Monthly Archives: July 2024

July 17, 2024

Events & Retreats 7.17.2024

Weber Retreat Center Upcoming Retreats and Programs

Julian of Norwich: Mystic Theologian
Sun, Jul 28, 7:00 pm through Wed, Jul 31, 11:00 am
Julian of Norwich is an example of what Bernard McGinn has called a “vernacular theologian.” After briefly placing her in her historical context, I will describe the experience which precipitated her writings. I will analyze what is mystical about that experience and evaluate the importance of the theology which grew from it, What is stunning about Julian’s writings is how well it was able to serve as an antidote to the severe fear and despair caused by the Black Death in fourteenth-century England, along with the ability of its author to describe it so eloquently.

Day off Mindfulness – Welcoming Uncertainty
Sat, Aug 3 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Instead of wanting to secure ourselves on the path, instead of hoping we can transcend the struggles of life, we move toward them. As we sit we can discover the warmth and tenderness of our aching heart and that of the world.

To register and view a full listing of programs, retreats and events at the Weber Retreat Center click HERE

Dominican Center Marywood Upcoming Retreats and Programs

Tending Our Hearts to Tend the Earth (In-Person)
Friday, Aug 9 • 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The effects of climate change are all around us. We feel it in little ways as we pull on summer clothes and harvest gardens a little earlier each year. And in big ways as we watch fires blaze through entire towns and our streets fill with rain. Climate anxiety touches nearly everything we do, and especially how we interact with and support the next generations. What do we do with the fear, grief, and anger we feel? Join us for a retreat to place our bodies on this sacred land allowing the stones and the wind to carry our grief. There will be time for story sharing, wandering the woods, practicing rituals around our grief and anger, settling in silence and rest, and summoning that wild possibility of hope. This retreat is open to all wanting to tend their hearts around climate anxiety, especially those involved with children: parents, teachers, grandparents, neighbors, etc. Each of us belong to this sweet earth, all part of this earth family that shares responsibility, emotions, and hope.

Zentangle Patterns of Pause ~ A Visual Prayer Practice to Cultivate Peace (In-Person)
Saturday, Sept 7 • 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
In the fullness of everyday life, there is refreshment in pausing and noticing what scripture and creation can reveal to us. Both are filled with wonderful patterns that can spark delight. When we slow down and notice, we make space to invite peace and calm, encounter the presence of God, and be rejuvenated. In this class, we’ll enjoy combining the Zentangle Method, watercolor, and pen to create a visual prayer inspired by a portion of Psalm 19. We’ll also explore how this visual prayer practice encourages us to cultivate gratitude, awareness, delight, peace, and faith. Other visual prayers are sure to be inspired! Previous art or Zentangle experience is not required, only a willingness to create, one stroke at a time! All supplies will be provided.

Foundations in Spirituality (In-Person)
Saturdays: Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21, 2024; Jan 18, Feb 22, Mar 22, Apr 26, May 17, 2025 • 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Foundations in Spirituality is a serious reflective study that opens our minds and hearts to the teachings and life examples of the great Christian spiritual teachers that continue to deepen our present spiritual journey. It’s the beginning, the first step of the formation offerings at Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College. Explore the rich preaching of St. Dominic; the unbreakable faith of St. Teresa of Avila; the deep spirituality of St. John of the Cross; the life-giving wisdom of the Beguines; the daily prayerful life of St. Ignatius; and the lives of many more who continue to enrich our own faith and spirituality. The course introduces the practice of contemplative prayer as grounding practice for living a richer spiritual life. Immerse yourself in Foundations in Spirituality and begin deepening your relationship with God through study, prayer, and community.

Foundations II: Wisdom from the Margin (Online)
Mondays: Sep 23, Oct 28, Nov 25, 2024; Jan 6, Jan 27, Feb 24, Mar 24, Apr 28, 2025 • 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Foundations II: Wisdom from the Margins is a course and community that reflectively studies the life stories and teachings of great spiritual leaders who have impacted the world from the margins. The hope is to open our minds and hearts to those who have been “othered,” and let their inspirational wisdom challenge, nurture and deepen our spiritual life. Explore the activism born of a deep spirituality in Sojourner Truth and the Grimke sisters; the transformative power of service and reflection in Henri Nouwen and Mother Theresa; the joy of reconciliation in Desmond Tutu; and the inspiring humility of Oscar Romero. Foundations II can be taken after Foundations I (Foundations in Spirituality) or it can also be taken as a stand-alone course. We do not require that Foundations I be taken first, nor that Foundations II be taken in order to enter our Spiritual Director Practicums.

