The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis welcomed eight new Franciscan associates Sept. 29 during the morning liturgy in St. Francis of Assisi Church on the Motherhouse grounds near Springfield. The new Associates are Nancy Hamende, Paul Hamende, Cindy Pratt, Claudia Pruitt, and Vikki Warren (Springfield); Kathy Baker (Virden); Barbara Schmidt (Riverton); and Karen Skaletski (Green Bay, Wis.).

"Our associates are men and women who choose to deepen their baptismal commitment by accepting God's call to live according to Jesus' Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and who strive to embody the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis' healing charism," explained RuthEllen Davis, associate coordinator.

Associates meet monthly to share their faith on spiritual and Franciscan topics, share in the Hospital Sisters' spirituality and join with them in prayer, community, celebration and ministry. Associates do not take vows.

"These eight associates join our family of 140 associates who embrace Franciscan values and the Hospital Sisters' healing spirit while bringing the compassion of Jesus to others in ways that fit their lifestyle," 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 with gatherings in Decatur, Effingham, Highland, Springfield, and Streator in Illinois; and Eau Claire, Green Bay, and Sheboygan in Wisconsin. For more information, contact RuthEllen Davis at (217) 522-3387, ext. 664 or .