The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis welcomed 14 new Franciscan associates Sept. 30 during morning liturgy in St. Francis of Assisi Church. The new Franciscan associates are Carol Coleman, Barbara Erdmann, Bjarne Jensen, Jean Jensen, Jim Keys, Rita Keys, Tim Suter, Kathy Travis, and Pat Wright (all of Springfield); Laura Brown (Decatur); Rosemary Hersheway (Streator); Amy Penne (Tuscola); Jane Stevenor (Dalton City); and Steve Werner (Eau Claire, Wis).

"Franciscan associates are men and women who 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 who strive to embody the Hospital Sisters' healing charism," said RuthEllen Davis, associate coordinator.

"These individuals join 131 Franciscan associates who embrace more fully Franciscan values and the Hospital Sisters' healing spirit while bringing the compassion of Jesus to others in their daily life in ways that fit their own personality and lifestyle. They meet monthly to share their faith on spiritual and Franciscan topics, do not take vows, share in the Hospital Sisters' spirituality, and join the Hospital Sisters in prayer, community, celebration and ministry," Davis said.

Founded in 1987, Associates of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is a ministry that is open to baptized Christians 18 years or older. For more information, contact RuthEllen Davis at (217) 522-3387, ext. 664 or .