Sister Jane Ann Beckman, OP
Much of sister Jane Ann’s ministerial life has been spent in the archdiocese of Chicago and the Rockford diocese. She taught theology and home economics at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, and for 24 years has served in various capacities at the Dominican Literacy Center, Aurora. Since 2011 she has […]
Read MoreSteadfast Love at Easter: A Message from Sister Rebecca Ann Gemma, OP
Dear Friends, The Hebrew word “hesed,” translated as “steadfast love,” is a very important term in Hebrew Scripture. It attempts to speak of the faithful, merciful, and consistent love that God offers to all creation. This covenantal love is inexhaustible! In the midst of unspeakable tragedy, heartache, and loss experienced in […]
Read MoreSister Mary Noel Plummer, OP
Sister Mary Noel’s Services Visitors are welcome; masks and social distancing required. Visitation: 4:00-5:00 p.m., Monday, April 18, Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704. Visitation begins with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Dominican Father Michael DeTemple, celebrant. Burial: 10 […]
Read MoreA Springfield Tradition Returns: Churches Reconvene for Good Friday Way of the Cross
Springfield, Ill.-For the first time since Good Friday 2019, an ecumenical group of Springfield faith communities will gather in front of the State Supreme Court Building on Good Friday, April 15, to begin the Good Friday Way of the Cross, an annual event in Springfield for more than 30 years prior […]
Read MoreSixth Week of Lent: Palm Sunday 2022
“The centurion… said, ‘This man was innocent beyond doubt.’” – Luke 23: 47 In the Gospel for Palm Sunday, we hear the story of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trial and death on the Cross. In the liturgy, as members of the community read various parts in the Passion narrative, we are reminded […]
Read MoreWhat is Integral Ecology?
We offer you two videos for this month’s reflection. Essential to understanding the premise behind the global initiative of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform is the concept of Integral Ecology. It is not a new concept, but it is a new term for many. The first link is to a 5-minute […]
Read MoreFifth Week of Lent 2022
“Then Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.’”– John 8: 11 In this Sunday’s Gospel, the Scribes bring before Jesus a woman caught in adultery. When they ask Jesus to condemn her, he says, “Let the one among you who is […]
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A House with a Past:
The Story of Cor Unum House
Cor Unum House has its own story. An American Foursquare, it was saved from the wrecking ball through the vision and commitment of the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association and the generosity of philanthropist Fletcher Farrar, Jr., who with his spouse Mary Jessup are friends of the Dominican Sisters and catalysts […]
Read MoreFourth Week of Lent 2022
“[The father] said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always. Everything I have is yours.” – Luke 15: 31 For the fourth Sunday of Lent, we hear the powerful parable of the Prodigal Son. In this parable, the younger of two sons takes and squanders his inheritance. On […]
Read MoreThe Four Dominican Pillars: A View from Sister Kelly’s Seat
“Dominicans talk a lot about “the four pillars” of our lives: Prayer. Study. Preaching. Common life. Here’s how Sister Kelly Moline, the newest member of our congregation, has come to think about them. Prayer “Prayer is what grounds me. During my time of formation I experienced many different local communities and ministries. […]
Read MoreThird Week of Lent 2022
“I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.” – Luke 13: 8-9 In the Gospel for this third Sunday of Lent, Jesus speaks of the need for all people to repent of their sins. He tells a parable of a person who […]
Read MoreFirst Person: What Difference do Catholic Sisters Make? What Difference does Sister Maristella Dunlavy Make?
While she was principal at Cathedral Grade School in Springfield, Sister Maristella enjoyed visits with Father John Titus who was at that time the vocation director for the diocese. Father John, it seems, saw something in Sister Maristella that prompted him to introduce her to some of the young men he […]
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