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Spring 2012 - Dominican Sisters of Peace

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Preaching with a New Fire<br />

Living<br />

Prayer


Preaching with a New Fire<br />

is a periodic publication produced<br />

for donors, benefactors, friends, and<br />

family <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Peace</strong>. We have made every attempt<br />

to be accurate and complete; if you<br />

notice an error or omission, please<br />

accept our apologies and alert us to<br />

the mistake (614.416.1900).<br />

We gratefully acknowledge all those<br />

who contributed to this issue – those<br />

featured and those listed below.<br />

Editor:<br />

Karen L. Clay, OPA<br />

Contributors:<br />

Cathy Arnold, OP<br />

Rita Birzer, OP<br />

Alice Black, OPA<br />

Ruth Caspar, OP<br />

Maria Ciriello, OP<br />

Renee Dreiling, OP<br />

Barbara Harrington, OP<br />

Jennifer Heiser, OPA<br />

Diane Kozlowski, OP<br />

Julia McCafferty<br />

Sarah McClellan<br />

Donna Medley, OPA<br />

Charlene Moser, OP<br />

Mariellen Phelps, OP<br />

Marilyn Pierson, OP<br />

Pat Twohill, OP<br />

Judith Ward, SNDdeN<br />

Editorial Advisory Council:<br />

Barbara Brown<br />

Diocese <strong>of</strong> Columbus<br />

Deborah Eschenbacher<br />

Eschenbacher & Associates<br />

Margaret Corbett Sullivan<br />

Corbett Sullivan Advertising &<br />

Public Relations (retired)<br />

Help us conserve our<br />

resources by joining our<br />

electronic mailing list!<br />

Sign up today at<br />

www.oppeace.org<br />

© <strong>2012</strong> All rights reserved.<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong><br />

2320 Airport Drive<br />

Columbus, Ohio 43219<br />

614.416.1900<br />

My dear friends,<br />

As you daily lift up your minds and hearts to God, we<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong> are doing the same. This<br />

issue focuses on our practice <strong>of</strong> prayer. Though special, it<br />

is an ordinary part <strong>of</strong> our lives as consecrated women.<br />

Prayer is the very breath <strong>of</strong> our lives, the essential lifegiving<br />

source <strong>of</strong> who we are and everything we do. And<br />

this is what impels us all to service, reaching out to those in need.<br />

What is the rhythm <strong>of</strong> our prayers? How do we punctuate our lives with<br />

prayer? First, we commit ourselves to contemplative prayer daily. This time alone<br />

with God under-girds all that we do – our ministry, our lives with each other in<br />

community, our study. Some <strong>of</strong> us choose early morning; others prefer the end <strong>of</strong><br />

the day. Some <strong>of</strong> us pray best in our chapels, for others it is God’s created universe<br />

that inspires moments <strong>of</strong> contemplation. Wherever one chooses to pray, we<br />

share in common our belief that it is God who calls us to contemplation.<br />

Amid our daily prayers, we engage in such rituals as the lighting <strong>of</strong> candles and<br />

bowing at the praise <strong>of</strong> the Triune God. We also surround ourselves with symbols,<br />

especially during different liturgical seasons – a globe, bread, pictures <strong>of</strong> our <strong>Sisters</strong><br />

and Associates in mission – to enhance our efforts to commune with God.<br />

Daily, we also pray the psalms and hymns <strong>of</strong> the Church’s Liturgy <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Hours. For most, this brings us together at the beginning and ending <strong>of</strong> each day<br />

for periods <strong>of</strong> community prayer. Often one <strong>of</strong> us prepares to preach on the<br />

Scriptures <strong>of</strong> the day. We close these prayers with intercessions, remembering the<br />

needs <strong>of</strong> the Church, the world, and our loved ones – and that means you.<br />

The Eucharist centers all <strong>of</strong> our prayer, when the Gospel is proclaimed, we are<br />

fed with the Bread <strong>of</strong> Life, and we go forth to continue the preaching. Para-liturgical<br />

prayers are prepared by our <strong>Sisters</strong> or others when a priest is not available<br />

for Eucharist and for special occasions, such as the International Day <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong>. In<br />

some <strong>of</strong> our Motherhouses, adoration <strong>of</strong> the Blessed Sacrament is observed on<br />

special occasions. To deepen our daily prayer, we commit ourselves to an annual<br />

retreat: some make it privately, others choose a preached retreat, while still others<br />

engage in directed ones.<br />

Throughout this publication you will find examples <strong>of</strong> the many different<br />

kinds and occasions <strong>of</strong> prayer in our lives. These rhythms are so much a part <strong>of</strong><br />

our lives that we <strong>of</strong>ten engage in them without comment. I hope you find an<br />

echo <strong>of</strong> your own prayer life within these pages so that together we can unite our<br />

prayers with and for God’s people.<br />

Let us continue to lift up our minds and hearts to God with and for one another.<br />

