Celebrating Consecrated Life: Sharing the gift

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Sister Annette Wagner, IWBS is Director of the Office of Consecrated Life for the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

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Historically, within the canonical (legal) structure of the Church, congregations of men were referred to as the “first order.” Congregations of women were designated as the “second order.” Around the 13th century, the Holy Spirit–as always throughout the events of human history–provided for the needs of the times. A “third order” came into existence.

Throughout the history of consecrated life, each religious congregation has been recognized as offering a unique spiritual gift to enrich the life of the entire Church, the Body of Christ alive in the world today. Traditionally, that gift has been offered by men and women committed to its expression through the vows of poverty, celibate chastity and obedience, and encircled by a community of others living that same dynamic.

The third order offered lay men and women, committed to protecting and participating in the good works of a particular religious congregation, a way to do so without becoming vowed members living within religious communities. So began the continuing movement of lay persons “living in the world” while following the ideals and spirit of a particular religious congregation.

Today, especially in North America, that relationship with vowed members of a religious congregation has taken on a fresh face. Single and married men and women are hearing the call to become “associates” of religious congregations. Enjoying this non-canonical relationship, within their own life situation, they offer the gift of a congregation’s charism to the world.

In some cases, associates assist in the work of the religious congregation; in many other cases, they move into areas of human endeavor beyond the direct reach of the vowed members. Their main focus is to participate in the spiritual gifts of a congregation’s charism so they can share it with those they encounter—in the home, work places, parish and civic communities.

How does this association with religious congregations affect those in this relationship? Here are the words of some Associates themselves.

“When I was first invited I really didn’t have a clue as to what to expect…I find myself being more spiritual thanks to the people I have met as an associate.”

“Since I was in the convent for 19 happy years, being an associate now continues my connection and association with the wonderful sisters. We continue to carry on the charism of the community by bringing Christ to others, to our family and our neighborhoods in different ways. This is done through our prayer life, our monthly meetings at the convent when we study different aspects of our Catholic faith from various books and from visits with the sisters. I am grateful to God for having called me to the convent the first time and now to continue his work as an associate.”

“As an associate, I have come to know an amazing group of women of faith. Through their example they have taught me, inspired me, challenged me, led me to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ…”

“When I was first invited to be an…associate, I wondered why me? I have come to realize it is all a part of God’s loving plan for me.”

“Throughout the time of my discernment on becoming an associate I didn’t really understand how deep a change it would make in my life…since then the fellowship with the sisters and other associates and the reading/retreats etc. and prayer have helped me to truly understand and recognize what it truly means to bring the Incarnate Word to the people he puts in my path.”

St. Peter advises, “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace (1 Pt 4:10).” In the associates, consecrated religious have found others who seek to participate in the spiritual treasures of their charisms. Through the associates these special gifts are carried further into a world that so hungers for the Good News of God’s unconditional love.