From childhood piano lessons at the Motherhouse to her work today as a potter and parish volunteer in Virginia, Dominican Associate Mary Helen (Call) Rowland has carried the influence of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield throughout her life.
“I am deeply grateful for these brilliant, generous women who love and serve our Creator, and share their inspirational Dominican Charism. Their faith, wisdom, compassion, and commitment to service continue to guide and inspire me,” wrote Mary Helen. I am honored and proud to be part of this community of God’s light and love that is moving forward together for the life of the world.”
Growing up in Springfield, Ill., Mary Helen developed a strong connection to the Dominican Sisters from an early age.
Attending Christ the King, St. Agnes schools, and Sacred Heart Academy, where many of the Sisters taught, would expose her to the four pillars of Dominican life.
She learned piano from Srs. Wilma Marie, Claire Therese, and Mary Carolyn, the latter of whom had her practice at the Motherhouse, which brought her closer to the Springfield Dominicans. And, Sr. Karen Freund was the student council counselor when Mary Helen served as secretary and president, and they traveled together with other members to Chicago for the annual Illinois Association of Student Councils convention.
“Our friendship continues today,” she shared.
Her aunt Sr. Mary Thomasene Dunham, and her childhood best friend, Sr. Marilyn Jean Runkel, also greatly influenced her life.
“From faith and relationships with God and others to basketball and baseball, Sister Mary Thomasene and Sister Marilyn Jean preached through the pulpits of their lives. Sr. Marilyn Jean remains both my friend and family,” wrote Mary Helen.
In her professional life, Mary Helen worked as a radio announcer and before retiring, when she took her first pottery class in Northern Virginia. This would foster a love of pottery and lead her to open an art studio specializing in handcrafted pottery pieces.
Her favorite type of art is raku pottery, an ancient Japanese outdoor firing technique.
“The process is vivid and exciting, with smoke, fire, and unpredictable results that make each vessel or art piece unique,” she wrote.
“On a good day, when I create a vessel or sculpture, I try to be fully present and mindful. Working with clay often mirrors the inner spiritual life: centering the clay invites me to center myself, and the steady rhythm of the wheel becomes both contemplative and prayerful,” wrote Mary Helen.
Even though she lives far from Springfield, she tries to share the Dominican Charism through volunteering in her parish, in her service to the local community, and through her work as a potter.
Mary Helen prepares monthly casseroles for a local center for those in needy, and she participates in the work of St. John Neumann community in Reston, Virginia, which prepares complete meals for a local shelter every month, delivering and serving the meals at the center for the unhoused.
“Spending time with the guests is one of my favorite activities,” she wrote. “They are grateful for the meal and the grace offered to them, and we are equally grateful for the grace they share with us.”
Serving on the Dominican Associate Racial Justice Committee also has provided an opportunity for Mary Helen to learn, grow, and work toward a more just world. As part of her commitment, she has served at her parish’s annual Juneteenth celebration.
Mary Helen has supported the Dominican Sisters of Springfield by selling her art pieces at the former Jubilee Farm, an expression of her gratitude for the Sisters and for the ways her affiliation with the Dominican Associates program has shaped her life.
“The love and influence of the Dominican Sisters continue to enrich and shape my life. Since becoming a Springfield Dominican Associate, I have had the privilege of knowing many more Sisters, including Sr. Joan Sorge, Director of Associates for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield,” she shared.
“Sr. Joan and all the Springfield Dominicans continue to be role models and teachers, helping me grow in my relationship with the Creator, community, learning, and action.”