Margaret Ormond, OP, Prioress<br />

Inside This Issue<br />

Prayer: the Heart <strong>of</strong> it All 3<br />

Ways to Pray 4-5<br />

Helping Others to Pray 6-7<br />

Prayer in Our Ministries 8-11<br />

The Experience <strong>of</strong> Prayer 12


Prayer: the Heart <strong>of</strong> it All<br />

For every member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Dominican</strong> Family, whether Friar, Sister, Nun or Laity, prayer is absolutely essential. The<br />

newly approved Constitutions <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong> (2009) <strong>of</strong>fer St. Dominic and St. Catherine <strong>of</strong> Siena as<br />

models <strong>of</strong> prayer and speak <strong>of</strong> the practices highlighted throughout this publication. Perhaps these lines from the Prologue<br />

capture best the spirit <strong>of</strong> our commitment to prayer:<br />

“God’s ever-faithful Love, discovered daily in prayer and contemplation, in Word and Sacrament, in study,<br />

ministry and community, impels us to listen and to respond to God’s Spirit with zeal, compassion, and joy.”<br />

Eucharist<br />

The Mass, along with the Liturgy <strong>of</strong> the Hours, constitutes the <strong>of</strong>ficial public prayer life <strong>of</strong> the Church. As<br />

with all Catholics, it is the Eucharist that sustains us in all we do and unites us with all others in the Church<br />

throughout the world. Mass is celebrated on a daily basis in all our Motherhouse and health care center<br />

chapels. During these liturgies and at other prayer times, our <strong>Sisters</strong> pray for the individuals and situations<br />

written in the chapel books <strong>of</strong> intentions. It is one way we<br />

unite with our families, friends, benefactors, and donors in<br />

prayer to our loving God. We warmly invite you to attend<br />

Mass with us at any <strong>of</strong> our Motherhouses or other institutions<br />

where Eucharist is celebrated! Please call your local<br />

location for schedules and other details (scan this code for<br />

contact information).<br />

Liturgy <strong>of</strong> the Hours<br />

Known by many names and taught since the Roman<br />

times, Liturgy <strong>of</strong> the Hours or the Divine Office is the set<br />

<strong>of</strong> daily prayers meant to be recited at the canonical hours.<br />

In our Motherhouses and convents, the Liturgy <strong>of</strong> the Hours is said in community and is <strong>of</strong>ten sung. Individual<br />

<strong>Sisters</strong> living on mission elsewhere say the Divine Office as part <strong>of</strong> their own personal daily devotions.<br />

As all <strong>Sisters</strong> pray the Office, it is almost a rite <strong>of</strong> passage, taught to Novices during their training.<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong> novices receive this instruction at the Collaborative <strong>Dominican</strong> Novitate (CDN)<br />

in St. Louis, Missouri, where they spend their Canonical Novitiate year. The women are given direction at<br />

the beginning <strong>of</strong> the year, and as the year progresses, so does the prayer. According to <strong>Dominican</strong> Sister <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Peace</strong> Joye Gros, Co-Director <strong>of</strong> the CDN, depending on the novice’s previous knowledge and musical ability,<br />

the prayers are slowly introduced. Most start with the Salve and then gradually move toward shared<br />

preaching. The goal is not to move quickly, but to pray meaningfully. Although most prayers are meant to be<br />

shared, the experience is deeply personal. “The novices really find that the Liturgy <strong>of</strong> Hours brings inner<br />

peace and a sense <strong>of</strong> daily devotion,” shares Sr. Joye.<br />

“The purpose <strong>of</strong> the Divine Office is to sanctify the day and all human activity....<br />

[it is] the prayer not only <strong>of</strong> the clergy but <strong>of</strong> the whole People <strong>of</strong> God.”<br />

Apostolic Constitution, Canticum Laudis<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong> 3


