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“The COVID Class”—Associates who made Commitment in 2021

"Beautiful Spirit" among this year's class, Sister M. Joan Sorge says

Springfield, Ill.—From as nearby as down the street and as far away as Brookline, Mass., eleven women and men made formal commitment as associates of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield during ceremonies at Sacred Heart Convent on Sunday, May 2, 2021.

The associates who lived nearby joined a small, socially distanced group of sisters in the convent chapel to read their commitment statements and receive their associate pins and congratulations from Sister M. Joan Sorge, associate program director, and Sister Rebecca Ann Gemma, the congregation's prioress general. Later, a virtual gathering was held in a conference room where sisters gathered to watch other candidates make their commitments from home, projected on a large screen.

Family and friends joined in via livestream for the chapel service and via teleconference for the virtual service.

This year's nine formation sessions, allowing the candidates to learn about Dominican history, spirituality, and mission, were held virtually, but that didn't seem to dampen the community spirit of the candidates.

“Even though we were unable to come together this year due to the pandemic, you were so faithful to gathering for your virtual formation sessions," Sister Joan said to the new associates. "Thank you for the companioning you have done as associate candidates or as sponsors of candidates. Your retreat,  as many of you shared, was powerful and Spirit-filled. The Spirit was at work! The Spirit has united you as a class.”

Use the tabs below to learn more about the new associates.

Athens, Ill.

Angelic Dawn Thompson, parishioner, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; Military (Army).

Angelic's commitment includes studying Catholic teachings and being a good example of the Dominican charism for her children, being of service to God and to those most in need; living a more sustainable life-style and connecting that life-style to the Gospels, being a voice for those who have none, showing compassion to the poorest of the poor and homeless so they feel love, finding the face of Jesus in all of those whom I can help and teaching her children and others to do the same. Angelic and her husband Jeffrey have three sons.

Brookline, Mass.
Columbia, Mo.
Jacksonville, Ill.
Reston, Va.
St. John, Ind.
Springfield, Ill.

Applications are currently being accepted for the next associate class, which meets monthly from September to May each year. Learn how you can become a Springfield Dominican Associate or call 217-787-0481 to speak with associate program director, Sister M. Joan Sorge, OP.

Ready to find out more?

Applications are currently being accepted for the next associate class, which meets monthly from August to May each year. Learn more here or call 217-787-0481 to speak with associate program director, Sister M. Joan Sorge, OP.

New associate Mary Helen Rowland makes commitment while husband Frank looks on.
New associate Mary Helen Rowland makes commitment while husband Frank looks on.
New associates after their commitment.
A blessing during the virtual commitment service.

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