P R E A C H E R S O F H O P E • V O I C E S F O R T R U T H

“The arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Five hundred years ago the firstDominicans came to theAmericas, landing on the island

of La Española (now Haiti and theDominican Republic). Arriving just 18years after Christopher Columbus, theycame upon the “Conquest of theIndies” already in its devastating anddestructive full swing. True to theirDominican heritage as contemplativepreachers, they spent much of that firstyear in their adopted homeland con-templating the horrifying realityunfolding around them. MargaretWheatley writes, “Contemplation hap-pens anytime we get a glimpse of thetruth.”1 The long, loving look, filteredthrough the contemplative eyes, ears,hands and hearts of those firstDominicans, gave them more than justa glimpse of the truth of the dignityand interdependence of all people. Itfilled them with passion and propheticcourage to speak out and challengeracist attitudes and practices alreadybecoming institutionalized in theConquest. According to Father BrianPierce, “Put quite simply, those firstDominicans opened their eyes and their

ears; they saw and they listened, theytouched and they were touched – by the Word which is life. They werevulnerable enough to be transformedby the suffering and violence beinginflicted on the island’s indigenous peoples.”2

Committed to preaching the gospel,the Dominicans chose to testify to whatthey were seeing, hearing and touchingwith their hands. Their testimony tookthe concrete form of communal preach-ing. Signed by the entire communityand spoken by one member, Antoniode Montesinos, OP, the message wasbased on the prophetic preaching ofJohn the Baptist: I am the voice ofChrist crying out in the desert of thisisland… With what right and by whichjustice do you hold these Indians in suchhorrible servitude? ... Are these nothuman beings? ... Are you not obliged tolove them as yourselves? Do you notunderstand this? Do you not feel this? 3

Five hundred years later, theSpringfield Dominican Anti-RacismTeam (SDART) continues to study andcontemplate the reality of racial injus-tice evident in the systemic power thatprivileges a select group (whites) overother groups (persons of color). Ourcommunal preaching today involveson-going efforts to live into a new

WORDSQ U A R T E R L Y

Winter 2012 Vol. 12, No. 1

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

Continued on page 4

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

• Falling Upward

• Going Green At The

Motherhouse

• Unfolding In God’s Time

Deepening RenewalBY SISTER KATHLYN MULCAHY, OP

2 Just WORDS/Winter 2012 CONTEXT

Dear Readers,

Winter teaches us about loss leading to growth, invites us to embrace darkness that yearns for light,challenges us to go deeper, reclaim balance, renew perspective. How simply, yet profoundly the authorsof this issue of Just WORDS invite us into “deepening” within all aspects of right relationship.

We go deeper, says Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, when we embrace the dignity and interdependence of all people, a stance which requires a mutual accountability to make our preaching credible.

We go deeper, says Sister Regina Marie Bernet, when we allow creative gifts within each of us to bring light to the dark points we allface in some way, and in a respectful exchange begin to forgive andmove toward healing and insight.

We go deeper, says Sister Linda Hayes, when we take seriously the moral imperative we proclaim to do our part locally to restorewholeness to creation globally.

We go deeper, say Sister Kathleen Gallagher and Sister MaryBrendan Gibbons, when we reflect on the two halves of life from theviewpoint of needed balance and renewed perspective.

We go deeper, says Sister Judine Hilbing, as Sisters and Associatesopen hearts and homes to share a common experience of Dominicanlife and mission with those we host and mentor from DominicanVolunteers USA.

We go deeper, says Sister Judith Anne Haase, as we pursue a comprehensive retirement plan which calls us to renewed stewardshipof all resources with which we are blessed.

We go deeper, says Sister Maristella Dunlavy, as we celebrate twentyyears of partnering in our preaching mission with dedicated Associates.

We go deeper, says Sister Marilyn Jean Runkel, as we honor the service and preaching of one with whom we minister.

More than a season of dormancy, winter is a time of endings leading to new beginnings. As Just WORDS celebrates a ten year anniversary, Sister Megan Farrelly announces a new, future look. Be assured thatone thing will not change—our passion as Dominicans to speak and tobe “just words” on behalf of all creation. Welcome to a new year of “deepening”!

Sister Kathleen Cour, OP

Sister Kathleen Cour serves on the Leadership team for the SpringfieldDominicans.

