Almost since the beginning of formal religious life in the Church there have been individuals and groups of lay people who have allied themselves with particular religious communities in a variety of relationships. In recent years, many women and men have responded to God’s call to associate themselves with hundreds of different communities world wide. In a relationship most often called “association.” In each of the five (5) provinces of the Felician Congregation associate relationships are unique, continuously evolving forms. Some provinces have developed formal Associate Programs, others work with a variety of groups.
Chapter 14 of the Memoirs of the Felician Sisters, written in the 1800’s, describes the existence of associates in the earliest days of the Congregation.
Through our Baptismal call we identify with Christ’s invitation to all to hear and act upon the “Good News”. The early Church recognized the diversity of gifts needed to build up the one body in Christ (Romans 12:4-6). In the spirit of renewal, the Church calls all Christians “to a fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of love, and by this holiness, a more human manner of life.…” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, paragraph 40).
Felician Sisters are called upon to share the charism, mission and vision of Blessed Mary Angela and to share the richness of the Franciscan tradition received from Francis and Clare of Assisi. As Felician Associates, Christian women and men are drawn to a deeper understanding and commitment to their baptismal call. The Felician Associate relationship may serve to support relationships with her/his parish or faith community.
Felician Associates support and promote the spirit and mission of compassion and mercy as they cooperate with Christ in the
spiritual renewal of the world.
Become a Felician Associate
Felician Associates are lay women and men who support and promote the mission of the Felician Sisters. They are single and married, widowed and divorced, mothers and fathers, college students, young professionals and retirees — all united in their desire to embrace the Felician charism and mission. Associates maintain their work and life situations, are financially independent and must be 18-years or older.
Felician Associates:
- Pray together
- Are companions to one another on the journey of faith
- Attend retreat days and workshops and read publications towards personal growth
- Engage in voluntary ministry in the spirit of Blessed Mary Angela
- Participate in community celebrations
The path to becoming a Felician Associate:
- A period of inquiry and discernment that includes participation in an information session with the director of associates or area coordinator
- Formal application
- Reception as an associate candidate
- A period of initial formation
- Acceptance as an associate and the signing of a covenant statement
- Ongoing association and formation
- Annual renewal of commitment
For more information or to find a group in your area, please contact …
Sr. Suzanne Marie Kush
Provincial Councilor
suzannemkush@feliciansisters.org
716-479-4192