| The degree to which an associate participates in community life is decided individually by the applicant and congregation. Once a decision is reached to become an associate, application is made through the following process:
- The interested person writes to the CHM community associate coordinator requesting membership. An application form and other materials are sent to the applicant.
- The community associate coordinator checks with the suggested contact sister to verify her interest in participating.
- An advisory committee approves the application and the contact sister.
- The community associate coordinator communicates this decision to the contact sister and applicant and sends them information on the agreem process.
- The applicant and contact sister prepare an agreement and send it to the community associate coordinator. If the agreement involves living with and/or working with the sisters in a house, school or other institution that group or its administrator also works with the applicant and contact sister to determine mutually acceptable terms for related living, salary, etc.
- The advisory committee is responsible for approving the agreement, and may ask for clarification on certain points. If clarification is needed, the agreement is returned to the community associate coordinator, who initiates changes and returns the revised agreement to the committee. Once approved the agreement is sent to the president.
- The president and cabinet accept the agreement. The contact sister and associate are so informed by the community associate coordinator.
- The associate and president sign the agreement.
- The community associate coordinator then publishes the agreement and a biographical sketch for the congregation.
- The new associate receives orientation to the community's history, spirit and goals.
- The new associate will participate in a welcoming rite.
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