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About UsCojournersWhat is a Cojourner?
In the words of Sister Mary Denis Collins, in a 1986 letter to the priests of the diocese:
Cojourners and sisters develop a partnership through visits, shared prayer and participation in congregation activities and gatherings. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Presentation Cojourner, call Sister Darlene Gutenkauf at her office 605-229-8315, cell 319-210-6142 or e-mail: darleneag@hotmail.com.
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Evolution of the Cojourner ProgramThe concept of lay people being associated with Presentation Sisters to travel with us in prayer and service and carry on the charism of Nano Nagle started with conversations dating back to 1968. In 1980 the Presentation Sisters Chapter of Affairs affirmed the concept of extended membership. In 1981, then-president Sister JoAnn Sturzl established a committee of sisters to work on extended membership. Sister Virginia Calmus became the first director of extended membership in 1984. In May 1986 the first cojourner brochures and handbooks were compiled and printed and May 7, 1986, brought the agreements of the first two cojourners: Genevieve Bunkers and Carol Welbig. Mike and Jane Sandsmark became cojourners later that year. These four individuals are still cojourners today.
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Cojourners are baptized persons of any faith who desire to share the spirituality, values and mission of the Presentation Sisters. Cojourners, our lay associates, partner with the Presentation Sisters while they continue their own vocation and career.
I can't remember a time when I didn't know about the Presentation Sisters; my mom grew up in Fargo and knew many of the Fargo Presentation Sisters. My earliest memory of the Aberdeen Presentation Sisters is when I was in high school and exploring the possibility of attending Presentation College (sponsored by the Presentation Sisters). I decided to attend PC and came to know Sister Joan well, as well as knowing many of the sisters as instructors. After I began working at Avera St. Luke's in 1985, these relationships grew. 
