D O M I N I C A N S I S T E R S O F S P R I N G F I E L D I L L I N O I S

Fall 2012 | Vol. 12, No 3

WordsJUST

Inside this issue: Study Days

Associate Formation

And More!

By Marilyn Jean Runkel, OP, PhD

In Dominican government, significant decisions impacting the entire congregation are decided

by all members who gather every six years for a Chapter of Life and Mission. The Prioress General and her Council of four elected members are responsible for leading and guiding the focus of these carefully chosen opportunities which further our commitment to preaching the gospel. In the tradition of Dominican shared decision making, members of the community are called upon to assist in pursuing a course of action for the direction statements. Yearly Assembly Days are an opportunity to explore how the decisions of the last General Chapter are progressing.

Assembly days are filled with reports, presentations and discussions around what leadership and members have accomplished in the last year, but all endeavors of Assembly Days are centered in prayer and contemplative awareness. This community gathering is meant to enrich the personal and communal preaching which is at the heart of Dominican life. Daily Eucharist enables the entire assembly to celebrate and prepare for the events of the day. Morning sessions begin with carefully prepared common prayer, preaching

and time for silent contemplation. Each day ends with prayerful gratitude.

On the first day of the June 2012 General Assembly, most of the agenda was devoted to a review of a comprehensive audit of organizational structures,

staffing, policies and procedures, communication and reporting relationships for congregational departments. The audit was an action step toward assessing our stewardship of financial resources. There was much sharing and discussion around the content of

the audit process, and the follow-up to be conducted by members of the congregation. This project speaks to an important commitment from the 2009 General Chapter: “to choose and practice specific actions on a local level so as to live more sustainably.”

Day two of the Assembly brought an opportunity to explore the research of Sister Ilia Delio, OSF, Ph.D. Sister Ilia holds a doctorate in both pharmacology and historical theology. She is a Research Fellow at Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University and a sought-after speaker on the cosmological and biological components of evolution and how these impact the

Mission Statement:

Called by God into right relationship

with all creation and graced by Dominican life and mission,

we compassionately preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

JUST WordsSharing the life, mission, and ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois Published three times a year. Volume 12, Number 3

Dominican Sisters of SpringfieldSacred Heart Convent1237 West Monroe StreetSpringfield, IL 62704Phone: 217.787.0481Fax: 217.787.8169www.springfieldop.org

For inquiries about this publication:Dawn BoyerDirector of Communicationsdboyer@spdom.org

For inquiries about vocations:Sister Teresa MarronDirector of Vocationssrteresa@spdom.org

For inquiries about the Associate program:Sister Paul Mary JanssensDirector of the Associates Programspmjanssens@spdom.org Editorial Board MEMBErs:Dawn BoyerSister Barbara BlesseSisterw Maristella DunlavyBarbara FuhrwerkSister Kathleen GallagherSister Judine HilbingSister Linda Sue NoeSister Janet Marie PfileSister Marilyn Jean RunkelSister Catherine StewartSister Elizabeth Wrenn

Dear Readers,

The “sacred preaching” which began in the thirteenth century, with Saint Dominic’s

vision for the order he founded, continues to this day. Saint Dominic sent his followers to universities throughout Europe so they could be educated by renowned theologians and philosophers of the time. Little did any of us know that eight centuries later we would stand in awe as we try to grasp how much more there is to learn!

During our General Assembly Days, we were treated to a scholarly presentation by Sister Ilia Delio who challenged us to broaden our vision on the impact of the universe on our inter-connectedness to one another and all creation and to reach out and grasp what has emerged. Her talks, as summarized by Sister Marilyn Jean, shed light on our need to immerse ourselves in a deeper scholarly study of evolution and how it impacts our lives together.

Rooted in a love for study, one of the four pillars of Dominican life, we spent precious days this summer

centered on the “story” that shapes our lives. Sister Mary Jo captures for us the many facets of Study Days and how we continue to live what we learn as we learn how to live.

As we pause to make annual retreats, we sometimes come away amazed at new vistas opened before our eyes as well as deep within our hearts. In July, Father Terry Johnson guided our sisters to “explore and expand their images of God – letting the wisdom of creation guide the way”.

Sister Judine centers on many important topics as she shares the new approach to seeing oneself within the cosmos.