Ways to Pray<br />

Lectio Divina<br />

Lectio Divina, or “Sacred Reading,” is an ancient Christian practice <strong>of</strong><br />

scriptural reflection to promote communion with God and to increase<br />

the knowledge <strong>of</strong> God’s Word. Instead <strong>of</strong> treating scripture as text to be<br />

studied, it presents scripture as the Living Word. The art <strong>of</strong> Lectio Divina<br />

encompasses four separate parts – reading (lectio), meditating (meditatio),<br />

praying (oratio), and contemplating (contemplatio). It is through this<br />

process that the Scripture passage is first read and then reflected upon.<br />

This is then followed by prayer and contemplation <strong>of</strong> God’s Word.<br />

Centering Prayer<br />

“When I was very young, I learned from ‘junk mail’ flyers about contemplation and the<br />

contemplative way <strong>of</strong> life. The advertisements about St. Therese <strong>of</strong> Lisieux fascinated me to<br />

the point <strong>of</strong> wanting to go to France to join her convent! However, I eventually found the <strong>Dominican</strong>s<br />

and was drawn to our motto: to contemplate and to share the fruits <strong>of</strong> contemplation.<br />

“My interest has continually grown over the years and now, in retirement, I spend much<br />

time in silent meditation and sharing the fruits in many ways, including teaching Centering<br />

Prayer as authored by Fr. Thomas Keating, OCSO. Centering Prayer is a method <strong>of</strong> silent<br />

prayer that emphasizes the personal relationship with God. It is a way <strong>of</strong> really recognizing and experiencing God’s<br />

presence within us, moving beyond conversation with Christ to a real communion with Him.”<br />

Mary Otho Ballard, OP<br />

St. Catharine, Kentucky<br />

Dominic’s Nine Ways <strong>of</strong> Prayer<br />

Dominic’s Nine Ways <strong>of</strong> Prayer, written by an anonymous author sometime between 1260<br />

and 1288, are special methods <strong>of</strong> prayer used by St. Dominic during Mass, the praying <strong>of</strong><br />

the psalmody (singing psalms during divine worship), and at other times <strong>of</strong> personal prayer.<br />

These methods presumed a connection between the body, soul, devotion, and prayer.<br />

The bowing <strong>of</strong> one’s head<br />

1 and heart with humility at the The throwing down<br />

The welcoming <strong>of</strong> all the<br />

beginning <strong>of</strong> prayer before the 2 and prostrating <strong>of</strong> 3 physical difficulties and the<br />

crucifix, at the altar, in the<br />

one’s whole body with<br />

patient endurance <strong>of</strong> all kinds<br />

Name <strong>of</strong> the Trinity;<br />

tears <strong>of</strong> compunction for <strong>of</strong> bodily discomforts during<br />

the sins <strong>of</strong> others when<br />

prayer as part <strong>of</strong> prayer itself,<br />

one can find no more<br />

as a way <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fering one’s body<br />

tears for his own;<br />

to God in praise;<br />

4 <strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong>


Liturgical Dance<br />

Liturgical dance has long been a cultural<br />

practice among many <strong>of</strong> our <strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong>,<br />

