First row: Sr. Deenan Hubbard (on scooter), Sr. Margaret Ann Toomey, Sr. Delphine Kearney, Sr. Maura Theriot, Marta Diaz, Stella Casarez, Jo Agnes Blubaugh, Shirley Talley, Eileen Bach, Ann Boane, Sr. Paulette Shaunfield, Sr. Mary Francis Cortinas, Sr. Lelia McNamara, Sr. Antoninus Martin. Second row: Anita Rosales, Angela Baudin, Arleen Znosko, Sr. Pauline Troncale, Janet Mayorga, Scotty Durio, Sr. Miriam Therese Miller, Urbano Muniz, John Brothers, Sr. Rachel O’Keeffe, Sr. Gemma Stanford. Last row: Anita Rosales, Teresa Sherman, Sr. Sheila Marie O’Sullivan, Sr. Ginny Braniff, SFCC, Rachel Muniz and Nita Feemster.

January 12, 2019, proved to be an exciting day for the CCVI Associates. Many of the Sisters and area CCVI Associates gathered in the Villa Chapel at 10 a.m. to witness the first commitment of four new CCVI Associates: John Brothers from Kentucky, Angela Baudin and Scotty Durio from Louisiana, and Marta Diaz from Houston.

We prayed together Midday prayer. Sr. Ginny Braniff, SFCC, set the ambiance by lighting a candle. Shirley Talley presided. Eileen Bach and Rachel Rodriguez were choristers.

Teresa Sherman read the reading. Nita Feemster monitored the computer in the hopes that other Associates outside of the area could also participate via Zoom. After the reading, Sr. Deenan asked the four new Associates to come forward and as they stood before God in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, and the community gathered there, they proclaimed the mission of the CCVI Associates and then read aloud their commitment as CCVI Associates.

Rachel Rodriguez presented them with their symbols of membership and their certificates which will remind them of their responsibilities and the date they first began this association with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston. Then there was hearty applause in the Chapel.

Next, Sr. Deenan requested the established CCVI Associates stand and renew their commitments. Shirley led us in the closing prayer and Sr. Deenan asked God’s blessing upon everyone. There was lots of picture-taking with cell phones and lots of visiting with each other. We moved to the Sisters’ dining room for lunch amidst conversations about football, grandchildren, vacations, and recoveries from illnesses. 

We also talked about desires about the future, Christmas adventures, and New Year’s celebrations. Folks seemed to enjoy each other. The dining room was full of happy chatter. We have one more new CCVI Associate who could not be present for this day: Saundra Bolden from Houston. She is eager to and will make her commitment soon. We also have a new candidate in Long Beach: Rev. Stanley Kim who will be beginning his formation soon.

CCVI Associates are dedicated women and men who enjoy coming together in faith and friendship, and are inspired by the history and spirit of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, Texas, to spread the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to those in need.

In the spirit of Jeanne de Matel and Bishop Dubuis and in response to the call of Vatican II for collaboration in carrying out God’s work in the church, the Congregation established the CCVI Associate Program in 1982. Associate communities were formed in many of the locations where the Sisters worked. There are currently Associates in four states.

LOCATIONS:

• Alexandia
• Beaumont
• Boise
• Houston
• Long Beach
• Port Arthur
• San Bernadino
• Shreveport

COMMITMENT

In living their Christian Vocation the Associates exercise their Apostolate through making an annual commitment to live out the following values:

Heritage

We are inspired by the history and spirituality of the CCVIs; we pray for the Congregation and participate in ministries that are aligned with theirs.

Community

We share faith and friendship with our fellow Associates; we spend time together, support and encourage one another and foster unity and caring.

Witness

We demonstrate our baptismal call to holiness by living exemplary Christian lives and spreading the light of Christ to others.

Service

We spread the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by participating in ministries of service within our parish, community and global environment.

Spirituality

We commit ourselves to lives of prayer, sacraments, reflection on scripture and openness to all of the gifts God gives us.

BECOME AN ASSOCIATE

Participation in the Associate program is open to Christian men and women who have an authentic desire to live out their baptismal call to holiness as committed members of the Body of Christ, and to learning and living Incarnational Spirituality, as exemplified in the charism and ministries of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.