a crisis in my life years ago; I needed something more and the desire for fulfillment led me to attend daily Mass. Through prayerful reflection, I ultimately found the Salesian teachings and spirituality of the little virtues.”
Spiritual Offering to Others
“For those who are struggling in their faith or with life, my advice would be to find someone to encourage you,” says Betty. “Prayer is key. Daily gratitude for God’s blessings is principal, too. Finding Catholic literature that meets your particular need is key. Utmost are the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, which offers a direct channel to Christ who is fully present.
“I think it is also key to help others when you are struggling because it helps them and you. Surely your parish priest can direct you and give you the insight God would want you to have if you are struggling in your faith walk. Struggling is not a bad thing; it can take us where God wants us to go,” ends Betty.
“Everyone needs support,” adds Anna. “Having a group to share the journey is so encouraging. It helps me to understand that we are all on this faith journey. The daughters of St. Francis de Sales have worked many years to fine-tune the studies and make them practical for those who are called to the laity in the Church.”
If you have an interest in learning more about the Association of St. Francis de Sales, visit sfdsassociation.org and watch the brief video presentation by the Regional Directress Julianne Jackson from Alabama. You may also call the St. Mary Cathedral Parish Office for the Northern Michigan local group: 989-732-5448.
