Read what Associates have to say about this relationship:
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I believe I have been transformed ...
Carol, Saskatchewan
Looking for more
The SSND Associate program was just beginning in Western Canada when my husband Bruce and I had finished a Lay Formation program. We were wondering where we could go to continue our journey with others of like-minded faith. Around the same time Sister Harriet mentioned that the SSND were beginning an associate program in the West. She invited us to attend the meetings. It was there that we experienced such acceptance and joy. It didn’t take long for us to decide what we were going to do.
Charism
The aspect of the charism of Blessed Theresa that most attracted me was that each person is encouraged to reach their fullest potential. It was very evident in the lives of the sisters that they cared about this. They worked with women, children, the poor, prisoners and many others.
 In fact, we were affected by the SSND charism before we knew of such a thing. Two SSNDs worked in our parish and invited us to get involved beyond what we thought were our capabilities. Our journey just blossomed from there.
Mutual Support
We find the covenant relationship with SSND mutually supportive through our gatherings for potluck suppers, prayer, educational videos, social gatherings and, of course, playing cards.
Over the past three years we have been helping S. Joyce with Taize prayer at the John Paul II centre in Regina. I have also assisted her at various workshops. The saying goes, “If you want to get to know someone do a project together.” We have done several projects together and I really believe this does sustain our covenant relationship. We also meet occasionally just to have fun.
We recovenant each year because we love the people we are with and that we all have all the same focus.
Transformation
Yes, I believe I have been transformed by being an associate and am still being transformed.
As a spiritual director and through experience, I believe people need to be accepted where they are. Then people move ahead slowly, trying this and that. They realize their capabilities, become confident and are able to reach other to others.
Through my various ministries, I believe God, unbeknownst to me most of the time, is at work. When I least think I am being an educator no doubt I am educating most.
Gratitude
I am just grateful for the sisters and associates that have been so supportive in my own journey, for the examples they are whether 50 or 100. Their presence continues to elicit the qualities of our Risen Lord: Joy, Hope and Peace.
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