A Few Definitions

I am in the process of becoming an Associate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Charity of Tiffin, Ohio.

A lot of people don't know what that means, when I tell them. It isn't easy to explain, because it is something for which there isn't really an easy comparison to put it in context. The moment people hear the words "sisters" and "convent," they tend to assume that I am in the process of becoming a nun. This is incorrect for two reasons.

• The first is that most people don't define nun correctly -- they don't realize that it isn't a slang or informal term inclusive of all Catholic sisters, and that it actually refers only to cloistered Sisters. Most popular culture images of "nuns" actully depict non-cloistered Sisters.


• The second, of course, is that I am not becoming even what they imagine a "nun" to be -- becoming an Associate is not the same as becoming a Sister, nor is it (necessarily) a step toward becoming one.

It is impossible to adequately define "Associate" by comparing the term solely to what it is not. So what is an Associate? Basically, an Associate is a secular participant in an Order's community. There are 3 levels of Association available with the Tiffin Franciscans.

• The first is to be a prayer partner, someone who supports the values and charism of the Sisters, and who prays for their intentions, but who does not tend to take an active role in the life of the community.


• The second is to not only support the values and charism of the Sisters and pray for their intentions, but to take a more active role in the life of the community -- to attend Retreats and Community Days and other events at the convent, as well as to volunteer to be involved with the causes and concerns of the Sisters and Associates, and to serve on committees, etc., while maintaining a life that is primarily in the secular world.


• The third is to embrace the daily life of the convent, perhaps to move onto the grounds of the Motherhouse, or to live in community with Sisters and/or other Associates.

At this time, I am seeking second level Association.