Susan Hickman and Catherine Leyser report on their new role as Dominican Associates. They touch on their journey to commitment and the graces that were present throughout their formation.

A most inviting exercise is explained as Sister Kathlyn reviews The Strom Before the Calm by Neale Donald Walsch. Readers will be energized by the messages conveyed and will want to join in the world wide conversation.

As information multiplies astronomically, we find ourselves literally overwhelmed at times with the magnitude of what there is to study. It is at times like these that we need to sit quietly and contemplate the Word. It is only through our contemplation that we can give to others the fruits contained therein.

ENRICHING ASSEMBLYEnergizing,

Sister Maristella Dunlavy, O.P. is the head sacristan at the Motherhouse and Director of the Domincan Prayer Card ministry.

“Assembly Days are centered in prayer and contemplative awareness. This community gathering is meant to enrich the personal and communal preaching which is at the heart of Dominican life.”

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E N R I C H I N G A S S E M B L YT H E C O N T E X T

interconnectedness of all creation. Sister Ilia posed the question:

“What is the meaning of Jesus Christ in a universe that is still coming to be?” Her presentation included explanations of systems theory, chaos theory, quantum physics and the impact of these elements of science on an understanding of the Universe as a constantly changing reality. She included the work of Newton, Einstein, Darwin, Bohm, Teihard de

Chardin and other respected scholars who contributed toward a growing understanding of evolutionary consciousness. The focus of her presentation was taken from her recent book, The Emergent Christ: Exploring the Meaning of Catholic in an Evolutionary Universe.

Central to Sister Ilia’s message is the principle that evolution is the “rise of consciousness” in a developing and evolving universe. She stated the following in her presentation: “We are the universe come to conscious self-awareness; with the human person occurs the passage of conscious evolution toward self-reflection. The human mind is able to reach out to grasp the cosmic process from which it has emerged.”

Sister Ilia sees Jesus as the center of a process of Christogenesis. Jesus enters the evolutionary process with newness and needed transformation enabling a renewed future for earthly life that moves toward Resurrection

and the fullness of life. Jesus is the “wholemaker,” restoring, reconciling, forgiving, compassionate and merciful. She quotes Karl Rahner in explaining the Resurrection:

“When the vessel of His body was shattered in death, Christ was poured out over the cosmos. He became actually, in His very humanity, what He had always been in his dignity, the

innermost center of creation.”

Not every part of Assembly Days consists of prayer, listening and study. Refreshment breaks, evening socials and just general chatter are an essential part of the official

agenda. For some, this may be the only time this year that they see members of the community with whom they have lived and ministered. Joy, hugs and fruitful conversation are a witness of a spirit of support and caring. Peruvian Sisters are brought into the midst of the days via Skype and video conferencing. Most of what happens in the Assembly is carried to

the Sisters in Regina Coeli via either a sound system or video conferencing. These are days for all two hundred plus Springfield Dominicans to gather, participate, celebrate and enjoy.

Even though the purpose of Assembly Days is to explore how the decisions of the last General Chapter are progressing, the final day of the gathering was dedicated to preparations for the next Chapter scheduled for 2014. Leadership had done preliminary planning, which was presented for discussion and input. Timelines for study and preparation for 2014 were explained. This too, seems to be an evolutionary process, as each General Chapter is a new event that is connected to all previous Chapters and all Springfield Dominicans and those with whom they minister and associate. As Sister Ilia Delio shared, “We live in an unfinished universe; our life, our dreams and our vision is not behind us, but ahead of us.” This final day of the Assembly Days looked to the days ahead.

Marilyn Jean Runkel, OP, PhD is Assistant Professor of Education and Business at Benedictine University at Springfield, IL.

Footnote: The reader is encouraged to explore Ilia Delia’s book, The Emergent Christ, for a full presentation of her research and findings.

Above: Hermana Edíth Vila Alania, OP (right) leads a session with Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP Below: Sisters were very interested in the information presented.

Above: Sisters give the Dominican blessing to Sister Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD.

Below: Sister Karen Freund, OP and Sister Patricia Francis, OP engage in discussion.

