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Established in 1977 in response to requests from both inside and outside the congregation, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary began to welcome persons into a formalized associate relationship based on shared values and a recognized desire for mutual enrichment. IHM Associates maintain their own Christian lifestyles but reach beyond IHM friendships to embrace the entire IHM community. By its very nature, the associate reality expands the options for connection with the congregation beyond that of vowed membership and opens up possibilities for exploring Christian partnership among a more broadly based community of persons.
Learning from the experience and desires of those who have chosen to journey with the IHM Community in this way, IHM association has been refined to include three areas:  Prayer, Community, and Ministry. While not mutually exclusive, these categories do permit associates to clarify for themselves and for the congregation the primary focus of their involvement with it. Associates may choose to commit themselves in any or all of these ways. The specifics of each associate relationship are expressed through a personalized covenant of commitment.
Current IHM Associate Council (photo taken October 4, 2007)
Top row, L-R: Kathy Rodgers, Janet Galea, Vickie Adams,Carol Sharer
Bottom row, L-R: Monica Stuhlreyer, IHM, Rosanne Bellner,Sue Furda,
Photo taken by - Barbara G. Stanbridge, IHM, Facilitator.
At the heart, the associate movement is recognized as the work of God's creative Spirit among us. The insights and decisions to which it will draw us personally and communally will become clear only as we evolve together into the future.
Read more about the associates.
For more information about IHM Associate membership contact:
Monica Stuhlreyer, IHM
Associate Coordinator
IHM Associate Office
610 W. Elm Ave.
Monroe, MI 48162-7909
Phone 734-240-9821
E-mail Monica Stuhlreyer |
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