Dominican Delegation to Kenya leaves Springfield July 3
Two Dominican Sisters and a volunteer will join Dr. Margaret Lombe, a Springfield Dominican Associate, on her annual pilgrimage to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Northwest Kenya, July 3-20, 2026. Sister Anita Cleary, OP, a Springfield Dominican, Sister Helena Im, OP, a member of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, Calif., and Kathryn Raistrick, an artist and long-time volunteer with the Dominican Sisters, will join Dr. Lombe at the Jesuit Relief Services (JRS) program at the camp. JRS […]
Dominican Sisters announce sale of Jubilee Farm
After nearly 27 years of groundbreaking ministry and outreach at Jubilee Farm, the 164-acre center for ecology and spirituality on Springfield’s west side, the Dominican Sisters announced sale of the land to new stewards. The announcement was made on June 12, 2026, through a statement the Dominican Sisters’ leadership team made to their constituents after transfer of ownership to the new owners. “Today, after nearly 27 years of faithful stewardship of the land lovingly known to us and […]
With a little help from our friends
When the new St. Dominic Hospital opened on Lakeland Drive, it was a dream come true for the Dominican Sisters and the community which had rallied behind them. Recently, I related the story of some of the Jackson businessmen and Catholic clergy who advocated on behalf of the new hospital. Today, I want to tell about the ever-expanding circle of friends. The Sisters acquired twenty acres on Lakeland Drive in 1951, at what was then the far west […]
Sister Janet Guretz, OP
Services for Sister Janet Guretz, OP Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., Wed., May 27, Aquinas Center, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704. Mass: 6:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Convent Chapel Both services livestreamed at springfieldop.org/livestream Burial: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, Wed., May 28, Calvary Cemetery. Service streamed on Facebook Springfield Dominican Sister Janet Guretz died May 17, at Sacred Heart Convent. She was 92 years old and in the 73rd year of her profession. Sister Janet was born in […]
Celebrate the Jubilarians of 2026
Congratulations sisters! We are celebrating our sisters who are observing their Jubilee in 2026. We give thanks for our sisters’ answering God’s call along with having the grace of perseverance in religious life.
Sister Maria Luisa Ñaupari Gutiérrez celebrates 25th Jubilee
Sister María Luisa Ñaupari Gutiérrez, OP, was born in La Oroya in 1975. She is the daughter of Enrique Ñaupari and Francisca Gutiérrez, and was baptized in the parish of the Immaculate Conception. From a very young age, she felt God’s call to service and to the consecrated life. She entered the Dominican Order in 1996 and made her first profession of vows in 2001. She completed her higher education at the Sacred Heart Women’s University (UNIFÉ) […]
Sister Kathleen Ryan celebrates Jubilee
Sister Kathleen Ryan was born in 1946 in Chicago, Ill., and was baptized Kathleen Mary at St. Ladislaus Church there. She joined the Dominican Sisters of Springfield in 1964 and made her final profession of vows in 1971. She started her teaching ministry at St. Cabrini, Springfield, 1967-1969; Holy Angels, Aurora, 1969-1976; St. Isidore, Farmersville, 1976-1977; St. Thomas, Crystal Lake, 1977-1980; St. Bernadette, Evergreen Park, 1980-1983; St. Peter, Aurora, 1992-1993. She was principal at St. Margaret Mary, Algonquin, […]
Sister Katherine O’Connor celebrates Jubilee
Sister Katherine O’Connor, OP, previously known as Sister Gilmary, was born in 1946 in Evanston, Ill., and was baptized Katherine Regina at St. Jerome Church in Chicago. She joined the Dominican Sisters of Springfield in 1964 and made her first profession of vows in 1966. She began her ministry teaching at Our Lady of Grace, Chicago, 1967-1972. She taught junior high school students at Our Lady of Lourdes, Decatur, 1972-1973 and later at St. Mary, East Moline, 1973-1976. […]
