Associates

Clinton Franciscans National Coordinators:

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Eileen Golby OSF
Patricia Griffin

For more information about the Clinton Franciscan Associates e-mail Patricia Griffin: patgriffin@clintonfranciscans.com

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The Clinton Franciscan Associate Partnership is affiliated with the North American Conference of Associates and Religious and participates in NACAR
programs across the country.

NACAR strives to serve associates and vowed members of religious congregations as they proclaim their call from God to live the spirit, charism and mission of their particular religious congregations.

Therefore, NACAR is committed to assisting and empowering associates and vowed religious

to realize truth that each is called by God to witness to the Gospel by a holiness of life and commitment to the People of God according to the charism of their particular congregations
to identify and develop their mutually enriching relationship
to envision how they may collaborate to pursue their common purposes
to strengthen the unity among them while reverencing those differentiating elements characteristic to each

NACAR periodically evaluates its commitments and achievements primarily through its Board analyses of NACAR's purposes, goals and programs; the accomplishments of its Conferences; and the input received from its members. Therefore, NACAR responds to whatever may be the needs and goals of its constituencies.

NACAR Conference 2008

“Proclaiming the Vision … True to Our Founding Charisms”

MAY 30 - JUNE 1, 2008

Sheraton Hotel, Vienna, Va.
(Baltimore area)

Keynote Speaker:
Helen Prejean, CSJ

Registration brochure available from Patricia Griffin, Eileen Golby OSF or the Communications Office.

As Associate Partners of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa, we strive to embrace the traditions and charisms of Francis and Clare, articulate them accurately, and model them individually and collectively.
Like Francis and Clare, we are committed to living gospel values radically. We espouse compassion, diversity, equality, inclusivity and active nonviolence.
Mindful of the 2000 General Chapter enactments, we support each other, strive to make a difference and welcome others to share our vision.

Associates have joined Sisters in teaching English to immigrants, in lobbying for closure of the SOA, in practicing and preaching through their lives the ideals of nonviolence via Clinton's Partnership Way study group, in helping to re-found the Clinton Branch of the N.A.A.C.P, in rehabilitating transitional housing sites, and in raising funds to support the Franciscan mission in Tohatchi, New Mexico, where Associate Bob Ketelsen is a full-time volunteer.
The Kentucky Associates sponsored a weekend of celebration and learning about Francis and Clare and the Franciscan ideal for the people of Lexington in 2000 and a "Roots Trip" to the birthplace of the congregation in 2002.

Following the call of the 1984 Chapter, a study group of ten sisters chaired by Sister William McCue and Sister Colette Kelly, presented “Guidelines for an Associate Program” to the entire congregation for comment. Sister Colette Kelly was appointed director and Sister Joan Theiss, assistant director. After approval by the President and the Council, the program was promulgated at the spring 1985 regional meetings. Monthly gatherings were held to acquaint interested persons with the program.

This first group made their covenant on October 5, 1986 at a formal ceremony at Mount St. Clare Convent, Clinton. At the end of the first year, they evaluated the program and all asked to renew their commitment on October 4, 1987, when nine new members also made their commitment

In the Chicago area, a group of interested persons began gathering at Oak Lawn every other month in 1986 for prayer, discussion and reflection. This group was led by Sister Rosalie Noder, Sister Michael Marie Burns and Sister Ida Green. These persons have since become Associates.

An Associate group began forming in San Diego, California, in the late 1980s. The Partnership continues to grow (see photo above).

An Associate group was formed in Kentucky, the birthplace of the congregation, in 1998. In 2000, an Associate Partnership was formed in New Mexico.

Sister Colette Kelly, the first Associate Program director, greets new Associates from Kentucky and Iowa following their commissioning at The Canticle in August 2000.

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Following Chapter 2000, leadership of the Associate Partnership became the shared responsibility of sisters and associates. Leadership teams operate in Clinton, Chicago, Lexington KY, and San Diego CA.