>> Milestones

The historical roots of Associate Relationship in the School Sisters of St. Francis date back to the late 1960s when a small group of former members explored with sisters the possibility of continuing their relationship with the community in a new and distinct way. Within a couple of years, the community decided to embrace associate relationship on an experimental basis, and in January of 1972, sixteen women signed the first formal agreements. Nine of the new associates had been former members of the congregation. The first layman became an associate in 1974.

The momentum continued and by 1980 the number of associates across the congregation had grown to 80. Finally in 1985, Associate Relationship was officially recognized in the revised version of Response in Faith: Rule of Life of the School Sisters of St. Francis.

Today there are 123 Associates of the School Sisters of St. Francis in the United States. Our associates share the congregation’s values and mission while maintaining their own lifestyle and financial independence. In living out their commitments, associates extend the SSSF mission through service in health care, education, parish ministry, the arts, law and business, to name just a few ways.

Through the years of growth and development, mutuality with School Sisters has continued to be integral to Associate Relationship. While individual statements of commitment, the specific ways of relating, and the procedures for formalizing the relationship have changed according to the times and the individual associates, Associate Relationship remains vital and continues to grow and evolve.

Milestones

• 1969 – The possibility of Associate Relationship is explored at the general assembly
• 1972 – First associate agreements are signed
• 1983 – Associates are invited to participate with sisters at area community meetings
• 2001 – An Associate Advisory Board is named to help further the growth of Associate Relationship
• 2002 – The 30th Anniversary Celebration takes place in Milwaukee
• 2004 – Focus Day on Associate Relationship was held to discern the future direction of Associate Relationship
• June, 2005 - The coordination of Associate Relationship becomes a
  team effort as a sister and associate assume the position of co-directors.