Join Our Mission
Meet Some Associates
Celebrating 35 Years:
A Wealth of Stories
and Friends
Watch highlights of our 35th associate relationship ceremony.
Associate Interviews:
Testaments to the CSJA Relationship
Listen as three Associates reflect on how this community has brought them joy and strengthened their faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can become a CSJ Associate?
A: The Associate relationship is open to all who desire to deepen their faith life, share that prayer life with others, and spread the mission of God’s Unifying Love in everyday life.
CSJ Associates welcome women and men of all faith traditions, cultures, and backgrounds ‒ the “dear neighbor without distinction.”
Q: How long-lasting is the Associate commitment?
A: Associates make a one-year commitment.
The commitment is renewed each year in May during a liturgy commemorating the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
Q: How many CSJ Associates are there? Where do they live?
A: Approximately sixty associates live in the Boston area and other cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts; some have retired out of state.
Another forty associates live in Albuquerque, Santa Rosa, and Clovis, and New Mexico.
Q: Why become a CSJ Associate?
A: Associates strive to live the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph in their lives. All of their relationships should be marked by inclusive love and care of the “dear neighbor without distinction.”
Additional reasons to become an associate might include: to develop a more intentional spiritual practice; to seek opportunities to pray and share with others of similar desires; to deepen the search for a more meaningful life; to heighten awareness and participation in social justice challenges.
Q: What does commitment to the CSJ Associate relationship involve?
A: After associates make commitment, they are expected to participate in monthly Associate gatherings as often as possible, and are encouraged to participate in Congregation celebrations, meetings, and gatherings.
In addition, associates are encouraged to deepen their prayer life, take time for quiet reflection, seek prayer opportunities — in person, on-line and in local parishes — and, perhaps, participate in a day, weekend, or weeklong retreat.
Associates are also urged to learn about CSJ Congregation ministries and sponsored ministries, and are encouraged to offer support for these ministries when opportunities arise. This could include financial and/or volunteer support for the ministry. Associates are expected to share in the mission of the sisters ‒ God’s Unifying Love ‒ in every-day life, at work, at home, with family, with friends, and with the “dear neighbor without distinction.”
Q: What is involved in leaving the Associate relationship?
A: An associate who wishes to leave the Associate relationship simply communicates this decision to the Director and does not renew the commitment.
Q: What is charism?
A: Charism is the grace that a person receives from God to carry forward a mission.
Q: What is the CSJ charism?
A: The Charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston is Unifying Love.
Q: Do CSJ Associates assume a financial obligation to the Congregation?
A: Associates are non-vowed partners who do not undertake financial or legal commitments to the Congregation — however, associates do offer their time, talent, and financial support, as they are able.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Contact Mary Ellen O’Connell, CSJ: 617.746.1670; maryellen.oconnell@csjboston.org
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