Associate Covenant Ceremony:
A Reason to Celebrate!
August 29, 2010
For the first time, the annual Covenant Ceremony took place in the Centennial Barn on the grounds of St. Clare Convent (Cincinnati) although we still celebrated liturgy in the Chapel. Chris Miller made her First Covenant, Karen Skillman and Kathleen Hunt made their permanent covenants, and sixteen Associates renewed their Covenants.
Before Associates renew or make permanent covenant, they complete an evaluation of how they have lived their promises and what the relationship means to them. If desired, they rewrite their personal way of living the covenant. Reviewing their comments is an uplifting experience.
 Mother Frances candles |
 Associate Ceremony in The Centennial Barn |
 Associates who renewed their Covenants made First Covenant and Permanent Covenant - 2010 |
 Karen Skillman and Kathleen Hunt bring up the gifts |
Associates are expected to participate in the life of the Community to the extent he or she is able: returning emails and letters, responding to invitations in a timely manner, volunteering in various ministries, participating in programs and workshops designed to enhance their own spiritual growth (as often as they are able to do so).Many say that they would like to be more involved “with the Sisters’ ministries and projects for people in need, but time does not allow”--- usually because of volunteer involvements of their own.
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Here are some comments from the Associates:
- I find the support of prayer and the faith of the Sisters and other Associates very enriching
- I appreciate being in relationship with the Sisters—a rich experience.
- Being a living witness to the Franciscan values with family, friends, co-workers, and those I meet in my involvements.
- Being an Associate has enhanced my basic faith, deepened my spiritual life, has made me a better person.
- I enjoy the information detailing the great work the Sisters do, and the prayerful readings and reflections which provide a balance and helps me remain focused on what is important in life.
Associates generally do what they do because of their desire to get closer to God… and part of doing so is to commit themselves to carrying the Congregation’s charism into the world.
For their part, the Sister’s appreciate this commitment...
Sisters say:
- The Associate relationship gives me great hope. The dedication of each one demonstrates how God works in the life of each of us. The association strengthens my commitment of dedication.
- By sharing their lived experiences, Associates enrich my understanding of our healing charism.
- The Associates are for me a great inspiration. So many are so very dedicated to living out in some way the healing charism of Frances Schervier. Their faith and their dedication prompt me to be more conscious of what I can do to be more aware every day of that living charism.
- It is always enriching for me to share with the Associates. I am inspired by their faith and goodness when I hear them pronounce their Covenants.
- Our Associates are a genuine reminder to me of Vatican II's call to us to recognize the importance of the laity in our Church today. They enrich us and help us in many ways through their persons and ministries.
- I have been deeply moved by hearing from and being with Associates as I learn how much the relationship means to them. I am challenged as well as inspired.
Sister Marilyn Fischer, SFP
Photos: Courtesy by Sr. Arlene McGowan