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Associates

Associates of the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, are women and men who live the Gospel life by embracing the mission, vision, and values of the Congregation.

       Mission Statement: Associates of the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg 

As Associates of the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, we desire to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For the common good, we wish to give of ourselves and our goods to the many communities in which we are involved. We seek to be especially mindful of and helpful to the poor, the oppressed, and destitute of our community. All that we possess is gift from God which we gratefully receive and freely share.
 
WHO BECOMES AN ASSOCIATE?

  • Persons 21 years of age, ordinarily, or older
  • Married couples
  • Single women and men
  • Catholics, as well as, persons from other religious traditions.
 
WHY BECOME AN ASSOCIATE?

  • To allow Sisters and Associates to explore together a call from God.
  • To enable both the Congregation and the Associates to give mutual support in their commitment to living out the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • To share in mutuality with the Sisters, our gifts of the Spirit and to allow ourselves to be enriched with the gifts of others in the Church.
  • To share in the mission and prayer of the Congregation.

WHAT DO ASSOCIATES DO?

  • Meet regularly with a Contact Person
  • Gather regularly with a group of other Associates and Sisters where possible 
  • Attend community events at Oldenburg when possible
  • Try to integrate Franciscan values into every aspect of their lives
  • Experience ongoing mutual support in faith and ministry 

WHAT STEPS DO I TAKE TO BECOME AN ASSOCIATE?

  • Pray to know how God is calling you
  • Visit with an Oldenburg Franciscan Sister or Associate
  • Contact the Associate Office

THE PROCESS OF ORIENTATION WITH THE SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS, OLDENBURG
 
  • Prospective Associates become acquainted with the Congregation through reading its spiritual documents and publications.
  • They accept the hospitality of the
  • Sisters in the local area in order to visit, pray or play.
  • They participate in Congregational and Associate events such as retreats, conferences, and celebrations.
  • They have an opportunity to share with the Sisters as individuals as well as in groups.
 
DIRECTION FROM THE ASSOCIATE OFFICE
 
  • At the request of  prospective Associate he/she will be invited to interview with one of the Co-directors.
  • A contact person is provided for the prospective Associate to guide them through the writings of St. Francis.
  • The prospective Associate continues to participate, if possible, in workshops and retreats with the Sisters.
  • A retreat is offered at Oldenburg for prospective Associates as they prepare to make this commitment.
  • The commitment ceremony, during the spring, is the time to proclaim, "Yes!" to an ongoing growth in Franciscan spirituality in relationship with the Franciscan Sisters of Oldenburg.

 

For additional information about the Associates of the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, please contact Carolyn Meyer or Jane Schaefer, Co-Directors of Associates.
                                                     
 
                                                  
                                               
                                                  Jane Schaefer                                Carolyn Meyer
                                                  P.O. Box 100                                  P.O. Box 100
                                                  Oldenburg, IN 47036-0100        Oldenburg, IN 47036-0100
 
                                                  812-933-6457 (phone)                 812-933-6439 (phone)
                                                  associate@oldenburgosf.com      c.meyer@oldenburgosf.com