The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis welcomed 20 new associates Sept. 19 during the morning liturgy in St. Francis of Assisi Church at the Franciscan Motherhouse near Springfield. In a statement released for the occasion, Sister Jomary Trstensky, provincial superior, described the sisters' joy in accepting the formal commitments of the new associates. "We are pleased that there is a growing number of laity interested in developing their spirituality, learning more of St. Francis' way of life, and becoming more deeply aware of our unique charism," Sister Jomary wrote.

The new Associates are Nancy Bandy, Springfield; Betty Boos, Effingham; Debbie Buckman, Green Bay, Wis.; Larry Burgett, Decatur; Susan DeFrates, Springfield; Jeff Devall, Effingham; Shelly Devall, Effingham; Linda Dice, Springfield; Nancy Esker, Effingham; Carol Gapsis, Effingham; Julie Harmala, Springfield; Cathy Jorgensen, Springfield; LaJean Ligori, Springfield; Kathy Litz, Springfield; Diane Pugh, Springfield; Nancy Rude, Decatur; Michelle Smith, Springfield; Patty Stake, Springfield; Jan Steinhour, Springfield; and Mary Jo Wasser, Springfield.

The more than 130 Franciscan associates deepen their baptismal commitment by accepting God's call to live according to the Gospel of Jesus in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and to embody the Hospital Sisters' healing charism. By embracing more fully Franciscan values and the sisters' healing spirit, associates bring the compassion of Jesus to others in their daily life in ways that fit their own personality and lifestyle. Associates meet monthly to share their faith on spiritual and Franciscan topics, do not take vows, share in the sisters' spirituality, and join them in prayer, community, celebration and ministry.

The Associates of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is open to baptized Christians, 18 years or older. For more information contact RuthEllen Davis, associate coordinator, at (217) 522-3387, ext. 664 or .