Associates – In their Own Words

“What touches your heart about the Grey Nun Associate Relationship?”

Through my relationships with Grey Nun sisters and associates I have found a spiritual home. It is here that I mingle with men and women who care about and talk about their spiritual growth. That’s so rare on the outside. My connection to larger spiritual ideas and inspirational religious figures has come to me through the Grey Nuns. I treasure that.
— Janet Friedman | Philadelphia Area Associate

Being an “At-A-Distance” Grey Nun Associate provides a sense of belonging with a community of loving, merciful and compassionate women and men who share their faith and love of God from different places around the globe and try to spread the Good News of Christ and St. Marguerite to the people with whom they come into contact.  Being an Associate of the Grey Nuns provides me with great hope.

-Robert Mace, At-A-Distance Associate, Seffner, FL 

I have been associated with the Grey Nuns since nurse’s training (1953-56). I loved them then as now, and it seemed the order of things that I should be an Associate. Our group of Associates are the greatest.
— Gerry Montroy | North Country, NY

I deeply appreciate the gifts the Grey Nuns have shared with me over the years. The Grey Nuns taught me that life is a spiritual journey and that knowledge keeps me centered in God. God is the center of my life, not all of the distractions that make up daily life. When God is the center of your life, you and your life are transformed. I am grateful to the Grey Nuns for that transformation in my life.
— Maureen Fasy McElroy | Philadelphia Area Associate

“Describe how you live out the spirit and charism of St. Marguerite d’Youville.”

I have a daily prayer life. In my personal life, I try to remember the difficult times that Marguerite had and I try not to lose hope. I volunteer at my parish in a program to feed homeless men. Their presence gives me great joy. I feel Jesus is with them.
— Mary Ann Knorr | Philadelphia Area Associate

I work in hospice, helping patients and their family at a critical time of their life as they approach death in comfort and dignity without fear. I am also involved in my local parish, as well as dealing with the preservation and restoration of our historic cemetery.
— Judith Allen | At-a-Distance Associate

How I live in the Spirit and charism of Marguerite is rooted in my love of God and turning my life completely over to Him. That is what Marguerite did. My daily life, work, and volunteerism is grounded in awareness of people’s needs: giving a kind smile, good ears, and truly caring about them. If love of God is allowed to come though me, then God is there and we all are blessed.
– Georganne Donnelly | Atlanta Associate