To register and view a the full listing of programs, retreats and events at Marywood click HERE

Siena Retreat Center Upcoming Retreats and Programs

Thursday Morning Centering Prayer via Zoom
Siena Retreat Center offers Centering Prayer via Zoom on Thursday mornings at 7:00am Central, 8:00am Eastern. The time together includes facilitated reflections on a selected reading as well as silent Centering Prayer.

The Great Re-imagining: Spirituality in an Age of Apocalypse
We have reached a transformative and revelatory moment in human history. Author and philosopher Theodore Richards will lead an in-person weekend retreat at Siena Retreat Center on September 20-21, 2024. The retreat material will include writings from the world’s wisdom traditions and contemporary science, as well as a process of shared inquiry into the contemporary political and cultural landscape. Cost of $225 includes overnight accommodations and meals.

SoulCollage® Weekend Retreat
“Forgiveness” is the theme for this SoulCollage® retreat at Siena Retreat Center on September 28-29, 2024. SoulCollage® is an experience of self-reflection using images that speak to you. The retreat will be facilitated by Missy Isely-Poltrock and Vicky Curtiss. Cost of $225 includes overnight accommodations, meals, and materials.

To register and view a the full listing of programs, retreats and events at Siena Retreat Center HERE

July 17, 2024

The Dominican Learning Center Receives almost $18,000 in Grants. Donor and Parish Partnerships Help Ministry Run Smoothly

The Dominican Learning Center (DLC), an adult education ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, is celebrating its latest gift from the Reinberger Foundation along with the recent grant from Dollar General Stores Literary Foundation, allowing the Center to cover everything from books to online learning to graduation costs. The contributions are a piece of the donation pie that goes towards helping adults learn English as a Second Language (ESL), providing educational help to obtain high school equivalency diplomas (GED), assisting with citizenship procedures, and offering adult basic education classes.

“We are extremely thankful for the latest grant of $8,700 from the Reinberger Foundation and the $9,000 grant from the Dollar General Foundation. We have many needs and these gifts, along with the support from our individual donors, are so important to our future. The funding equates to success stories for many people in central Ohio,” says Denise Hilliard, Dominican Learning Center Director.

The DLC serves more than 600 learners with some receiving help at its German Village location, other learners’ tutoring happens at local libraries and still others are getting assistance at central Ohio parishes. The DLC operates satellite ESL classes at eight parishes around the Diocese, including St. Peter Church, St. James the Less, St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Mary Magdalene, Bishop Ready, St. Cecilia, Christ the King, and St. Matthias.Those who have successfully improved their English or received their GED can attest to an improved way of living. “Mary” says she doesn’t doubt herself or her abilities anymore after getting the help she needed to receive her GED and another learner, “Silvia”, says she was afraid at first when taking ESL courses, but to her surprise, she has been able to increase her knowledge and has realized it is OK to ask questions when she needs to do so.

Karen Hooser, President of the Reinberger Foundation, says the DLC was worthy of the grant money. “We made a trip to view the Learning Center and witnessed a caring atmosphere and the dignity displayed towards students. Promoting adult literacy is one of our causes and we are very impressed with what is happening at the Dominican Learning Center.”

A Columbus Diocese Church Pastor is appreciative of both donors and the DLC. “The Center is a force for good and we are very glad to partner with the Dominican Sisters of Peace and this ministry. We know our parishioners are making use of the services that this turnkey, accessible ministry provides. As it goes… no money, no ministry, so we too are very thankful for the funding, ” adds Father David Schalk, St. Peter’s Catholic Church. St. Peter’s is one of several central Ohio Catholic Churches that partner with the DLC.

Parish partnerships like the one at St. Peter’s bring an additional benefit. By involving parishioners as volunteers, the Dominican Learning Center’s ESL programs build stronger, more cohesive parish communities.

