Associates

Learn about recent Marianite & Associate events in the article,
Takin’ Care of Business

Associate Membership in the Marianites of Holy Cross has been part of the history of our Congregation since our foundation in 1841 in Le Mans, France. Our founder, Basil Moreau, and our foundress, Leocadie Gascoin, Mother Mary of the Seven Dolors, asked members of the Congregation to invite families, friends, students (laity) to pray with us for the needs of the Church, for vocations, and for special concerns.

Associate Membership is for individuals whose spirituality is consistent with the spirit and mission of the Marianites of Holy Cross and who wish to share faith experiences with the Holy Cross Family.

Associates join with the Marianites of Holy Cross in a spirit of prayer and unity in order to support one another and to further the mission of the Church. They commit themselves to live the Marianite charism through their spirituality, work/ministry, and interpersonal relationships. They are also offered other opportunities for participation in the life of the Congregation. Associates are financially independent from the Congregation and live their chosen life-style.

Download the Associate Flyer

Download the Prayer Card

Commissioning of Marianite Associates

Sr. Immaculata pins Kathleen
Devitt, at the Associate
Commissioning

Rejoice and be glad… Ps 118:24

This simple ceremony of welcome, commitment and blessing will take place in prayer at a local MSC convent on or near September 14 or 15. Associates have their commitment cards. All sisters need the closing blessing. Sing or use music from CD’s.

Marianite # 1: At this time we commemorate that which was so near and dear to the heart of our founder, Blessed Basil Moreau. We celebrate being the family of Holy Cross … lay and religious together building the Church, the Kingdom of God.

As Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross and Marianite Associates we are on a journey together ~ and the cross is our compass. (Please invite the Associates to either stand at their places or come forward with their commitment cards, depending on their number and the space available.)

Marianite # 2: (When the Associates are in place) When Mary presented Jesus in the temple, she heard Simeon call Him a “sign of contradiction” and prophesy that a sword would pierce her own heart. This foreshadowing of the cross was her daily commitment and spiritual communion. Mary lived her seven sorrows day by day. As Marianite Associates, we ask you to now make your pledge.

Rose Maria Pizzolato welcomes
Janet Middleton, new Associate

Associates: In order to follow Christ more closely in the pursuit of spiritual growth, I ….., joyfully and willingly renew my baptismal promises and commit myself as an Associate of the Marianites of Holy Cross. In the spirit of Basil Moreau, I believe that the cross is my only hope. Trusting in the forceful influence of the Holy Spirit, and under the protection of Mary who stood at the foot of the cross, I affirm my desire to serve the Church in faith, hope and love as so many Marianite sisters have done before me. Amen

Marianite #1: (Invite all Marianites to raise their hands in blessings.) All Marianites: (Please pray the blessing together.) May God bless you with love to embrace your sisters and brothers… May God bless you with wisdom to seek the truth… May God bless you with strength to care compassionately… all in the spirit of the Holy Cross family. Amen.

Seven Dolor Retreat in Franklin led by Sr. Charlotte
Sr. Rochelle facilitated the retreat in Covington on "Centering" Prayer.
Sisters and Associates are Faith-Sharing at the Opelousas Retreat
The Associate Steering Committee: Sr. Noel, Sr. Charlotte, Sr. Judy, Karen Pilgreen, Joyce Nixon, (B) Chris Laughlin, Pattie Harris, Sr. Mary Anne, Sr. Cynthia. Missing from photo: Sr. Immaculata, Sr. Joel, Rosie Pizzolato, Cheryl Fuselier.
Sr. Joel affirms the goodness of St. Brother Andre', CSC
Roberta Mouton Lacy, Associate, and Sr. Elizabeth Marie in Opelousas
Sr. Ann commissions new MSC Associates
Dr. Love was in the House! MSC Associate, Jennifer Alford LeJeune, facilitated the P.A. retreat
Port Allen Retreat group enjoy a "recess"

Benefits of  the MSC Associate Relationship include:  1.) “On the Grow,” regular publication for inspiration and education;  2.) Advent and Lenten retreats with seasonal prayer and reflection materials n involvement in Marianite ministry;  3.) Participation in community celebrations with the Marianites;  4.)  Opportunity for spiritual growth — seeking the path to Christ through the Cross;  5.)  Cross emblem (pin) noting publically, the association.

The Marianite Associate pin is rich in symbolism. The cross is a reminder both of our salvation in the cross of Christ and of our Holy Cross heritage. The tree, rooted in Divine Providence, has three branches representing the sisters, brothers and priests of the Holy Cross family. Intermingled and variegated leaves recall both the vowed religious and lay associate relationships. This is placed over a yellow circle, to portray the congregational charism of unity in the Son, Jesus Christ.

Sr. Judy Gomila, MSC, 21388 Smith Road, Covington, LA 70435 – judymarianite@gmail.com