In Father Médaille’s time, there were lay affiliates, that is, women who had a stable spiritual bond with the Congregation and wanted to be associated with the Sisters in ministry and prayer. The same is true today; persons interested in our spirituality may desire to be associated with our Congregation.
Associates of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambéry are Christian women and men who are desirous of growing in their spiritual life and in service to others. They could be married persons, widows or widowers, single women or men, who possess a certain maturity in relationships and have a love for the Congregation and its ministries.
The Associate Program offers an atmosphere for members to acquaint themselves with the Sisters and the Congregation, as well as to take to heart and live the call in the spirit of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambéry. Associates have a period of formation, wherein they learn about the History, the Spirituality, and the Charism of the Congregation. As they deepen their call to live the spirit of the Congregation in their homes and places of work, they may actively participate in times of prayer, celebration and social justice activities within the Congregation.
Each Province of the Congregation that has an Associate Program has adapted it to the needs of the culture and the country in which it is located. Associates gather in small groups, usually with a sister or sisters, for prayer and reflection. Occasionally, the Associates will gather for a period of Retreat. Some Associates are active in mission work with the sisters; others volunteer in different ministries. Still others are active in the apostolate of prayer. Whatever the level of participation is, Associates live their lives in the spirit of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
