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.”

Farmer-Led Learning Center Makes Strides

by Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Shiela Fitzgerald, OP

Fields of Sinsinawa now has its own logo! You may notice some similarities to the one we adopted as a Dominican Congregation. Just give it a little turn and you will see the green pastures, the brown Earth, and the blue running water that make up the land community at Sinsinawa. Each one of these is an essential component to the work now underway on our beautiful land at Sinsinawa Mound. All the love and care that makes this a beautiful whole is represented by that supportive hand holding it all together . . . your hand, the hand of our wonderful farmers at Sinsinawa, the hand of all who are caretakers of precious soil, water, and growing things. Notice the wheat . . . the nourishment that comes when all these things work together. It is the soil giving life . . . the Bread of Life if you will. Fields of Sinsinawa is celebrating Eucharist!  

This logo also speaks of the strong partnership that is giving birth to this amazing organization. This land which is so precious to us and has given us our name now becomes the name chosen to carry the legacy of our mission into the future—Fields of Sinsinawa: A Farmer-Led Learning Center. Education will continue to be the hallmark of mission from the Mound outward!

Much activity is already underway. Fields are planted in the well-tended soil with an eye to sharing techniques and new learnings as the year progresses. Contented cows are now moving across the landscape in well-designed smaller paddocks for grazing. This practice is often referred to as rotational or adaptive grazing. These are dairy heifers who are pregnant with the next generation! They seem very happy with the new arrangement.  

We are fortunate to have tenants who have been with us for many years. New around Sinsinawa is Rick Bieber, a member of the Fields of Sinsinawa Land Committee. We call him the “soil advisor.” He brings significant knowledge and understanding of how soil functions and how to let the soil speak for itself. 

In addition, Rick and members of the land committee have been testing soil and water and observing all varieties of growing things to establish some benchmarks for comparison as various practices are introduced. What we know so far is that we have been blessed by the Runde and Leibfried families who have tended this precious soil for many years. Their organic practices have kept much of the water flowing through our land free of harmful nitrates as it continues its way downstream and on to the Mississippi River.

Fields of Sinsinawa plans to connect with partners beyond the Mound and even beyond the tristate area this summer. Ecdysis, known as the 1,000 Farms initiative, will make Sinsinawa a hub this August as it surveys and assesses regenerative practices on numerous farms in the area. This data will spotlight the impact of regenerative farming.

Fields of Sinsinawa has made gigantic strides in just one year. Finding the funding sources is the challenge ahead. May it be successful. We Sinsinawa Dominicans are proud to partner with this endeavor.   

Autumn Wild Skills Day 

Join Nicholas WazeeGale, a certified Wilderness Guide, for a day in the Sinsinawa woods and fields on Saturday, November 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. In this adventurous day workshop, we will learn to recognize and follow the tracks of local wildlife, make a warm fire, cook food, learn of shelter, wayfinding and safety in the outdoors, find and utilize wild foods of fall, learn about proper gear and clothing for comfort in the cold, and more! This workshop has limited capacity so sign up quickly. Registration ends November 8, and the fee is $65 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.

Recovering a Hidden History: Indigenous Power and Culture in the Mid-Continent

Author, Bob Morrissey, will be leading the discussion about Indigenous Power and Culture in the Mid-Continent on Tuesday, November 7, from 7 to 8 p.m., via Zoom. This talk reorients our understanding of the mid-continent as an Indigenous heartland. Focusing on the land of the modern corn belt, the former tallgrass prairies, Bob Morrissey explains what made this place so special in the pre-settler past. He explores aspects of those cultures, and concludes with reflections on recent projects by those Indigenous Nations to revitalize certain practices, including language, ecology, and especially art. Registration ends November 6, and the fee is $10 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.

We are Still Here: An Interview with Julie Dye

We invite you to join us Tuesday, November 21, from 7 to 8 p.m., via Zoom for an interview with Julie Dye, a Native rights advocate and environmental activist. We’ll delve into topics such as the truth of Thanksgiving, the recent repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery, cultural appropriation, racist mascots and place names, and the past, present, and future of the Potawatomi. Registration ends November 20, and the fee is $10 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.

