DOMINICAN SISTERS OF SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS JUST Fall 2019 WordsVol. 19, No. 3

DATEBOOK

1 Associate Formation: Mission & Ministry 9 Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Transferred from Sunday) “We come with deep gratitude for our common call. Draw us into communion with You and all creation.” *Public events. Call 217-787-0481 or visit springfieldop.org for details. from the 2019 A Prayer for the Life of the World THE CONTEXT

“ Through our contemplation, transform marginalized, recognition of the Holy us to listen deeply to one another and to Mystery is the first step in reading the Mission Statement: the brokenness of the world.” 2 Bible as a liberating Word (“See”). Called by God From A Prayer for the Life of the World The reality of the oppressed is where into right relationship God is present and where God with all creation and graced by acts. Dominican life and mission, The second step that we compassionately preach the we learn from these Gospel of Jesus Christ. c o m m u n i t i e s consists in ‘gaining distance’ JUST Words from daily life Sharing the life, mission, and struggles and ministry of the Dominican ‘coming closer’ Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. Published three times a year. to experiences Volume 19, Number 3 reflected in the biblical Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois accounts. The Sacred Heart Convent critical analysis 1237 W Monroe Springfield, Illinois 62704 of the biblical Phone: 217.787.0481 • Fax: 217.787.8169 accounts and the www.springfieldop.org recognition of the For inquiries about this publication: meaning of the texts Sister Beth Murphy, OP Director of Communications (“Judge”), allows us to [email protected] experience a liberating God. For inquiries about vocations: his statement reminds us of It reminds us how the poor and Sister Denise Glazik, OP oppressed were in biblical times, and Director of Vocations the value of contemplation, [email protected] our belief in a transformative are now, agents of God’s transforming For inquiries about the TGod, and our desire to listen deeply power. Associate Program: to one another, to the whole Creation, Contemplation from the perspective Sister M. Joan Sorge, OP Director of the Associate Program and especially to those in the margins. of the oppressed also requires us [email protected] to return to our time and place to Some of the stories of this issue For inquiries about reflect how contemplation has led respond with osadía (boldness) to Mission Advancement sisters and associates to this deep the political, economic, and religious Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, OP Director of Mission Advancement listening and experiencing God challenges of the marginalized. This [email protected] among the rostros concretos of the is the third step (“Act” ). Editorial Board Members: marginalized. We have learned that May deep listening to the stories Sister Mila Díaz Solano, OP contemplation starts at the feet of of women at Bethany House, of the Sister Marie Michelle Hackett, OP Sister Kristin Crawford, OP Jesus—in front of the Eucharist— immigrants of Venezuela, of creation, John Freml and also in the streets and in the and of our process of transformation Sister Judine Hilbing, OP Sister Geraldine Kemper, OP marketplaces. become concrete in our actions! Sister Sara Koch, OP For many base Christian Craig Missel communities in Latin-America, Sister Mila Díaz Solano, OP, is the Sister Beth Murphy, OP Aaron Tebrinke contemplation occurs in “lo Second Councilor of the Dominican Sister Mary Jean Traeger, OP cotidiano” (the daily life struggles Sisters and a member of the JUST Translator: of the poor).1 For people who are Words editorial board. Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP Publication Designer: 1Ada María Isasi-Díaz, La Lucha Continues. Mujerista Theology (New York: Orbis, 2004) 92-106. Aaron Tebrinke 2The Pontifical Biblical Commission, The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church (Boston: Pauline Books &Media, 1993), 67.

2 | JUST Words AN Unfinished Universe Changes Everything by Sister Mary Jean Traeger, OP Image credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, L. Ho

e live in remarkable times. humankind. Rather, Creation involves backward at what has not worked in In the midst of social the whole of life and all that supports the past. We can look forward into turmoil and conflict, it. We are one, in a continual process a future-in-the-making, where we Wscientists and theologians are of change, evolving, together into the anticipate a Universe continuing to collaborating to explore the future. This understanding reveals an evolve. wonders of our 13.8 billion-year-old interconnected reality, in process for What might this mean in a Universe. Biologists, paleontologists billions of years, that shows no signs world intent on battling for limited and cosmologists join hands with of disappearing any time soon. resources, despising those we theologians of various faith traditions Seeing our Universe as “unfinished” perceive as different, and continually to study what Pope Francis has called changes everything. We look forward competing for power over others? “Our Common Home.” into a still-developing future. Fresh Imagine how opening our minds and Out of this amazing endeavor arises opportunities emerge, enabling us hearts to such a spacious way of being a new understanding. “Nature” is to see anew and be filled with hope. might create harmony and blessing no longer a static entity apart from We are no longer confined to looking among us. Sister Mary Jean is a member of the JUST Words editorial board. Fall 2019 | 3 The path to happiness is to LO VE and help others by Antonio Gilmer Romero Vilcatoma and Irma Zulema Suasnabar Delgadillo

