Associates gathered in prayer at a recent gathering.

Would you like to have a spiritual support group?

If so, the Ursuline Associate Community might be the place for you. Associates are lay Christian women and men who, within their own state in life, join the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville in prayer, mutual support, and service. Together they seek to deepen their lives of prayer and service as followers of Jesus in the spirit and tradition of Saint Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline Sisters.

Saint Angela Merici never lived in a monastery or a convent. She lived among the people and she invited others to share in her ministry. The early followers of Angela came together for prayer, instruction and encouragement. This is a model that the Ursuline Associates follow today.

Associates are closely connected with the Ursuline Sisters; but they do not make religious vows. Rather, they commit themselves to the “charism” of the Ursulines. The Ursuline charism is a special gift that Saint Angela Merici left to the Church and to the Ursuline Sisters. The simple definition of the Ursuline charism is “a contemplative love of God and resulting openness and eagerness to serve the needs of others.”

The Ursuline Associate Community officially began in 1979. Currently there are 168 Associates in North America and 65 in South America, primarily in Peru.

Who can become an Ursuline Associate?

Any Christian man or woman 18 years of age or older who is:

  • willing to become familiar with the tradition and history of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville.
  • willing to commit herself/himself to furthering the mission and charism of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville.
  • willing to share in Ursuline celebrations, days of prayer, reflections and retreats.

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Click here to read About Associates Amy Olson and Kevin Waddell

Associate Amy Olson visits with a Charism class at Sacred Heart Academy.

 

Associates in San Miguel, Peru.

What is the process to become an Ursuline Associate?

To become an Associate, the candidate must be willing to participate in a nine-month formation process which involves monthly gatherings. You will study and discuss the life of Saint Angela Merici by reading Also in Your Midst by Sister Martha Buser, OSU. During this period, you will discern whether joining the Associate Community is in alignment with your personal spiritual journey. At the end of the formation year, you will make a formal application to join the Community.

The final step is the Covenant signing ceremony with the Associate Community and the Ursuline Sisters. Covenants are signed for one year, and renewed annually.

For more information on the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville Associate Community, please contact:

Lauren Hitron
3115 Lexington Road
Louisville, KY 40206
[email protected]

2024 Associates Ministry Circles Guiding Team:

Charism: Jane Cruthirds

Capability: Lauren Hitron

Community: Lisa Steiner