How the Ho-Chunk Thwarted Removal from Wisconsin

Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, November 14, from 7 to 8 p.m., for the presentation on how the Ho-Chunk thwarted removal from Wisconsin. This presentation led by Stephen Kantrowitz, an author and professor, explores how a large portion of the Ho-Chunk people defied and defeated the plan of settlers and the U.S. government to expel them from their homeland during the 19th century. Registration ends November 13, and the fee is $10 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.

SoulCollage^® Workshop (In Person) 

Friday, Oct 27 • 6:00 – 8:30 pm 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI –In the Christian tradition, just after Halloween comes the celebration of those who have passed from this life. We celebrate through All Saints and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2. Our gathering in October is the perfect time to connect to your ancestors. SoulCollage^® offers an engaging way to honor them. Through creating collage cards for your ancestors, you tap in to how they are connected to your story and your soul. Whether our ancestors encouraged us, challenged us, or embarrassed us, they can become helpful voices as we look for insight and direction in our life. To help create your ancestor cards, it is recommended that you go through photos, and then make a copy on your printer of the photos you might want to use. Bring a variety of copies of photos reflecting a variety of ancestors – you never know who may want to come forward! If you don’t have access to photos, images will be available to help capture the essence of your ancestors. The workshop will also include how you can use your cards to set up an altar in your home to celebrate All Saints and All Souls. 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/soulcollage-workshop-in-person/ 

Renew Retreat ~ Schedule Yourself or a Group for an In-Person Retreat 

Available for Individuals and Small Groups by Appointment 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI –The Renew Retreat is an individual or group retreat that is a self-guided contemplative pilgrimage. The gentle Christian practice of using scripture and prayerful prompts aligned with the four elements — fire, water, earth, and air — will help guide your journey into and beyond the garden in ways that strengthen your awareness of creation as a renewable resource, energizing your beingness, and the world around you. We will begin at Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College, transition to the St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Garden, and return to Dominican Center. As you walk the paths along the wooded trails, you are led into the pace and rhythms of the natural world. Water, earth, fire, and air greet you — each element of nature a reminder of the peaceful relationship between living organisms and their physical environment. 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/renew-retreat/ 

Centering Prayer (Online) 

Tuesdays • Noon 

Centering Prayer is a modernized prayer method based on the intuitive prayer rooted in Lectio Divina. It is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience the Divine’s immanent presence with us. Centering Prayer is grounded in relationship with God, through Christ, and is a practice to nurture that relationship. This method of prayer complements and supports other modes of prayer — verbal, mental, or affective prayer — and facilitates resting in the Divine Presence. Centering Prayer offers a way to grow in intimacy with God, moving beyond conversation to communion. 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/centering-prayer/ 

Workshop Offers Ideas for Managing Relationships with Emotional Intelligence

How can you navigate complex relationships? In Managing Relationships with Emotional Intelligence, Sister Patricia McDonald, OP, addresses personal, professional, social, and relational reactions to our interactions with others. This informative workshop helps participants to discern what they want to change, moderate, or alter in connecting with others.

The workshop, offered in person and online, is from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2023. 

Sister Pat, an Adrian Dominican Sister, has worked in the fields of mental health and higher education. Her background includes consulting, educating, preaching, public speaking, and teaching.

The cost is $15. Registration is required. Visit  www.webercenter.org and click on programs; call 517-266-4000; or email webercenter@adriandominicans.org. 

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.

Fanjeaux Pilgrimage 2024

June 24 – July 2, 2024

Immerse yourself in the Dominican Spirit on this pilgrimage to the lands of St. Dominic. The program includes conferences on the life and spirit of Dominic and other notable Dominicans, as well as prayer, seminars, group sharing and tours.