Just WORDSSharing the life, mission, andministry of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield.Published four times a year.Volume 12, Number 1

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

For inquiries about this publication:Dawn Boyer, Director of Communicationsdboyer@spdom.org

For inquiries about vocations:

Sister Teresa Marron, OPsrteresa@spdom.org

For inquiries about theAssociate program:Sister Paul Mary Janssens, OPspmary@spdom.org

EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Sister Barbara BlesseDawn BoyerSister Maristella DunlavySister Megan FarrellyBarbara FuhrwerkSister Kathleeen GallagherSister Judine HilbingSister Beverly Jeanne Howe Sister Linda Sue NoeSister Janet PfileSister Marilyn Jean RunkelSister Catherine StewartSister Elizabeth Wrenn

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.

The Context

ASSOCIATE NEWS Just WORDS/Winter 2012 3

Growing as OneBY SISTER MARISTELLA DUNLAVY, OP

ASSOCIATE NEWS

Study is one of the four pillars of Dominican Life. It is an ongoing process thatpermeates the daily lives of Friars, Nuns, Sisters, Laity and Associates. Studyenhances and strengthens the basics of spirituality and the-

ology. It continues to give life to the many facets of religiousand spiritual growth.

The Springfield Dominican Associate Program came intobeing twenty years ago. There are now over 330 men andwomen who are part of our congregation’s Dominican AssociateProgram and another 26 in formation. The Associates strength-en their commitment to us by doing extraordinary things in anordinary way. All of them make their daily relationships withothers part of their ministry to know and love God better.

Sister Paul Mary Janssens, OP, Director of the DominicanAssociate Program has been an educator for what seems like forever. As a dedicatedteacher and school administrator, she was always looking for ways to improve pro-grams and be on the cutting edge. She has not changed! As Director of theSpringfield Dominican Associate Program, she continues to search out ways toimprove the program and is always open to new ideas.

Recently, Sister Paul Mary created a resource book for the Associates that zeroesin on their ongoing formation. She has included bibliographies of spiritual reading,CD and DVD presentations and websites that help individuals to deepen their rela-tionship with God and one another. These resources have become a springboardfor cluster meetings and are getting rave reviews. With such a wealth of material toinvestigate, some of the clusters are meeting monthly to study and discuss a varietyof topics and issues. Those who are not meeting monthly are trying to gather atleast four times each year. Their time together is reaping great benefits. They arebonding in wonderful ways as they support one another in their study and growthand encourage others to join them as Associates.

If you are interested in learning more about the Springfield Dominican Associate Program, contact Sister Paul Mary Janssens at 217-787-0481 or spmjanssens@spdom.org

Sister Maristella Dunlavy, OP is head Sacristan at the Motherhouse and Director of theDominican Prayer Card ministry.

Dominican Associates AnnWoods (left) and Beth Young(right) and Sister Paul MaryJanssens, OP (center)

Dominican Associates GregorioBustos (left) and Janette Bustos(right) with Sister Doris Taylor,OP (center)

4 Just WORDS/Winter 2012 DEEPENING RENEWAL

Continued from page 1

vision of equality, respect and mutualitynamed in the Vision Statement devel-oped by the fledgling SDART team in2005:

We, the Dominican Sisters of

Springfield, Illinois, are called byGod to live and preach the Gospelof Jesus Christ in a church andworld suffering from the sin ofracism. As an anti-racist institu-tion we are accountable to peopleof color in mutual relationshipsbased on respect, equality and justice. Together we examine andredefine all aspects of our life, mission and ministry to incorporate and witness anti-racism. We commit, as a publiclyidentified anti-racist congregation,to work toward an inclusive andanti-racist church and world.Becoming an anti-racist institution

and working toward an anti-racistchurch and world is an on-going chal-lenge, and one that we know we cannotaccomplish alone. The prophetic forceof our Dominican preaching today, asin the past, is rooted in our communalwitness. Preaching to a world sufferingfrom the sin of racism, a world ofwhich we are deeply a part, calls us tomutual, transparent and accountable

relationships. We recognize that “sincethe time of first contact, systems andinstitutions in our country were createdby Europeans and European Americansand structured legally and intentionally

to serve the white society in a superiorway. Institutional racism is the result-ing effect of structures created to func-tion in a way that is not accountable topeople of color. Dismantling racism isa process of developing and institution-alizing accountability to people ofcolor. It involves building structures of authority and accountability withininstitutions that have never been there before.”4

Flowing from our commitment touse our energy and resources to pro-mote relationships based on the Gospelvalues of respect and mutuality,5 manySisters and members of the SDARTTeam gathered recently for a day todeepen our shared understanding of how to live out accountable relationships with people of color. Accountability requires honest andtransparent communication and open-ness to critique; it calls for sharing withothers the power to have a say in howsomething is done; it gives another theright and permission to call us to taskfor what we say we are going to do.