e had the experience of gave them hope that calm will return sharing friendship with eventually to their country and that a Venezuelan family. We they will be happy again alongside Wmet them at the door of a bakery on their loved ones. We told them our the great Chimú Avenue in Lima. heart and our God are with them. There, this family offered typical We bought their sweets, in this way sweets of Venezuela: arepas and collaborating to support them. bombones. It is important that as Christians Curiosity and concern led us to we live our lives attentive to those ask why they decided to come to who have less. May we approach Peru, leaving behind their country, others with an attitude of service, customs, and job. The parents had no The bakery on Chimú Avenue in Lima. love, and humility. Venezuelans are reservations about saying that they They said that in their country now experiencing what our brothers left everything for a better future it was impossible for them to have and sisters in Israel lived when they for their children and that they a decent life. Venezuelan money went out, led by Moses, in search of didn’t mind starting from nothing has been greatly devalued while a promised land. In this desert Moses to achieve a better future. They said consumer goods have become devoted to them time, patience, and that at the beginning of each day they more expensive. People die and the love. In this way we see that the path prayed to God to sell their products. government doesn’t care. On the to happiness is to love and help others. Some days they do well and some faces of this family we noticed a very days not so well. Nevertheless, that great pain. We remembered St. Paul’s Antonio Gilmer Romero Vilcatoma did not discourage them. They said words “Let each of you look not to and Irma Zulema Suasnabar they are grateful to God for being in a your own interests, but to the interests Delgadillo, husband and wife, country that provides shelter without of others” (Philp 2: 4). We assured became Springfield Dominican demanding anything in return. them that better times will come. We associates in 2003. They live in Lima.

4 | JUST Words La ruta del camino a la felicidad está en amar y ayudar a los demás por Antonio Gilmer Romero Vilcatoma e Irma Zulema Suasnabar Delgadillo

uvimos la experiencia de Unos días les va bien y otros días país y serán felices nuevamente al lado compartir vivencias con no. Nos dijeron que eso no les de los suyos. Que nuestro corazón una familia venezolana. Nos desanimaba y que agradecían a Dios y nuestro Dios están con ellos. Les Tencontramos con ellos en la puerta por estar en un país que les brinda compramos sus productos. Siempre de una panadería en la gran avenida cobijo sin exigir nada a cambio. estamos colaborando de diferentes Chimú. Allí, esta familia ofrecía Dijeron que en su país les era maneras. productos típicos de Venezuela: imposible tener una vida decente. La Es importante que como cristianos arepas y bombones. moneda venezolana se ha devaluado vivamos pendientes de los que menos La curiosidad y pena nos llevaron enormemente y los productos se han tienen. Que nos acerquemos con a preguntar como así decidieron encarecido en forma terrible. Las actitud de servicio, amor y humildad venir al Perú, dejando atrás su país, personas mueren y al gobierno no hacia los demás. Los venezolanos costumbres y trabajo. Los padres no le importa. En sus rostros notamos están experimentando lo que vivieron tuvieron reparo en decir que dejaron un dolor muy grande. Recordamos nuestros hermanos de Israel cuando todo por un futuro mejor para sus el pasaje de Pablo “no debemos salieron en busca de una tierra hijos y que no les importaba empezar encerrarnos en nuestros intereses sino prometida guiados por Moisés. Él de cero para lograrse un mejor busquemos más bien el interés de los les dedicó tiempo, paciencia y amor. porvenir. Decían que al empezar el demás” (Fil. 2,4). Les aseguramos que La ruta del camino a la felicidad está día se dirigían a Dios para que les vaya vendrán tiempos mejores. Les dimos en amar y ayudar a los demás. bien en la venta de sus productos. esperanza de que la calma volverá a su

Fall 2019 | 5 Grounded for [the] Life [of the World] by Sister Kelly Moline, OP by Michelle Marr

Associates and sisters contemplate the question of presenter Father Wayne Cavalier, OP, “What are you doing here?”