Deepening the Dominican Spirit Presentation 2023

Registration Form

Join us for Dominicans Embracing the Heart of Laudato Si’

The Laudato Si’ Action Team from the Dominican Sisters and Associates of Racine, Wisconsin will be hosting an inspiring day for Dominicans. The Zoom presentation, called Dominicans Embracing the Heart of Laudato Si’, will help us discern the signs of the times, share the gift of Laudato Si’ and respond to the invitation to restore right relationships. We invite all Dominicans to join us for this important conversation on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

The day will be presented by three expert presenters in the area of Laudato Si’. They include:

Dr. Lorna Gold, Director of Movement Building, FaithInvest and President of the Laudato Si’ Movement Board of Directors, Elizabeth Garlow, Co-founder, Francesco Collaborative and Senior Fellow, New America and Catherine Devitt, Programme Manager of FaithInvest. In addition, the day will include speakers and storytellers from the Dominican family who are bringing the gifts of Laudato Si’ alive.

The day will be organized in two parts:

• The morning session, Restoring Right Relationships with Laudato Si’, runs from 9:00 to 11:15 a.m. CDT via Zoom. This session will explore how Laudato Si’ offers us the wisdom to see and respond to the ecological crisis. Participants will hear from Sharon Zayac, OP, Dominican Sisters of Springfield and Colette Kane, OP Dominican Sisters of Cabra and Program Director, An Tairsearch, Wicklow, Ireland, who will provide examples of Laudato Si’ initiatives from the Dominican Family.

• The afternoon session, Becoming Stewards for a More Just Economy, runs from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. CDT via Zoom. This session will take a deep dive into how finances and investments can be used as a force for good. Included in the afternoon is a storytelling session facilitated by Elizabeth Garlow that will include S. Marilin LLanes, OP, Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Lisa Kane, OP Dominicans of Racine and Pat Siemen, OP, Dominican Sisters of Adrian and the Dominican Climate Solutions Fund.

“Our hope is that this incredible learning experience will help Dominicans throughout the United States better understand how faith-first investing can bring about a new economy that benefits people and planet as we work to restore right relationships,” says Maryann McMahon, OP, President of the Racine Dominicans.

Our day together will be on Zoom, and Spanish interpretation will be available.

For more information, including presenter and panelist bio and a registration link, go to https://www.racinedominicans.org/dcjr/laudatosidominicans.cfm.  

“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/

Introduction and Explore Zentangle (In-Person)

Thursday, Sep 7 • 6:00 – 8:00 pm

GRAND RAPIDS, MI –The Zentangle® Method is an easy to learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by using techniques of drawing structured patterns and reflective prompts. These patterns are called tangles. As you draw, you explore the invitation to practice gratitude, be present, slow down, increase your focus and enjoy creating! During our time together, we will explore Zentangles history and introduce the basic steps all while being immersed in creating paper tiles that celebrate Zentangles philosophy: “Anything is possible one stroke at a time.”® Discover the gift of relaxation, expanded awareness, enhanced focus, new techniques for problem-solving and uncover new ways to see beauty or embrace the unexpected. No art experience needed, beginners are welcome! All materials will be included and are for you to keep. 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/introducing-and-exploring-zentangle/

Spiritual Companioning — A Call to a Ministry of Presence (In-Person)

Mondays: Sep 11, Sep 25, Oct 16, Oct 30, Nov 20, 2023. Dec 11, 2023; Jan 22, Feb 26, Mar 18, Apr 15, May 6, 2024 • 6:30 – 9:00 pm
GRAND RAPIDS, MI –Spiritual Companioning is a ministry of presence. It is a personal ministry that arises from one’s faith commitment to serve others. This nine-month course deepens the sacred presence we offer one another. We will focus on the development of the whole person in responding more deeply to God’s call to grow in holiness and openness to healthy human interaction and interdependence. Participants pray, study and learn together. If you have experienced the Foundations in Spirituality course and are interested in continuing to explore, cultivate, and evolve ways of being in the world through the lens of love, come journey with other people committed to deepening on the path of heart-centered living and put contemplative practices into action. 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/spiritual-companioning-contemplation-and-personal-transformation-toward-a-ministry-of-presence/

