Alexian Brothers Associates
Elk Grove Associates at their 1999 yearly retreat.
Some of the St. Louis Associates at a recent gathering.
Introduction
The Associates of the Alexian Brothers is a fellowship of lay persons grounded in devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This association was organized and authorized by the Alexian Brothers who support, cooperate with and assist the activity and prayer life of the Alexian Associates. By means of mutual prayer and common rule, under the direction of the Alexian Congregation, we try to support one another in our service to Christ and His church. The Rule of the Alexian Associates provides a discipline under which we may learn to obey the will of God in the spirit our Lord commands. In keeping the Rule, obedience is owed first to God, then to the church, and only third to the Alexian Brothers. The purpose of the Rule is to support us in fulfilling our parochial, diocesan, and ecumenical duties and obligations in the world around us so that the fellowship of Alexian Co-Members may strengthen the church and bring a true spirit of renewal among ourselves and the laity.
Rationale for Alexian Associate Program
In addition to historical evolution of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers from a lay movement, and the on-going relationship the Brothers have maintained with the laity, there are the directives of Vatican Council II. In the Decree on the Apostolate, the church speaks to the need for the wider participation of the laity in its apostolic endeavors. From the Decree, it is clear that it is the responsibility of all believers, not just those in holy orders or who have vowed themselves to religious life, to build up the Kingdom of God. Lay men and women are supposed to move from a state of silence and passivity to an active role, that is, from simply being ministered to themselves to becoming ministers of God's love and truth.
We also are now witnessing a period in which there is an increased desire by the laity for a deeper spiritual life and greater desire to assist in ministerial activities of the church. The spirit of volunteerism is everywhere present whereby the laity wish to give themselves in helping their neighbor and in witnessing to Christ.
Goals of the Alexian Associate Program
The Alexian Associate Program is an attractive alternative to religious life for those who wish to make a special contribution to Christ and His church.
The purpose of the program is to provide the opportunity for lay persons to share in the life and mission of the Alexian Brothers. This sharing is in every aspect of their lives, especially in their prayer, community, and ministerial lives.
Alexian Association can develop and strengthen the laity's commitment to their Christ-given mission and to the church, and assist in fulfilling that commitment. The laity can draw inspiration, encouragement and support from the long history and healing charisms of the Brothers.
The program also provides the opportunity to extend the spirit and philosophy of the Alexian Brothers through the laity and to broaden the foundations of their ministry.
The program brings together persons committed to the Gospel so that they might be more effective in their witness to the Gospel.
The Alexian Associate Ministry
The Alexian Associates are expected, in a suitable and convenient way, to assist in the ministry of the Alexian Brothers. Such outreach programs can include visiting the ill in mental institutions; visiting and running errands for unattached housebound persons; transporting ill persons without such means for medical services; organizing community prayer groups; visiting and welcoming new people in the neighborhood; extending spiritual help to alienated Catholics; encouraging a simple form of life style amongst neighbors and friends; and assisting in the activities of the local church and helping to address some of its needs.
The Mission of the Alexian Associate
To be constantly aware that the primary obligation and privilege of our membership in Christ is the exercise of His Ministry of love, hope, and forgiveness to all with whom we come in contact throughout our daily lives as well as through our ministry.
This website was launched last August 2007 by the the Vocation's Office of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers of the Immaculate Conception Province to better address its growing vocational needs. We appreciate your interest in visiting this website and we encourage you to share your insights and inputs.. Send your comments.