About the photo: Sister Kelly, second from the left in the back row, enjoys a moment with her Springfield Dominican Sisters during General Chapter. Row 1: Sister María Luisa Ñaupari Gutiérrez, Patrica de la Ó Llanos, Dorís Terrel Jiménez, Edíth Vila Alania Row 2: Sisters Mary Jo Sobieck, Patricia Stark, and Elizabeth Castro Cruz.

ou’re grounded for life! Surely and grace of a life of prayer, study, God, the wisdom of the Church, the my little brother heard these community, and preaching (ministry). needs of the world, and one another. words more than I did growing These pillars of Dominican life have Tethered to this vow—included Yup. But I hear them differently these helped form my response to God’s within it—are the other evangelical days. In a world of Snapchat, Twitter, invitation and the needs of my sisters counsels of poverty and celibacy. and Instagram, I find being quickly and brothers. For me, cooperating with grace is connected is much easier than being While I’ve certainly been stretched the key to remaining grounded in our truly grounded. (and at times felt a bit wobbly) along turbulent times. Attuning my ear to Sometimes I’m surprised when my journey within religious life, God’s voice, responding in freedom, a friend or colleague asks, “You’re leaning on these pillars keeps me loving my neighbor whole-heartedly, so grounded, Sister Kelly…how do steady, grounded, and committed to and embracing simplicity and an you do it?” After my initial surprise God’s call for me. abundant worldview are practices passes, I share what I’ve come to learn: “Groundedness in my relationship that allow me to remain “Grounded “It’s a grace of this [religious] life.” with God and in vowed Dominican for the Life of the World.” As I prepare to renew my vows as life allows me to give my daily “Yes” Grounded for Life? I say “Yes”! a Dominican Sister of Springfield, for the life of the world.” groundedness in my relationship A “support” to these pillars is the Sister Kelly is a pastoral care with God and in vowed Dominican single vow all Dominicans take and in associate at St. Dominic Hospital life allows me to give my daily “Yes” which we are grounded: Obedience— Jackson, Miss. for the life of the world. It’s the fruit the vow to listen deeply to the call of 6 | JUST Words Dominican Sister Kelly Moline Renews Vows by Sister Beth Murphy, OP

Sister Kelly celebrates her vow renewal on August 5.

Springfield, Ill.—Springfield and Southbury, Conn., before taking in an atmosphere of freedom and Dominican Sister Kelly Moline a job in Springfield that synced her encouragement,” Sister Kelly said. renewed her vows during Solemn coordinates with several Springfield “I look forward to the adventures Evening Prayer at Sacred Heart Dominican Sisters and led to her that await me as I continue my Convent August 5. decision to pursue consecrated discernment and my ministry at St. Surrounded by her Springfield religious life as her vocation. Dominic’s.” Dominican Sisters, she pronounced, The private vow renewal Unique among religious orders, for the second time, the ancient ceremony is a step in Sister Kelly’s Dominicans pronounce only one formula of Dominican profession ongoing discernment of a life-long vow—obedience—which is inclusive that every member of the Order of commitment to consecrated life as a of the other two evangelical counsels: Preachers makes. Dominican Sister of Springfield. poverty, and celibacy. Read the Born in Minneapolis, Sister Kelly “We are blessed to call Sister Kelly adjacent reflection by Sister Kelly on and her brother Jay were raised there our sister and look forward to her what it means to be grounded in these by their parents, Kevin and Cindy continued ministry among us as she vows. Moline, who now live in Glendale, grows toward her decision about Catholic women interested Arizona. perpetual profession in the Order in discerning God’s call in their Sister Kelly is a chaplain at St. of Preachers,” said Sister Barbara own lives are welcome to contact Dominic’s Hospital, Jackson, Miss., Blesse, OP, at the time, the director Sister Denise Glazik, OP, director and an active member of the young of sisters in temporary vows for the of vocation ministry for the adult group at St. Richard Parish, Springfield Dominicans. “This next Springfield Dominican Sisters, or Jackson. She also participates in two-year period of profession allows visit www.springfieldop.org/join-us for Giving Voice, a peer-led organization Sister Kelly and our sisters to continue background information about what for the small but increasing number mutual discernment of her readiness it takes to become a Dominican sister. of women who are choosing religious and desire for perpetual profession Sister Denise may be reached through life. of vows.” the website, at [email protected] or Before joining the Dominicans, This period of initial formation, 217-787-0481. Sister Kelly earned a bachelor’s Sister Kelly says, fits with her desire Sister Beth is the Director of degree in gerontology from Missouri for deep discernment about the way Communications for the Springfield State University, Springfield, Mo. God is calling her. “Formation is Dominicans. She worked in continuing care structured to help me continue my retirement communities in St. Louis spiritual and professional growth Fall 2019 | 7 Bethany House residents celebrate graduation from the World Relief Job Readiness program. Walking the Talk at Bethany House by Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP

