Process of Association

[History] [Who are Associates] [Vocations]

Person meets Sisters or Associates and:

1)  Becomes curious or interested in learning about the associate relationship.

 2)  Sisters/Associates informally share their own personal experience and/or the informational brochures.

 3)  In dialog with the convener of the associate community and the Associates, the person is invited to attend a monthly meeting.

Associates gather with Sisters Ann, Caroline and Claudia in Southeastern Florida.

Application Procedures:

 1)  After a period of at least six months, the individual may request an application form from the convener.

 2)  The convener formally interviews the applicant, then invites the applicant to share his/her desire with the associate community for affirmation.

 3)  During this period, conveners check with the pre-associate regarding their feeling about the community and any questions they may have.  Moreover, in the spirit of Franciscan discernment, the community members are encouraged to affirm the readiness of the pre-associate to make a formal commitment.

Formal Commitment:

      After a period of at least one year attending meetings and getting to know other Sisters and Associates, with affirmation by the local associate community, and the recommendation of the conveners and the director, the candidate may ask for formal

      commissioning.

1)  An agreement is drafted by the candidate.  The agreement reflects the desire of the candidate to share with Sisters and associates in the areas of prayer, ministry, and community.

 2)  Once the agreement is signed by the candidate and the convener, it is sent to the office to be approved by the director.

 3)  This material, together with a letter of affirmation from the director is forwarded to the Provincial Council for their consideration.

Letter of Acceptance:

      If approved by the Council, a letter of acceptance is sent to the candidate by the director and a date for the ceremony is planned in dialogue with the convener/s and the local community.

For information, contact:

S. Ann E. McDermott OSF 
St. Francis House

2647 Pierce St.

Hollywood, FL 33020

Ph. 954-925-5875

Fax 954-925-3182                                           
e-mail: sannmcd@bellsouth.net or vocations@franciscans-stella-niagara.org

or

Zoila L. Diaz, Associate

2415 Hayes St.

Hollywood, FL 33020

Ph. 954-923-6961

Fax 954-923-6961

email: zoilaldiaz@bellsouth.net