especially our Vietnamese <strong>Sisters</strong> and<br />

our Sister-friends from African congregations.<br />

Their reverant traditions <strong>of</strong>ten enhance<br />

our celebrations <strong>of</strong> the Mass and other liturgies,<br />

broadening our understanding <strong>of</strong> worship<br />

and enriching our experience <strong>of</strong> prayer.<br />

The Rosary<br />

The Rosary is a<br />

treasured <strong>Dominican</strong><br />

tradition.<br />

St. Dominic is<br />

<strong>of</strong>ten pictured<br />

with the Blessed<br />

Virgin Mary giving him the Rosary as a way to<br />

preach events in the life <strong>of</strong> Jesus for ordinary people.<br />

Sr. Geraldine Eakes (pictured) says, “Every day, we<br />

pray the Rosary together in our Motherhouse chapel<br />

in Great Bend for all our benefactors and for all who<br />

have asked us to remember them in our prayer.”<br />

How you can help:<br />

Support a Sister in prayer<br />

ministry living at a care center<br />

Send in names and intentions for<br />

<strong>Sisters</strong> to remember at Eucharist<br />

Sponsor the purchase <strong>of</strong> bread and<br />

wine for Eucharistic celebrations<br />

at one <strong>of</strong> our Motherhouses or<br />

convents<br />

5<br />

The raising <strong>of</strong> one’s hands to<br />

heaven with eyes wide open<br />

in the ancient orans <strong>of</strong> the first<br />

Christians;<br />

The fixating <strong>of</strong> one’s gaze on<br />

4 Christ crucified while kneeling and The stretching out <strong>of</strong><br />

standing with bold petitions filled 6 one’s arms cruciform<br />

with confidence in the indescribable with a cry for help in<br />

goodness <strong>of</strong> God and sober acceptance<br />

<strong>of</strong> one’s own<br />

heartbreaking situations;<br />

weakness;<br />

The standing strong with<br />

7 hands folded in prayer like an<br />

arrow shot into the heart <strong>of</strong> God;<br />

8<br />

The sitting in holy reading<br />

and contemplation,<br />

that ancient practice <strong>of</strong><br />

lectio divina;<br />

9<br />

The frequent quest for<br />

solitude in which one<br />

resists fantasies and evil<br />

thoughts like flies and<br />

prepares for spiritual battle<br />

against diabolical malice by<br />

the sign <strong>of</strong> the Cross.<br />

Photos by Pat Daly, OPA<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong> 5


Helping Others to Pray<br />

Spiritual Direction<br />

Spiritual Direction has become increasingly more popular in the<br />

Catholic Church since the days after the Second Vatican Council,<br />

but it is actually an ancient practice: across both Hebrew and<br />

Christian scriptures, and in other traditions, we find people seeking<br />

spiritual counsel. Today, the term “spiritual companionship”<br />

more aptly describes the practice where individuals seek to share<br />

their spiritual journey with another, exploring with a trained spiritual director where God’s presence<br />

might be seen in their lives and how God might be calling them. Through one-to-one sessions,<br />

a spiritual director can help individuals grow closer in their relationship to God.<br />

“Spiritual direction is about noticing the presence <strong>of</strong> God in and around us – God is always<br />

being and doing so much more than we are aware <strong>of</strong>,” reflects Sr. Noel Toomey (pictured, left),<br />

who both is a spiritual director and sees a spiritual director. “I go to spiritual direction to keep<br />

expanding my awareness <strong>of</strong> God."<br />

Pastoral Ministry<br />

As a pastoral associate, Sr. Nancy Ames (pictured, right) utilizes creative<br />

ways to help others to pray. For a number <strong>of</strong> years, she has <strong>of</strong>fered a weekly<br />

scripture class, where participants gather to read the upcoming Sunday’s<br />

scriptures and discuss their importance and how they apply to daily life.<br />

After exploring the passage’s meaning, everyone has an opportunity to reflect<br />

on it and discuss the words or phrases that speak to them. “I am always<br />

looking for new ways to help others along their spiritual journeys,”<br />

says Sr. Nancy. “Areas <strong>of</strong> interest aren’t the same for one person as another,<br />

but we must continue to ‘feed’ people by <strong>of</strong>fering a variety <strong>of</strong> spiritual opportunities.”<br />

Taizé Prayer<br />

“One way we reach out to the community in prayer is in <strong>of</strong>fering Taizé<br />

Prayer times at our Akron Motherhouse. Taizé Prayer is an ecumenical<br />

form <strong>of</strong> prayer that is meant to foster reconciliation and peace among all<br />

people. Gathered by candle light in the presence <strong>of</strong> Christ, we sing uncomplicated<br />

repetitive songs. We listen to God’s Word and bring our joys<br />

and sorrows to the cross. In contemplation and silence, the mystery <strong>of</strong><br />

God becomes tangible through the beauty <strong>of</strong> simplicity and quiet.”<br />

Madeleine Breen, OPA<br />

Akron, Ohio<br />

The Akron Motherhouse has been <strong>of</strong>fering Taizé Prayer since 2005. Associate Madeleine Breen and<br />

