In a eucharistic celebration on Sunday, May 19 at Sacred Heart Chapel in Springfield 17 candidates formalized their relationship with the Dominican family by making a public commitment as Springfield Dominican Associates.

They join more than 300 women and men in the United States and Peru who accompany the Dominican Sisters of Springfield on a life-long journey of prayer, study and preaching. Ten of the new associates are members of the Springfield diocese. They are: from Our Saviour Parish in Jacksonville, Madonna Berry, Myrtle Jockisch and Carolyn White; from Little Flower Parish in Springfield, Jane Hurshman and Pat Grady; from Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Springfield, Sharmin Doering; from Holy Family Parish in Decatur, Sharon Ray; from St. Joseph Parish in Springfield, Karen Siciliano; from Ss. Mary and Joseph Parish in Carlinville, Lori Loveless; from St. Charles Borromeo in Charleston, Karen Miller.

Other candidates were from Dunlap, Evergreen Park, Gridley, Palos Heights and Lafayette, Ind.

The Springfield Dominicans have been welcoming Dominican associates into their family since 1990. Candidates engage in a nine-month formation program in which they learn about and discuss such topics 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. Associate candidates also discern how they will use their talents, abilities and circumstances to serve God in the best way possible.

To learn more about the Dominican Associate program, contact Sister Paul Mary Janssens, OP, at (217) 787-0481. Visit the congregation's website at www.springfieldop.org.