New associates from the Springfield diocese are: Steve Boyer, St. Cabrini, Springfield; Connie Budberg-Speck, Little Flower, Springfield; Brenda Jo Clanton, Our Saviour, Jacksonville; Melissa Cox, Holy Family, Lincoln; Robert Englehart, Immaculate Conception, Shelbyville; Veronica Espina, St. Agnes, Springfield; Lisa Fendrich, St. Agnes, Springfield; Cathy Gulash, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Bethalto; Joseph Gulash, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Bethalto; Kevin Kreipe, Holy Family, Litchfield; Tracey Kreipe, Holy Family, Litchfield; Gabriela Menard, Immaculate Conception, Shelbyville; Mary Meyer, St. Joseph the Worker, Chatham; Carolyn Peck, Little Flower, Springfield; Lori Scheufele, Blessed Sacrament, Springfield; Jeanne Schodtler, Immaculate Conception, Shelbyville; and Barbara Volkman, St. Augustine, Ashland.

The Dominican Associate program enhances relationships, not just with the Springfield Dominican Sisters, but also with God and God’s people, say the sponsors. 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.

For more information about the Dominican Associate program, contact Sister Paul Mary Janssens, OP at (217) 787-0481. Or, visit the congregation’s website at www.springfieldop.org.