Sr. Jan Schlichting facilitate the services.<br />

6 <strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong>


Chaplaincy<br />

The ministry <strong>of</strong> chaplaincy – whether in a hospital, nursing home, prison,<br />

or other setting – is about tending to the spiritual needs <strong>of</strong> an individual or<br />

family experiencing particular challenges in their current environment, <strong>of</strong>ten<br />

on a temporary basis. Chaplains frequently deal with people in crisis, and<br />

more <strong>of</strong>ten than not are simply listening companions, <strong>of</strong>fering open ears<br />

and hearts and the reassurance <strong>of</strong> God’s loving presence.<br />

With years <strong>of</strong> experience in chaplaincy and other ministries as a spiritual<br />

companion, Sr. Diane McOsker (pictured, left) shares, “To be present at vulnerable moments, wanting<br />

to bring hope and meaning to a person’s cross, is a source <strong>of</strong> inspiration and pure privilege.”<br />

Providing Space to Pray<br />

One way we provide space for prayer is through our hermitage at Heartland<br />

Farm in Pawnee Rock, Kansas (pictured). “A hermitage, as we use it, is a ‘private<br />

place apart,’” explains Sr. Terry Wasinger, “...a place where a person can be totally<br />

alone to reflect and pray.” This hermitage was built from straw bales and<br />

plaster in 1994 and is situated in a pasture near a small creek and bridge that<br />

leads to Heartland’s prayer labyrinth. The hermitage is used not only by our <strong>Sisters</strong>,<br />

but also by others searching for a place <strong>of</strong> solitude and peace. “People have booked it for<br />

various lengths <strong>of</strong> time,” comments Sr. Terry. “from overnight to one month.”<br />

God in the clicking <strong>of</strong> the needles,<br />

God in the yarn,<br />

God in my fingers and hands.<br />

God in the intentions.<br />

God in the ewe.<br />

God in the weaving, for the sake<br />

<strong>of</strong> your peace.<br />

God’s <strong>Peace</strong> in the making<br />

Christ’s <strong>Peace</strong> in the giving<br />

The Spirit’s <strong>Peace</strong> in the receiving.<br />

Amen, Amen, Amen.<br />

Prayer by Vicky Dawson<br />

Knitting Prayer Shawls<br />

An interesting ministry that helps others in prayer is the knitting or crocheting <strong>of</strong> prayer<br />

shawls, which can be used by individuals to help create sacred space for prayer and act as a reminder<br />

<strong>of</strong> the love and support <strong>of</strong> others on their spiritual journey. Created in groups or by individuals,<br />

the shawls are blessed by the creator with prayers<br />

for the recipient said throughout the process.<br />

Associate Anita Davidson (pictured lower right) began<br />

her prayer shawl ministry in 2002, first making shawls for<br />

the Green Bay area ministry <strong>of</strong> fellow Associate Corinne<br />

Di Leonardo, then for family, friends, the <strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong> Leadership Team candidates, and others. “I<br />

make prayer shawls for partly selfish reasons – both practical<br />

and spiritual,” admits Anita. “The work keeps my<br />

hands busy during my down time, but most important,<br />

that prayer shawl creates a spiritual connection between<br />

me and its recipient. I have one friend in particular<br />

who uses her prayer shawl when she needs a hug<br />

from me and I can’t be physically with her.”<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong> 7<br />

Nicole Knabe and Debby Taylor<br />

participate in a Lenten prayer shawl<br />

workshop at Shepherd’s Corner,<br />

Blacklick, Ohio.


Prayer:<br />

Foundational in Our Founded Ministries<br />

Just as prayer in foundational to our lives, it is also an important part <strong>of</strong> all our founded ministries, carrying<br />

particular significance in our eco-spirituality centers. In these ministries, we teach not only the importance <strong>of</strong><br />

caring for Earth as God’s creation, but also showing the interconnectedness <strong>of</strong> ecology and spirituality. Understanding<br />

this concept <strong>of</strong> “eco-spirituality” is a guiding principle in our ecology centers. Recognizing our Earth<br />

and all it contains as gift can enrich our understanding <strong>of</strong> and nurture our relationship with God.<br />

Crystal <strong>Spring</strong> Center for Earth Learning<br />

Plainville, Massachusetts<br />

crystalspring.org<br />

It was Sam’s turn to guide the group in prayer. Quieting us, he began, “Please put the moon in your heart<br />

and mind. The moon radiates sun’s light to Earth in the deep, dark night sky. Its phases and place change<br />

constantly. ‘Do not be afraid,’ the moon says, ‘This is the<br />

moment.’”<br />

Zadan quietly speaks, “Moon’s motion has evolved, moving<br />

away from Earth for millions <strong>of</strong> years. In the dinosaurs’<br />

time, the moon was closer to Earth; it looked huge.”<br />

Sam guides us into silence and the breath: “Trust the<br />

Great Mystery.”<br />

Sam is eleven; Zadan is eight.<br />

Barbara Harrington, OP<br />

Plainville, Massachusetts<br />

Heartland Farm<br />

Pawnee Rock, Kansas<br />

heartlandfarm-ks.org<br />

While prayer and spirituality are hallmarks <strong>of</strong> all ministry at<br />

