ASSOCIATES

Associates are men and women who wish to live out their baptismal covenant by following a Rule of Life in association with the Sisters of St. John the Divine, and by sharing in our ministry. Our first Associates were members of the group who founded the Sisterhood. There is a relationship of mutual support between the Sisterhood and our Associates.

A group of Associates admitted at the Convent in 2009

The Rule for All Associates

To become informed, and to be willing to tell others, about the overall principles of the Religious Life, and in particular about the life and work of the Sisters of Saint John the Divine.

• To be an active member of a worshipping congregation within the Christian faith, and when possible, to share in the Eucharist on Sundays and on Major Feasts.
  
  
• To pray especially for the Sisterhood of Saint John the Divine on their four anniversaries:
  • February 9 (Hannah Grier Coome, Founder, SSJD),
  • May 6 (Feast of St. John),
  • September 8 (the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Foundation Day of SSJD),
  • December 27 (Feast of St. John the Evangelist).
    
    
• To include in one’s daily intercessory prayer the Community and Associates.
  
  
• To seek to grow in prayer, for renewal of life in Christ, by spending time daily in some form of listening prayer, often called meditative or contemplative prayer.
  
  
• To seek to live an intentional Christian life with thoughtfulness and integrity.
  
  
• To read some portion of Holy Scripture daily, and to read books helpful to growing in the Christian life.
  
  
• To make an annual Retreat of at least two days whenever possible or to have/participate in two or more Quiet Days annually.
  
  
• If called upon, to be willing to help the Community, and to help Associates who live in their vicinity. As they are able, Associates contribute financially to the Sisterhood.
  
  
• To report yearly through a reflective letter or to visit with the Director of Associates in their area (Eastern, Central, Prairie or Western) within the month of the Anniversary of their Admission as to the value of the keeping of this Rule.

Sr. Jessica with new associates from the west

Admission of Associates

Becoming an Associate

Write to the Sisterhood’s house nearest you to request information (see below).

A year of discernment is required before being admitted as an Associate to see whether the Associate Rule of Life helps you in what you are seeking, and where you are heading. The year is a time for developing a relationship with the Sisters and deepening the understanding and practice of prayer.

The Rule

The Associate’s Rule provides a framework for the journey of faith. There are basic commitments in the Rule: belonging to a parish, the practice of prayer, retreats, reading of Scripture, and relationship with the Sisterhood.

Each individual reviews the Rule annually and makes changes as the circumstances of life change.

Sister Elizabeth and Central Associates