“We live in an unfinished universe; our life, our dreams and our vision is not behind us, but ahead of us.” Sister Ilia Delio, OSF, Ph.D

Fall 2012 | 54 | JUST Words

Energía, ENRIQUECIMIENTO, EMOCIÓN

ASAMBLEA GENERAL 2012

En el gobierno Dominicano, las decisiones significantes que afectan toda la congregación son tomadas por todos los miembros reunidos

cada cinco años por el Capítulo de Vida y Misión. La Priora General y su Consejo de cuatro miembros elegidos, tienen la responsabilidad de liderar y guiar el enfoque de es+as oportunidades muy especiales para renovar nuestro compromiso a la predicación del evangelio. En la tradición Dominicana la comunidad comparte la toma de decisiones; por eso se pide su apoyo al seguir un acciónes para cumplir las Declaraciones de Dirección. Cada año los Días de Asamblea General dan oportunidad por informes, presentaciones, y diálogos sobre asuntos que el liderazgo y los miembros han avanzado durante el año pasado.

La centralidad de la oración y la conciencia contemplativa son aspectos muy importantes en esos Días de Asamblea. Esta reunión anual es para enriquecer la predicación personal y comunal que yace en el corazón de la vida Dominicana. La Eucaristía diaria permite celebrar y prepararse para las tareas del día. La sesión de la mañana comienza con oración comunitaria, predicación y tiempo para la contemplación en silencio, todo lo cual ha sido preparado muy cuidadosamente. Cada día termina con oración de gratitud. Un compromiso mayor que nació del Capítulo General de 2009 era de “escoger y practicar acciones específicas al nivel local para vivir más sosteniblemente.” Mirando hacia su implementación se decidió también estudiar nuestra responsabilidad por los recursos económicos.

En el Convento del Sagrado Corazón se realizó una evaluación comprensiva de la congregación: las estructuras organizacionales, el personal, las políticas y procedimientos, y las comunicaciones e informes entre departamentos de la congregación. Realizado gracias a una donación de parte de la Oficina Nacional para Religioso/as Jubilados, y administrado bajo el liderazgo de la Asociación Nacional de Administradores de Personal Eclesial, el proceso nos ofreció recomendaciones y sugerencias para la implementación de cambios

en las áreas analizadas. En el espíritu de un proceso colaborativo, las entrevistas incluyeron el equipo del liderazgo congregacional, la economista congregacional, la administradora del Convento del Sagrado Corazón, la priora local del Convento, las directoras de todos los departamentos y también grupos de empleados y de hermanas residentes del Convento.

El día jueves, el primer día de la Asamblea, la evaluación fue el tema principal de la agenda. Se dio tiempo para compartir y dialogar el contenido del proceso evaluatorio. Por unos años, mientras la congregación intenta estudiar y poner en práctica las sugerencias, la participación de todos continuará.

El segundo día de la Asamblea ofreció la oportunidad de explorar los estudios de la Hermana Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD. Preparada durante años de estudios, Hna. Delia es cientista y también Socio del Equipo de Investigaciones del Centro Teológico de Woodstock de la Universidad de Georgetown. Es ponente buscada por sus conocimientos de las dimensiones cosmológicas y biológicas de la evolución y como ellos impactan las relaciones entre todo aspecto de la creación. Lanza la pregunta: “¿Qué significa Jesucristo en el universo que todavía llega a ser?” (Presentación de diapositivas 5 de Junio, 2011)

La ponencia de Hermana Ilia incluyó explicaciones de la teoría de sistemas, la teoría de caos, la ciencia de la física quantum y el impacto de dichos elementos de la ciencia sobre una comprensión del universo como una realidad en constante estado de cambio.. Sacó ideas de las obras de Newton, Einstein, Darwin, Bohmn, Teihard de Chardin y otros estudios reconocidos quienes contribuyeron al comprensión creciente de la conciencia evolucionaria. El enfoque de su presentación fue tomado de su nuevo libro, El Cristo Emergente: Explorando el Sentido de Católico dentro del Universo Evolucionario. (Orbis Books, Maryknoll NY. 2011)

Céntrico al mensaje de Hermana Ilia es el principio que la evolución es la “emergencia de la conciencia” dentro del universo que siempre está en procesos de desarrollo y evolución. Afirma lo siguiente: “Somos el universo llegado al auto-conciencia; con la persona humana ocurre el paso

de la evolución conciente hacia la auto-reflexión. La mente humana es capaz de estirarse hacia la comprensión del proceso cósmico de lo cual se ha surgido.” (Presentación de diapositivas, 5 de Junio de 2011.)