Heartland Farm, seasonal labyrinth walks are one important<br />

way this is shared with the public. The labyrinth, a sacred circular<br />

pattern symbolic <strong>of</strong> life’s journey, is a walk to renew and<br />

deepen our spirit and is a tool for spiritual centeredness. It is a<br />

pilgrimage and journey to the Divine, <strong>of</strong>fering a quiet retreat<br />

from the busy pace <strong>of</strong> daily activities. The walk helps to quiet<br />

oneself, bring balance and encourage meditation, insight,<br />

and celebration while praying with body, mind, and spirit.<br />

Shepherd’s Corner<br />

Blacklick (Columbus), Ohio<br />

shepherdscorner.org<br />

Students visiting Shepherd’s Corner learn that all creation prays. Creation praises God by<br />

being what it was made to be. A tree praises God by providing oxygen for humans, a home<br />

for birds, and shade from the heat <strong>of</strong> the sun. People pray in words, but also by living God’s<br />

call to love and give <strong>of</strong> ourselves for the good <strong>of</strong> our world. Let all creation praise God!<br />

8 <strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong>


How you can help:<br />

Plan to attend one <strong>of</strong> our retreats<br />

Donate funds for a woman in<br />

need to make a retreat<br />

Sponsor a Sister’s annual retreat<br />

Help fund ongoing education for a<br />

Sister in pastoral ministry<br />

Crown Point<br />

Ecology Center<br />

Bath, Ohio<br />

crownpt.org<br />

A unique program at<br />

Crown Point Ecology<br />

Center where ecology<br />

and spirituality meet<br />

are the Dances <strong>of</strong> Universal<br />

<strong>Peace</strong> sessions,<br />

held the third Friday<br />

<strong>of</strong> every<br />

month. The Dances <strong>of</strong> Universal <strong>Peace</strong> are part<br />

<strong>of</strong> the timeless tradition <strong>of</strong> sacred dance. It is a<br />

prayer form that blends chant, music, and<br />

movement into a living experience <strong>of</strong> unity,<br />

peace, and integration.<br />

Teaching Prayer as a Priority<br />

Education had long been an important ministry in our founding congregations and continues to be for the<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong>. As we teach students in our founded schools – from preschool- to college-aged – we<br />

stress the importance <strong>of</strong> prayer. Varying from location to location, prayer-centered activities such as school Masses,<br />

daily prayer services, and campus convocations complement the emphasis on prayer in religion classes, teaching<br />

students to pray, to nurture their relationship with God through prayer, and to make prayer a priority in life.<br />

Rosary Academy Learning Center<br />

Watertown, Massachusetts rosaryacademy.net<br />

The preschool children <strong>of</strong> Rosary Academy Learning<br />

Center had wonderful experiences in preparing for<br />

Easter this year. As they visited the chapel at Rosary<br />

Manor Convent each week during Lent, they learned<br />

that it takes a long time to get ready for special days.<br />

They know that Lent lasts six weeks and that the practice<br />

<strong>of</strong> Lent includes being kind to everyone and reading<br />

stories from the Bible to learn more about God.<br />

St. Mary’s <strong>Dominican</strong> High<br />

New Orleans, Louisiana<br />

stmarysdominican.org<br />

Every year, St. Mary’s <strong>Dominican</strong> High School<br />

holds an Annual Rosary Assembly for the student<br />

body and their grandparents. The Luminous<br />

Mysteries <strong>of</strong> the Rosary are recited in English,<br />

Latin, French, and<br />

Spanish to symbolize<br />

the universality <strong>of</strong><br />

this <strong>Dominican</strong> devotion.<br />

Between<br />

decades, there are<br />

readings accompanied<br />

by dramatic presentations,<br />

music, and<br />

dance. A reception<br />

follows the assembly,<br />

where grandparents<br />

and students gather<br />

for refreshments.<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong> 9


Spirituality Centers Nurture Prayer<br />

The <strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong> actively operate several spirituality and retreat centers throughout the<br />

