BVM Association

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VISION

“We envision a compassionate world community living in freedom, strengthening relationships, deepening spirituality, and committed to justice.”

MISSION

To provide opportunities for individual and collective growth through the sharing of spirituality, social justice actions, and community, grounded in the spirit and charism of Mary Frances Clarke and the core values of freedom, education, charity, and justice.

AS BVM ASSOCIATES, WE BELIEVE . . .

We are drawn to and inspired by Mary Frances Clarke and the BVM core values of freedom, education, charity, and justice and are called to be carriers of the BVM charism and mission.

In a distributed leadership model that works to create regional community building and mission engagement opportunities.

In the value of clear and accessible communication to support sharing and learning for all associates.

In the importance of regular, structured, purposeful meetings, gatherings, clusters, and events focused on spirituality and social justice issues.

That in an environment of radical transition and uncertainty, the BVM core values, charism, and associate community are anchor points attaching us to genuine human connections.

We are vibrant, dynamic community, relevant with the times and working unitedly.

Associates are integral participants in BVM mission and accordingly essential contributors to decisions on how to further the BVM mission.

That the associate community is made up of individuals living out the charism of Mary Frances Clarke in the exigencies of our times and the context of our own realities. This community supports one another in our personal, unique expressions of what the core values mean to us.

Association provides a framework and community support that encourages life-long growth.

Association is a community drawn by the BVM core values and charism of Mary Frances Clarke. We honor the vowed members through knowledge of history and a commitment to carrying the charism forward.

Association provides opportunities for engagement that draw people in, meets them where they are, and provides a safe, supportive environment for making connections, engaging in spiritual development, and living out the core values of the BVM community.

The associate community provides a safe place of unconditional acceptance where we find meaning and joy on our journey to our truest, best self and connect to something larger than ourselves.

Associates embrace, honor, and seek the multiple faith traditions and spiritualities that are brought to our community. Believing that diversity is essential to authentic community, we celebrate the inclusion and contributions of all.

• Contact a BVM Associate Coordinator indicating your interest in becoming an associate.
• Dialogue with a BVM sister or associate.
• Become acquainted with other sisters through gatherings, prayer, service projects, and retreats.
• Make a formal commitment with the BVM community.

BVM associates are laywomen and men who wish to formally associate themselves with the community, its mission and spirituality. Associates commit to living out the BVM core values of freedom, justice, education, and charity, while continuing their independent lifestyles as single or married persons. BVM sisters take vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience; live in community; and share all finances and responsibility for the welfare of their religious community.

Through spirituality and living the BVM core values, associates and vowed members work together in furthering the mission of Jesus to bring peace and justice to our global community. Associates also maintain an ongoing relationship with the BVM community by participating in events whenever possible.

BVM associates have no financial responsibility to the BVM community but share their time and talent in a mutual relationship with vowed members.

A BVM associate can be a member of any faith tradition. However, associates need to be willing to join with BVMs in prayer and mission and to commit to living out the BVM core values.