Tending the Call ~ Ongoing Formation for Spiritual Directors (Online)

Wednesdays: Sep 20, Oct 4, Oct 18, Nov 1, Nov 15, Nov 29 • 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Join a community of Spiritual Directors who feel called to revisit the teachings of foundational companions and re-imagine ways they can support your present-day ministries. This is a time for spiritual directors to delve back into a contemplative study space, deepening understanding about the wisdom of spiritual giants introduced to you in the Spiritual Direction Practicum. Share, study, and pray with a sacred community of practicing Spiritual Directors from the Dominican Center for Spirituality, as we seek a deepening relationship with God and are reminded of the journey of transformation that first called us to the practice of spiritual direction. 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/tending-the-call-fall/

Zentangle: Beyond the Basics

Thursday, Sep 21 • 6:00 – 8:00 pm

GRAND RAPIDS, MI –Give yourself the gift of time away from the bustle and bustle and immerse yourself in creative mindfulness as you explore the next step in the Zentangle® Method. During Introduction to Zentangle, we learned about pattern, called tangles. As we drew, we explored the invitation to practice gratitude, be present, slow down, and increase focus and enjoy creating! During this second session, we will learn about the “string”, the way in which we create sections to pattern. This helps build a foundation for continued tangling on our own. We will highlight the theory behind the string, explore techniques for creating a string without fear or hesitation, learn more patterns and create paper tiles. Please bring your supplies from the introductory class and those will be supplemented. 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/zentangle-beyond-the-basics/

Foundations in Spirituality (In-Person)

Saturdays: Sep 23, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16, 2023; Jan 20, Feb 17, Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18, 2024 • 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
GRAND RAPIDS, MI –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. 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 practices for living a richer spiritual life. Respond to the yearning in your heart for a deeper relationship with God by returning to the Foundations in Spirituality. 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/foundations-in-spirituality/

Called to be a Spiritual Director ~ Spiritual Director Practicum (Online & In-Person)

September 2023 – May 2024
GRAND RAPIDS, MI –A Spiritual Director holds sacred the many stories heard in a one-on-one relationship or in a trusted group. The Spiritual Director Practicum is filled with contemplative spiritual practices, prayer study, and shared reflection; strengthens our ability to stay present; attunes our listening to sense how the Holy Spirit is present in our lives and in the lives of others; looks to Spiritual Giants to mentor participants during the formation process; and reminds us that the ultimate healer holds up director and directee in all ways. Using an Ignatian spiritual framework, you are encouraged to find meaning in every moment. You are given space to deepen your relationship with God – the God who loves us into life. Through the process, move closer to uncovering your authentic self that guides the discernment of your calling. 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/transformative-programs-and-retreats/

A Bottle Full of Tears ~ Moving Through Grief (In-Person)

Friday, Sep 29 • 6:30 – 8:30 pm & Saturday, Sep 30 • 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

GRAND RAPIDS, MI –We will explore the stages of the grief experience in a two-day, in-person interactive retreat. Using a variety of transformative practices alongside reflective pauses for integration, we will honor ways we might be worked by loss, learn from it, and love through it. During the past two and a half years of the pandemic reality, we were challenged to both collective loss and as well as individual realizations of the truth of impermanence and the grief associated with it. Grief is deeply personal and can be one of life’s most difficult challenges. The human experience of loss is inevitable but can also be supported in a variety of healing ways. Grief is an emotional reaction occurring in response to a loss. The internal work of grief is a process, a journey. 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/bottle-full-of-tears/

Fostering New Relationships on Turtle Island

Christin Tomy, OP will lead a reflective retreat discussing the horrific impacts of colonization on native peoples and explore spiritual pathways for new dialogue and healing.

This retreat will include a virtual conversation with Shawn Stevens (Red Eagle), a member of the Stockbridge Munsee band of Mohicans. He lives among his people who are originally from the Hudson Valley NY but now reside in Bowler, WI. Shawn represents the community at many public gatherings and he is also a traditional story teller and musician.