The Marian Foundation, a charitable trust established by the founder of Columbus’ St. Mary Magdeline Catholic Church, provides support to the DLC regularly. Current President and Trustee of the Foundation Steve Mitchell says, “The relationship was formed because the founder was a strong advocate for the Dominican Learning Center. I have seen the classrooms and believe the DLC offers a hands-on approach with services, services that can be helpful with learners landing jobs.”

“The grants and all our partnerships are part of our lifeline. It is always so exciting when we are awarded a new grant and we also lean heavily on those who give frequently, such as the Marian Foundation. When we know we can count on a donor to help out, it is more than comforting,” adds Hilliard.

Hilliard concludes, “We hope to add more improvements through time such as the “Smart Board” we recently purchased for our learners. We want to keep up with technology and serve our learners the best way possible. Our aim is to help improve lives, which promotes peace in our neighborhoods. It is the Dominican way, and we are proud to follow this path. We are glad for our partnerships with Catholic parishes and with donors who want to walk with us on this journey. Come fall, we celebrate our 30th anniversary and all who contribute make this occasion possible.”

July 3, 2024

DSC Hires New Communicator

I am delighted to announce our new DSC Communicator Natasha Edwards. Natasha will work closely with our Team to promote communications that fosters collaboration in support of the mission and vision of the DSC in a way that facilitates interaction among leaders, sisters, and associates of the DSC member congregations.

Natasha has a long history working in the nonprofit sector with expertise in marketing communications, creating and managing websites, fundraising campaigns, technology and training. Her experience- and her passion for supporting those doing meaningful work help her develop solutions that meet the many needs of her clients. Natasha thrives on using her creativity to engage others in the missions of organizations.

Natasha most recently held the position of Director of Marketing and Communications with the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood where she enjoyed connecting the Long Island Community with the Sisters of St. Joseph and the many ways they steward their mission; Uniting All in God’s Love through marketing and communication initiatives.

She holds a Master of Arts degree in marketing communications and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in visual communications from the New York Institute of Technology – Old Westbury. Born and raised in New York as the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Natasha and her family most recently moved to North Carolina.

In her down time, she enjoys hanging out with her family and supporting her three boys as the quintessential sports mom. She also enjoys reading and travelling, which she says, “opens me up to a world of what if…….”

Natasha will start her position this coming Monday July 8th.

We welcome Natasha with her many gifts to this position, and we hold her in our prayers for success at this very exciting time for the Dominican Sisters Conference.

July 2, 2024

Adrian Dominican Sisters Celebrate 2,710 Years of Commitment by Jubilarians

Joy, gratitude, happy memories, and a sense of homecoming permeated the Motherhouse Campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters as the 2024 Jubilarians – Sisters marking milestone years of religious life – and their guests gathered for the June 20-22, 2024, celebration.

The 41 Jubilarians include one Sister celebrating 80 years, three 75-year Jubilarians, 22 Double-Diamond (70-year) Jubilarians, 14 Diamond (60-year) Jubilarians, and one Silver (25-year) Jubilarian. Together, the 2024 Jubilarians represent 2,710 years of dedication to the Adrian Dominican Sisters and to the people of God.

While the Adrian Dominican Sisters honor the Jubilarians throughout the year, the formal celebration began on June 20, 2024, with a meeting with the General Council, followed by dinner.

The Jubilarians remembered deceased Sisters who would have celebrated their Jubilees during a special Liturgy for Deceased Jubilarians. The liturgy marked the faithful lives of 44 75-year Jubilarians, 30 Double-Diamond Jubilarians, and six Diamond Jubilarians.

In her reflection, Sister Joan Delaplane, OP, a 75-year Jubilarian, compared the deceased Jubilarians to the valiant women described in the Book of Proverbs, exhibiting spirit, courage, bravery, faithfulness, dedication, and risk-taking. She focused on the “faithfulness of our Creator to each deceased Jubilarian who was lovingly willed into life, cherished and cared for every sacred moment of life.”

Sister Joan noted that the bond of love between the Jubilarians and their deceased Sisters “is not severed by the thin veil that separates our physical selves,” and that the deceased Jubilarians will continue their own intercessions for the Adrian Dominican community, our nation, and our world.

