ASSOCIATES

Our Founder recognised the need for committed people to help the Sisters and use their gifts to reach out to others. Our Associates are committed Christians from all walks of life who desire spiritual growth according to our Charism and who wish to respond to the needs of our times.

Today, the Associates support and encourage each other in their faith journey and collaborate with the Sisters in various ministries. This collaboration is a means of participating, sharing and growing in the knowledge and the practice of the SSJ Charism.

"Grant Good Jesus,
that I may unite myself to You,
like the moss to the wall,
like the shoot to the branch,
like the branch to the trunk
and the trunk to the root of the tree."
(From the Writings of Jean Pierre Medaille)

The word "Charism" means "gift". In the context of a Religious Congregation it is the way in which the Founder or Foundress has been gifted by God with a particular insight or vision for the growth and development of its members. Our Associates meet regularly to meditate, pray and share experiences of their lives and work. They are kept in touch with the many events in the Province through Newsletters, Prayer and Study days.

During our recent Provincial Chapter there was special time devoted to our Associates. It was a wonderful gathering, full of hope and joy. Here are a few extracts from some of their Testimonies.

My Experience of being an SSJA Associate by Pat Price

A Personal View of the Charism of the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy by Marguerite Duncan

An Associate's Thoughts by Patricia Williams