“The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days…” Mark 1: 12 In this first week of Lent, we invite you to reflect on two stories of transformative encounters from the Gospels: the story of Jesus’ baptism and the parable of the Good Samaritan. The first story […]
First Week of Lent 2021 Read More »
For Valentine’s Day we asked two couples who work at our motherhouse to share what they most love about each other and about working with us at the convent. Their sweet replies are enough to melt your little chocolate heart! Lisa Grant I love Dave’s good sense of humor! He’s a great dad for his
A Little St. Valentine’s Day Love from Sacred Heart Convent Read More »
For a number of years the sisters at Sacred Heart Convent and the students and faculty “across the blacktop” at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School have enjoyed a wonderful mutuality. Students are allowed to give one study hall period a week in service at the convent, where they come to read to sisters, or write letters
Service in the Community: A Reflection on Service from Current SHG Students Read More »
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,
Holding Space for Young Adult Women as Pandemic Drags On Read More »
This article was originally published in the Winter 2020-2021 Edition of JUST Words. Susan M. Hickman is a Springfield Dominican associate and a member of the sisters’ Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee. Recently I was privileged to participate in a Pax Christi United Kingdom workshop on nonviolence. The sessions took place over five
Active Nonviolence: To Celebrate, Contemplate, and Live Read More »
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
“A Girl Can Be Sold Over and Over…” the Haunting Truth about Human Trafficking Read More »
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
Consecrated Life: An Encounter With God through People Read More »
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
Contemplative Dialogue and How It Works Read More »
Sister Regina Marie’s ServicesPrivate 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,
Sister Regina Marie Bernet, OP Read More »
“You can do so much with a card!” ~ Sister Mary Francella Vyverman, OP Sister 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
A (Hidden) Ministry Within a Ministry Read More »
This article was originally published in the Winter 2020-2021 Edition of JUST Words. 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
The Blessings of 2020: Sister Kathleen Anne Tait Looks Back—and Forward Read More »
This article was originally published in the Winter 2020-2021 Edition of JUST Words. Sister Judine Hilbing reflects: It was the feast of the Visitation, a day to remember Mary as she ran with joyful news to her cousin Elizabeth. It was also the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and COVID-19 had cancelled all hope of
There is hope when the nation acknowledges it failings and pledges to renew a sacred commitment to the common good. The social justice office and the leadership of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield issued a statement today pledging their prayer, energies, and “collective desire for national healing and renewal” in a statement issued today responding
Springfield Dominican Sisters Respond to Nation’s Crisis Read More »
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Catholic Sisters are at the forefront of the struggle to prevent human trafficking and defend the dignity of 40.3 million people who are in forced labor, forced marriage, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude worldwide. Here are Five things to know about Catholic Sisters’ work to prevent
Five things to know about Catholic Sisters and Human Trafficking Read More »
The word vocation comes from the Latin vocare—to call. It is no secret that every baptized person is called by God to respond to this call that started with baptism. But how? Where? When? For what purpose? These are the questions of a lifetime. They are among the most important questions Christians discern, pray about,
Five Ways to Promote a Culture of Vocations Read More »
