The Consociates: A Growing Part of Community
Worldwide there is a deep and growing desire for spirituality. One way that desire is manifesting itself in the CSJ community is the growing number of lay women and men interested in associating with the CSJs. Drawn by a deep respect for the Sisters of St. Joseph and a strong desire to share in the Sisters' spirituality and ministries, a variety of people are choosing to explore our Consociate program.
"It seems," says Linda Taylor, CSJ, in the membership office, "that the Consociate movement is a work of the spirit. Most people who inquire about becoming a Consociate have a strong commitment to justice. They are seeking a deeper spirituality and looking for persons with similar values to share in that search." Taylor says that the first Consociate made a commitment to the St. Paul Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1984.
While most Consociates are Catholic, some are Lutheran, Episcopal, United Church of Christ, and other faith traditions. Both women and men can become consociates. To be a vowed sister, a woman must be an unmarried Catholic.
Consociates celebrate 20 years in St. Paul
If you are interested in becoming a Sister or Consociate of the Sisters of St. Joseph click here.
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Meet some of our Consociates
| Sandy Dodson, Consociate |
| "I have come to call myself a Catholic Protestant..." |
| Consociate Ginger Hedstrom's Interruptions |
| Changing what is, making space for what could be... |
| Judy Paone |
| Want to meet someone special? You will if you go to occupational therapy at Bethany. Judy Paone has ministered at Bethany as an occupational therapist for over 10 years. She became a consociate after working there for awhile. |
| Diane Gardner, Consociate |
| She is the first person in the United Church of Christ certified for commissioned ministry for spiritual direction.
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| Pat and Terry Casey |
| A couple from Mendota Heights joins the consociates for many reasons, but their committment to social justice attracted them the most. |
| Karleen Reller |
| Following her path |
| Ginny Claessens McDonald |
| Ginny Claessens McDonald, a retired choral teacher, musician and liturgical director, is a Consociate. She also had previously been a member of the community. |
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