Josephite Associates
Western Australian Associates
Western Australia has approximately 400 Josephite Associates belonging to groups which are scattered throughout this vast State. The Josephite Associates Central Committee of WA meets quarterly at South Perth as does the Metropolitan Area Group. There are a number of other Associates’ groups in rural WA, the Esperance and Busselton groups being the largest. Other Associates groups have been formed in the following regions:
- Geraldton
- Great Southern (Esperance)
- The Northern and Central Wheat Belt
- The Goldfields
- The South West
Because of the tyranny of distance, it is not always possible for these rural groups to meet on a regular basis, however, Sr Carla Curran, the WA Associates’ Co-ordinator, meets with them on an annual basis, for a time of reflection and socialising. All of the WA Associates are involved in some form of ministry in their own local area.
The seasonal gatherings – numbering from 30 to 50 - in South Perth begin with the Prayer of the Church in the chapel followed by a committee report, notices, enrolments, a raffle, a ‘bring and buy’ table and a cuppa in the Function room. Associates participate in Lenten and Advent prayer times in Dardanup and Safety Bay as well as in special celebrations for the Feast of Blessed Mary MacKillop.
Josephite Associates are well represented at Irene McCormack's anniversary, requiems, feastdays and Sisters’ Jubilees. Some Associates living in the metropolitan and country areas are unable to attend formal gatherings but like to keep in touch by phone or correspondence. As many as possible are contacted annually by the coordinator and / or other Associates. Newsletters, prayer sheets, material about Blessed Mary MacKillop and other items of interest are posted or delivered personally four times a year.
Mail is sent out to express thanks, offer congratulations for special occasions and sympathy in times of bereavement. There is still no set fee for Josephite Associate membership and petrol, phone, postage and stationery requirements are managed from generous donations, seed envelope contributions, raffles and ‘bring and buy’ stalls at the quarterly gatherings in South Perth. All items are donated by Sisters and Associates.
Many thanks are expressed for the continuing prayer and material support of presence and presents of Associates and Sisters, especially the faithfulness of the WA Central Committee. Appreciation is given for the great hospitality received at South Perth, Safety Bay, Parish centres and Associates’ homes. Thanks to the Province too for supplying the use and maintenance of a car, an office and a sister co-ordinator to the ever-growing Apostolate of the Josephite Associates in Western Australia.
The life and love of Blessed Mary MacKillop is promoted as is the recognising and spreading of the Josephite Spirit.
If you are a West Australian who is inspired by the Josephite charism, and interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a Josephite Associate, please contact:
Sr Carla Curran
WA Associates
PO Box 593
South Perth WA 6951
Phone: 9334 0999
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