magine you are 18 years old (again!)—and have spent fully half of your life searching for Ia safe and welcoming place to call home. That is Elizabeth’s reality. She fled her home in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at nine years old with her family (Mom, Dad and younger brother and sister), seeking to escape a brutal civil war described as “the bloodiest war since World War II.” The family landed in a refugee camp in Angola. It was evident, even to a child, that this new country did not welcome them. A year later Elizabeth accompanied her father to Brazil where they hoped to establish a home and reunite the family. She went to work braiding hair to earn money. They lost contact with the family back in the refugee camp. Forced to uproot again, they made the treacherous journey north through eight different countries. Her father died crossing the Río Grande. Elizabeth arrived in the U.S.—both alone and as one of thousands of unaccompanied children at our southern border. Now she lives at Bethany House of Hospitality, a home established by women religious of Illinois to welcome immigrant women. Bethany House offers housing and support services to women 18-22 years old as they journey to independence. Since its founding two years ago, Bethany House has been a temporary home to more than 35 women and 4 children from Central America, Africa, and the Middle East. Their average length of stay has been 6 months as they 8 | JUST Words learn English, study for the GED, he said, “My thoughtsW ego in outvite toyo thoseu to jo in ucitizenships in this vit aclassesl area o ffor mi smoresion. Lthanisten 25 and wend their way through the ‘least ones’ who dailyto (cryor r outead) toth ethe sto rieyears;s of im themig Dominicanrants to glim Literacypse the b Centerrave, strong, and resilient people behind the rhetoric we too immigration court system. Almost all Lord, asking to be ofreedften h efromar in t hthee n ewins. Melrose Park opened shortly after. current residents have been victims evils that afflict them…. These least SDART, the Springfield Dominican of human trafficking. ones are abandoned and cheated into Anti-Racism Team, has been working The humanitarian crisis of dying in the desert; these least ones since 2005 to help the sisters and their millions of immigrants throughout are tortured, abused, and violated sponsored institutions recognize and the world forced to flee violence in detention camps; these least ones eliminate racism. Historically, the by Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP and environmental destruction has face the waves of an Wunforgivinge invite you tsea;o jo in ufirsts in thsixis viDominicantal area of m iswomension. L isarrivedten led to a politics of fear and hatred these least ones are tlefto (o rin re areceptiond) the stor ieins o Illinoisf immig inra n1873ts to ingli responsempse the btora av ecall,

in some instances, while it has also camps too long for themstron gto, a bend( calledOreurssi:l ihet ntpts p:to/e/do teachopmlein bicea hIrishnilintedr at chimmigrantyec ernhtert.oorgic, owr childrene too at awakened creative compassionate temporary…. They oareften onlyhear ian smallthsoem neeo wnaes . e timelse’s a twhen www.lv idiscriminationllinois.org) against responses. Pope Francis has made number “of the least ones who Jesus Irish immigrants was common. the plight of migrants and refugees a asks us to love and raise up.” Working with immigrants and cornerstone of his papacy, calling for Since July, I’ve ministered as live- against discrimination seems to “bridges not walls.” Reminding us that in weekend staff at Bethany House. be in the very DNA of Springfield immigrants are among “the least of Working with immigrants is not Dominicans! these” brothers and sisters God calls new to Springfield Dominicans, Sister Kathlyn lives in Springfield us to love, this summer, on the 6th however. The Dominican Literacy when not at her ministry in the anniversary of his visit to Lampedusa, Center in Aurora has offered ESL(Ouhr tstand:p h:/tt/ pbse:t/h/daonmyhinoiucasenoliftheroascpyicteanlitteyr..coorgm, or someonChicagoe else’s at w suburbs.ww.lvillinois .org)

what you can do We invite you to join us in this vital area of mission. Listen to (or read) the stories of immigrants to glimpse the brave, strong, and resilient people behind the rhetoric we too often hear in the news.

