|
Associates renew their covenant yearly. Unlike vowed members, associates do not take vows, vote, or participate in the local or general government of the congregation. There is no mutual financial or legal responsibility between associates and the Sisters of Notre Dame.
|
Formation and Commitment as Associates
One underlying factor that brings people into association with the Sisters of Notre Dame is the desire to deepen their life of faith. The year of candidacy supports their spiritual growth. A rich diet of prayer, of introduction to Mary, Notre Dame, of Eucharist; of the social mission of the Church and of the stories of Sisters of Notre Dame and its Charism is served. A covenant is made at the end of the year to give concrete attention to their prayer and service.
Once a candidate becomes an associate, monthly faith sharing brings them together for continued growth and shared sense of God working in their lives. Other gatherings and retreats provide for a deeper understanding of their call. They continue to live out the Christian mission within the circumstances of their lives. Associates have the potential to bring Christ into the world in a new and decisive way. They enrich the community of the Sisters of Notre Dame and extend its mission in new and renewed ways.
|
The steps on the journey to association are:
- A call to listen
- A call to begin
- A call to commitment
- A call to continue the journey
|