A Little Lemonade and a Lot of Good Books
A lemonade stand might seem like an unusual sight inside a convent, but on Aug. 4, Sacred Heart Convent’s library became the setting for a little taste of summer – complete with lemonade, cookies, conversation and plenty of good books. The morning gathering was organized by Sister Beverly Jeanne Howe, OP, director of the Motherhouse library, as a way to invite Sisters to make greater use of the library and its many resources. Along with refreshments, the event gave Sisters an opportunity […]
Dominican Sisters who shaped the USA
Join the Celebration To join in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America’s Declaration of Independence, the Dominican Sisters Conference is remembering and honoring 250 Dominican women religious who have helped shape this country. Honoring our patron saints, this celebration will begin on the Feast of St. Dominic (August 8, 2026) and conclude with the Feast of St. Catharine of Siena (April 29, 2027). We will highlight the contributions of 250 women in […]
Maturing into discipleship at Dominican high schools
This past April Marisela and Vanessa Soto, twins and now graduates of Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, Ill., were featured on CBS news in Chicago for responding to United Way’s annual April Food Drive. These two seniors reached out to the school community to help. The thread of the message in the video clip was “community” as one of the Dominican pillars which has taught them to want to give back-to say “Yes” whenever possible. The spirit […]
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.
