The Congregation of the Humility of Mary

Alternative forms of affiliation (programs without vows)

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CHM Associates: What's it All About?

The CHM Associate program invites people of all denominations, genders and races to share in and contribute to the life of the congregation but without making temporary or permanent vows.

Who can become an Associate?  During a special mass CHM Associate Sandra Griffith serves as a greeter in the Magnificat Chapel at the Humility of Mary Center.

Some associates have known the Sisters of Humility for many years:

  • former students
  • former vowed members of the community
  • relatives of vowed members
  • current or past colleagues in ministry
  • friends of CHMs who are active in local civic affairs, volunteer services or diocesan programs. 

 

Others come to the Associate Program specifically to become acquainted with the community:

  • women discerning their future as vowed members
  • men or women involved in Seeds of  Hope Volunteer Program or other CHM ministry
  • those who have come to know one sister but who would like to know more.
  • Those who have been touched by the “Humility Spirit” in one way or another.

 

Sister Cathleen Real with CHM Associates Roberta Shadensack and Pat Knopic work at Cafe on Vine feeding the hungry and homeless.

Associates must be 18 years of age and can be

  • Women or men  (couples may join as well)
  • Married, divorced or single
  • Of any denomination but comfortable with Christian spirituality . 

             

How Does the Associate Program Work?

Associates define their relationship individually through a written agreement, renewable each year.   The agreement outlines various ways the associate wishes to relate to the community. 

 

Joined in Prayer

Associates are enriched by their participation in CHM liturgical events and prayer experiences, and by receiving community literature, hospitality and correspondence.  Whether near or far in geography, Associates are always close to the community in their daily prayer.  And they know they can count on community members praying for them. 

 

CHM Associates Janese Crowley, Marilyn Snyder and Barbara Randolph look forward each year to the shared experience of CHM Associates Day.Joined in Community

Associates may actively participate in the life of the community, serve on committees and work on service projects.  Many find the annual Summer Assembly of the Congregation (mid-June) to be an exciting, prayerful and stimulating weekend.

 Each Associate is given a Contact Sister who keeps in regular touch and acts as a personal host at CHM functions.  The annual Associates Day is celebrated in June during the CHM Annual Assembly with speakers, prayer/reflection time, lots of hugs and plenty of time for conversation!    

Joined in Love

Ultimately, the common bond between associates and full members of the congregation is the Spirit of Humility and the Gospel of  Jesus. When people come together in this spirit, the result is a community of love, manifested in hospitality, joy and generosity of time. It binds people together in loving support as each one reaches out, in faith, assured that he or she is not alone.

 

Last Updated: April 27, 2009