BATAVIA — The Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, an order of religious sisters in Batavia, are offering a new opportunity to women and to the church. Companions of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary (Servant Companions) is a path of service, of prayer and of living in community for single women 18 years of age and older.

This new path is meant for single women who desire a life of commitment on a yearly basis and feel called to deeper service to the church. After a mutual discernment and acceptance into the program, women will live in a designated local community of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, pray with the sisters and engage in ministry.

After spending three months in formation each Servant Companion will make promises to live the spirit of the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for one year. This commitment may be made up to five years.

For more information, contact Sister Myra Lambert, SSVCM, director, Companions of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, 717 N. Batavia Ave., Batavia, IL 60510, (630) 879-1296 or e-mail .