Passionist Associates are individuals, both men and women, who in a spirit of mutuality, bond themselves more closely with the mission and the spirituality of the Passionist Congregation, Province of St. Paul of the Cross. This mutuality recognizes that both professed Passionists and Passionist Associates contribute to the Passionist Mission in the world today. 

Those desiring to participate more fully in the life of the faith community and share their individual gifts and talents in the context of the Passionist Charism and Mission may be selected as Associate candidates. After at least a two-year period of discernment, orientation, formal acceptance, and formation a covenant is made between the Passionist Associate and the local Passionist Community of Priests and Brothers. Once the initial covenant is made, each Associate is then required to re-covenant him or herself to the Passionist Community every year on the Feast Day of St. Paul of the Cross (October 20). 

The Associates enter into this relationship centered on living the Gospel message in the spirit of the Passionist Congregation and the charism of its founder, St. Paul of the Cross. The Passionists for their part invite their Associates to participate in some aspects of their life of prayer, community, and ministerial outreach. The Passionists also provide their Associates with the opportunities for ongoing faith formation in the spirit of the Congregation of the Passion. 

Formed in 1996, the first group of Passionist Associates was covenanted in Riverdale NY. Since that time a number of the St. Paul of the Cross Province foundations have either covenanted members or associates in formation. The number of Associates from Pittsburgh and Scranton Pennsylvania, North Palm Beach Florida, Shrewsbury Massachusetts, Riverdale New York, and Greenville North Carolina now number around sixty-six. 

PASSIONIST ASSOCIATES RE-COVENANT

On Sunday, October 16, 2005, Joseph  Ackerman, Maureen Ackerman, John Kosak, Jeanette Land, Bud Zielinski, and Moose Wetzel (left to right) assembled at the closing Retreat Mass at 11AM in the chapel. After communion we were invited to re-covenant with the Passionist Community of the Province of St,. Paul by Fr. Francis Finnigan joined by Fr. Damien Towey and Fr. Emmanuel Gardon. We each came forward to accept another year centered on living the Gospel message in the charism of St. Paul of the Cross.

A Prayer for Passionists 

Lord Jesus, you raised up St. Paul of the Cross to help people find God in their hearts by keeping alive the memory and meaning of the great love you showed us in your Passion and Death. You allowed St. Paul of the Cross to establish a community of men and women who vowed to keep alive the memory of your Passion. You gave them, as their mission, to show people the love of God in the midst of their suffering; by showing them that your undeserved suffering and death together with the hope your Resurrection provides, leads to hope and a new life where there is no suffering and where a joy is bestowed that can never be taken away.

Now and for the foreseeable future, your community of men and women need people to carry on this most important task. As you once said, the harvest is great and the laborers are few. They need prayers for your help in this work and for your protection from the devil. They need encouragement and successes to give them hope to insulate them from depression and despair. They need material support so that their basic needs of daily life are met and allow your work to continue successfully without distraction. Keep them from all harm, especially where the world does not value life as you wish it would. Bless your community of Passionist men and women. Let them bring many souls to you and sustain many more so that in the difficulties of life these souls do not give up or lose faith in you or your mercy, compassion and love.

Father in Heaven, please hear these prayers and answer them as soon as possible and as you think best. We ask you this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, through the intercession of Blessed Mary, St. Paul of the Cross and all the Passionist saints. Amen

Prayer for Passionist Vocations

Saint Paul of the Cross, founder of the Passionists, please intercede and implore Jesus, Lord of the Harvest, to inspire today's youth to courageously and generously respond to the call of being a Passionist Priest, Brother, or Sister.  The need is great, for the laborers are few.

Holy Spirit, strengthen families and give parents the desire to encourage religious vocations in their children.

Our Lady of the Passion, help young men and women accept this challenge by prompting them to echo your "Yes!" to what God is asking  them.

Good and gracious God, when St. Paul of the Cross thought his hopes were dashed for establishing the Congregation of the Passion, You brought it to fruition. At this time of need, we trust You will provide many Passionist vocations to ComPassionately serve Your people for Your greater honor and glory.

May the Passion of Jesus Christ be always in our hearts!

Amen.

 

Last Updated: July 31, 2008