Live the Charism. Share the Mission.
Become a Companion of Charity
As a Companion of Charity, women live in community with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, sharing in their spiritual charism through prayer, service, and communal life.
Read More Stories Here
Discover more stories about the Companions of Charity and the people who carry forward this mission today. Explore how the spirit continues to inspire action and build a community of love around the world.
Steps to Becoming a Companion
1
Express Your Interest
Reach out to our community to learn more about the values and commitments of a Companion of Charity.
2
Apply
Complete a thorough application process, which includes medical checks, interviews and letters of recommendation.
3
Explore
Meet with members of our Congregation and tour our campuses to learn more about communal living and daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is involved in becoming a Companion of Charity?
What is the Companions of Charity program?
The Companions of Charity program is an initiative by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth that invites individuals to join in our mission of service, justice, and nurturing creation without becoming a vowed member of the Congregation.
Who can become a Companion of Charity?
Anyone who feels called to support our mission and values can become a Companion of Charity. We welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths. A Companion must be willing to be faithful to the mission and ethics of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
What is the length of commitment?
The commitment for a Companion is anywhere 6 months to 1 year.
What is it like to be a Companion?
You can apply by visiting our website and filling out the application form. Our team will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
How is Companions different from a volunteer program?
While Companions will volunteer to work with the sisters in various capacities, the primary difference is that there is a community and spiritual component to Companions. Companions live with and pray with the sisters. The Companions will be looking to grow in their experiences of faith while living in community. Companions make a commitment to the core values of this relationship. These core values are:
· Spirituality: Deeping relationship with God, others, and creation through personal reflections, discussion, shared prayer experiences, and attention to the common good
· Charity Charism: To live simply with a deepening understanding of the human and ecological consequences of our choices while offering justice-oriented service to those on the margins of society
· Community Living: Commitment to fostering an intentional community among one another and with the larger SCN community
· Openness to Diversity of Life: Commitment to developing mutual relationships across lines of difference which include culture, ethnicity, spirituality, theology, sexuality, etc.
Through an orientation process and through times of retreat/guided reflections during their time as Companions of Charity, the members will deepen in their understanding of these values and be given foundational tools to choose how to live them out within daily life and ministry.
What are ministry possibilities?
Ministry experiences that imbue the Charity Charism can include opportunities on the Nazareth Campus, such as Ecological Sustainability, or with entities beyond Nazareth such as Saint Vincent de Paul Society or Sister Visitor Center. There is also the opportunity for working with volunteers around the United States and in Belize, along with working in disaster relief.
Will I have medical insurance?
Yes, Companions will be covered by the health insurance with the Sisters’ insurance program, if needed.
What are the living arrangements?
Companions will live with Sisters, either in Nazareth, KY, or Louisville, KY. They could live in one or both during their time as a Companion.
Do I need specific skills or life experiences?
No specific skills or life experiences are necessary to become a Companion. If one does have a specific skill set or life experiences that can be used in conjunction with one’s time as a Companion, effort will be made to ensure that the Companion’s gifts are used during the time spent with the Sisters.
Do I need a college degree?
No college degree is needed to join the Companions.
