Nuns Build
Fourth annual event helps New Orleans homeowners

This year marked the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and the fourth anniversary of the annual Nuns Build in November, initiated by Sister Mary Keefe, an Adrian Dominican who viewed the devastation in St. Bernard Parish and was determined to do something about it. This year's Nuns Build took place Nov. 14–17. Volunteers included 45 sisters and 50 lay people. Read more

UN Briefing
Honor rights of immigrants on Human Rights Day Dec. 10

This Advent, the Dominican Family is commemorating the 500th anniversary of the homily preached by Friar Antonio Montesinos, OP, upholding the human rights and dignity of the indigenous peoples of the island of Hispaniola… Right here in the United States, we frequently find ourselves in polarized discussions regarding immigrants in our midst. We witness a government failing to muster the political will necessary to craft comprehensive immigration reform… And to our South, people die day-in-and-day-out, attempting to cross the border, in a desperate effort to earn a living for their impoverished families. What would Montesinos say today, regarding the treatment of these people? Read more

Happy Holidays
More ideas* for Dominican gift giving

The Dominican Family includes many talented visual, literary and culinary artisans. Why not consider giving a gift from the heart and hands of a Dominican this year? This is a great way to support Dominican ministries while you cross items off your holiday shopping list. Also included are suggestions for ecological and sustainable gifts. *This list has been recently updated, with even more great gift ideas—check it out! Read more

Dominican Volunteers
Former volunteers now leaders in Catholic education

From Dominican University to the University of Notre Dame to Creighton University, from service-learning to ecotheology to Hebrew Bible exegesis—the impact of former Dominican volunteers in the world of Catholic higher education is vast, and so was the impact of their service year in the Dominican Family on their formation. Just ask Dr. Claire Noonan. Read article by Michael Chapuran

Voice for Justice
Parishes can help stop domestic violence, says Fr. Chuck

A recent article in U.S. Catholic by Father Charles W. Dahm, OP, associate pastor of St. Pius V Parish in Chicago, is titled “Let’s stop ignoring domestic violence.” Fr. Chuck relates how parishes can help raise awareness and minister to victims of domestic violence, usually women and children. Read article

Adrian Dominican Sisters
Congregation merges with Philippine Dominican sisters

With great joy, the Dominican Sisters of Adrian welcomed the Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of the Remedies, Pampanga, the Philippines into their congregation through a canonical merger. The merger was celebrated Nov. 20 with a special Liturgy at St. Catherine Chapel in the motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Adrian. The 37 new members of the Adrian Dominican Congregation include one novice. The sisters will continue their current ministries, which include education, pastoral ministry, and social service in the Diocese of San Fernando, as well as at their missions in Taiwan and Norway. Read more

Dominican Center at Marywood
‘Women and the Word’ preaching conference set for June

In celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the founding of the Dominican Order, Dominican Center at Marywood presents a week-long conference and retreat for women, men, preachers, hearers and doers of the Word. “Women and the Word: Preaching with the Mind, Eyes and Heart of a Woman,” is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 11 through Friday, June 15. Presenters include Sister Barbara Reid, OP; Amy-Jill Levine, Ph.D., and Sister Mary Catherine Hilkert, OP. Read more

Ohio Dominican University
Sister Ruth Caspar Endowed Chair position established

Ohio Dominican invites applications from preeminent scholars for the Sr. Ruth Caspar, OP Chair in Philosophy, the university’s first endowed chair, beginning Fall 2012. Candidates must demonstrate a willingness to support the Catholic and Dominican tradition of the university, a record of teaching excellence and distinguished scholarship. Area of specialization open with a preferred emphasis on global or interdisciplinary issues. The successful candidate will be appointed as a full professor with salary and exact balance of duties negotiable. Review of applications will begin Dec. 15. Applications should be submitted to casparchair@ohiodominican.edu. Read more

Previous updates:

The next Dominican Life | USA update will be published on Wednesday,December 14. Deadline for submission of articles/photos is Friday, December 9.