Today more than 200 Sisters of Charity – Halifax Associates meet in at least 12 locations across Canada, the eastern United States and Bermuda. In Peru, there is a similar group of women and men called Vicentinas.

What is an Associate?

“When you find a few kindred spirits and you come together with them for prayer, faith-sharing and assisting in ministry, you no longer feel alone on your spiritual journey,” as said by one of our Associates.

Our Constitutions state that we “strive to show forth the love of God by serving those in need in a spirit of humility, simplicity, and charity according to the circumstances of the times”. In living in this way, Sisters and Associates share in the saving mission of Jesus, who is the love of God made visible.

Our particular mission is shaped by the tradition of our founding saints who are called into service of those in need.

Our gift — the power to love as God loves — is our charism.

Charism

The charism or “blessing” is both a communal and personal call, and is so attractive and alluring that it draws us like a magnet unto itself. It compels us to defy the norms of this world — power, money, free time — and calls us to embrace the poor.

  • The charism of any religious congregation comes from the Holy Spirit, through the gift and call of a founding person. It gives the group a particular life and spirit

  • Sisters and Associates of Sisters of Charity – Halifax share the charism — or gift of grace — given to Saints Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac and Elizabeth Seton for the good of the world

  • Our response in love allows God’s life to flow in us without limit

Materials

Resources

The Beginning of the Sisters of Charity in Emmitsburg

History of the Sisters of Charity Federation

Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo explains the history of how the Sisters of Charity Federation developed with stories that highlight the realistic and practical face of Charity in our leaders.

Sister Marie Poole

Sister Marie Poole Founders and Friends – 1 hour long

Sister Marie Poole What Woman Wants, God Wants – 50 minutes long

Sister Marie Poole Vincent, Louise at the Autumn Years – 55 minutes long

Associates serve in:

  • Bermuda

  • Canada

    • Alberta
    • British Columbia
    • New Brunswick
    • Nova Scotia
    • Ontario
    • Quebec
  • United States

    • Maine
    • Massachusetts
    • New York
  • Peru

    • Chiclayo
    • Cajamarca
    • Lima
    • Ilo

For more information about Associates in your area, please contact:

Communications Office:

1-844-406-8114
communications@schalifax.ca

In great simplicity and love to listen to God
in prayer, opening the ears of our hearts
to receive his holy word …
tasting it and relishing its delights.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton