Monthly Archives: July 2023

Events & Retreats – 7.19.23

One-Man Musical Pays Tribute to Solanus Casey’s Love of Music

Brother Al Mascia, OFM, a Franciscan Friar, performs a one-man musical, More Love than Skill: A Saint and his Fiddle, at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 20, 2023, in the auditorium of the Weber Retreat and Conference Center. 

More Love than Skill portrays the life of Blessed Solanus Casey, OFM Cap (1870-1957), who demonstrated his love for God and for people dealing with poverty in his work at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, begun in 1929. He was beatified in November 2017 at Ford Field in Detroit, one step away from canonization as a saint.

Brother Al, a professional song writer and musician, will tell Solanus Casey’s story through original music, as well as fiddle tunes that Casey would have known and played on his violin.

The performance is open to the public and free of charge, but goodwill donations are welcome. Registration is not needed. For more information, call Weber Center at 517-266-4000.

Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Motherhouse, Adrian, Michigan. Traveling east on Siena Heights Drive, pass the Adrian Rea Literacy Center and turn left just before the solar panel-covered parking lot. Follow the signs to Weber Center.

Retreat Focuses on Mystics Thomas Berry and Evelyn Underhill

Do you envision mystics as people who lived in the distant past and had unique visions of God? A Retreat on Mystics: Thomas Berry and Evelyn Underhill, offers participants the opportunity to learn about and reflect on two mystics who taught that mysticism and contemplation are available to anyone.

A Retreat on Mystics is from 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 23, 2023, through 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Weber Retreat and Conference Center. The focus is on two mystics:

  • Thomas Berry (1914-2009), a Catholic priest, cultural historian, and author of The Dream of the Earth, urged that humanity return to a deeper knowing and seek guidance from the ultimate powers of the universe as they make themselves present to us. Sister Gail Worcelo, SGM, co-founder of the Sisters of the Earth Community, offers the presentation on Thomas Berry and on his belief that we are in an emerging geobiological era in which humanity learns to live as mutually enhancing members of the Earth community.
  • Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941) was an English mystic, theologian, spiritual director, and pacificist who wrote 39 books on spirituality. She insisted that contemplative prayer – which she understood as union with Reality – is possible for everyone. Sister Patricia Walter, OP, former Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters and an educator, author, and preacher, offers the presentation on Evelyn Underhill. 

The cost – which includes all meals for overnight guests and lunch for commuters – is $180 for commuters, $280 per person double occupancy, and $380 for single occupancy. Registration is required and is available at www.webercenter.org; click on “programs.” Registrations may also be made by calling 517-266-4000 or emailing webercenter@adriandominicans.org. Limited scholarships are available.

Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Motherhouse, Adrian, Michigan. Traveling east on Siena Heights Drive, pass the Adrian Rea Literacy Center and turn left just before the solar panel-covered parking lot. Follow the signs to Weber Center. For information, call the Weber Center at 517-266-4000.

Native Book Discussion: Susan Power, The Grass Dancer: A Novel

On Tuesday, August 8, from 7 to 8:15 p.m., Eric Anglada will be leading a native book discussion about “The Grass Dancer”. Inspired by the lore of her Indigenous heritage, Susan Power has forged a novel of interconnected stories rich with drama and infused with the magic of the everyday. “The Grass Dancer” reveals the harsh price of unfulfilled longings and the healing power of mystery and hope. In this thrilling book, Power takes readers on a journey through both past and present in a tale as resonant and haunting as an ancestor’s memory, and as promising as a child’s dream. Registration ends on August 7, and the fee is $10 a person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at //sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. Sinsinawa Mound, the motherhouse for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque.

“Hagia Sophia”: Thomas Merton’s Magnificent Poem of Contemplation in Action

On Saturday, August 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Paula Hirschboeck will be leading this retreat at Sinsinawa Mound. The renowned monk and mystic, Thomas Merton, helps us deepen into the life of Sophia. In his prose-poem “Hagia Sophia” he offers us the beauty of words to reveal the wisdom beyond words, Sophia. In this day-long retreat, Paula Hirschboeck will guide us in exploring and practicing each phase of Merton’s experience of Sophia. He invites us into four phases of contemplative practice: initial awakening, surrender, dark unknowing and entering the world as Sophia, the mercy of God in us. Presentation, conversation, and mindful activities honoring silence will support our day together. Registration ends on August 10, and the fee is $60 per person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at //sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. Sinsinawa Mound, the motherhouse for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque.

No Child Left Inside Day Camp

Sinsinawa Mound is sponsoring a two-day summer camp designed to connect children with the living world and cultivate a sense of deep respect and wonder for one another and the Earth. On August 3 and 4, participants should be ready to learn about themselves and nature, get some exercise and have lots of fun! This camp is open to children from the ages of 7 to 11, and space is limited to 10 children. Please bring your own lunch and snack. We will spend the entirety of both days outdoors. Please register by July 27, and the fee is $60 per child. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at //sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. Sinsinawa Mound, the motherhouse for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque.