http://bethanyhouseofhospitality.com Let the words of Jesus live in your heart:

(Ours: https://dominicanliteracycenter.org, or someone else’s at www.lvillinois.org)

Let the words of Jesus live in your heart: Learn all you can about Catholic Social Teaching on imLearnmigration sallhare yyouour kn ocanwledge aboutwith others . http://bethanyhouseofhospitality.com Catholic Social Teaching on immigration share your knowledge

Learn all you cwithan about Cothers.atholic Social Teaching on immigration share your knowledge with others. Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights https://www.icirr.org

Fall 2019 | 9 Coherencia de Vida con Bethany House por Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP magine que tienes 18 años (¡otra BHH ofrece servicios de vivienda y llamando a “construir puentes, no vez!) Y que has pasado la mitad de apoyo a mujeres de 18 a 22 años de edad a muros”. Nos ha recordado este tu vida buscando un lugar seguro en su camino hacia la independencia. verano que los inmigrantes están Iy acogedor para llamar hogar. Esa es Desde su fundación hace dos años, entre “el menor de estos” hermanos y la realidad de Elizabeth. Huyó de su Bethany House of Hospitality ha hermanas que Dios nos llama a amar. hogar en la República Democrática sido un hogar temporal para más En el sexto aniversario de su visita a del Congo a los nueve años con su de 35 mujeres y 4 niños de América Lampedusa, dijo: “Mis pensamientos familia (mamá, papá y hermano y Central, África y Medio Oriente. El están con los” menos importantes hermana menores), buscando escapar tiempo de estadía promedio ha sido “que diariamente claman al Señor, de una brutal guerra civil descrita de 6 meses mientras aprenden inglés, pidiendo ser liberados de los males como “la guerra más sangrienta estudian para el GED y avanzan por el que los afligen ... Estos más pequeños desde la Segunda Guerra Mundial”. sistema de tribunales de inmigración. son abandonados y engañados para aterrizó en un campo de refugiados Casi todos los residentes actuales han morir en el desierto; estos menores en Angola. son torturados, Era evidente, maltratados incluso para y violados en una niña, que campos de este nuevo pais detención; no le daba la estos menores bienvenida. Hace se enfrentan a un año, Isabelle las olas de un acompañó a su mar implacable; padre a Brasil, estos menores donde esperaban se quedan en establecer un los campos hogar y reunir de recepción a la familia. Ella demasiado fue a trabajar tiempo para trenzando el que se les llame cabello para ganar temporales ... Son dinero. Perdieron solo un pequeño el contacto con número “de los la familia en Bethany House residents met with Illinois State Representative Karina Villa (IL-49). más pequeños a el campo de quienes Jesús nos refugiados. Forzados a desarraigarse sido víctimas de la trata de personas. pide que amemos y levantemos”. nuevamente, hicieron el traicionero La crisis humanitaria de millones Desde julio, estoy en el ministerio viaje hacia el norte a través de ocho de inmigrantes en todo el mundo como personal residente durante el países diferentes. Su padre murió obligados a huir de la violencia y la fin de semana en Bethany House of cruzando el Río Grande. Isabelle destrucción del medio ambiente ha Hospitality. Sin embargo, trabajar llegó a los Estados Unidos, sola y llevado a políticas de miedo y odio en con inmigrantes no es nuevo para las como una de los miles de niños no algunos casos, mientras que también dominicas de Springfield. El Centro acompañados en nuestra frontera sur. ha despertado respuestas creativas de Alfabetización Dominicana en Ahora vive en Bethany House y compasivas. El Papa Francisco Aurora ha ofrecido clases de ESL y of Hospitality (BHH), un hogar ha convertido la difícil situación ciudadanía por más de 25 años; El establecido por religiosas de Illinois de los migrantes y refugiados en Centro Dominicano de Alfabetización para recibir mujeres inmigrantes. una piedra angular de su papado, (continúa en la página 12) 10 | JUST Words Associates have a Day of Reflection and Make Recommitment by Michelle Marr