Developing

relationships of

accountability and

the shared power

that it requires is

imperative to

speaking the truth

of the Gospel

communally with

credibility.

Sister Mary Jean Traeger, OP and Leroy Jordan are members of SDART

DEEPENING RENEWAL Just WORDS/Winter 2012 5

Such accountability is rooted inCatholic Social Teaching in the prefer-ential option for the poor and mostvulnerable, and in the right to partici-pation. Structures of accountability arenecessary in relation to people,resources and values as well as in regardto our decisions and actions.

Developing relationships of account-ability and the shared power that itrequires is imperative to speaking thetruth of the Gospel communally withcredibility. It will require asking our-selves—and allowing others to ask us—the difficult questions that get to theroot of the power dynamics at work inour institutions and our relationships:In what ways do we, individually andcollectively, perpetuate systemic racismor close our eyes to it in the institutionsof which we are a part? How do we seewhite privilege and power at workamong us and around us, and what arewe doing about it? How do we engagein the necessary communal study andanalysis of our reality to recognize signsof the hierarchical/domination modelthat perpetuates racism? And how dowe support one another in speaking the

truth to power?Even as we rec-

ognize the destruc-tive power of sys-temic racism toeveryone—both topeople of color andto whites—chang-ing the familiarpower structures sodeeply embeddedin us culturallyrequires vulnerabil-ity and trust. Let us take encourage-ment from the words of HarlonDalton:

The very process of racial engage-ment puts us all on the same plane.When we are open and honest witheach other; when we abandon ourhiding places, take risks, and ownup to our own self-interest; when weplace on the table our assumptions,fears, trepidations, and secret desires,by that very act we are connectingwith one another as equals.6

Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP serves on theLeadership Team for the SpringfieldDominicans.

1 Wheatley, Margaret. “The True Professional.” www.margaretwheatley.com/writing.html. Web. 2012.http://www.margaretwheatley.com/writing.html.

2 Seeing, Touching and Speaking the Truth: The First Dominicans in the Americas. Domlife.org. Brian Pierce, OP. Web.www.domlife.org/2011Stories/files/anniv_brian_pierce.pdf.

3 Ibid.

4 Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training. Crossroads Ministry Anti-Racism Workshop Manual. CrossroadsAntiracism Organizing and Training. Print.

5 Ordinations of the General Chapter of 2009, Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. Print.

6 Dalton, Harlon. Print. Rpt. in “And Don’t Call Me a Racist!” A Treasury of Quotes on the Past, Present and Futureof the Color Line in America. Selected and arranged by Ella Mazel. Lexington, MA: Argonaut Press, 1998. 135.

REFERENCES

SDART member Adelaide Akuoko(left) with Sister Maxine Riker, OP(right)

6 Just WORDS/Winter 2012 BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY

Falling UpwardBY SISTER KATHLEEN GALLAGHER, OP & SISTER MARY BRENDAN GIBBONS, OP

Sister Kathleen Gallagher and SisterMary Brendan Gibbons recentlyread the book Falling Upward: A

Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, byFather Richard Rohr, OFM. In the

book, Father Rohr positsthat failure and loss ofcontrol lead to spiritualgrowth. To explain thisidea, he divides thehuman experience intotwo parts. In the first halfof life, he says most peo-ple are preoccupied withautonomy and achieve-ment and their ideas arefairly rigid and self-serv-ing. In the second half oflife, however, mistakes andlosses soften people in away and cause them toexamine themselves andto re-orient themselves

toward others. Sister Kathleen askedSister Mary Brendan to share some ofher responses to the book.

“What about the second half of life,as described by Father Rohr, is especial-ly meaningful to you?” Sister Kathleenasked. “For me personally,” Sister MaryBrendan responded, “the diminishingphysical abilities, the change in type ofactive ministry, and awareness of myown mortality after the loss of my par-ents, two of my siblings, friends andhaving to witness our family homebeing sold, makes me aware that thesecond half is the ground on which I stand.”

