Community welcomes agrégée candidate
The afternoon ceremony marked the official beginning of an orientation process for Sharon, who lives and works in Kansas City, Mo., to consider becoming an agrégée — pronounced ah-gre-ZHEY.
There are two agrégée sisters in the Concordia congregation now, and three others in the formation process.
Sister Carm Thibault of Salina, who will serve as Sharon’s mentor during her orientation process, was not able to attend Friday’s ceremony.
In 2006, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia went back to their roots in 17th century France to discover agrégée membership, and then revived — and, perhaps, redefined — another way for women to enter religious life.
As the congregation envisions agrégées, they are mature individuals, probably well established in their professions. They may have debts they are paying off or other financial obligations; they may have family responsibilities, such as caring for aging parents. Or they may have professions or professional contracts that would keep them from entering into a long orientation process required by most religious communities.
They commit themselves to active and inclusive love of God and the dear neighbor as expressed in the spirit and spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia. In almost every aspect, they are viewed as full members of the congregation, meaning they have a voice and a vote on congregational issues.
To learn more about the agrégée form of membership, click HERE.
Sharon,
I,too, am delighted to welcome you as an Agregee into our CSJ community. I remember your interest and remarkable insights into our study of the first community of CSJ’s and the compasion your express for these first brave and faithfilled Sisters. Your kindness to each Sister during the retreat was a beautiful witness of your love and compassion. I am happy to welcome you into our community and send my blessings of love and prayers.
Christine
Dear Sharon, Welcome to Concordia CSJs! I am just bubbling with excitement as I see the welcome ceremony! At first your name did not register in my brain (I was thinking of another family whose last name is the same as yours), then when I saw your picture, it all came back….we were in the “Falling in Love for a Lifetme” workshop and retreat together. What a wonderful experience that was for all of us! Apparently, something clicked, because here you are! Praise the Lord! I’m looking forward to seeing you at our Community gatherings. Welcome again, and God bless your 2010! S. Philomee