Associates and sisters contemplate the question of presenter Father Wayne Cavalier, OP, “What are you doing here?”

n August 24 associates Sister Rebecca Ann Gemma helps align the real world with God’s and sisters embarked challenged listeners to use the lens word, so important for followers of on a Dominican Day of of antiracism to unmask its systemic Dominic who are to become the Holy OReflection, For the Life of the World, origin. When people become Preaching. at Sacred Heart Convent. After Sister uncomfortable with the truth of As the day closed, Father Wayne’s Joan Sorge, Associate Director, racism, then they can begin to words culminated in the Eucharistic welcomed everyone, the leadership own the problem and change their celebration. The liturgy was team spoke about the 2019 General perception. beautifully laced with vocal and Chapter. With brief biographies, Sister instrumental music. Sisters Joan and Sister Rose Miriam Schulte Marie Michelle Hackett introduced Rebecca Ann spoke to the associates explained the role of the General the four sisters elected to roles of about their five-year recommitment. Chapter as the highest governing leadership. She added colorful stories The associates read their commitment body for the Springfield Dominicans. and humorous quips and quotes! statements and the sisters replied All decisions therein guide the In the afternoon, Dominican with the community’s acceptance. It community for the next five years. Father Wayne Cavalier, director was an incredible affirmation of the Embodied in the day were of the Congar Institute at Oblate shared spirit and mission between the mysteries surrounding the theme: School of Theology, San Antonio, associates and the Dominican Sisters. “For the Life of the World.” Sister Mila Texas, presented Becoming the Holy Going forward, as partners in Díaz Solano invited a gaze through Preaching: The Dominican Charism as mission, I would like to quote A the lens of the Universe Story. She Prayer. He led participants in a process Prayer for the Life of the World: “Bless introduced new understandings of of theological reflection to assist with our efforts to be the Holy Preaching!” the creation story where the spiritual integrating life experiences through Michele Marr is a Springfield and scientific integrate and illustrate the lens of religious traditions and Dominican Associate. the interconnectedness of all beings. scripture. He said that such a practice Fall 2019 | 11 Moments from the (continuó de p.10) Associate Day of Reflections “For the en Melrose Park abrió poco después. agradecido por todo lo que se le ha Life of the World” SDART, el equipo dominicano dado y encuentre formas creativas de on August 24, 2019. antirracismo de Springfield, ha estado compartirlo: conviértase en un tutor trabajando desde el 2005 para ayudar en un centro de alfabetización, sea a las hermanas y sus instituciones voluntario o apoye a Bethany House patrocinadas a reconocer y eliminar el of Hospitality, comuníquese con racismo. Históricamente, las primeras inmigrantes en su ciudad y pregunte seis mujeres dominicas llegaron cómo puede apoyarlos, conviértase y a Illinois en 1873 en respuesta a abogue por aquellos que buscan un una llamada para enseñar a los lugar seguro y acogedor para llamar niños inmigrantes irlandeses en un hogar. Deja que las palabras de Jesús momento en que la discriminación vivan en tu corazón: “Fui un extraño contra los inmigrantes irlandeses era y me acogiste”. común. ¡Trabajar con inmigrantes y contra la discriminación parece estar en el ADN de las Dominicas de Springfield! Les invitamos a unirse a nosotras en esta área vital de misión. Escuche (o lea) las historias de inmigrantes para vislumbrar a las personas valientes, fuertes y resistentes detrás de la retórica que con demasiada frecuencia escuchamos en las noticias. Permita que su corazón se mueva con compasión ... y RESPONDER! Sea

IN MEMORIAM Please join us in prayer for sisters and prayer associates who have entered eternal life:

Sister Mary de Paul Kane, OP • July 18, 2019 Elaine Theobald, prayer associate • July 22, 2019 Sister Mary Blaise Galloway, OP • August 1, 2019 Helen Dunham Call, prayer associate • August 29, 2019