“Since we don’t know at whatchronological age ‘the second half ’begins,” Sister Mary Brendan contin-ued, “everyone needs the honesty, openmindedness, and the desire to learnhow to use the past in order to be what

we are called to be. The first half of lifeis spent discovering ‘Who Am I ?’ Theproblems of exploring that and themessiness of admitting to the ‘me-ness,’with all its negative and positiveaspects, should allow us to move on tothe challenge of answering the questionof the second half of life: ‘What Shall I Do?’”

Exploring another of Father Rohr’sideas, Sister Kathleen inquired, “Whatdo you think we mean by ‘our trueself?’” Sister Mary Brendan responded,“I think the answer to this is the answerto the first question in my first Religionbook—‘Why did God make you?’ Myanswer is, ‘to know, love and serve Godin this world and to be eternally happywith God in heaven.’ This is the roadmap each of us uses to discern how weare to live and make a difference in theworld. In the first half of life, as weexplore our individual personality, wemay concentrate on our dreams andplans for ourselves, but as we move intoGod’s dream and plan for our lives, webecome more our true self. TheCommandments and law are necessaryfor structure in our lives. The first halftends to pay more attention to struc-ture, but there is a danger of misusingthe purpose of God’s law. In the sec-ond half, we should move moresmoothly into the Beatitudes and tobalance freedom and law and be able to live with the creative tensioninvolved. Growing into our true self is a life work.”

Sister Mary Brendan offered theopinion that less developed nationsseem to have fewer problems involvingrelationships. She asked Sister Kathleenwhether people in less developed coun-tries might move more rapidly to thesecond half of life. Sister Kathleen

BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY

Sister Kathleen Gallagher, OP andSister Mary Brendan Gibbons, OP

share a love for reading and discussing books.

Continued on page 7

PREACHER’S WORK / BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY Just WORDS/Winter 2012 7

PREACHER’S WORK

The tenth anniversary of the publication of Just WORDS passed in the fall of2011. How amazing that more than forty issues with timely and interestingarticles have made their way to the homes of countless readers!

Several months ago, the Editorial Board of Just WORDS began discussing possi-ble modifications to the publication. Some considerations were the desire to bemore inclusive in language and content, to appeal to a broader readership, and torenew the commitment to a quality publication. Individual members of theEditorial Board put ideas forward. Although not all members agreed with everysuggestion, in true Dominican fashion each idea was studied thoroughly.

Conscious of fiscal responsibility, the Board gave particular attention to the costsassociated with the proposed changes. Dawn Boyer, the Director ofCommunications for the Springfield Dominicans, explored affordable options forprinting, mailing and professional translation services for Just WORDS. It was onlyafter extensive study and dialogue that the Editorial Board arrived at a consensus.The Board believes these changes will “meet the needs of the time” a compellingstandard for Dominicans from all ages, beginning with St. Dominic himself.

So, what can readers expect? Following this issue, Just WORDS will be publishedthree times a year: in January, May, and September rather than seasonally.Beginning with the May 2012 issue, Just WORDS will be printed in full color withsome layout changes for a fresh new look.

In every issue, at least one key article will be printed in both English andSpanish. Additionally, readers will be asked to participate in the production of JustWORDS by providing feedback on specific articles and issues or by sharing personalmemories and experiences.

Change is always a challenge; it is also a call to growth. Extremely grateful to theSisters who first dreamed Just WORDS into being, the Editorial Board is confidentthese upcoming changes will accomplish the desired goal of “meeting the needs ofthe time.” What was written by Sister Mary Jean Traeger, then Prioress General ofthe Springfield Dominicans, in the very first letter to the readers will remain true:“The articles (in Just WORDS)…will gradually unfold the life and mission of theSpringfield Dominicans. It is our hope that in the telling of the story, both readersand writers might recognize anew their own vocation to speak and to be Just Wordsin our world.”

Change and Challenge BY SISTER MARY MEGAN FARRELLY, OP

replied, “It seems that often our westernculture is hierarchical and nurturesclimbing and competition over co-oper-ation. Perhaps cultures which are morecircular and less linear do lend them-selves to true second half living.”