“Our deceased Sisters utilized their diverse and wondrous gifts in so many beautiful ways,” while also remaining faithful throughout the difficult times and circumstances that they faced, Sister Joan said. She concluded by thanking God “for the gift of each of our deceased Sisters who shared faith and life with us on our journey.”

The Jubilee events on Friday continued with lunch for Jubilarians and their guests; a happy hour for Jubilarians and Sisters who reside at the Dominican Life Center; dinner; and a piano concert offered by Sister Magdalena Ezoe, OP, composer, pianist, and Professor of Music Emerita at Siena Heights University.

The Saturday, June 22, 2024, celebration began with morning liturgy. “This is the day the Lord had made. Let us rejoice and be glad.” Sister Mary Louise Putrow, OP, 75-year Jubilarian, evoked that feeling as she quoted Psalm 118 in her welcome to the Jubilee Liturgy. “I rejoice that these 41 Dominican women – 80, 75, 70, 60, and 25 years ago – said yes,” Sister Mary Louise said. “They said yes to the whispering of the Spirit, and all of us were totally unaware of what that would mean. We began a journey that has brought us to this very moment.”

Sister Mary Louise noted the surprising changes brought about in the lives of the Sisters by the call of the Second Vatican Council, inviting the faithful in the Church to change and to continue in conversion. “God’s presence and spirit have remained with us,” she said. “We celebrate the many unspoken ways that we have been called to share our lives and enter into the mission of Jesus.”

In her reflection, Prioress Elise D. García, OP, expressed her gratitude for the Jubilarians and the “many shoulders we stand on, all who came before us and loved and guided us.” She recalled the gifts that the Jubilarians received from family members and friends, teachers and guides, Sister friends, and others who saw the Jubilarians through difficult times. “They are all part of the incredible journey that the One who began a good work in you continues to shape and mold in you to this day,” she said.

Sister Elise compared the companionship of the Jubilarians with that of Mary and Elizabeth, whose story was told in the day’s Gospel. “Two pregnant women, relatives, encounter each other at the opposite ends of child-bearing age – an unmarried teenager and an elder who thought herself well past child-bearing years,” she said. “But in their encounter with one another, they at once recognize the One who had begun a good work in each of them – and through them.”

Sister Elise noted that the companionship of Elizabeth and Mary is “mirrored by your companionship, as Dominican Sisters, as you worked together with so many others to advance the Mission in such an astonishing diversity of ways with extraordinary fruitfulness – through times of great joy and also, no doubt, of suffering.”

Sister Elise offered a litany of the many ministries that the Jubilarians were engaged in, from a variety of traditional educational ministries to those who “tended the hearts, minds, and spirits of so many in need of care” as chaplains, social workers, counselors, psychotherapists, spiritual directors, and directors of retreat centers. The Jubilarians served in various ways in parishes and dioceses, as mentors and social justice advocates, and in the Congregation as elected leaders and in congregational offices.

“You are a gift to us and to the world,” Sister Elise told the Jubilarians. “Your good works are still alive in the hearts of all those you served.” Yet, she said, those good works have not ended. She quoted canonist Kelly Connors, PM: “The first apostolate of all religious is the witness of their consecrated life. We carry out that witness until we breathe our last breath.”

The Jubilarians proved their continued commitment to the Mission of Jesus and the Adrian Dominican Sisters as they together renewed their vows. “To the honor of Almighty God, I, … make profession and promise obedience to almighty God, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to our holy father St. Dominic, and to you, Sister Elise García, Prioress of the Congregation, and to your lawful successors, according to the Rule of St. Augustine and the Constitution of the Sisters of St. Dominic of the Most Holy Rosary until death.”

A festive dinner for Jubilarians and their guests rounded out the formal celebration, but many of the Jubilarians continued to take the time to celebrate with family members, friends, and Sister friends. Their sense of Jubilee continues throughout the year.

July 2, 2024

New Land. New Language. New Life

Immigration is a polarizing issue in the 2024 elections in the United States. Fifty-two percent of Americans believe that an “invasion” is occurring at the southern border. Realistically, no one really wants to migrate and leave their home. Circumstances have forced their egress. Most migrants are seeking a way-out of poverty, a better future for their children, the rights and freedoms that are not offered in their country, and an escape from violent conditions. They are people struggling to pursue safety and happiness.

