What is a CSJ Associate ?
CSJA – CSJ Associates
CSJ Associates are men and women, married and single, primarily Catholic, who seek a deeper relationship with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet without becoming vowed members of the community. Associates share in the faith community, ministry, prayer and celebrations of the Sisters.
Associates make commitment to the Congregation. Our commitment as Associates challenges us to deepen our spiritual life while continuing our active lives as spouses, professionals, parents, caregivers and retirees.
As Associates, we are called to listen to the cry of the poor, those on the fringes of society, the homeless, and those in prison. We are challenged to become involved, to be instruments of change in our society. Many Associates are actively involved in ministry with CSJs––in prison ministry, healthcare, feeding those in homeless shelters, providing services for unwed mothers, serving as mentors for adolescents, caring for the elderly and serving the “dear neighbor.”
For more information, please contact Denise Ginty: dginty@csjla.org
Frequently Asked Questions about the CSJ Associates
Associates are men and women, married and single, who seek a deeper relationship with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet without becoming vowed members. Associates share in the faith community, ministry, prayer, and celebrations of the Sisters.What type of commitment is expected of an Associate?
After completing an orientation process and exploring a call to this special kind of relationship, Associates make an ongoing commitment to strive for growth iin prayer, faith, and ministry. This commitment invites Associates to lead lives of deeper relationship with God and loving service to all of God’s people whom we call the “dear neighbor.”
After completing an orientation process and exploring a call to this special kind of relationship, Associates make an ongoing commitment to strive for growth iin prayer, faith, and ministry. This commitment invites Associates to lead lives of deeper relationship with God and loving service to all of God’s people whom we call the “dear neighbor.”
Associates participate in community meetings and celebrations as they are able. Associates can expect to be treated as partners in ministry, as companions on the faith journey, and as persons who extend our presence in the world. Associates live independently of the Sisters with no financial or legal commitment from either party.
Associates bring the spirit of the right relationship to their work as ministers in their local church, to their jobs, and to their families. They can also choose to participate as co-ministers in works operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
Those invited to Association enter a period of exploration, usually a year, during which they learn about the Sisters of St. Joseph and participate in both small group and larger community events. This is a time for asking questions, for reflective prayer, and for developing relationships with Sisters and other Associates. Some may find they are not called to Association, but the discernment process in itself is an important step in the faith journey of all who participate.
How do I know if I am called to be a CSJ Associate?
Any Sister or CSJ Associate can invite others to consider becoming an Associate. Individuals explore the call to Association through their experiences of the community during the orientation process, in relationship with Sisters and Associates, and by participating in community events.
You may wish to explore Association if:
- You are seeking to engage in a deeper, more intentional spiritual practice with others on the faith journey.
- You are looking for a faith-community with which to pray, minister and celebrate God’s presence in life.
- You desire to further social justice, particularly on behalf of the economically poor and unjustly deprived.
- You realize that life has a deeper meaning when lived in the context of reflection, shared experience and meaningful ritual.
Steps to Become a CSJ Associate
While there are many ways people can connect with the Sisters of St. Joseph, becoming an Associate requires real discernment because the individual makes a serious commitment to the CSJ community and furthering the mission of “always moving toward the profound love of God and neighbor without distinction.”
CSJ Associate candidates participate in a formal orientation process which generally takes place over a one year period of time and they learn about CSJ identity, history, and charism. Sisters and CSJ Associates mentor the candidate throughout the orientation period, using the “CSJ Associate Orientation Study Guide.”
After completion of the orientation phase, candidates submit a formal application to make a commitment as a CSJ Associate. Following commitment, they enter into a deeper participation in the ministries, prayer, and activities of the CSJ community, both on a regional and a provincial level.
