Become an Associate

The SCN Family includes an important group of lay people who make an extra commitment to make a real difference in the world. We call them SCN Associates. They are men and women of all faiths and backgrounds who commit:

To living out the SCN Mission in their own lives
To deepen their spirituality
To build community with other SCN Associates and SCNs
To reach out in compassionate service to others in the tradition of Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac and Catherine Spalding.

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 scheduled "Look and See" formation weekend. Click here to contact the SCN Associate Office.

The Process

The SCN Associate formation process is based on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). It is designed to offer women and men a way to live out their baptismal call within the tradition of spirituality and mission of Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, and Catherine Spalding.

After an interview, the interested person, who attends one formation weekend, may apply to begin the Associate formation process.

After acceptance as an SCN Associate candidate, the person:

Participates in six formation weekends over a two-year period
Meets several times during this period with the Director or Council
Makes an initial two-year renewable commitment
Joins a faith group

New Members

All initial commitments are made at Nazareth, Ky., at the conclusion of the annual Associate retreat which is held in close proximity to the September 27th feast of St. Vincent de Paul.

SCN Associate Events

The purpose of the formation process is to enhance the baptismal call of women and men to be in mission to the People of God through the activities of their daily lives. The weekends offer quality time to get acquainted with Associates and SCNs in a congenial atmosphere where there is a balance of education, prayer, reflection and fun.

Membership

Currently we have approximately 250 SCN Associates which includes Associates from Belize, India and Candidates in formation in Botswana.

Contact the Associates

Becoming an SCN Associate gives you the opportunity to establish a more formal relationship with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and the Congregation's ministries.