“Compassion is My True Self” Weekend Retreat

Friday, Aug 11, 7:00 pm – Sunday, Aug 13, 11:00 am

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — “Change is possible when I see the spark of the divine within self and others.” That spark, described by spiritual guide and author Joyce Rupp in her book “Boundless Compassion: Creating a Way of Life” is inspiring people to discover and deepen the role of compassion in their lives and communities. Joyce’s vision is heartwarming: “With compassion at the core of humanity’s lived experience, we will be able to approach one another with true respect and dwell in peace.” We are thrilled to welcome Boundless Compassion facilitators Mary Dean Pfahler SND and Kathleen Loughrige, mindful practitioners who share this passion and vision to Dominican Center Marywood. For more information call 616-514-3325 or visit dominicancenter.com. Dominican Center Marywood, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, is located in West Michigan off Fulton Street East, on the campus of Aquinas College.

Details & Registration: https://dominicancenter.com/programs-and-retreats/compassion-is-my-true-self-weekend-retreat/

Dominican Sisters Plan to Update, Relocate Historical Exhibits at Sinsinawa Mound

The Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa are working with McCullough Creative to update and relocate the Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP: Tracing a Journey exhibit and the Telling Our Story heritage exhibit at Sinsinawa Mound.

Both exhibits will remain open to the public and tour groups Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sinsinawa Mound’s Heritage Center through July and August. The exhibits will be unavailable on weekends unless prior arrangements have been made by appointment. The final day to view the exhibits in their current environment will be Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. As the Congregation updates and transitions the exhibits to the Stone building at Sinsinawa from Sept. 2, 2023, to the fall of 2024, they will be unavailable to the public.

“We are excited to move the Mazzuchelli exhibit to the Stone building, which is the first building constructed by Father Samuel Mazzuchelli at Sinsinawa Mound,” said Sinsinawa Promoter of Arts and Cultural Heritage Sister Priscilla Wood, OP. “We look forward to holding a grand reopening of both exhibits as one legacy exhibit in the fall of 2024.”

The Sinsinawa Book & Gift Gallery will remain open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will continue to sell products from Sinsinawa Bakery. Sinsinawa Farmers’ Markets at the Sinsinawa Mound Collaborative Farm will continue to be held once a month on the following Wednesdays: July 26, Aug. 23, and Sept. 27. 

Donations for updating and relocating the exhibits can be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans online at www.sinsinawa.org/donate. Learn more about the work of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa by visiting www.sinsinawa.org.The sisters are part of a worldwide Dominican family, the Order of Preachers. For more than 800 years, Dominicans have continued to preach the Gospel in word and deed. Today, thousands of sisters, nuns, priests, brothers, associates, and laity minister in more than 100 countries around the world. 

Associate Spotlight: Ellen O’Sullivan

Preaching from the Pulpit of Her Life

For the past six years, Ellen O’Sullivan has helped to lead and energize the Sparkill Associate Program in her role as Co-Director. She has had a long and loving association with the Sisters. Since she was 13 as a student at Aquinas High School, Bronx, NY, she identifies as an “Aquinite” and says, “It’s in the blood.” She spent a few years at Dominican Convent as a Sister in training/formation and admits, “It’s just a part of who I am.” Sister Susan Dunn, who was in the novitiate with Ellen describes her as “amazing!” 

Forty-two years ago, Ellen joined the Associate Program. She responded to an invitation to join the Associates (then called Co-Members) by Vivian Shary (a founding Associate) and several others, along with a group of women from St. Anthony’s parish, Nanuet. With four young children and her husband who traveled for business, at first, she could not accept the invitation; but two years later, Ellen decided to join. She thought that she needed something deeper, and she knew where to find it. 

She said, “I found something deeper in prayer, spirituality, and in the women who believe what I believe and the companionship that exists in religious communities. And I’m partial to this religious community. Since we don’t always find what we need in our parishes, I know that what I was looking for I could find here. If you need a deeper sharing of spiritual life and community then Associate membership is where you’ll find it.”

Even if Ellen did not do another thing, her Associate connection has been life-giving and meaningful to her, her friends, and her family. However, she has and continues to do much to serve the community and those in need such as spearheading the Pajama Drive. She also volunteers weekly to answer calls at the Dominican Convent switchboard. 

Ellen is constantly giving of herself and believes, “We all have a call in one way or another, we just choose to live it in different ways. Being an Associate has helped me grow into the person God intends.” 

Ellen does not relish public speaking, but periodically at community meetings stands up at the mic and encourages the Sisters to think of someone in their lives who might benefit from the Associate’s program. Ellen loves the words of Sister Annie Willits: “Preach from the pulpit of your life!”  She encourages all members of the Dominican family to keep doing what they are doing so well and to invite others to walk with them—to learn more, come to an event, or join the program. “First investigate the Dominican family, the Sparkill family, and decide if it’s a good fit for them—and I think you’d be surprised at how many people are searching.”

Ellen O’Sullivan, mother of 4 and grandmother to 12, happily lives in Shelton, Connecticut, with her husband, Jay.

Sister Spotlight: Zubeda Tarcis, OP

“I don’t do a lot.  I just contribute whatever I can.” 

