The new associates from the central Illinois area are: Robert Blackwell of Abundant Faith Christian Center in Springfield; Patrick Davis of Holy Family Parish in Granite City; Paul and Dottie Puckel of the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield; Lenora Brown of St. Cecilia Parish in Glen Carbon; Sheila Crain of Little Flower and St. Joseph parishes in Springfield; Angela Schiava of St. Agnes Parish in Springfield; Paul Mirto of St. Aloysius Parish in Springfield; Susan Moore of St. Agnes Parish in Springfield; Sheri Stauffer of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield; Rachel Gotanco of the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield; Watana Parker of Parkway Church of Christ in Springfield; Claire Salvador of the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield; Gail and George Eck of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Alexander; Reynaldo Gotanco of the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield; and Dona Davies of St. Paul Episcopalian Cathedral in Springfield.

The new associates from the Jackson, Miss., area are: Maureen Gruich of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Madison, Miss.; Jan Brady of St. Theresa Parish in Jackson, Miss.; Deborah and Ron Hudson of St. John and St. Martin parishes in Crystal Springs, Miss.; John Weisenberger of Holy Savior Catholic Church in Clinton, Miss.; and Kenny Boyles of Holy Savior Catholic Church in Clinton, Miss.

The Springfield DominicanAssociate program is open to baptized Christians 21 years of age or older. Associates are women and men, married, single, or widowed who mutually share in the spirit and mission of the Springfield Dominican Sisters through a non-vowed commitment. They participate in various spiritual, social and ministerial experiences and congregational events. For more information about the Associate Program or a vocation to religious life visit the Dominican Sisters on the web at www.springfieldop.org.