Dominican Sisters welcome Associate class of 2024
Springfield, Ill. — A commitment ceremony for the 2024 Springfield Dominican Associate class was held in-person at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
During the homily of the Mass Father Robert Kelly, OP, chaplain for the Dominican Sisters, thanked the associates for their commitment and reminded them to choose a lifestyle that is rooted in God.
“It was Catherine of Sienna, Rose of Lima and Martin DePorres who showed us how to lead a spiritual life,” said Father Kelly.
The new associates prepared for commitment by participation in nine monthly sessions of prayer and study about the history of the Order of Preachers and the Springfield Dominican congregation, about the theology of mission and ministry, Catholic Social Teaching, and liturgy and prayer. Each candidate was accompanied by a sponsor—a sister or an associate—who answered their questions and offered encouragement during their period of discernment before commitment.
Dominican associates embrace the Dominican traditions of prayer, study, community, and ministry. They respond to God's call to share the Gospel by preaching it through the witness of their lives.
Each associate was called forward by the associate program director, Sister M. Joan Sorge, OP. They stated publicly their commitment to “preach the Word and witness Gospel values,” and received an associate pin from Sister Rebecca Ann Gemma, OP, prioress general of the congregation.
Sister Rebecca Ann accepted the new associates’ commitment statements and thanked them for their dedication in preaching the word of God.
“We are truly blessed by the witness that we see before us. You clearly live the word of God in your lives with a commitment that proclaims ‘God is here,’” said Sister Rebecca Ann.
The first Springfield Dominican associates made commitment in 1991. Since then, hundreds of women and men, baptized Christians in the United States and Peru, have become associates.
Dominican associates make individual commitments to volunteer ministries in their own parishes and communities. They may also join the sisters on committees and boards, work side-by-side with the sisters in their ministries, or provide logistical support for the congregation’s public events. To learn more about becoming a Springfield Dominican Associate visit springfieldop.org/associates or call Sister M. Joan at 217-787-0481.
By region the associates are:
Central Illinois
Cynthia Baklanov, Springfield, Ill., is a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and works as a hospital chaplain at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. Cynthia’s commitments include working with the Springfield Dominican Sisters Associate Anti-Racism Committee while serving others. She also upholds the values and mission of the Springfield Dominican Sister while listening to God’s voice as he leads her through a life of faith. Sponsor: Sister Judith Anne Haase. Prayer sponsor: Sister Maira Barry.
Rihab Habibi, Springfield, Ill., is a parishioner at Little Flower Catholic Church and a math and chemistry teacher at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. Rihab’s commitments include upholding the values and mission of the Springfield Dominican Sisters. She is a volunteer tutor at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School and engages with the Springfield Dominican Antiracism Team. Sponsor: Sister M. Celestine Rondelli. Prayer sponsor: Sister Paul Mary Janssens. (Due to a conflict Rihab will make her committment on Thursday, May 23.)
Meg Lorton, Jacksonville, Ill., is a parishioner at Our Savior Catholic Church and is a school social worker at Jacksonville District 117. Meg’s commitments include being a steward of the natural environment and being active in protecting and preserving our planet for future generations. She also encourages others to experience the divine in all of creation. Sponsor: Sister Marilyn Jean Runkel. Prayer sponsor: Sister M. Bride Quinn.
Sherry Miles, Lincoln, Ill., is a parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church. She is retired, and formerly worked at the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Sherry’s commitments include asking God each day to do his will and not her own. She plans to continue to share her faith by singing in the Holy Family choir. She is caring for the earth by recycling glass, paper, plastic, and using no chemicals inside or outside of her home. Sponsor: Sister M. Angelene Biderbost. Prayer sponsor: Sister Lori Kirchman.
Doris Reid, Greenfield, Ill., is a parishioner at St. Michael Catholic Church and is a homemaker. Doris’ commitments include approaching each day with a heart that listens for God’s call. She is also focused on preaching through her daily life, emphasizing caring for the poor. Sponsor: Sister Agnes Ann Pisel. Prayer sponsor: Sister Norma Somers.
Jessica Walcher, Springfield, Ill., is a parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church and is a commercial loan coordinator at INB. Jessica’s commitments include participating in opportunities for spiritual growth and leading by example. She also plans to guide youth in the Dominican values as an assistant leader for the American Heritage Girl Scout troop in New Berlin, Ill. Sponsor: Sarah Fafoglia. Prayer sponsor: Sister Zachary Sergeena.
