“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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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The Blessings of 2020: Sister Kathleen Anne Tait Looks Back—and Forward
January is a month to reflect back and look forward. Far from pulling us in opposite directions, this two-way vision provides a valuable perspective on the experience we are now enduring. Much to my delight, my reflection has revealed three precious gifts that came our way in 2020. Dedication. Throughout this pandemic our coworkers at Sacred Heart Convent have repeatedly illustrated their dedication to our mission. Their daily efforts to keep our sisters safe have been extraordinary. This […]
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“What Happened Here?” Understanding the Survival Trauma Response as a Step Toward Healing
In scenes of unleashed rage- violence, looting, destruction-if we want peace, we must resist the temptation immediately to determine who is wrong and instead first ask, “What happened here?” This shift in approach is a basic tenet of being trauma-informed, which means we know what trauma is and how it affects individual and community behaviors and health. We can identify signs that a person or community has experienced trauma, and we intentionally build responses and environments that […]
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