Associates are women and men called to live Gospel values within their own vocation in the spirit and vision of Blessed Theresa, foundress of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Together, associates and sisters, continue the mission of Blessed Theresa.
Through this special relationship, associates and sisters, are called to address the divisions in our world with audacity and hope. We focus on the needs of women, youth and persons who are poor and marginalized. Integral to our gospel commitment is our work for justice, peace and integrity of creation.
SSND associate Q&A
- Who can be an associate?
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Women and men called to live Gospel values in the spirit and vision of Blessed Theresa, foundress of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, within their own vocation.
These people:
- are 21 years of age or older
- share any faith tradition with a spirit in harmony with SSND charism
- have a desire to share faith, prayer and dialogue with others in the SSND Community
- What would becoming an associate mean for my life?
- Associates and sisters develop a spiritual relationship, mutually enriching and challenging each other to share their gifts, prayers and commitment in faith as people of peace, hope, justice and love. The covenant relationship reflects unity and diversity to further the mission of Jesus in the spirit of Blessed Theresa.
- How did the SSND associates begin?
- The School Sisters of Notre Dame began to explore the possibility of associates in 1970, as Vatican II called for a more active role of the laity in the Church. The guidelines for associates in North America were initiated in 1976, with the first six associates accepted in 1977.
- Where are associates located today?
- Today, in the Central Pacific Province, more than 300 associates live the Gospel and spread the spirit of Blessed Theresa and Mother Caroline in 16 states, Guam and Japan.
- How do I become an associate?
- For more information about the SSND associates and/or to learn about associates in your area, please complete the information request form.
Thank you for your interest in the SSND associates and in the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Learn more about what the associates are doing by reading the Associate News.
To ask for more information you can email the associate program co-directors.
SSND Associate Co-Directors:
Anne Carey, Associate
Sister Kathy Schmittgens, SSND
associatesinfo@ssndcp.org