Called by the Spirit: Celebrating 50 Years of CSA Associate Relationship
February 11, 2025
This article appears in the February Issue of Reflections and Connections
A Letter from Kelly Robe, Director of Associate Relationship
From Vatican II emerged a universal call to holiness for all people that prompted a new sense of responsibility for the mission of Jesus. In 1974, Melva Olson approached Sister Rachel Doerfler, vicar general at the time, and asked if the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes would be open to inviting people to become associates. Never doubting that one person can make a difference, Melva persisted for a full year and became the first CSA associate in 1975 on the Feast Day of St. Agnes. Fifty years later, we are a community of 103 associates and prayer partners living gospel values in varied ways as lay people, in service to the mission of Jesus and CSA charism.
This year marks a milestone of our faithful commitment to expressing love in action, presence, and being through spiritual growth, hospitality, and courageous initiatives for justice and peace. That may not sound like a media-worthy, epic feat like crossing the Gobi or climbing Everest. But living intentionally to be present and loving as a charism carrier in our world is not simple or easy. When considering political polarization, wealth disparity, immigration, human trafficking, etc., perhaps Everest is a less demanding goal, one that doesn’t require vulnerable open-heartedness, spiritual growth, or seeing Christ in everyone.
Here's to the beautiful lay people who have discerned their call to associate relationship, the charism carriers who live and love intentionally, the light-filled and hope-filled serving mission and charism. Cheers!