We welcomed two Associates on November 3, 2024, during the Eucharistic Liturgy in St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel and Father Stephen Boyle, O.Praem. was the celebrant. The Associates are Rick Haberkorn and Kathleen Walden, Springfield, IL.

“Nearly 40 years ago, the Church found ways to welcome those men and women who desired a way to deepen their baptismal commitment by accepting God’s call to live according to the Gospel but not profess vows,” explained Nancy Davis, Associate Coordinator. “One of the ways was through an Associate relationship to a religious community and in the Hospital Sisters’ tradition, our Associates seek to model themselves in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi and the example of our Sisters,” explained Nancy.

These two Associates join 110 Associates who embrace Franciscan values and the Hospital Sisters’ spirit while sharing the compassion of Jesus with others. Associates meet monthly to share their faith on spiritual and Franciscan topics in the tradition of the Hospital Sisters’ spirituality. They also join the Sisters in prayer, community, celebration, and ministry.

Founded in 1987, Associates of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is a ministry that welcomes baptized Christians 18 years or older with gatherings in Decatur, Effingham, Highland, Springfield, and Streator, IL; and Eau Claire, Green Bay, and Sheboygan, WI.


Sister Maureen O'Connor, Sister Marilyn McCormick, Kathleen Walden, Rick Haberkorn, Mike Sgro, and Nancy Davis