Membership
![Members near Steg, Anna Dengel's birthplace, in the Tyrol](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2/public/2021-11/GNM2018_Germany_801_steeg_00415_Thekla_CROP_0.jpg?itok=JYnFkVmt)
Two Threads of Membership
"The twin threads of membership - canonical religious and committed lay person - live and work collaboratively, interdependently for a fuller expression of our healing charism.
Each honours her own vocation and supports the other."
Sister Estelle Demers
Vowed Membership
Responding from a call from God, women choose to give their whole life to God in service of God’s people by publicly professing the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, committing to live according to the Constitution of the Medical Mission Sisters. They respond to God’s call “to be a healing presence at the heart of a wounded world” in an international congregation dedicated to the charism of healing.
As vowed members, Sisters have the right and responsibility to participate in the Congregation’s local and global mission, in the government and in the total life of the Society, as well as to live community for sharing life including mutual support. The lifestyle of MMS is shaped by the canonical requirements of public religious vows.
![Some members of MMS IN Germany](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/Germany_0.jpg?itok=Ga5Oet-7)
![MMS community in Pune](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/community%20-%20Pune_0.jpg?itok=nVHyNzXy)
Associate Membership
Feeling called by God, Associates are women and men who are drawn to the vision, values, spirituality and healing charism of the Society. They make a commitment to live as a healing presence within the context of their own lives and responsibilities. Association invites individuals to deepen their spiritual lives through reflection, prayer, worship and actions that promote healing.
There is a mutual willingness between Medical Mission Sisters and Associates, within a specific unit, to enter into a relationship of faith sharing and affirmation in their expression of the healing charism.
![Associate Betsy Hague visits Rohingya refugees](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-11/363c7ffe-e322-4aa3-86d1-c5687bbe6c9e.jpg?itok=CHKcctka)
![Associate Dr Marian McDonald conducts a clinic in Peru](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-11/Marian%206.jpg?itok=awogw9Bp)
Ongoing Formation
This is the lifelong process of transformation and integration that enables us to mature into authentic witnessing individuals and community in the context of healing mission. After profession of vows or associate commitment, opportunities are given to support renewal in an ongoing way, whether formally or informally.
![MMS from India - north, north east and south - at a formation meeting](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-11/MMS%20from%20Unit%20South%2C%20North%20and%20North%20East%20India%20at%20Inter%20Unit%20Formation%20Meeting%20at%20Pune%20%281%29.jpg?itok=WkaF_8n3)
![A meeting of members from across the world, Germany, 2018](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-11/Members%20Meeting_GNM%202018%20Germany_1.jpg?itok=WGzOjcZO)
Becoming a Member of the Medical Mission Sisters
If you would like more information on becoming a member of the Medical Mission Sisters - either vowed or associate - please click the link below
![Novices give mission departees a send-off in 1952](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2/public/2021-09/1952_Novices%20give%20mission%20departees%20send-off%20-%20correct_0.jpg?itok=MUZFZ7_r)