Sister Zubeda Tarcis is a member of the vibrant community of Sparkill Dominican Sisters faithfully serving in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The youngest of six children, she was born and raised in the city of Khanwal, Pakistan. In her teens, her family moved to the close-knit Catholic village of Francisabad. Her father was a dedicated catechist and brought Sisters as frequent guests into her home for meals. Besides Sister Naseem George, Zubeda did not know the Sparkill community as a child, although many Sisters, including Monica Lewis, Nusrat Lewis, Violet Sampour (RIP), and Catherine Bashir were from Francisabad. 

During her teens, Zubeda attended secondary school with the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena in Faisalabad. She was impressed with the Sisters and at age 17 she had a strong feeling that she wanted to be a Sister. She ended up entering the Sparkill community due to her aunt, Sister Naseem George. In fact, after graduation, she was ready to go and join the Faisalabad Dominicans when her cousin Naseem said, “Why are you going there?” Although her plans were to go to Faisalabad, her father knew many of the Sparkill Sisters and encouraged her to go with Sister Naseem. She went to Bahawalpur, entered the Dominican community on October 7, 2002, and has happily stayed. Sister Zubeda is most grateful for the Sisters who gave her a strong start in guiding her formation, notably Sister Mary Dempsey her spiritual guide, and Sister Monica Lewis her Novice Mistress.

After college, Sister Zubeda was assigned to teach the 2nd grade. With little experience, her first mission was very challenging. She credits Sisters Anna Bakhshi and Anne Schwartz with helping her to meet these challenges starting with the basics of learning how to make a planner. After four years, she began to teach 4th and 5th grade. At the same time, she went back to school and earned a master’s degree in linguistics. She then taught the 6th and 7th grades, as well as English to all levels. 

In 2017, she was asked to help Sister Anna Bakhshi run the school and has served as assistant principal ever since. Although she no longer teaches students directly, she teaches as she supervises, and guides teachers’ plans to deliver successful lessons to students. She supervises 89 teachers and about 36 support staff and humbly says, “I don’t do a lot.  I just contribute whatever I can. Sr. Anna helps me a lot in learning how to be an effective Administrator.”

There are many stairs in the school’s four large buildings, but she is happy to walk to the classrooms to help support face-to-face learning. She and Sister Anna make a great team. She also enjoys working on the school’s website, making tests, setting up and coordinating the online learning management systems (Google Classroom and Cambridge). In short, she is the school’s “techie!” She even organizes school-wide special event programs and says that she enjoys the Christmas shows the most.

Sister Zubeda takes the Dominican charism of study seriously, which is not surprising since her father was also an educator and catechist. While school is out and she is on holiday, she is busy studying for her M. Phil In Education. 

Recently, Sister Zubeda was asked to support the Sisters in religious formation, helping them deepen their spirituality and discern their own call of how to best use their talents to serve God. She remains inspired by her community of Sisters in Bahawalpur who affirmed and supported her on her own journey. She enjoys the rich prayer life and encourages others to come and join them because she has been blessed with a meaningful and rewarding life. 

Sister Zubeda Tarcis enjoys her ministry as assistant principal of Dominican Convent School with more than 1,300 students, serving grades K-12, including college-level coursework, and online Cambridge Classes. She finds the work challenging to keep this #1-rated school competitive and to live up to the expectations of the families. And when each day’s challenge is done, she says that the inspiration for the next day begins. To relax, she enjoys gardening: “I love gardening. Whenever I have a chance, I go out and plant something. Now it’s the rainy days and everything is coming up!”

Gala Honoree

In April, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston celebrated its 175th anniversary with a lovely gala during which six individuals were honored “for their extraordinary acts of leadership, generosity and service in furthering the mission of the Church in Texas.” Among those honored was Houston Dominican Heloise Cruzat, OP, a lifelong resident of Houston and the Archdiocese. Sr. Heloise attended All Saints Catholic School and St. Agnes Academy and entered the convent in September 1951. Sr. Heloise ministered in education as both teacher and principal in the Archdiocese for over 35 years, served in the Houston Dominican’s leadership as councilor and prioress, and served the Archdiocese as Vicar for Religious. Currently, she is involved in the congregation’s Laudato Si’ Action Plan, is chair of the Labyrinth Committee and is the liaison for volunteers who tend the Dominican Sisters’ Community Garden. Of religious life, Sr. Heloise has said, “Although I have always lived in community, my belief is that my witness has been to the importance of Catholic education, and in these later years, to service of the local church.”  

In accepting the service award from His Eminence, Cardinal DiNardo, Sr. Heloise expressed her gratitude and directly addressed the women religious in attendance, saying “My presence on this stage is an expression of gratitude by our local church to each of you, to your communities, and to the countless sisters who have ministered here since the foundation of the Diocese of Galveston in 1847… Dearest sisters, you have been and you remain a vital part of the mission of this local church, its ministry in health care and education, its ministry to the poor and to the marginalized, its creative vision that addresses changing times, moving forward undaunted by obstacles.”     

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