Holding Space for Young Adult Women as Pandemic Drags On
A new initiative of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield is meant to hold a space for young adult women to find encouragement, companionship, and the “space and grace” to meet themselves and uncover the purpose of their lives. What is Cor Unum? Cor Unum House is both a physical space in an historic Springfield, Illinois, neighborhood and a virtual gathering place that has sometimes included women from as far away as Zambia. While the initial plan was to […]
Read More
Active Nonviolence: To Celebrate, Contemplate, and Live
Recently I was privileged to participate in a Pax Christi United Kingdom workshop on nonviolence. The sessions took place over five weeks and each included prayer, scripture, presentation, reflection, and discussion in small groups. Participants came from across the globe, despite the inconvenience for people in many time zones. This workshop, “Making Active Nonviolence Our Way of Life in the Church and in the World,” came to our attention as we on the Springfield Dominican Sisters’ Justice, Peace, […]
Read More
“A Girl Can Be Sold Over and Over…” the Haunting Truth about Human Trafficking
It was in September 2003 when our Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee first shared a resource unit on human trafficking with our sisters. In the years since then, I’ve heard and read many stories of exploitation and violence related to the sale and trading of human beings that seem unbelievable in their total disregard for the dignity of a person. What haunts me most is not a story, but words spoken by a man convicted of […]
Read More
Consecrated Life: An Encounter With God through People
In his homily on World Day for Consecrated Life in 2019, Pope Francis breathed new life and joy in to the observance when he called consecrated life-the vowed life of Catholic sisters, brothers, priests and consecrated lay people-“a living encounter with the Lord in his people.” In honor of the 25th World Day for Consecrated Life on February 2, 2021, the National Religious Vocation Conference offers 32 short video stories about the lives of newer members of religious […]
Read More
Sister Linda Mary DeLonais gets her very own Bernie Mitten Meme
Sister Linda Mary DeLonais knows the value of mittens. The Minnesota native and former forestry worker understands innately what science has proven: mittens keep your hands warmer because they keep your fingers together and because mittens have less surface area exposed to the cold. This knowledge has come in “handy” this winter because Sister Linda Mary, a Dominican Sister of Springfield for 24 years, often serves as a greeter at the door of St. Jerome Church in Troy, […]
Read More
Contemplative Dialogue and How It Works
We know that these are challenging times for conversation about the crisis facing our democracy. Are you at a loss about where to begin with a values-based, non-violent dialogue? Are you concerned about how to recover our sense of justice, unity, and trust after events in our nation’s capitol this month? We have some resources that might help. Because we believe that every person has something to contribute to the healing process needed now in our country, we […]
Read More
Sister Regina Marie Bernet, OP
Sister Regina Marie’s Services Private Mass of Resurrection at Sacred Heart Convent, Monday, January 18; private burial, Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Tuesday, January 19. A memorial mass will be held at Sacred Heart Convent at a later date. Memorials to honor the memory of Sister Regina Marie may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL, 62704. The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister Regina Marie are served by Butler Funeral Homes. […]
Read More
A (Hidden) Ministry Within a Ministry
“You can do so much with a card!”~ Sister Mary Francella Vyverman, OPSister Mary Francella has been a pastoral minister for decades. Her experience has taught her how important the littlest gestures are for people who feel isolated and alone. That’s why she encourages you to send cards to your extended family, people you know who are unable to leave their homes, and people in nursing homes. If you’re feeling anxious and isolated, imagine how those without close […]
Read More