Janet Zimmerman, Springfield, Ill., is a parishioner at Little Flower Catholic Church and is an operations analyst manager for the State of Illinois. Janet’s commitments include serving as president of the Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women for the next two years and staying active in her parish. She is also committed to doing her part in caring for our Earth. Sponsor: Sister Pat Stark. Prayer sponsor: Sister Francis Mary Philipp.
Northern Illinois
Kim Schomer, Oswego, Ill., is a parishioner at St. Anne Catholic Church and works as a universal banker at First Secure Community Bank in Naperville, Ill. Kim’s commitments include being more attentive to what God is leading her to do and to be an example for her family, students, and community. She also helps her parish by teaching and cantoring at mass. Sponsor: Sister Ann Brummel. Prayer sponsor: Sister Geraldine Kemper.
Marianne Surprenant, Kankakee, Ill., is a parishioner at St. John Paul II Catholic Church and is retired but formerly worked as a flight attendant at American Airlines. Marianne’s commitments include upholding the values and mission of the Springfield Dominican Sisters while being more attentive to what God is leading her to do. Sponsor: Diane Keller. Prayer sponsor: Sister Phyllis Schenk.
Southern Illinois
Nancy Ann Goetten, Jerseyville, Ill., is a parishioner at Holy Ghost Catholic Church and is a retired art teacher in Jerseyville. Nancy’s commitments include creating a community among the elderly in her parish by visiting and praying with those who participate. She has committed to the pillars of prayer and ministry with the Cursillo movement and volunteers at the Rachel Project by offering support to women after abortion. She also prioritizes her time to babysit her two-years old grandson. Sponsor: Sister Marilyn Jean Runkel. Prayer sponsor: Sister Francella Vyverman and associate Carolyn White.
Judi Robbins, Edwardsville, Ill., is a parishioner at St. Boniface Catholic Church. She is a retired United States Postal Service worker. Judi’s commitments include using the gifts God has given her as a liturgist and choir member in her parish. She also enjoys serving at the Glen-Ed Pantry and handing out faith booklets to all. Sponsor: Sister M. Clare Fichtner. Prayer sponsor: Sister M. Corde Lynn and Sister Anita Cleary.
Father Donald Wolford, Wood River, Ill., is the pastor of Holy Angels Catholic Church. Father Don’s commitments include joining the Dominicans in prayer and committing to a morning holy hour four days a week while remembering the sisters and associates in prayer. He is also continuing his 45 years of preaching the truth of Jesus Christ with a renewed vigor. Sponsor: Diane Keller. Prayer sponsor: Sister M. Jerome Quinn.
Northwest Indiana
Becky Gromala, St. John, Ind., is a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and works as the director of dtudent services at Lake Central School Corp in St. John, Ind. Becky’s commitments include upholding Dominican values as an advocate for the education of students with disabilities, students living in poverty and English as a second language learners. She also serves as a lector in her parish. Sponsor: Sarah Grauvogl. Prayer sponsor: Sister M. Joan Sorge.
Robert Gromala, St. John, Ind., is a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and works as the senior vice president of head retail and small business banking at Parkway Bank. Robert’s commitments include serving as a deacon at his parish as well as working and engaging with Marian Catholic High School students and Dominican Sisters on the Mission Integration Committee. He also gives freely of his time through service to others and lives his Catholic faith in leading by example. Sponsor: Linda Hansen. Prayer sponsor: Sister Marilyn Jean Runkel.
Mississippi
Madison Shutze, D’Lo, Miss., is a parishioner at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson, Miss., and works as a nurse at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson. Madison’s commitments include living her faith and leading by example at work where she serves as a bereavement minister to those experiencing grief and loss in the hospital, as part of the spiritual works of mercy. She also guides new nurses in the Dominican values at St. Dominic Hospital. Sponsor: Sister Susan Karina Dickey. Prayer sponsor: Sister Kelly Moline. (Due to a conflict, Madison will make her committment on Thursday, May 23.)
The Springfield Dominicans were established 150 years ago in Jacksonville, Ill., and relocated their motherhouse to Springfield in 1893. Today, thousands of Dominican sisters, nuns, priests, brothers, associates, and laity minister in more than 100 countries around the world. To learn more about becoming a Springfield Dominican Associate visit springfieldop.org/associates or call Sister M. Joan at 217-787-0481.
