On Sept. 28, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis welcomed 10 new associates. Shown here are (front row) Cindy Atkinson, Sister Maureen Irvin, OSF, Ruth King, and Debbie Waitkus, and (back row) Marla Van Lanen, Billie LeCrone, Mike Hemberger, Bruce Compton, Mary-Jo Gardiner, and Mary Staudt. The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis welcomed 10 new associates Sept. 28 during the morning liturgy in St. Francis of Assisi Church. Sister Jomary Trstensky, OSF, provincial superior, accepted the first commitment of Cindy Atkinson, Bruce Compton, Mary-Jo Gardiner, Mike Hemberger, Sister Maureen Irvin, OSF, Ruth King, Billie LeCrone, Mary Staudt, and Debbie Waitkus, Springfield; and Marla Van Lanen, Green Bay, Wis. In addition, 90 associates in Illinois and Wisconsin renewed their commitment.  

 

"Relationship with the Hospital Sisters is the hallmark of the associates rather than simply joining a program," said RuthEllen Davis, associate coordinator. "Associates are part of the extended Franciscan family and they give expression to their relationship with the congregation through a written commitment lived out in their daily lives and renewed annually."

Davis added that "associates of the Hospital Sisters began in 1987 in response to the sisters invitation to expand their Franciscan circle by sharing their Franciscan way of life with men and women from many Christian faith traditions and walks of life." She added that "associates share with the Sisters a desire to live the Gospel of Jesus in their own life circumstances consistent with the congregation's healing charism. They join in and form a mutual relationship with the sisters while continuing to live within their own lifestyle."

Franciscan Associates emphasize a strong sense of community and gather monthly to share their faith on spiritual and Franciscan topics, pray with the sisters, and participate in congregational celebrations. "Our community bonding reflects a healing spirit and the importance of community that St. Francis himself recognized," Davis added.

For more information contact Davis at (217) 522-3386 or at .