Hermana Ilia presenta a Jesús como el centro del proceso de “Cristogénesis”. Jesús entra el proceso evolucionario como la novedad y la transformación necesaria para renovar el futuro de la vida terrenal que avanza hacia la Resurrección y la plenitud de vida. Jesús es el que completa todo, que restaura, reconcilia, perdona, y quien es compasivo y misericordioso. Hermana Ilia cita a Karl Rahner al explicar la Resurrección:

“Cuando el vasija de su cuerpo fue quebrantado en la cruz, Cristo fue vertido sobre el cosmos: llegó a ser, verdaderamente, en su propia humanidad, lo que siempre había sido en su dignidad, el centro más profundo de la creación.” (Presentación de diapositivas, 5 de Junio, 2011)

En los Días de Asamblea, no todo consiste en oración, escuchar y estudiar. También partes esenciales son los momentos del encuentro informal: los ¨breaks¨, los encuentros sociales de las tardes, y las conversaciones espontáneas que nacen entre hermanas que no se han visto por tiempo. La alegría, los abrazos y la conversación dan testimonio del espíritu de apoyo y cariño. También las hermanas Peruanas participan en los días, o en persona, o por el Skype y las tele comunicaciones. Este año cinco de ellas participaron en Springfield. Las hermanas enfermas de Regina Coeli, también por medio de la tecnología

moderna, pueden estar al día de los acontecimientos de la Asamblea. Para casi todas las 200 y más hermanas de la congregación, los días de la Asamblea General son días para celebrar y disfrutar.

Aunque el propósito de los Días de Asamblea era de explorar como se habían avanzado con las decisiones tomadas en el último Capítulo General, el día final tomó una mirada a las preparativas para el próximo Capítulo del 2014. El liderazgo presentó para diálogo y sugerencias la planificación ya proyectada. En preparación para 2014 se presentó unas alternativas de fechas para evaluar y escoger. Esto también parece ser un proceso evolucionario porque cada Capítulo General en un acontecimiento nuevo, conectado con todos los Capítulos del pasado, con todas las Dominicas de Springfield, y con todas aquellas personas que son parte de las vidas de las hermanas por el ministerio y la amistad. Como la Hermana Ilia Delio compartió: “Vivimos en un universo todavía incompleto; nuestra vida, nuestros sueños y nuestra visión no están detrásde nosotros sino adelante.” El último día de la Asamblea miró adelante.

Sister Marilyn Jean Runkel, OP, PhD es unaProfesora Adjunta de Educación y NegociosUniversidad Benedictino de Springfield.

By Sister Marilyn Jean Runkel, OP, PhD

Sister M. Rosaire Barton, OP, who entered into eternal life June 30, 2012

Sister Mary Harris, OP, who entered into eternal life September 16, 2012

I N M E M O R I A M

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E N E R G I A , E N R I Q U E C I M I E N T O , E M O C I Ó NA S A M B L E A G E N E R A L 2 0 1 2

ASSOCIATE JOURNEY

When several of us helped Sister Barbara Blesse, a member of our faith-sharing group, move to Springfield when she was elected to leadership,

we didn’t know it would be the beginning of a path that would lead to becoming Dominican Associates. We didn’t even know what an “Associate” was! We only knew that we wanted our friendship with Sister Barbara to continue and that there was something special in the warmth of the reception we received from the other Sisters. The beauty of the chapel and Morning Prayer drew us in; we knew we wanted to come back for more. When Sister Barbara mentioned an upcoming day-long program on eco-spirituality, we signed up.

Due to personal circumstances for each of us, it was not until two years later that we were able to commit to the year-long Dominican Associate formation process. During that time, we continued to come to Springfield regularly for the August workshop days and for the tenth anniversary celebrations at Jubilee Farm. Other members of our faith-sharing group often came with us to these events.

