Associate Membership
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Associate Membership is a gratifying opportunity to enjoy religious
life. The Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, through our Ursuline
Associate Program, provide married and single women, already settled in
career choices, a share in the spiritual and ministerial life of their
congregation
This Associate Program reflects Saint Angela’s spirituality and allows
women the opportunity to pray, explore, grow and work with the Ursuline
Sisters without the commitment of living within our religious community. |
Associates help perpetuate the Ursuline Mission of transforming lives
through prayer and by engaging in their own ministries and in those
established by the members of Congregation. For instance, several
Associates join our Sisters in serving the Community Women’s Shelter,
which our congregation has adopted. Another volunteers for the Ursuline
Institute of Learning (a tutoring center).
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Others take the Ursuline charism to work every day as they serve in their own ministries. Some associates’ career and volunteer ministries include providing service in nursing homes, addiction programs, affordable senior citizen housing complexes and their home parishes. Associates also work with the elderly homebound, with prisoners and in hunger centers, giving hope to people who are most in need.
Aspects of the Associate Program
Prayer Experience: Deepening one's relationship with God and others.
Faith Sharing: Exploring with other Associates and the Ursuline Sisters common elements of their spirituality.
Participation in Congregational Life: Joining the Ursuline Sisters for congregational meetings, feast days, lectures, our Annual Assembly, anniversaries, and funerals
Becoming an Associate
Prospective associates and the Ursuline Congregation engage in a period of discernment to explore the opportunity and get to know one another. After meeting with the associate coordinator, prospective associates complete a year of orientation, which includes:
- Learning the history and charism of the Ursuline Congregation.
- Attending monthly associate meetings.
- Participating in a fall retreat.
- Completing the application process.
- Making a one-year commitment.
In addition to participating in scheduled group experiences, each associate joins the Ursuline Congregation in mutually agreed upon and enriching endeavors.
Women interested in becoming an Ursuline Associate should contact Sister Mary Ellen Brinovec at mebrinovec@ursulinesisters.org or 440-449-1200, Ext. 114.