Above photo from left: Brent Martin, Yeni Ramos, Syd Crowder, and Tor Neal. By Sr. Barbara Blesse, OP Tor texted: “Hello! Have you read the new encyclical?” Me (on the third day of my annual retreat): “Yes. Just finished it this morning.” Tor: “Want to talk about it some time?” Me (shocked that anyone
The Text Exchange that Changed Everything Read More »
In the Dominican Literacy Center in Aurora, in late August, six of us sat in the gathering room – a perfect name for a place of stories. We had come together to talk about what we wanted people to know about the Center, what had changed us, what had surprised us and what kept us
The Stories That Carry Us Forward Read More »
By Sr. Kathleen Anne Tait, OP Jason Jansen’s connection to the Dominican Sisters of Springfield began in the classroom – and the lessons he learned there have stayed with him long after his school days ended. Growing up in Springfield, Jason was educated by the Dominican Sisters at Christ the King and Sacred Heart
A Moral Compass, A Passion for Numbers, and a Desire To Give Back Read More »
The Dominican Sisters of Springfield and their Associates observed the global Season of Creation, a time of prayer, reflection, and action focused on caring for Earth, our common home. The 2026 theme, “Living Water,” invited participants to reflect on “our need to respect the rights of water and use carefully and judiciously the gift that
Living Water: Celebrating a Season of Prayer and Care for Creation Read More »
What can a work of art preach? That question was at the heart of a Sept. 23 Study Day that brought together Dominican Sisters of Springfield and Dominican Nuns from the Monastery of Mary the Queen in Girard, Ill. Gathering at Sacred Heart Convent, the Sisters and Nuns reflected together on the theme “The Beauty
Sisters were recently busy creating a Poet Tree in the Sacred Heart Convent library. Formed in a semi-circle the Sisters were invited to share their own poems they had written or share one by their favorite authors. Sister Judith Curran shared with the others a poem by Robert Frost, the final three lines of the
Poet Tree event at SHC photos Read More »
For Sr. Susan Karina Dickey, OP, the path to becoming a Dominican Sister began when she was just 14 years old. Growing up Lutheran, she was encouraged to consider ordained ministry, beginning a spiritual journey that would eventually take her from the Lutheran tradition to the Episcopal Church and, ultimately, to Catholic religious life. Along
A Beautiful Life for Those Called to It Read More »
From childhood piano lessons at the Motherhouse to her work today as a potter and parish volunteer in Virginia, Dominican Associate Mary Helen (Call) Rowland has carried the influence of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield throughout her life. “I am deeply grateful for these brilliant, generous women who love and serve our Creator, and share
Associate Spotlight: Mary Helen Rowland preaches through pottery Read More »
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
A Little Lemonade and a Lot of Good Books Read More »
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,
Dominican Sisters who shaped the USA Read More »
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
With a little help from our friends Read More »
Services for Sister Janet Guretz, OPVisitation: 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,
Sister Janet Guretz, OP Read More »
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. Sister Maria Luisa Ñaupari Gutiérrez celebrates 25th Jubilee May 14, 2026 Sister Kathleen Ryan celebrates Jubilee May 14, 2026 Sister Katherine O’Connor
Celebrate the Jubilarians of 2026 Read More »
Sister M. Bride Quinn, OP, was born in 1932 in Newport, County Mayo, Ireland and was baptized Bridget Mary at St. Patrick Church in Newport. She joined the Dominican Sisters of Springfield in 1950 and made her first profession of vows in 1951. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Education from St. Norbert College in
Sister Mary Bride Quinn celebrates Jubilee Read More »
Springfield, Ill. — A commitment ceremony for the 2026 Springfield Dominican Associate class was held at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel on Sunday, May 3, 2026. During the homily of the Mass Father Bob Kelly, OP, chaplain for the Dominican Sisters, compared the new associates to the apostles listening to Jesus’ farewell. “Through prayer, study, community and service, the
New Associates welcomed by Springfield Dominican Sisters Read More »