In August 2011 we began the formation process. We drove to Springfield from Chicago as often as possible and met regularly with our sponsor, Sister Barbara. And we loved it! We felt ourselves growing in relationship to the Springfield Dominicans

and in our own spirituality. Each formation experience deepened our connection and commitment. On May 20, 2012, we became Dominican Associates. Most of our small faith-sharing group were there to witness and support us.

What a blessing! Our new identity as Dominican Associates has given us a stronger sense of intentionality in our faith. We are experiencing a renewed sense of

what it means to be a disciple of Christ by being conscious of “preaching from the pulpit of our lives.” We have received such a grace in the gift of the Springfield Sisters’ community and in beginning to know other associates. We look forward to continuing this journey in the years to come. Thank you!

Susan Hickman is a Masters of Divinity student and employee at Catholic Theologial Union in Chicago. Catherine Leyser is a recently retired director of a small federal agency, and currently likes to travel and volunteer. She volunteers at the Dominican Literacy Center in Melrose Park, IL

By Sister Judine Hilbing, OP

Unity WIith God &

WITH ALL CREATIONBoth Galileo and Charles Darwin met with extreme

opposition when promoting scientific theories that pushed the limits of theological understanding.

When the Hubble Telescope began transmitting spectacular images back to Earth in 1990, the human mind was forced to comprehend the new scientific reality of a cosmos in which human life seemed so incredibly small.

With the advancement of technology, the speed with which scientific hypotheses are explored and confirmed is accelerating in today’s world. The discovery of a phenomenon such as the Higgs Bosom is accepted as factual information long before people of faith can integrate it into traditional Catholic theology.

As Dominicans committed to Truth, that which is difficult to comprehend is explored through scholarly study. What a blessing it was then for a group of Springfield Dominicans to spend a week of prayer and reflection centered on Christian spirituality within a new world view of Creation. Father Terry Johnson, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, led a retreat during the week of July 8-14 entitled “Exploring and Expanding our Images of God: Letting the Wisdom of Creation Guide Our Way.”

Father Johnson’s retreat was an appropriate follow-up to the presentation by Sister Ilia Delio, OSF, at the General Assembly a month before. (see our feature article in this issue). Sister Ilia stretched the thinking of her audience to understand the role of humans within what she described as “the trajectory of cosmic history in the direction of greater cooperation, complexity, and convergence.” The information was thought-provoking and somewhat challenging for many whose spirituality had been concretized by a lifetime of traditional theology. This new approach to seeing oneself within the cosmos called for a deeper understanding of a Provident God whose Incarnate Word is expressed in the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Johnson shared a variety of materials that encouraged the sisters to spend time in prayer and reflection with a Creator God whose work began almost 14 billion years

ago and continues without end into an ever-expanding cosmos. What a wondrous God we have in One whose power is without limits and whose love extends beyond all imagination. This time of prayer and reflection nourished the spiritual life of each sister wherever she might be on her own path of understanding the New Creation Story. Each retreat participant was fed with Bread for the Journey, a journey with a myriad of alternate routes, but with the same destination of unity with God and with all Creation.

Sister Judine Hilbing, OP is President of Marian Catholic HIgh School in Chicago Heights, IL.

The DominicanBy Susan Hickman and Catherine Leyser

Father Terry Johnson led the retreat entitled Exploring and Expanding our Images of God: Letting the Wisdom of Creation

Guide the Way.

Center: Associates Catherine Leyser, Susan Hickman and Sister Barbara Blesse, OP. Left: Sisters and Associates expressively pray a prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi during the Associate formation together on 9/16/12 called, A Call to Prayer and Preaching.

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A S S O C I A T E N E W S B R E A D F O R T H E J O U R N E Y

transforms their minds and hearts. The session on Media addressed how “the story” gets told and challenged us to make a more informed response based on the whole truth. The Peruvian Sisters and the Anti-Racism Team offered new insights about racism that recommended rethinking current stereotypes and prejudices. A wealth of knowledge was provided by the On-Going Formation Committee in the person of Pat Walter speaking about the vows and how to live in right relationship with God, others

and ourselves. The Preaching Committee’s evening sessions for contemplative prayer and sharing helped facilitate the move from mind to heart – integrating the day’s learning with what still needs to be lived. ww To echo Sister Karla Fritz’s response to all participants, “You should celebrate your wonderful Study Days. We are still talking about how wonderful it was and all we learned, and

how proud, rightly so, we are of our community.” Planning

Committee members included from On-Going Formation: Sister Loyola Miller and Sister Martha Carmody. From Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation: Sister

Sharon Zayac, Sister Marcelline Koch, and Sister Linda Hayes. From Associates:

Rebecca Woodhull. From SDART: Leroy and Johnetta Jordan and Sister Marcelline Koch.

