The public is welcome to join the Dominican Sisters of Springfield for a series of Brown Bag lunches offered at Sacred Heart Convent in February and March.
The noontime events scheduled for February 24, March 5, and March 10 will apply principles of Catholic social teaching to timely challenges facing us today. The events are free; preregistration is requested.
Since last spring, the sisters and their friends have kept vigil on the Monroe Street frontage of Sacred Heart Convent, waving at commuters and drawing attention to the wisdom of Catholic Social Teaching [CST]—principles that guide Catholic thinking on matters of social justice—alongside a series of signs proclaiming them. Those vigils are on hiatus for the winter months—and the signs safely stored away until spring.
The sisters’ commitment to CST remains, however, and these Brown Bag events are another step in the process of bringing to light the beauty and wisdom of these principles.
“We believe strongly in the wisdom contained in the principles of Catholic social teach and are single-minded in our desire to share it with everyone,” said Sister Marcelline Koch, the director of the sisters’ justice office. “CST can transform our world when we apply it.”
Guests are welcome to register for one or all three of the Brown Bag Lunches free of charge. Each event is held Noon-1:00 p.m. in Aquinas Center at Sacred Heart Convent 1237 W. Monroe St. an accessible facility. Water, tea, and coffee will be provided; guests are invited to bring their own lunches.
February 24: Honoring Human Dignity - presented by Sisters Rose Miriam Schulte and Elyse Marie Ramirez. The event will explore how to honor human dignity when engaging in meaningful conversation. There will be a time for table talk and then sharing the information gained to the larger group.
March 5: Acting justly toward Earth - presented by Sister Sharon Zayac and Associate Susan Hickman. The program will focus on acknowledging our Earth-human relationship. The program will reveal the relationship and what a right relationship means to everyone. Topic was once a scientific question but now is acknowledged as a spiritual question in all major faith traditions.
March 10: Approaching AI ethically - presented by Sister Beth Murphy and Ray Schroeder, Associate Vice Chancellor for Online Learning at the University of Illinois Springfield. The program will explore the ethical considerations in the development and use of AI. Topics will include AI and ethics including privacy, healthcare implications, and human dignity.