(‘Turtle Island’ is the name for the lands now known as North and Central America. It is a name used by some Indigenous peoples who believe their land was formed on the back of a turtle).

Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 15 at 5pm through Sat., Sept. 16 at 4pm

Presenters: Sr. Christin Tomy, OP and Shawn Stevens

Fee: $150 (includes retreat, dinner & overnight stay on Friday, breakfast & lunch on Saturday)

Commuter Fee: $90

Virtual Only Fee: $50 (modified hours as follows: Friday 7 to 8:30pm, Saturday 9am to12 noon & 1:30 to 3:30pm)

Weekend Fee* (Friday, September 15 through Sunday, Sept. 17): $250 (Includes Fostering New Relationships on Turtle Island and Becoming Cosmos: Experiential Workshop to Explore the Cosmic Self retreat on Sunday, with Friday and Saturday night accommodations and all meals, from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch.

*Please note that we offer a combined weekend discount retreat fee of $250 if you attend this retreat, in addition to Becoming Cosmos: Experiential Workshop to Explore the Cosmic Self with Kathleen Deignan and Scott Thompson on Sunday, September 17, from 10am to 3pm. Here’s a link to the event on our website: https://centeratmariandale.secure.nonprofitsoapbox.com/calendar/event/1392

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About the Presenter:

Christin Tomy, OP is the primary presenter for the retreat. Christin is a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa. For several years, her work and interests have focused on the intersections between land, food, faith, and justice. She has served at the Racine Dominican Eco-Justice Center and as Care for Creation Coordinator and Farm Manager at Sinsinawa Mound. Christin is currently working toward a Master of Divinity / MA in Systematic Theology at Catholic Theological Union. She professed perpetual vows in May of 2022.

Shawn Stevens (Red Eagle), a member of the Stockbridge Munsee band of Mohicans. He lives among his people who are originally from the Hudson Valley NY but now reside in Bowler, WI. Shawn represents the community at many public gatherings and he is also a traditional story teller and musician.

St. Martin de Porres Day Celebration

Featuring award-winning preacher and author, Reverend Maurice Nutt, CSsR: “Martin de Porres: Model of Racial Healing and Reconciliation”

The Center at Mariandale is pleased to welcome renowned preacher and activist, Rev. Maurice Nutt, CSsR, to serve as its St. Martin de Porres Day speaker on Saturday, November 4, 10am to 2pm. Celebrating the legacy of this 16th century Dominican priest and first Black saint of the Americas, Mariandale dedicates this event to education about antiracism and building an inclusive church and society. The event will include preaching by Fr. Maurice as well as festive praise dance and singing from area groups. Mariandale will provide a luncheon from 12 to 1pm.

Also featured at this event are the Sinai Radiant Liturgical Dancers and the Voices of Victory choir, both from St. John’s University.

Date and Time: Saturday, November 4, 2023, offered in two attendance options:

• 10am to 2pm for on-site presentation in the Chapel at Mariandale. Mariandale will provide a luncheon from 12 to 1pm.
• 10am to 12noon for online Zoom presentation, only.

Fee: $40 for on-site presentation, with luncheon. $20 for online Zoom presentation from 10am to noon, only.

Dominican Light and Spirituality

Siena Retreat Center (Racine) will offer a morning of reflection with Miriam Brown, OP (Sinsinawa) on Wednesday, September 13. Come to connect with the mystical and prophetic spirit that St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena passed on to us in our own complex times.

