Becoming an Associate of the Order of St. Helena

Home page | Application Form | Writing a Rule of Life | Reception Service

Associates team includes: (left to right) Ellen Francis, OSH; Ann Prentice, OSH; Claire Tenny, n/OSH

Who are the Associates of OSH?

Associates are people who sustain a special relationship with the Order of St. Helena and a mutual commitment to one another for the strengthening of their life in Christ. They hope in this association to grow in their love of God and of their neighbor, and to extend the ministry of the Order of St. Helena throughout the world.

What does the Order of St. Helena offer to its associates?

The sisters pray daily for the associates and intercessions are offered for those who have requested our prayers. Associates are prayed for by name on their birthdays.

A newsletter and other mailings are sent out periodically to keep associates informed of events in the community that are of interest and that provide spiritual nourishment.

Associates are given a cross when they are received as associates, and this cross may be worn at any time.

Sr. Veronica, OSH is a member of the Associates Team, and has special responsibility for Ghanaian Associates

Associates are encouraged to visit convents of the Order when possible. Special associates’ programs and weekends are offered at houses of the Order.

Associates may ask the Sister for the Associates for the names and addresses of other associates for the purpose of forming a local Chapter, or for arranging a retreat, conference, or other gathering. Such Chapters or gatherings need not be restricted to associates of the Order of St. Helena. Arrangements can sometimes be made for a sister to visit such a group or a church.

Who may become an associate?

Any baptized, practicing Christian, man or woman, lay or clerical, who is willing to undertake a regular commitment to prayer and Christian life, may become an associate.

How may you become an associate?

There are four steps to becoming an associate:

Fill out the application form and return it to the Sister for the Associates.
Plan your regular commitment to prayer, work and giving, in your life as a Christian and as an associate of the Order of St. Helena. A rule of life should be developed in consultation with an advisor who is a person who knows you and who is experienced in the spiritual life.
At least three months after you have begun living under your rule of life, and when you feel you are ready, send a copy of your rule to the Sister for the Associates or notify her that a copy has been given to your spiritual advisor. Under some circumstances, the three month period may be waived at the discretion of the Sister for the Associates.
Arrange to be received as an associate. It is preferable that you make your formal commitment as an associate at one of our convents. If this is not possible, it is preferable that it take place in the context of your parish community. You may be received by a sister of OSH, by another associate of OSH, by your parish priest, or by your spiritual advisor.

50th anniversary celebration: (left to right) Ellen Francis, OSH; Meri Maisonette; Ruth Juchter, OSH

When you notify the Sister for the Associates that a date has been set for your reception, she will send you the associates cross which will be formally presented to you at your reception.

What are the responsibilities of an associate?

Associates are responsible for making contact with the Sister for the Associates at least once a year. Each year on your birthday you will receive a greeting and a card requesting that you renew your commitment as an associate. At this time, you may find it helpful to review your rule of life with your advisor, and make any adjustments that seem appropriate. It is also appropriate at this time for you to make a contribution to the support of the Order of St. Helena.

For more information on becoming an associate, contact:

Sr. Ann Prentice, OSH
Convent of St. Helena
P.O. Box 426
Vails Gate, NY 12584
Telephone: 845-562-0592

Sisters@osh.org