The first residents of the land that will become our butterfly garden were likely, well—butterflies—and many other winged, and multi-footed species who thrived in the Eastern Deciduous Forest biome that makes up much of Sangamon County. The first two-legged caretakers were likely the Kickapoo, members of the Illiniwek Confederation, or Potawatomi people. It was the […]
“A place of plenty”: Who lived here? Read More »
Donate to the Butterfly Garden Here “In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends.” ― Kakuzō Okakura The butterfly garden will be a sanctuary for humans and all creation, an unending source of spiritual renewal, and a place that creates a sense of social well-being for all who visit. Last but not least, the
Butterfly Garden is sanctuary for humans and all creation Read More »
By Cynthia Gallo Callan Cynthia Gallo Callan, is a Springfield Dominican Associate who works for the Diocese of Springfield. “Change is the only constant” is an expression that sometimes keeps people afloat. It has spun over the generations and is widely accepted as the norm. But sometimes change comes too fast and furious, and when
Medicaid fulfills a Gospel Mandate Read More »
Donate to the Butterfly Garden A growing body of research indicates that urban green spaces benefit people and Earth by improving physical and mental health, increasing social wellbeing, reducing crime, and curbing the hazards of climate change. Is there a spiritual dividend as well? “The world will be saved by beauty,” Catholic Worker founder Dorothy
Butterfly Garden offers green urban space and beauty for all Read More »
About the photo: Chicagoan Sister Marie Michelle Hackett, OP, shares her joy over the announcement of the Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV. When it was evening in Rome, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield were finishing their noon meal in the dining room at Sacred Heart Convent, having heard these encouraging words from their fellow Illinoisan, standing
Springfield, Ill. — A commitment ceremony for the 2025 Springfield Dominican Associate class was held at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel on Sunday, May 4, 2025. During the homily of the Mass Father Robert Kelly, OP, chaplain for the Dominican Sisters, thanked the associates for their commitment and preached on Sunday’s Gospel from John about the
New Associates Make Commitment at Sacred Heart Convent Read More »
Spirituality is “the lifestyle of faith” according to the theologian Tomas Halik. “It is the sap of the tree of faith.”—a fitting description for this garden we are creating, a place where our spirits—and our spiritualities—can soar as we contemplate the greatness of the Creator. “Every creature is a book about God,” This is what
Creation’s sanctuary Read More »
Family-friendly public prayer 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 4, Sacred Heart Convent Chapel All are welcome. The Dominican Sisters will welcome guests to join them in honoring and celebrating the life of Pope Francis, who died April 21 at the age of 88 after serving as the successor of St. Peter for twelve years. Family-friendly and
Pilgrims of Hope: Honoring Pope Francis Read More »
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. Jn 20:1 Usually, I prefer to focus on the resurrection and all the signs of new life that springtime brings in the northern hemisphere.
Resurrection happens in the midst of darkness Read More »
She will arrive in Rome May 4 for Union of International Superiors General Assembly and 10th Dominican Sisters International Confederation Assembly Conclave to elect successor to Pope Francis likely to coincide with her visit. The superiors of Catholic Sisters’ congregations worldwide generally meeting triennially in Rome, and this is the year. For Dominican sisters
Dominican Sister M. Paul McCaughey travels to Rome—but not for the Conclave Read More »
Mourners welcome to pray virtually at the Motherhouse chapel This story was updated at 9:30 am, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Early this morning the United States awoke to the news that Pope Francis died in Rome about 7:30 a.m. at Casa Marta, his residence in Rome. The Dominican Sisters of Springfield, like so many others,
Dominican Sisters Reflect on Pope Francis’ Life and Legacy Read More »
For giving so much of herself to St. Edward school and for “keeping the Springfield Dominican tradition of educating our children for service and mission,” Sister Marie Michelle Hackett was honored with the “Heart of St. Edward” award by the Chicago parish at their annual Big Red Gala on April 5. Sisters Mila Díaz Solano,
Sister Marie Michelle honored for service at St. Edward School Read More »
The Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois 2024 donor report has been added to our website. The Dominican Sisters have been busy working diligently to make a difference in the lives of those we serve across our missions. Click here to view the donor report.
Dominican Sisters Donor Report 2024 Read More »
The above photo are Sisters Judith Hilbing, Adele Human and Anita Cleary after loading up their vehicle and leaving for the airport. Sister Judith Hilbing receives a hug from her sister, Sister Judine Hilbing before leaving for Peru. For sixty years the lives of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield have been bound to the lives
Celebrating ministry milestones in Peru Read More »
There is life after amputation, and perhaps no better proof-of-concept than Mike Tanner, a part-time receptionist at Sacred Heart Convent. “I rode a motorcycle for eight years with my first amputation,” he said. “Once, all the way to Sturgis, South Dakota.” Mike lost his left leg from complications of diabetes in 2014, and nine years
Sacred Heart Convent Coworkers Establish Peer Support Group for Persons with Limb Loss Read More »