Registration link:  https://www.sienaretreatcenter.org/retreats/dominican-light-and-spirituality/

Community Song Circle

On Saturday, August 26, from 10-11:30 a.m., join Mary Kay McDermott and Rachel Schmidt Boeke for the Community Song Circle. Mary Kay and Rachel are co-leaders for the Dubuque area Safe Passage Singers. This community singing experience is open to anyone, no matter their singing experience or ability. The Iowa City Community Singers sum up the kind of singing we’ll engage in: “Community singing relies on oral tradition, is generally a cappella, and focuses on themes of love, healing, empowerment, justice, the beauty of nature and our connection to the Earth. We recognize that singing is a spiritual practice in its own right. As we blend our voices, we are strengthening bonds of community and commitment to each other and the Earth. It’s also great fun!” Please register by August 23, and the fee is $15 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.

Harvest Fest

SINSINAWA, Wis.—Join us at the Sinsinawa Mound Collaborative Farm on Sunday, August 27, for our annual Harvest Fest from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy collaborative farm tours, hay rides, live music, natural tie-dying, prairie tours and more. Learn about our local organic food system and meet the farmers who provide fresh healthy veggies to you and your family. New this year will be food tastings, beverages (adult and kid-friendly), local cheese, local honey and Sinsinawa Mound bread. Come spend the afternoon hanging out and enjoying a sweeping view of the tri-state area. 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.

Explore Catholic Social Teaching at Weber Conference Center

Barbara Wall, PhD, explores perduring themes in Catholic Social Teaching (CST), including the sanctity of life and of all creation, the common good, human rights, appropriate uses of power, and accumulation of wealth. Her hybrid presentation, Catholic Social Teaching: Community, Change, and Relevance, is from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT Saturday, August 19, 2023. The day includes the opportunity for group discussion on the importance and relevance of CST. Participants can attend in person at Weber Retreat and Conference Center or through live stream.

Barbara retired from Villanova University in 2020 as Vice President for Mission and Ministry and as a member of the Philosophy Department. She is founder of several programs at Villanova, including the Women’s Studies Program, the Ethics Program, and the Office of Mission and Ministry, as well as co-founder of Villanova’s Center for Peace and Justice Education.

The cost for in-person participation is $45, which includes lunch. Online participation is $35. 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.

Dine and Discuss Book Club Focuses on Evicted

Enjoy dinner and a discussion of the book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in an American City during the fall 2023 gathering of the Dine and Discuss Book Club. The evening begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Weber Retreat and Conference Center. 

Evicted, a 2016 non-fiction book by Matthew Desmond, follows the lives of eight families in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as they struggle to pay rent during the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Desmond received a Pulitzer Prize for this book, which opens the readers’ eyes to the plight of people struggling to keep a roof over their heads and offers possible solutions to the crisis.

The cost for the evening is $15, which includes dinner and the book. The book is available through Weber Center at the reception desk and the Weber Center Shop. 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.

The Windows of Queen of the Rosary Chapel: A Story of Faith in Color, Light and Glass

SINSINAWA, Wis.—Join S. Priscilla Wood, OP, Director of the Office of Arts and Cultural Heritage, for a sitting tour of these jewels in the crown in our chapel at Sinsinawa Mound. Learn not only the special techniques used but the story that each window contains as each takes the viewer on a journey through faith. This event will be held on Wednesday, August 23 and September 27 at 3 p.m. This is open to the public and admission is free. 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.

Healing Haunted Histories

SINSINAWA, Wis.—Eric Anglada, Sinsinawa’s Ecological Programming Coordinator, will be leading Healing Haunted Histories on Saturday, August 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We live in a land that is haunted, where the spirit of past colonial violence and Native dispossession is still present among us. This retreat will explore the hauntings of this continent, region and landscape, while delving into practical ways of healing. This is both an inward and an outward journey. To prepare for the event, please research your family history and bring that information to the retreat. The fee is $30 per person, and registration ends on Thursday, August 17. 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.

Sinsinawa Mound Market

SINSINAWA, Wis.—Join us at Sinsinawa Mound on Wednesday, August 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. for our next market of the season. The market is held at our farm at 2551 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824. The vendors at the market will include Collaborative Farmers, Sandhill Farm, Dropseed Farm, City Girl Farming, The Mound’s Farm, Sinsinawa Bakery, Sinsinawa Book and Gift Gallery, plus more! 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.