Associate FAQs
What is candidacy?
What is our Mission?
How does an associate enter into the Dominican charism of prayer?
How does an associate enter into the Dominican charism of study?
How does an associate enter into the charism of community?
How do you become an associate?
What is candidacy?
Candicacy is a 9-month phase of the Associate Program during which you will have the opportunity to pray, study, and witness to the Gospel within a community of others like yourself who are seeking a closer relationship with God through the associate program.
Monthly gatherings for the exploration of:
- The life of St. Dominic and the work of the order he founded, the Order of Preachers
- The gifts the Dominicans bring to the church and the orders' characteristic life of prayer and spirituality
- The witness of Dominican saints like Catherine of Siena, Thomas Aquinas, and Rose of Lima
- The history and ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield
- Your relationship to God and God's people
- The role of the baptized as leaven for a world in search of meaning
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What is our Mission?
Springfield Dominican Associates are called to embody the Dominican charism, hear and proclaim God's Word, and promote the dignity of all persons. We commit ourselves to lives rooted in prayer, study, community, and ministry. Through our diverse gifts we strive to participate in the mission of the Church by putting into action our call to preach the Word with our lives. Return to top
Prayer . . . How does an associate enter into the Dominican charism of prayer?
Associates are encouraged to pray privately. They may also participate in liturgical prayer with the sisters as their schedules allow. Occasional Taizé prayer services and an annual day of reflection are highlights for many associates.Catherine of Siena compared prayer to filling one's cup at the fountain of love. It is from this place that we are nurtured in truth so that we might live as preachers, fulfilling our vocation as Dominicans. Return to top
Study . . . How does an associate enter into the Dominican charism of study?
Associates are encouraged to study in ways that fit their interest, lifestyle, and need. Beyond formal classroom study there is also reading, participating in workshops, retreats, and study groups; engaging in good conversation and carefully attending to world and local events.
As contemplative preachers, Dominicans focus particularly on the study of scripture, theology, spirituality, physical and social sciences, history, current events and topics which flow for the preaching mission. Return to top
Community . . . How does an associate enter into the charism of community?
The Dominican vocation calls associates and sisters to nurture community life. Sharing ourselves with one another, extending hospitality to others, and discovering our connectedness within the entire web of life is all part of Dominican community life. Associates often serve on committees, join study groups, attend community celebrations and events, or volunteer at Jubilee Farm. Return to top
How do you become an associate?
After being accepted into the program, associate candidates complete a nine-month formation process in which candidates study dimensions of church and Dominican life as they are interwoven in study, prayer, community, and ministry. The structured phase of the formation process concludes with a one-day retreat during which candidates discern their next step of commitment. The associate relationship is formalized and celebrated through a commitment ceremony held at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield, Ill. Return to top
