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COLUMBUS, OH - On August 6, 2006, the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs accepted the commitment of 12 new Dominican Associates.
These individuals completed a year-long discernment process that culminated in the ceremony, at which they made an initial commitment of one year as Associates. The new Associates are: Tina Baker (St. Paul, Westerville), Faith Callison, Dee Fontana, Lesly Gallant (St. Mary of the Annunciation, Portsmouth), John Grant (St. Matthias, Columbus), Mary Ann Heise (Christ the King, Columbus), David Klemm (Our Lady of Peace, Columbus), Shelly Maxwell (St. Andrew), Helen McKinley (St. Dominic, Columbus), Frank Pavlak (Holy Family, Invernes, IL), Linda Pavlak (Holy Family, Invernes, IL), and Matthew Ponesse (Immaculate Conception, Columbus).
They join 162 other lay persons and diocesan clergy as Dominican Associates of St. Mary of the Springs and are, in turn, part of a growing trend in religious life. Associates are those who feel called to partnership with the vowed members of a religious congregation to live out the charism and mission of the Order in their everyday lives. In a study done in 2002, American congregations reported that the number of Associates had swelled to more than 27,000, making it the fastest growing movement in the Catholic Church. Dominican Associates are unique in their call to Dominican principals of seeking Truth and preaching the Gospel in their everyday lives.
The Commitment Ceremony also included a rite of renewal for the 88 individuals from around the country who asked to re-commit themselves as Dominican Associates of St. Mary of the Springs. These individuals renewed their commitment for one-, two- and three-year periods.
For more information on Dominican Associates, see our Associates web page or contact Anita Davidson, Coordinator of Associates.
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