Hanging with The Donut Sister
How did Sister Francella Vyverman find her niche at Washington Street Mission? Photography by Aaron Tebrinke. Sister Farancella enjoys a moment with a mission patron. Sister Francella Vyverman traffics in lap robes. It comes with the job of pastoral minister to the sick and elderly of Cathedral Parish, her beat since 2002. On a piercing cold day last fall, she was stymied about what to do with a surplus of the volunteer-crafted quilts filling her back seat. “I’d […]
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REGISTRATION OPEN NOW FOR DOMINICAN SISTERS’ JULY 9-11 FAITH CAMP
Fun, Faith, and Sister Buddies SPRINGFIELD, ILL.—It is not clear who enjoys the Dominican Sisters’ Faith Camp more—the junior high girls who participate or their grateful parents—but it is time for families to register their daughters for this year’s camp, scheduled July 9-11. Early registration is advised; participation is limited to 25 campers. “It was such a wonderful experience for her to see how the sisters live,” said Jennifer Cunningham, Quincy, Ill., whose daughter Gwendolyn participated in camp […]
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Twelve Dominican Sisters Celebrate Jubilees
Twelve Dominican Sisters of Springfield are observing profession anniversaries of 75, 60, or 50 years in 2017. We are blessed to call them our sisters and pleased to share with you these synopses of their lives of faithfulness and service. As with much of life, it is when we read between the lines that we can discern the presence of God’s spirit moving within and among us. As you peruse our sisters’ stories; watch for the name of […]
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Good Friday Way of the Cross for Peace and Justice 2017
The annual Way of the Cross for Peace and Justice will take place Good Friday, April 14, 2017 at noon. The first station of the cross will take place at the Supreme Court Building (Second & Capitol) in Springfield, Illinois. Two-hour prayerful ecumenical walk recalling Jesus’ passion and its connection with the injustices experienced by God’s people in our world today: Death penalty • Racism • Economic Justice Violence • Poverty • Health Care Women and Children • […]
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Sister M. Dorothea Sondgeroth Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
One of Two Springfield-based Sisters Recognized by Catholic Health Association Springfield Dominican Sister M. Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP, has been named a 2017 recipient of the Catholic Health Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her ministry at St. Dominic Health Services, Jackson, Miss. The award is given to a leader in health ministry who has inspired and mentored many others and whose leadership extends past the Catholic health ministry to influence and impact the local community and beyond. “Sister Dorothea […]
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Sister Mary Laurentia Fenlon, OP
Born 1931 Profession of Vows 1952 Entered Life Eternal 2017 Springfield, Ill.—Springfield Dominican Sister M. Laurentia Fenlon died March 21, 2017 at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield, IL. She was born in Chicago, Ill. in 1931 to Lawrence J. and Mary Bartley Fenlon and baptized Joan Marie. She made her profession of vows in 1952 at Sacred Heart Convent. Sister Laurentia ministered most of her religious life in elementary education. She taught or was principal in […]
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Hermana Margarita Valentin Contreras, OP
Friends, with sadness we share the news of the death of our Hermana Margarita Valentin Contreras, OP, in Lima, Peru the evening of March 16, 2017. Affectionately known as “Hermana Marga,” she was the first Peruvian to join our congregation, making profession in 1990. Her funeral Mass will be in Lima on Saturday, March 18, 2017. At another date we will commemorate her life with a service at the motherhouse in Springfield. Please remember her, her four sisters, […]
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Sister Sharon Speaks in New Zealand
Pray for Sister Sharon in New Zealand today as she shares her knowledge about the climate challenge to Dominican Sisters, college professors and people interested in learning how to care of our common home. Sister Sharon Zayac, OP presents Seeds of Hope: Renewing Ourselves in a World of Chaos on Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18, 2017. Oamaru is in the South Island of New Zealand. Sister Sharon Zayac (Dominican Sisters of St. Dominic of Springfield, IL) […]
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