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COLUMBUS, OH -
On August 15, 2007, the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs accepted the commitment of four 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 Dominican Associates are (pictured above from left to right): Terrie Quidaciolu, Loretta Shalosky, Karen Huth, and Kristin Santiago.
They join 174 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 recent study, American congregations reported that the number of Associates had swelled to more than 30,000, making it the fastest growing movement in the Catholic Church today in the United States. 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 more than 50 individuals across the country who asked to re-commit themselves as Dominican Associates of St. Mary of the Springs.
A new group of candidates will begin a discernment process in September, journeying to become Dominican Associates next year. Information sessions for those interested in the discernment process or in learning about the Associate program in general will be held on Thursday, September 6, at 7pm and on Saturday, September 15, at 10am at the Martin de Porres Center, located on the grounds of St. Mary of the Springs.
For more information on Dominican Associates, see our Associates web page or contact Anita Davidson, Coordinator of Associates.
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