The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis welcomed seven new Franciscan Associates on November 17 during the morning liturgy in St. Francis of Assisi Church. The new Associates are Mary Bonner, Jane Locascio, Linda Mueller, and Alicia Shapinsky, Springfield; Bernie Curry, Decatur, IL; Jerrilyn Zavada, Streator, IL; and Peggy Pendergast, Eau Claire, WI.

“Years ago the Church found ways to welcome men and women who desired a way to deepen their baptismal commitment by accepting God’s call to live according to Jesus’ Gospel but not profess vows,” explained Nancy Davis, Associate Coordinator. “One of these ways was through an Associate relationship to a religious community and our Associates seek to model themselves in some way in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi and the example of our Hospital Sisters of St. Francis,” explained Davis.

These seven Associates join the Hospital Sisters’ family of 136 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. 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.

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, IL; and Eau Claire, Green Bay, and Sheboygan, WI. For more information, please visit our website, contact Nancy at 217/522-3387, ext. 664 or send her an email.