The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose (DSMSJ) listen to the call of Scripture (Leviticus 19-33-34) and take to heart their mission to serve the young, the poor, and the vulnerable. In 2002, Sister Ann Ronin, OP started the Las Casas – English as a Second Language program with three students. Twenty-two years later, under the leadership of Dana Neufeld, it has 300 students and three Sisters overseeing and teaching.

Las Casas opens its doors to adults from all parts of the world with any language and educational background. Through this ministry the Dominican Sisters proclaim Jesus Christ through educating and promoting justice and peace. They seek to show how the Gospel remains relevant to the times and bless the traveler and the foreigner. However, Las Casas is a non-religious organization. The leadership and staff merely desire to create a safe, welcoming place for adults to learn beginning English. The all-volunteer teacher staff is spiritually diverse. They are Jewish, Mormon, non-religious, Atheist, individuals motivated by generosity and love, and Catholic. They are unified by their mission to empower students to achieve their personal, educational, and vocational goals and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Last school year, Las Casas provided 89 evening sessions over 33 weeks of English classes. They offer five levels:

Introduction
Beginning Low
Beginning High
Intermediate Low
Intermediate High

Students are assessed for the appropriate class and may take as long as necessary to complete each class. They must demonstrate competency to move to the next level. While not all students complete Intermediate High due to constraints or the demands of life, those who do graduate are encouraged to continue their English studies at a local community college. This school year, 10 students were recommended for college.

Las Casas is wonderful because of the people. The 50 teachers and small staff are focused on creating a happy and helpful learning environment for the students. Because of this kindness and care, the students’ lives are changed. They came to a new land. They are receiving the gift of a new language. And anecdote after anecdote tells us that most end up with a new life.

Each student has a story that they may share at their discretion. Most Las Casas students come from Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador. They come for a better life for themselves or their family. Many seek jobs right away so they can send money back to their families. On average students have lived in the U.S. for seven years before coming to Las Casas, but some start after as few as two weeks in the country. They need English for so many reasons:

To get a job
To be promoted in a job
Speak to doctors
Speak to children’s teachers

People find Las Casas through word of mouth. The organization doesn’t advertise. The new students are often amazed by the generosity of heart offered by the teachers and staff. Matthew Stewart, an Intermediate High teacher, was at a gathering of Las Casas’ students. He spoke to them and ended by saying “We are happy that you’re here!” in English and then in Spanish. In response, the room erupted into applause. Matthew was speechless. He was touched by the gratitude and joy students expressed at being welcomed and wanted in the Las Casas community.

In that community, the teachers and students become friends. Students become colleagues and carpoolers. After exiting the program some have come back to volunteer as program assistants. Some student’s children, who grew up learning English in school, volunteer in another classroom while their parents are learning. When Dana Neufeld became the Program Director, her former colleague shared that he learned English at Las Casas when he first came to America. Soon he became a committed volunteer.

It’s not just about learning English; Las Casas students desperately want to connect with and be productive members of their community. In response, Las Casas now provides access to community resources. In April 2024, they held their third community fair with twenty local organizations offering services in:

Citizenship
Housing and food
Legal and immigration help
Health and menthol health services
Education and more

Students are seeking a path to a better life. Their reasons for migrating and their journey from their homeland is likely to be filled with traumatic memories. Gentleness, skilled help, and smiles soothe a difficult past and bring hope for the future. This is part of Las Casas DNA.

When the students leave Las Casas, most experience transformation. Learning English serves as the key to a better life. It opens the door to freedom and improved quality of life. The students have access to more, higher paying jobs and more educational choices. They can now more easily go see a doctor or talk with their child’s teacher with confidence. They can read road and airport signs and communicate with more people. For those who have experienced Las Casas, life is not the same.

The immigrant communities and the people who serve them are used to hearing bad news about immigration policy and border control. But Las Casas is an “Oasis of joy and gratitude.” The students and teachers who live in this community experience a different world. They care for one another. Students freely receive, take comfort, and feel gratitude for the opportunity to learn a language that is so critical to their survival. Teachers freely give, experience happiness as they provide impactful help, and connect with people who want to connect and give back. For students and staff alike, Las Casas is marked by Joy.