During a Eucharistic celebration on Sunday, May 20, at Sacred Heart Chapel in Springfield, 22 candidates made a public commitment to witness Gospel values as Dominican associates. They join more than 300 men and women in the United States and Peru who accompany the Dominican Sisters of Springfield on a life-long journey of prayer, study and preaching. This year's Dominican associates hail from Illinois, Arkansas and Mississippi.

The Springfield Dominicans have been welcoming associates since 1990. Candidates engage in a nine-month formation program in which they learn about and discuss topics such as Catholic social teaching, a call to prayer and preaching, living the liturgy, St. Dominic and St. Catherine, mission and ministry, living a balanced life and the history of the Springfield Dominicans. Associates also discern how they will use their talents, abilities and circumstances to serve God in the best way possible.

Dominican associates witness the Gospel daily in their workplaces and relationships. The Dominican associate program serves to enhance relationships, not with only the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, but also with God and God's people.

For more information about the Dominican associate program, contact Sister Paul Mary Janssens, OP at (217) 787-0481 or learn more about the Dominican Sisters of Springfield by visiting the congregation's website: www.springfieldop.org.