12 | JUST Words Sister Denise Glazik: Vocation Encouragement is “A.I.D.ing” by Sister Beth Murphy, OP

ister Denise Glazik says she means. “Oh, by the way, we go to young people to open themselves by Antonio Gilmer Romero Vilcatoma and Irma Zulema Suasnabar Delgadillo understood the nature of call Mass and we receive the sacraments, to the startling realization that God early in religious life when we pray together, and we live in calls them for a purpose in life, and Sshe realized she was not called to community. What we have we are Discerning with young women who teaching. Try as she would, she found to share in common. It’s not ‘mine’ are interested in learning whether no life, energy, or satisfaction in that but ‘ours’,” she says, “Our house, our consecrated life is a good fit for them. ministry. With the help of others, she cars, our money,” she tics off the She grows animated speaking discerned a call to pastoral ministry practices of consecrated religious about her experiences in the past few and finally knew she was doing what life so antithetical to Western culture. months. One weekend she traveled she was called to because of the surge with two sisters who are cousins to of creativity, energy, and joy that one another—Sister Marcelline and followed. Sister Sara Koch—to the parish in Since July 1, Sister Denise has put Crystal Lake, Ill., where Sister Sara all her creative energy and joy at once taught. What Sister Denise the service of vocation ministry witnessed by their sharing of the for the Dominican Sisters. weekend vocation event filled her “I have such a huge learning with joy and hope. curve,” she admits, “but it feels The husband of one of Sister good.” Sara’s former students stood with The youngest of 14 siblings, his arms embracing Sister Sara on Sister Denise was born in Paxton, one side and his mother-in-law on Ill., and spent much of her early life the other and said “You two were in and around her gregarious family’s instrumental in helping my wife to businesses, including restaurant become the woman she is. For that I and catering, in rural Champaign owe you great thanks.” County. She joined the Springfield Labor Day weekend, several sisters Dominicans in August 1988, made Given all that, why even try? and associates gathered in Jacksonville first profession in 1991; professed Despite the challenges, there are for a parish festival that included perpetual vows August 8, 1994. She women who are choosing religious a vocation booth. Our Dominican remains close to her siblings and life and discerning that choice. Sister presence started there in 1873 and the 98 nieces and nephews they are Denise is building relationships with continues today through our faith- raising for Sister Denise to spoil. several women who are enlivened filled Dominican Associates. “That’s Sister Denise is under no illusion by God’s lure of their hearts to this the meaning of our lives—witnessing that vocation encouragement is easy. radical life choice. “God calls and we to God’s love and touching others After years of parish-based pastoral welcome,” she says with a smile. through our relationships,” Sister ministry, she is close to what is “I love my life,” she adds. “I want Denise says. To Praise, To Bless and happening in people’s lives. “How others to love this life, too. And so To Preach! “That is what I have been are we going to invite people when many of our sisters have called me asked to do with my vowed life and they are not even going to church?” to take on this role of service for the that’s what I will invite others to do she asks. “Mass and sacraments are a community. They mention my gifts with theirs.” part of our daily life. I believe young of presence, patience, listening, and To join Sister Denise in her ministry people are living gospel, but [many of pastoral ministry.” of A.I.D.ing religious vocations call her them] are not practicing a religion.” In her brief time in her new at 217-787-0481. She says she can invite women ministry she’s come to think of what to consider religious life, but they she does as A.I.D.ing: Animating the Sister Beth is the Director of Communications for the Springfield are often surprised by what that sisters in the congregation; Inviting Dominicans. Fall 2019 | 13 Spiritual Guidance Congrat s! Light of Christ “Grace-filled and transformative,” is how Sister Patricia Francis described Sister Barbara Bogenschutz the training program in the supervision of spiritual guides and directors has been recognized by a national from which she graduated recently. She was a member of the first cohort to Catholic organization for her complete the yearlong program facilitated by Annette Jo Giarrante and Rev. ministry within the Oglala Sioux Terry Johnson. The program was based on the paradigm of the Universe Story community in the Diocese of and included prayer, a variety of experiential learning modalities, and super- Rapid City, South Dakota. Catholic visory sessions. Graduates were invited to be on a list of approved supervisors Extension recently announced that for students who participate in the two-year training program for spiritual Sister Barbara is among eleven guides and directors through the Spiritual Guidance Institute at the Siena finalists for the Lumen Christi Award, Retreat Center in Racine, Wis., a ministry of the Racine Dominican Sisters. which honors individuals and groups working in geographically isolated locations who demonstrate “how the power of faith can transform lives and communities.” Each of the eleven finalists for the Lumen Christi Award receives a $10,000 ministry grant from Catholic Extension. The recipient of the award, to be named toward the end of the year according to the Lumen Christi Award website, receives a $50,000 grant, half of which is to be used by the diocese Sister Patricia Francis, far left, row 2, with other graduates of the spiritual guidance training for enhancing its ministry. program she completed this year.

