Josephite Associates

As Josephite Associates, we respond to the call to live the charism of Mary MacKillop in our daily lives in our own unique way.

We support one another by Friendship, Prayer and Service to make a difference in our local area and so further the reign of God  

(Associates Mission Statement) 

 INTRODUCTION

Josephite Associates are women and men of any age, married or single who are attracted to the Josephite spirit, or ‘Charism’, personified in Blessed Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods. 

Associates come from all walks of life, and, in acknowledging their link to the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. desire to both deepen their Josephite spirituality and continue to explore how they daily live this spirit so as to make a difference in our world - as Josephites!

As part of the Josephite family, they gather periodically in friendship and prayer, to increase their appreciation of the Josephite story and charism, and to be involved in the service of God’s people in ways relevant to their individual lives.

Associates are found in every State of Australia, and overseas in New Zealand, Peru, Ireland and Scotland. Each area has a local contact person. There are currently almost 4000 Josephite Associates! 

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

• Associates have grown in a deeper understanding that being an Associate is a way of life centred around Prayer, Friendship and Service in the Josephite spirit – “I am proud to be a Josephite Associate’.
• There is a growing number of Associates taking responsibility for the leadership of the Associates’ Movement.
• Resources for the continued spiritual formation of local Associates’ groups have been developed, including some by the Associates
• Spiritual formation is often now provided by Associates in local areas
• Associates are making significant contributions to their Quarterly Newsletters (e.g. New Zealand, New South Wales, Victoria)
• In many instances, Associates keep the Josephite spirit alive when the Sisters leave parish communities
• Some Associate groups commit themselves to support particular areas of the mission and ministry of the Josephites, e.g. Peru,  East Timor, and other specific projects for people in need.
• Responsibility for the celebration of Mary MacKillop’s feastday in the local area is being taken by the Associates
• Josephite Associate Network Qld Inc (JAN), with Constitution and Memorandum of Understanding has been formed
• There is a growing number of ‘Young Associates’ (or ‘Junior Josephites’) groups

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BECOMING A JOSEPHITE ASSOCIATE

Who can become a Josephite Associate?

Anyone who is drawn to the spirit of the Josephite Charism

What happens if I accept this invitation?

You will be offered opportunities to grow in appreciation of Mary MacKillop, Julian Tenison Woods, the Josephite charism and the Associates' movement. You will receive an Associates’ Handbook as your own personal resource, plus periodical Associates’ Newsletters and suggestionsfor prayer and reflection.   You will be invited to meet at designated times with Associates in your own area.       

                                  

Can I formalise my commitment?

Yes. At an appropriate time you can request or be invited to formalise your commitment to live the Josephite Charism as an Associate.                                         

How will this happen?

There will be a prayer ritual of welcome and a commissioning to live the Mission of Jesus as a Josephite Associate in your own life context. When Josephite Associates make a formalised response to live the Josephite Charism, they receive a badge to wear as an external symbol of this commitment. They also receive a certificate marking the occasion and an Associates' Handbook.