Redeemer Associates Who We Are
Commitment Statement
Rooted in Jesus the Redeemer, We Associates share in the charism, mission, and core values of the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer through times of prayer, service, and celebration with the Sisters and other Redeemer Associates while maintaining our own lifestyle.
Who we are
Redeemer Associates of the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer are women and men who
- Acknowledge a common call in Baptism to live Gospel values.
- Desire association with the Sisters as a means for personal and spiritual growth.
- Gather to deepen their understanding of and relationship with the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer.
- Share in the Holy Redeemer charism and mission through prayer, service, and celebration.
- Are a sign of God’s healing presence in our broken world.
Commitments
All Redeemer Associates are committed to spiritual growth and development through prayer, Spiritual readings, and Eucharistic Celebrations. Spiritual direction is encouraged.
Redeemer Associates also participate in monthly gatherings and prayer groups with the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer.
Members are invited to make a one-year commitment to participate in the Redeemer Associate relationship with the opportunity for annual renewal on Redeemer Day, the Congregation’s Feast Day Celebration.
Redeemer Associates participate in the ministry of the congregation through service activities such as volunteering in pastoral and social outreach ministries to the vulnerable and elderly and in daily activities of family and professional life. In this way Associates carry the mission where Sisters may not be able to reach.
In union with the Sisters and led by the Holy Spirit, each lay Redeemer Associate is encouraged to participate with joy, simplicity, compassion, hospitality and with recognition of each person’s uniqueness and giftedness.
Membership
We invite women and men with whom we share our Values and who desire to commit themselves to our spirit, charism, values, and mission, through prayer and ministry in a convenantal relationship.
The application process involves a written application and personal interview. The applicant meets routinely with the Redeemer Associate Director and may participate in monthly gatherings in preparation for Associate membership.
Members may also participate in distance membership or as prayer partners if not able to actively attend in gatherings and ministry.
History
From the very beginnings of the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer’s foundation by Sister Alphonse Maria Eppinger, in the year 1849, and throughout the centuries, the universal call to participate in the life and mission of Jesus has taken root in the heart of countless women and men to live the Good News in words and actions. Acknowledging that some persons may be called to a more formal bonding with the Sisters, the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer responded to the interest expressed by laity involved in the ministry of the Sisters by establishing an Associate program in 1998.
Symbolism of the Associate Commitment
Redeemer Associates receive a symbol at each level of commitment to the Redeemer Associate relationship. Upon initial commitment a candle is received and at the time of recommitment Associates receive a medal. Each symbol carries the image of the Paschal lamb – the Redeemer.
The Lamb of God symbolizes Jesus, meek as a lamb, sacrificing Himself for the sins of humanity. The halo represents divine power and sanctity. The streams gushing from the Lamb’s breast are the springs of salvation, a reminder of Jesus’ suffering on the cross to wash away sins. The water flowing outward from the Lamb also represents the redemptive life of grace flowing through the Redeemer Associates to the world. The cross on the staff signifies the source of our courage as we recognize and respond to the needs of the times. It also serves as a reminder for us to be ready to join Jesus in His healing love. The pennant – known as the banner of victory, symbol of resurrection – implies our participation in the ongoing redeeming mission of the Church.
Redeemer Associate Prayer
O God of love and goodness you are the center of my life.
May I be sensitive to the gifts of your Holy Spirit,
moving within my heart as I journey with you
in the name of Jesus, Redeemer of the world.
I pray for these graces:
To be prayerful –
leading a life of prayer,
that is personal, communal and sacramental.
To be a healing presence –
supportive and healing to those I share life with,
those I care for and those
with whom I come in contact.
To participate in redemptive suffering –
by entering more deeply into the Paschal Mystery,
sharing in Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection,
as I experience it in my own life
and in the lives of others.
In union with your Son I pray:
“Jesus, most Holy Redeemer,
you are in our midst,
we are called after your name,
forsake us not, Lord, our God.”Amen