Sister Kathleen continued, “I thinkthe most important key to second halfliving is a strong sense of identity that issecure enough to withstand most

threats. It seems that a second half oflife person gives up the need to be first,to be holier than thou, and to be thejudge of all.”

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for theTwo Halves of Life by Father RichardRohr, OFM was published in 2011 byJossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA.

Sister Mary Megan Farrelly,OP is an assistant principalof Immaculate ConceptionHigh School in Elmhurst, ILand also serves as a fieldsupervisor in the AlternativeCertification Program ofBenedictine University inLisle, IL.

Continued from page 6

Sister Kathleen Gallagher,OP and Sister MaryBrendan, OP minister inelementary education at St.Peter Catholic School inAurora, IL.

8 Just WORDS/Winter 2012 GOING GREEN AT THE MOTHERHOUSE

Going Green at the MotherhouseBY SISTER LINDA HAYES, OP

In recent months the DominicanSisters of Springfield, Illinoisbecame a member of the Green

Business Network of Springfield(GBNS). GBNS is a network of firms

and organiza-tions withinthe Springfieldarea workingtogether todevelop acommunity ofexcellence andsustainability.Working withGBNS willenable us toassess how“green” we are,provide stepsto becomegreener, track

the environmentalbenefits of ouractions, and eventu-ally certify us basedon steps we’ve takento improve.

For mostmembers of GBNS,going green is seenas a good businessdecision. For us, it

is a good way to learn more about the“greening process” and to do somethingconcretely to live more sustainably hereat our Motherhouse. This is in keepingwith one of the Ordinations from ourChapter of 2009, which reads, in part:

“As vowed Dominicanwomen….we embrace as a moral

imperative the need to help restorewholeness to creation… we commitourselves to choose and practice spe-cific actions on a local level so as tolive more sustainably.”Prior to joining GBNS, the

Motherhouse community had alreadyput several sustainable practices inplace: recycling; using compact fluores-cent lights, purchasing more eco-friend-ly paper products and cleaning suppliesand encouraging use of cold water forwashing clothes.

Recently, through our connectionswith GBNS, we have been able to addalkaline batteries to our list of recy-clables. In addition, we have identifiedavenues for recycling used electronics(including computers and accessories,cell phones, TVs, etc.) and small homeappliances (coffee makers, toasters, hairdryers, etc.) All recyclers have a “nolandfill” policy on recyclable materials.In the kitchen we have installed a low-flow pre-rinse spray nozzle in the areaof the dishwasher. With less waterflowing at a higher velocity, fewer gal-lons can be used to achieve the samegoal. This enables us to both savemoney and conserve water.Early in 2011, we engaged a consultingfirm to conduct a comprehensive ener-gy audit of the entire Motherhousecomplex. The audit revealed that our1965 vintage boiler system was operat-ing at less than 60% efficiency.Temperature control was unstable inmany areas, and there were also energylosses due to inefficient use of lighting.Thanks to incentive programs throughCity, Water, Light and Power and

Graduate student Abby Waldenand Sacred Heart Convent land-

scaping director, PhilipGalloway, collaborated on the

composting and worm farm pro-jects at Sacred Heart Convent in

Springfield, IL.

Continued on page 9

CONGRATS / GOING GREEN AT THE MOTHERHOUSE Just WORDS/Winter 2012 9

Ameren, we are fortunate to be receivingfive grants: two to upgrade the lightingin Siena Hall, one for the occupancysensors, one to cover the cost of the pro-ject manager, and a large grant to offsetthe cost of the new boilers and domestichot water heaters. There is a major overhauling of our heating/cooling systemand the domestic hot water systemunderway, as well as temperature controlupgrades and installation of occupancysensors throughout the complex. Thesemeasures come with guaranteed finan-cial savings as well as annual energy savings equivalent to 992 metric tons of CO2 (comparable to the emissionsfrom 194.3 cars per year).

Another project came about with thehelp of Abby Walden, a graduate stu-dent at the University of Illinois atSpringfield who wanted some hands-onexperience in environmental studies.

Abby helped us to begin doing our owncomposting on the Motherhousegrounds. Our landscaping director,Philip Galloway, was also very interestedin vermiculture (worm composting).Because of their efforts, we now have sixcompost tumblers and a “worm factory,”and are looking forward to good richcompost and compost tea for our plantsand grounds this summer.

