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Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

An Intercultural Congregation of Women Religious

Associates

Who are Associates of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters?

Associates are women and men located across the United States who discern a call from God to actively engage in a commitment of service to others. As sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ, Bernardine Franciscan Associates, and our Sisters, live the Gospel in a relationship of mutual support, expressing the GOOD NEWS of God's love through outreach to others.

Associates participate as active volunteers in the following ministries:
  • Eucharistic ministers in Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Home Visits
  • Shelters for the Homeless and Unwed Mothers
  • Food Pantries
  • Bible Study groups in prisons
  • Retirement Facility at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
  • Elder Care and Child Care facilities
  • “HOPE” a Bereavement program for parents

FAQ’s

  • Associates are adults who have full time jobs or are retired.
  • Those who wish to become Associates spend time learning about the Franciscan charism as well as the Bernardine Charism.
  • New members meet separately with the coordinator in their area; however, they still participate with the on-going group for meetings and socials.
  • After a two year program, the Associate makes his or her commitment which is renewed annually at the Commissioning Day of Prayer.
  • An Associate does not have to be a Catholic but wants to grow in their knowledge and love of God and chooses to do so through the Franciscan way of life and prayer.
  • Meetings are usually monthly or bi-monthly depending on the schedule and activities of their respec-tive group. Some meetings are on a Thursday evening, some on a Saturday morning and some on a Sunday afternoon. They read and study topics on St. Francis, St. Clare, Franciscan saints, and topics on peace and justice.

Becoming a BFS Associate

Rationale and Purpose
The concept of associate relationships has a history in the Congregation of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters as well as in the broader Church. Our earliest roots as a Bernardine Congregation emerged from a group of pious women who desired communal living, engaged in social ministry and bound themselves by vows. Since Vatican II, numerous Church documents have focused on the laity’s participation in the saving mission of the Church. In recognizing this common mission, our General Chapter of 1988 approved the initiation of Bernardine Franciscan Associates.

Description
Bernardine Franciscan Associates are persons who desire to embrace Franciscan values, touching the world as followers of Francis, while remaining in their present lifestyles. Rooted in Gospel living, associates and sisters form a unique bond by sharing in the Bernardine Franciscan mission and spirit.

Eligibility
Potential associates are at least 21 years of age and are capable of making a mature commitment. They feel called to enter into relationship with the Congregation. They desire to share our mission and spirit making Gospel living more credible through their response to the needs of others.

Types of Association
Bernardine Franciscan Associates may journey with us in any of the following ways:

Prayer
An associate commits herself/himself to live the Gospel and support in prayer the Bernardine Franciscan Mission.

Faith
An associate commits herself/himself to ongoing conversion by participating regularly in Christian Franciscan growth programs with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters.

Commitment
Individuals who choose to become an Associate make the following commitment:

  1. Completes the two year formation program.
  2. Strives to observe the Gospel of Jesus in the Franciscan tradition by witnessing it to everyone they live and work with. “Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” -St. Francis
  3. Chooses to pray and faith share with other Associates in their fraternity on a regular monthly basis.
  4. Contributes to building a genuine Franciscan fraternity by caring for and supporting the other Associates through prayer, faith sharing and social activities.
  5. Promotes the Bernardine Franciscan Mission by witnessing Gospel living through some type of service in their parishes, local community or directly with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. 

To become an Associate or for more information, please contact:
Sister Mary Sninsky
Director of the BFS Associates
610.796.8971
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