Who are Martha Associates?

"Our charisms are not confined to vowed religious life. They are found and flourish among single and married persons and clergy as well"
(Sr. Mary Pellegrino, CSJ)

At present, there are approximately 90 Martha Associates across Canada. They are lay people who affiliate with the Sisters for purposes of supporting each other in deepening their relationship with God, with others, with the Universe, in right relationship. Since 1980, the Associates have been carrying the Martha Charism of Gospel Hospitality to their workplaces and families.

What do Martha Associates do?

The essential component of Associate relationship is communication among the Associates and with the Sisters of St. Martha in order to foster awareness of our Baptismal Call and the Martha Charism. The Associates hold monthly group gatherings for prayer, spiritual reading, input and fellowship. The Associate Director, Julia Townsend visits each Associate Group yearly and provides them with input pertinent to the CSM Chapter Direction. In addition, a yearly weekend retreat is held in the East and in the West with presentation by the Sisters, Martha Associates, and invited guests.

Become Martha Associate

If you are interested in becoming a Martha Associate, please contact the Associate Director, Julia Townsend at  julia.townsend@themarthas.com

Julia Townsend became a Martha Associate in 2012, joining the Sydney/Glace Bay Associate Group. In 2016, she was appointed Co-Director of Martha Associates, working under the mentorship of Sr. Claudette Gallant, CSM. Two years later, in 2018, Julia became the first Associate to serve as Director of Martha Associates. She deeply values the faith, friendship, and hospitality shared between the Sisters and Associates, feeling blessed in her call to this role.

Being a Martha Associate means...