The Sisters of Charity
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Sisters of Charity Associates

Associates maintain their own lifestyle (single, married) and financial independence. During the time of discernment of this call, associates interact more closely with an individual Sister of Charity and/or a local community/group, meet and share in the Spirit of the Congregation and develop spiritually through prayer and faith sharing.

A strong and rapidly growing Associates program is indicative of the vitality of the Charity charism. Currently, 160 Associates have committed to journeying with this Congregation in prayer and service. Small groups meet regularly in at least 11 different locations in Canada, the US and Bermuda.

The interest in Associate programs has been steadily growing in congregations all across North America, according to a recent study. Of the more than 25,000 Associates in the US, for instance, almost half have known their congregation for five years or less. They're attracted to the relationship through a desire for a deeper spiritual life and the particular charism and mission of the congregation.


Associate Profile: Kim Marshall
from the 2004-05 Annual Report

When Kim Marshall entered the seventh grade at St. Paul's School in Wellesley, MA in 1987, she felt an immediate connection with the Sisters who taught her: Sisters Catherine Corbett, Emily Donovan and Mary Arthur McCarthy. "They all had that special tough of really caring about their students," she says. "I always felt that I could ask questions and that they had faith in me."

Kim's connection with the Sisters continued throughout her schooling. Again, at Regis College, a Sister of Charity stood out. Sister Mildred Crowley was Director of Campus Ministry at that time.

Through episodes of serious illness, Kim had a different experience of the Sisters' care and love. And in the past few years, she's been able to return that care and dedication in her work as a staff member at Mount Saint Vincent, Wellesley. Weekly exercise classes, outings and visiting speakers are just some of the programming she organizes as Program/Activity Director.

In April 2004, Kim entered into yet another new relationship with the Sisters of Charity when she became an Associate. "Over the years, my relationship with the Sisters has grown to friendship. I honestly believe they have accepted me as part of their family," she says. "I knew that someday I wanted to marry and have children, so becoming a Sister wouldn't be possible. But I also knew in my heart that I wanted to make a stronger commitment, to take a step beyond just working for them, to show Sisters that I truly honour them and their beliefs."

Kim adds, "I've taken the pledge to do whatever I can to help the Congregation grow. I'm honoured to be an Associate of the Sisters of Charity."