United States. Offering programming, retreat or conference space, and <strong>of</strong>ten spiritual direction or other opportunities,<br />

these ministries represent the congregation’s strong commitment to <strong>of</strong>fering opportunities to enhance<br />

spirituality and humanity’s relationship with God. Clip the Offerings card on the opposite page for<br />

upcoming programming, and check out the websites <strong>of</strong> these ministries for regularly updated information on<br />

local <strong>of</strong>ferings!<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> Center<br />

Oxford, Michigan<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> Center’s main objective is to provide retreat<br />

space for youth groups to reflect, pray, and draw<br />

closer to the Lord.<br />

Each youth retreat experience at <strong>Dominican</strong> Center<br />

is a unique opportunity for young people to grow in<br />

their relationship with God, joining with others their<br />

age who are seeking to do the same. In this atmosphere,<br />

they are able to open their hearts, share about<br />

their relationship with the Lord, be receptive to others,<br />

and reach out to their peers.<br />

Heartland Center<br />

for Spirituality<br />

Great Bend, Kansas<br />

heartlandspirituality.org<br />

Heartland Center for Spirituality is a<br />

Catholic retreat facility open to parish<br />

groups, church organizations, and other nonpr<strong>of</strong>it<br />

groups. In a semi-rural setting <strong>of</strong> serenity<br />

and hospitality, the center provides meals,<br />

overnight accommodations and meeting<br />

space to those interested in spiritual enrichment,<br />

educational programs, staff development,<br />

conferences, and retreats.<br />

Martin de Porres Center<br />

Columbus, Ohio<br />

martindeporrescenter.net<br />

Founded in 2004, the Martin de Porres Center is an outreach center<br />

and resource for the local and national community. Since its<br />

founding, the Center has become a community anchor, providing<br />

space for hospitality, spirituality, and artistic expression. Through its<br />

variety <strong>of</strong> programming, this ministry brings together people from<br />

different faith traditions, ethnicities, generations, and geographical areas, with the intention <strong>of</strong> increasing<br />

their understanding <strong>of</strong> God, themselves, and one another.<br />

10 <strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong>


Upcoming Spirituality Programs<br />

Rosaryville<br />

Ponchatoula,<br />

Louisiana<br />

rosaryvillela.org<br />

Rosaryville Spirit<br />

Life Center, a 1700-acre tract located in Tangipahoa<br />

and Livingston Parishes in Louisiana, has had a<br />

unique history as a place <strong>of</strong> Christian spiritual<br />

growth and development. For more than a century,<br />

Rosaryville has provided opportunities for men and<br />

women to enter into extended periods <strong>of</strong> intense<br />

prayer, serious study, and joyous leisure.<br />

Rosaryville’s mission is apostolic, <strong>of</strong>fering opportunities<br />

for spiritual growth <strong>of</strong> individuals and groups<br />

in an environment <strong>of</strong> reverence and hospitality. In all<br />

their programming, they strive to <strong>of</strong>fer a nurturing<br />

atmosphere for those seeking a deeper relationship<br />

with God, self, neighbor, and all <strong>of</strong> creation.<br />

Heartland Center for Spirituality<br />

Great Bend, Kansas<br />

heartlandspirituality.org<br />

A Time to Learn, A Time for Prayer:<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> Spirituality Today<br />

June 15-19, <strong>2012</strong> • Presented by Carla Mae Streeter, OP<br />

A Time to Learn, A Time for Prayer: Listening to God<br />

June 21-25, <strong>2012</strong> • Presented by Philip St. Romain, MS, D Min<br />

Martin de Porres Center<br />

Columbus, Ohio<br />

martindeporrescenter.net<br />

The Landscape <strong>of</strong> Prayer:<br />

Thomas Merton’s Interaction with Nature<br />

May 22, <strong>2012</strong>, 7-9pm • Presented by Monica Weis, SSJ<br />

The Language <strong>of</strong> Compassion: How <strong>Peace</strong> Begins with Me<br />

June 16, <strong>2012</strong>, 10am-12:30pm<br />

Presented by Katherine Murphy Mertzlufft & Tom Carlisi<br />

Rosaryville Spirit Life Center<br />

Ponchatoula, Louisiana<br />

rosaryvillela.org<br />

Encountering God, Self and Others through Dream Work<br />

June 2, <strong>2012</strong>, 10:30am-3:30pm • Presented by Mary Ann Culotta, OP<br />