From the Preaching Committee: Sister Melissa Blankestyn and Sister Mary Jo Sobieck.

Sister Mary Jo Sobieck, OP is a theology teacher, yearbook advisor and Extreme4Jesus Mission Club moderator at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, IL.

By Sister Mary Jo Sobieck, OP

TRANSFORMING THE HEARTStudy Days 2012 was a true collaborative effort.

The community’s standing committees, Associates and Anti-Racism Team gathered to share how

their work advances the ways we live out our chapter ordinations. Time was given to explore how we already preach in and through our common life, ministries, and faithful prayer support for the preaching mission. Participants experienced an interesting look at conflicting issues. A genuine transformation of mind and heart occurred, helping foster right relationships on the journey toward wholeness in living God’s will.

The theme of STORY took shape from the video entitled “The Danger of a Single Story.” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg) There IS a danger in the myopic way we see some one/thing. The video proposed other possibilities and perspectives, freeing us from critical m i s u n d e r -standings and providing a more solid foundation for our experiences.

The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation committee showed how the context for all “story” is rooted in creation. Insights and updates on our congregation’s Corporate Stances highlighted the many facets of immigration, and other justice issues and their related effects in the state of Illinois. Members of a panel of Associates told personal stories of how their relationship with us informs and

By Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP

Book Review: THE STORM BEFORE THE CALM

“There is no more powerful way to initiate significant social change than to start a conversation,” says Margaret Wheatley. As

Dominicans we embrace dialogue in the search for truth. If you could start a dialogue with humanity that would be carried out in circles large and small all over the planet by people from a vast array of cultures and experiences, how would you start? Author Neale Donald Walsch, author of the popular “Conversations with God” series now begins a series of “Conversations with Humanity.”

He starts with the fundamental life questions that define our worldview: Who am I? Where am I? Why am I here? And, What do I intend to do about that? In addition to offering his personal response to those questions in the book The Storm Before the Calm, Walsch invites people to join in the conversation at www.theGlobalConversation.com. Imagine the power of the collected wisdom of so many people in dialogue!

Walsch’s message is simple and empowering. Approximately seven billion people on the planet claim to want the same thing: peace, prosperity, opportunity, happiness and love. Is it possible that there is something we do not fully understand about ourselves, about our own life and its purpose, the understanding of which would shift our reality and alter our experience for the better, forever? Challenging us to be “more than passive observers in the rollout of life around us,” the author reminds us that life happens through us, not to us. Our experience of life depends on the meaning we give it, and our understanding of the meaning is shaped by the cultural story (beliefs) we have learned. In some way the worldview we have assumed precludes humanity’s achieving the goals we hold in common.

So we are invited to recognize the often unquestioned assumptions that underlie a “Separation Worldview” and to engage our imagination, understanding and experience to help shape a new cultural story that empowers all of us together to achieve what we seek. At the heart of that new story is the assurance that we are born for Oneness with the Source of all life. “We seek, in the living of our lives, to express Oneness with all things, and especially with each other.” We are born into a friendly world, loved by

God, where there is enough of everything we need to be happy and where we don’t have to compete for anything, especially God.

Read the book, check out the website, and join in the conversation of a lifetime!

Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP is a member of the leadership team for the Springfield Dominicans.

Right Relationships:

Top left: Sister Mary Jo Sobiek, OP; Center top: members of the Anti-Racism Team; Center right: praying for rain in the summer drought: Hermana Eliz-abeth Castro Cruz, OP and Hermana Margarita Valentin Contreras; Bottom: Hermana Patricia De la O’Llanos

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R E A D E R ’ S C O R N E RP R E A C H E R ’ S W O R K

Readers of the spring/summer 2012 issue responded very well to the new response/donation envelope. We greatly appreciate feedback and messages sent

to Sisters. We have received gifts in honor of Sisters, in support of the Sisters’ retirement fund and the mission in Peru. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support. Here are some of your comments on JUST Words and memories of Dominican Sisters that you shared:

Comments

In memory of Sister Mary Leonard and Sister Mary Estelle. These two ladies had the deep seated gift of being able to laugh at oneself… even when it hurt. They both served as superiors, warm-hearted and giving without counting any personal cost. Sister M. Leonard could laugh at her own foibles with a lady-like gentleness while Sister Estelle would laugh so heartily that the contagion spread to all around her.

