SCN ASSOCIATES
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth include an important group of individuals – SCN Associates. They are people of God of all faiths and backgrounds who commit to living out the SCN Mission and charism in their own lives, to deepen their spirituality, to build community with other Associates and Sisters, and to reach out in compassionate service to others in the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac and Mother Catherine Spalding.
Chattanooga SCNAs Remember Jerry McCrary
Associate members in Chattanooga, Tennessee, gathered to remember Jerry McCrary. SCNAs Betsy Kammerdiener, Sarah Haddock, Pam Lawson, Lisa Harrison, Carol Newton, Jim O'Connell, Jackie Jackson, Karen Sloan, and Sister Alice O'Connell celebrated Jerry's life at their monthly faith group gathering on July 19, 2022. Jerry passed away on May 21, 2021. "He is gone from our sight but always remains in our hearts," says Karen.
SCN Associates: A 50 Year History 1972-2022
Throughout the more than 200 year history of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCN), friends from the broader community have walked beside the Sisters in their call to follow the charism of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac...
Associates celebrate 50 years
Associate members of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth gathered together in person and via Zoom April 22-24 to celebrate 50 years of their relationship with and commitment to the Sisters' mission.
Dangriga Associates
The SCNAs in Dangriga have been on the move. Even with the difficulty of getting new members and aging, the Dangriga Associates are still carrying out their mission to serve God and God’s people.
SCNA Foundation Day!
We celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Associate relationship. Associates are women and men who choose to make a public commitment to share in the spirituality and mission of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
In memory of Jerry McCrary, SCNA
Chattanooga SCNs and Associates participated in the ending of the year of St. Joseph at Holy Spirit Church with the blessing of the statue of St. Joseph honoring Jerry McCrary, SCNA and member of the parish.
SCNA Advent Prayer
A group of Associates in the Western Province gathered via Zoom on Sunday, December 5, 2021, to spend time together in prayer. Together they reflected on the Advent theme of “waiting”.
Reflections on Mission Experience
"I share these thoughts to encourage all Associates to experience a trip through the SCN Volunteer Program ... Let’s share our experiences and thus spread the charism of charity."
COVID-19 Hero Award
Felix Garza, SCNA, was one of 10 recipients to receive UofL’s COVID-19 Hero Award. An award created to recognize those who performed exemplary service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Banakal Associates
In India, SCNs Blanche Correia and Bridget Vadakeattam spent Aug. 27 and 28, 2021 at Deepalaya, Banakal, initiating and introducing the SCNA candidates to the process of becoming an Associate
SCN Associate Vision Statement
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Associates nurture and expand diverse, intercultural, and multigenerational relationships across the SCN global family, the larger Charity Federation and other partners to work for justice throughout the world.
Why be an Associate?
- To deepen one’s spirituality.
- To build community with other Associates and SCNs.
- To reach out in compassionate service to others in the tradition of Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac and Catherine Spalding.
- Responding to a vocational call.
International Associates
Currently we have approximately 207 SCN Associates which includes Associates from Belize, India and Botswana.
Testimonials
I wanted to become an Associate to strengthen my life long relationship with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. The Associate relationship provides opportunities for spiritual growth alongside Associates and Sisters and that nurtures my soul.
Maria M.
It has been an honor to be an Associate of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for the last 37 years. I have a deep love and respect for the beautiful work they do in reaching out to the poor and needy all over the world … Let us be known by our actions and not by our words alone …
Diane B.
I wanted to become an Associate because I wanted to develop a closer relationship to God through my interactions and support of others who have a similar belief in God. I love the sense of community I have with the SCNs and the Associates. We are one!”
Evelyn F.
SCN Associate Gatherings
Associates and Sisters gather twice a year for quality time to get acquainted in a congenial atmosphere where there is a balance of prayer, education, reflection and fun.
The Formation Process
The SCN Associate initial formation process offers a personalized and flexible approach for someone aspiring to become an SCNA. Major aspects include the use of a Mentor and the SCNA Initial Formation Study Guide. Depending on the individual’s ability to devote time to formation, the time frame necessary to complete the study of the topics of formation will vary.
After an interview, the interested person may apply to begin the Associate formation process.
After acceptance as an SCN Associate Candidate, the person:
- Completes the formation accountability check list.
- Meets during this period with the Director.
- Makes an initial two-year renewable commitment.
- Joins a faith group.
Getting Started
SCN Associate brochures are available from the Associate Office upon request. If a person is interested in becoming an Associate, the Director arranges an interview, provides background reading on the history and charism of the SCN Congregation, and invites the person to the next Associate gathering.