St. Mary Retreat House<br />

Learning From Our Scriptural Foremothers:<br />

How to Keep God as the Center <strong>of</strong> Our Lives<br />

May 18- 20, <strong>2012</strong> • Presented by Vicky Beck<br />

Oxford, Michigan<br />

stmarysretreathouse.org<br />

St. Mary Retreat House<br />

Oxford, Michigan<br />

stmarysretreathouse.org<br />

The Mission <strong>of</strong> St. Mary Retreat House is to be a<br />

place where persons meet to deepen their personal<br />

relationship with God and with each other. The retreat<br />

house’s primary purpose is to be a living sign <strong>of</strong><br />

the Kingdom <strong>of</strong> God by building on the richness <strong>of</strong><br />

our diversities through varied types <strong>of</strong> retreats and<br />

worship. The program <strong>of</strong> sponsored retreats for<br />

women is designed to help individuals to experience<br />

a deeper commitment to the living Christ.<br />

Vivian’s Via Rosa<br />

Waterford, Michigan<br />

vvrretreats.org<br />

Vivian’s Via Rosa, an adult spirituality center in<br />

Michigan, is a place for individual and small-group<br />

retreats, spiritual direction, and opportunities for reflection<br />

and prayer. Located on beautiful Scott Lake,<br />

this spirituality house is surrounded by God’s creation,<br />

with gentle waves, wooded landscapes, and<br />

quiet walking paths dotted with flowers, providing an<br />

ideal setting for bodily rest and spiritual nourishment.<br />

<strong>Dominican</strong> <strong>Sisters</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Peace</strong> 11


Direct,<br />

we beg you, O Lord,<br />

our actions<br />

by your holy inspirations,<br />

and grant<br />

that we may carry them out<br />

with your gracious assistance,<br />

that every prayer<br />

and work <strong>of</strong> ours<br />

may begin always with you,<br />

and through you<br />

be happily ended.<br />

Amen.<br />

My experience <strong>of</strong> prayer has<br />

changed so much over the years.<br />

In childhood, I delighted in learning the Hail<br />

Mary and Our Father from my mother, and then<br />

more complex prayers from the <strong>Sisters</strong> who taught<br />

me. Much <strong>of</strong> my prayer life was one direction –<br />

namely me asking God for things I wanted in life.<br />

In high school, the <strong>Sisters</strong> at <strong>Dominican</strong> Academy encouraged us to<br />

spend time in contemplation, and I would go to the chapel during<br />

lunch and just listen to God. To me, this was not only a new experience<br />

<strong>of</strong> prayer, but also a new experience <strong>of</strong> God!<br />

Then in my years as a Sister, my prayer life continued to evolve. In<br />

the early years, our prayers, like everything else in our lives, were<br />

scheduled for us; we prayed the Office at prescribed times with prescribed<br />

words. After Vatican II, we began making our own schedules<br />

and needed to find time for prayer. We also were encouraged to explore<br />

new ways <strong>of</strong> prayer. Over the years, I’ve learned I can encounter<br />

God and pray in so many enriching and sometimes unexpected ways –<br />

in nature, through song, in reflecting on photos or other imagery.<br />

Recently I’ve started a new ministry <strong>of</strong> creating videos, incorporating<br />

song, photos, scripture, and other things into brief YouTube presentations<br />

that have been used by individuals and groups from all over<br />

to enhance their prayer experiences. Many have expressed to me what<br />

a gift they have found in one video or another. But what a gift it has<br />

been to me as well, to find the Holy Spirit using me in a special way<br />

to share this new kind <strong>of</strong> prayer experience with others!<br />

Sr. Michelle Sherliza<br />

Watertown, Massachusetts<br />

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PAID<br />

COLUMBUS, OH<br />

PERMIT NO. 709<br />

Central Administration<br />

2320 Airport Drive<br />

Columbus, OH 43219<br />

what are these things, anyway?<br />

A “QR Code” (Quick Response Code) is a matrix bar code that<br />

you can scan with your smart phone or other device. We use<br />

them as an easy way for you to access a web page for more info!<br />

Publication <strong>of</strong> this newsletter was made possible in part through the generosity <strong>of</strong> Kenwel Printers, Columbus, Ohio<br />

Á<br />

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