At a certain
point you say
to the woods, to the sea,
to the mountains,
the world,
Now I am ready.
Now I will stop and be wholly attentive.
You empty yourself and wait,
listening...
Annie Dillard
ASSOCIATES
Australia
/ New Zealand
"We have the deep conviction that our spirituality does not belong only to us.
It is a gift to b
e shared, a treasure
others help us to discover."
(General chapter 1994, p.28)
There are different ways of sharing our spirituality. At this time, we see the
Associates as one of the means of
responding in a particular way to the spirit of the Chapter. It is an expression
for today of the fourth means given to
us by Madeleine Sophie in the 1815 Constitutions.
Who are the Associates?
Associates of the Society of the Sacred Heart are women and men who desire to
deepen their baptismal
consecration and are attracted to the charisma and spirituality of the Society.
It is a response to the needs of lay
people and sisters and offers mutual support for the enrichment of our
spirituality and ministry in the world. They
are part of the family of the Sacred Heart.
Aims of the Associates
- Through personal reading and reflection and meetings for mutual support, the
Associates explore ways of living
the spirituality of the Heart of Jesus according to the spirit of the Society.
- Through a deepening of their sense of Christian ministry in their own life and
work, and a familiarity with the
Society's ministries, they share a common mission with the Society of making
known the love of God.
- Through regular personal prayer and faith sharing among Religious and
Associates, they continue to search out a
faith that gives meaning and pattern to life.
- Through a commitment to build communion within their personal and work
relationships and a growing
awareness of the needs of the poor of our society, they stand in solidarity with
and service to a suffering world.
Relationships between the Associates and Religious of the Sacred Heart
The Associates commit themselves to:
- regular personal prayer,
- mutual support and attendance at group meetings of the Associates,
- exploring ways of living the spirituality of the Heart in their own context,
- maintaining contact with the local community and/or the co-ordinator,
- becoming aware of areas of need, both locally and worldwide and, moved by compassion, responding to the
sufferings and hopes of our world.
The Religious of the Sacred Heart commit themselves:
- as disciples, to live the Gospel in a spirit of mutual encouragement and leaning with the Associates,
- to pray for Associates and share with them the charisma and mission of the Society,
- to welcome Associates for times of prayer, of formation and certain celebrations within the community,
- to share our life of faith and offer accompaniments on their journey of faith.
Co-ordinators for the areas:
Please contact for further information
New members are always welcome
Sr
Elizabeth Snedden RSCJ
Auckland New Zealand
Tel: (09) 426 6541
Email:
ejsnedden@xtra.co.nz
Sr
Marie Kennedy RSCJ - Convenor
Kincoppal-Rose Bay
New South Head Road
ROSE BAY, NSW 2029
Australia
Tel: (61-2) 9388 6102
Email:kennedym@krb.nsw.edu.au
Sr
Betty McMahon RSCJ
Kerever Park, NSW
Tel: (02) 4862 2930
Email:
mcmahonb@acenet.com.au
Sr
Agnes Moriarty RSCJ
Kensington
Sydney NSW
Tel: (02) 9663 3183
Email:
karlaminda@zipworld.com.au