Dominican Charism Initiative Dominican Sisters in the US are collaborating on a series of learning modules to share Dominican life and charism with young adults, boards, associates and other groups working in Dominican ministries. This summer, Sister Marcelline Koch and Sister Sharon Zayac co-wrote and recorded the Call to Action module. This module focuses on the Dominican call to justice and provides participants a road map for analyzing and responding to injustices they see and experience. Watch for the role out in early 2020!

Sister Barbara Bogenschutz visits in Oglala, South Dakota, with Mr. George Looks Twice, the grandson of Nicholas Black Elk, a Lakota catechist who cause for canonization is in process.

Dominicans gathered in Houston to plan for the Dominican Charism Initiative meeting in February 2019.

14 | JUST Words partners In Mission Non-Stop Need Means Non-Stop Mission by Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, OP Director of Mission Advancement

Springfield Dominican’s Literacy Center’ staff, volunteers and students show up for Aurora’s Memorial Day parade.

We live in unsettling times. co-workers in ministry, Dominican mistakes—like everyone. However, The nightly news broadcasts Associates, and friends like you we deepen our trust in God’s mercy global conflicts, weather-related who share our values. We find hope and depend on the support of people destruction, and images of tens of when we witness those who learn to like YOU! thousands fleeing their homes due to embrace diversity rather than fear it; Our experience of Dominican violence and poverty. We experience to collaborate with others of good common life has taught us that none a destabilizing roller-coaster ride will; to live with integrity in word and of us can change the world alone, yet, each time a new tweet announces deed. Yes, these are the signs of hope together in community we can move rapidly changing government we need and crave! We are grateful mountains! Our service for the life policies and ways of functioning for your partnership. of the world depends on friends like in the US. While all this implodes As sisters to one another and to you, you who are willing to stand with us. on us from city, nation, and world, we foster that hope with communal Thank you for doing so! we all—yes, our sisters and YOU— discernment, and individual prayer In our recent direct mail appeal, face day-to-day concerns about and contemplation. We listen to we talked about our NON-STOP health, finances, relationships, and God calling us as individuals and Mission to serve in areas of need. That meaningful engagement in efforts as a community. When we share NON-STOP Mission also implies for positive change. with each other the yearnings and being a moral compass in these Where do we find HOPE? We are hopes which come from prayer, we days of turmoil. Thank you for your hopeful when we see how deeply recognize our deep need to live the friendship and financial support— our Partners in Mission care about gospel today. Then we draw on the truly signs of hope in these unsettling basic kindness to neighbors. Our courage to act—to make change. We times. Partners in Mission include you: our are not always “right” and learn from Fall 2019 | 15 Nonprofit Org Sacred Heart Convent US Postage 1237 West Monroe Street Paid Springfield, IL 62704-1680 Springfield IL Permit No. 414

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DATEBOOK Dominican Sources Events not public unless otherwise noted.

27 Chapel Tour, Sacred Heart Convent, 1:30 p.m.* “ We need not go far…to stand at October the crossroads of any frontiers November 1-3 Come and See Weekend* that often intersect one another. 3 Associate Formation: Springfield Dominican History We find the border between 22-24 Springfield Dominican Antiracism Team meeting humanity and inhumanity, 24 Chapel Tour, Sacred Heart Convent, 1:30 p.m.* between life and death on our 28 Thanksgiving Day very streets.” December 1 Associate Formation: Mission & Ministry 9 Feast of the Immaculate Conception ~ Gerardo Timoner, OP (Transferred from Sunday) Master of the Order of Preachers. Commencement 22 Chapel Tour, Sacred Heart Convent, 1:30 p.m.* address, Loyola School of Theology, Quezon City, 2015. 25 Christmas Day *Public events. Call 217-787-0481 or visit springfieldop.org for details.