– Mary E. Warwick Springfield.

(About JUST Words… Wow! Attractive, Pizzazz, and real Bling!)

Autumn at Sacred Heart Convent 2012

Just Words is a

n outstanding

publication. I read it co

ver to

cover as soon as I receive it.

Thought-provoking, spiritual,

joy-filled!

- Donna Lamoureux,

Lansing, IL

Perhaps you could

include a recipe

from your Convent

Kitchens. Blessings! - Steve Vatch

We are so grateful that you

keep us connected with our

many Sister friends identifying

your many areas of dedicated

service through JUST Words.

What fond memories we

have of the many Sisters who

gave of themselves to our St.

Charles Borromeo community

in Hampshire, IL. May God

continue to bless all of you as

you do His work building the

Kingdom. Our love and grati-

tude,

- Bill and Peg Freeman

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C O M M E N T S A U T U M N I M A G E S

The monument reads: “In June 1937, Father Peter Harrington, SMA, Pastor of St. Augustine Parrish, requested that the Do-minican Sisters of Springfield, Ill., come to East St. Louis to educate young black students. The Domincan Sisters taught with love and dedication at St. Augustine Grade School and St. Mary’s Grade and High School from September, 1937 until August, 1964. They also taught at Sr. Thea Bowman School from 1997 to 2004.”

R O S A R Y A T 5 0

Congrats!Pictured ar left are the five living Sisters whose names

are engraved on the monument. (Left to right, front row: Sister Doris Taylor, Sister Janet Guretz. Back row: Sister Marion Sitkiewitz, Sister Henrianne Schmidt, Sister Mary Rose Schleeper.)

Sister Elyse Marie Ramirez will receive the 2012 National Religious Vocation Conference Recognition Award in Vocation Ministry at the NRVC Convocation, November 1-5, 2012 in Plano, Texas.

Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois were honored at the installation of a monument (pictured below) at St. Augustine Parish in East St. Louis.

Dawn Boyer, Communications Director for Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois, was elected to serve on the board of the National Communicators Network for Women Religious at their annual conference October 2-5, 2012.

A Half Century of Excellence Rosary High School marked its

50th anniversary in September with a jubilee Mass held in the school gymnasium. The all-girls, Catholic college preparatory school opened September 4, 1962 in Aurora, Illinois. In addition to receiving an education of the highest quality, Rosary students are immersed in the Dominican charism. These young women demonstrate Christian values in their school, parishes, communities, and go on to contribute these same values in their respective colleges and workplaces. Several members of the freshman class are second-generation Rosary students, and many staff members are alumnae as well, according to principal Sister Patricia Burke, OP. Other alumnae have become leaders in their chosen fields. Pictured below are several of the Sisters who have taught or otherwise ministered at Rosary High School over the last 50 years.

Sister Mary Jean Traeger won the “Women Helping Women” award given by The Women for Women initiative at the Community Foundation for Lincoln Land. The award is for women who go above and beyond to foster positive change in the lives of others through their involvement, action and dedication. The story was published in the Philanthropy section of the October 2012 Springfield Business Journal.

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R O S A R Y A T 5 0C O N G R A T S

Dominican Sisters of Springfield Illinois Sacred Heart Convent1237 West Monroe StreetSpringfield, IL 62704-1680

Address Service Requested

Nonprofit OrgUS Postage

PaidSpringfield IL

Permit No. 414

Dominican Sources

Evening Prayer with Preaching, Sacred Heart Convent, 4:15 pm

Evening Prayer with PreachingSacred Heart Convent, 4:15 pm

Evening Prayer with PreachingSacred Heart Convent, 4:15 pm

October

November

December

Creation is a revelation of God,

a home for God, a temple for

God.

- Meister Eckhart

October 21

November 18

December 16

D A T E B O O K