From the Associates:

Becoming: A Process

Rose Yesu, CSJA

Moment from an Associate Commitment Ceremony… Left to right: Rose Yesu, CSJA, Lee Hogan, CSJ 

In my experience, the process of becoming a CSJ Associate involved deep introspection and resulted in a spiritual growth that I never anticipated. Many years later, the spiritual growth continues. While on retreat years ago, Kathleen Hagerty, CSJ, one of the spiritual directors, saw my spiritual stagnation and suggested I discuss the Associate Relationship with Mary Ellen O’Connor, CSJ. Sister Mary Ellen and I met the following June and during the summer to discuss particulars about the Associate Relationship and the process of becoming an associate. After that first meeting, I understood what Sister Kathleen meant when she said I was ready for a deeper level of spirituality that the Associate relationship would give me.

As I filled out the associate applications, I thought that living the CSJ charism would enrich my life in many ways. During monthly meetings over two years, Maureen Doherty, CSJ, and Sandra Selvarajah, CSJA, our mentors, invited four of us — Mary McShane, Mary MacGillivray, Mary Lou Seitz, and me — to “Come See” and delve deeply into the Associate Relationship. The four of us read about and discussed the history of the CSJs — from a tiny group of women getting into good trouble in Le Puy, France to the expansion of the order to America. Maureen and Sandra encouraged us to explore and participate in all of the CSJ ministries to see if any piqued our curiosity and to join in gatherings, retreats, services, and programs. Whatever event I joined — Anti-Human Trafficking demonstration, a day-long retreat, Easter Vigil — I received a warm welcome and felt included.

Moment from the 2025 Anti-Human Trafficking Vigil.

During this exploration I quickly saw that the CSJs and CSJAs, as a group and individually, make mini miracles happen daily and change the lives of those around them. A year into “Come See,” I knew I wanted to make a serious commitment to the CSJA relationship and charism of “a profound Love of God and the Dear Neighbor without distinction in order that all may be One.”

The CSJA Commitment Ceremony was a beautiful, moving experience. The four of us felt the love, support, prayers, and companionship of the Community of St. Joseph and the Sisters of St. Joseph as we committed ourselves to live out the Charism of God’s Unifying Love. Years later, I continued to grow spiritually through the various CSJ prayer opportunities and involvement in the CSJ’s social justice work.

Moment from the Associate Commitment Ceremony in 2024. Betsy Conway, CSJ, wrapping Jaklin Ungras, CSJA, in a shawl.