We hope that by the time ourGeneral Chapter in 2014 rolls around,the motherhouse community will beable to proudly proclaim that we havelived out our commitment to “chooseand practice specific actions on a locallevel so as to live more sustainably.”

Sister Linda Hayes, OP is MotherhouseAdministrator for the SpringfieldDominicans.

CongratsSister Mary Dominica Brennan, OP was asked to give presentations at the

Monastery of the Infant Jesus in Lufkin, TX during the annual meeting of novicedirectresses. Her lecture on canon law and formation was presented to novice direc-tresses of cloistered monasteries from eight U.S Dominican congregations. Thisannual meeting of novice directresses was an opportunity for deepening monastic tiesamong cloistered Sisters.

Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP was praised for her leadership and dedication toSt. Dominic Health Services at a celebration held in November in Jackson, MS.After 16 years as President of St. Dominic Health Services, Sister Dorothea retiredfrom that role on January 1, 2012. After a sabbatical and period of reflection, shewill return to an active role on the Governing Board of St. Dominic Health Servicesand as a fundraiser for St. Dominic’s Foundation.

Sister Elizbeth Wrenn, OP completed a certificate in Library and InformationTechnology at Benedictine University.

Continued from page 8

10 Just WORDS/Winter 2012 DOMINICAN CONNECTIONS

Creating Synergy the Dominican WayBY SISTER JUDINE HILBING, OP

There’s a synergy that occurswhen Dominican VolunteersUSA (DVUSA) send out their

quarterly publication. With assistancefrom vowed and AssociateDominicans, the youngvolunteers achieve some-thing more than neatlystacked crates of newslet-ters ready for an interna-tional mailing.

Several years ago theDominican Sisters ofSpringfield joined effortswith the DominicanSisters of Sinsinawa tohost, mentor, and sponsorDominican VolunteersUSA. Sister Rebecca AnnGemma OP (member of

the Leadership team of the SpringfieldDominicans) serves on the GoverningBoard of DVUSA. The Sisters of SaintMartin de Porres Convent in Chicago,IL serve as mentors and friends to theyoung volunteers with whom they sharea community meal and prayers on aweekly basis.

Every Wednesday, DVUSA volun-teers Becky Paruszkiewicz, Sean Mundy,and Stephanie Holmstrom, along with

former volunteer Lisa Hayes, come toSouth Chicago after a full day of min-istry. Becky serves in the JuniorScholars Program and as assistantteacher in the third and fourth gradeclassrooms at Visitation School on theSouth Side. Sean conducts enrichmentand computer classes at St. Pius the VSchool in the Pilsen neighborhood ofChicago. Stephanie is the volunteercoordinator at Sarah’s Inn in Oak Park,a center that serves survivors of domes-tic violence. Other DVUSA volunteerswho serve in Chicago are MorganBeatty and Julia Slotnick. They arementored by the Sisters at the House ofConnections in Chicago.

The spirit of Dominic is vibrantlyalive within the heart of each volunteer,committed to a year of service andpreaching the message of the Gospel ina variety of ways. Enthusiasm, laugh-ter, energy, and passion are the giftsthey share. In an effort to spread theGospel message and to tell others aboutthe activities of DVUSA, a publicationis sent out quarterly to alumni, friendsand supporters of the organization.

When it is time to get the publicationin the mail, the youthful DVUSA

DOMINICAN CONNECTIONS

Cynthia Velasquez and Sister Patricia Stark, OP

DVUSA Volunteers Sean Mundy, Stephanie Holmstrom and Lisa Hayes

DOMINICAN CONNECTIONS Just WORDS/Winter 2012 11

Sister Beverly JeanneHowe, OP and Becky

Paruszkiewicz

members invite the Sisters from theirhost communities, former volunteers,Dominican Associates and others whowalk in the tradition of Dominic tocome together for an evening of workthat includes pizza, homemade cookiesand lively conversation. In the end,they achieve much more than a task welldone. There is a great blending of ener-gy among youth and those a bit older,vowed religious and lay Associates andthose with temporary or life-time com-mitments. It is a truly synergeticevening crossing centuries and zipcodes! The DVUSA quarterly mailingtask creates anew St. Dominic’s vision: ajoyful community united for the com-mon purpose of preaching and outreach.

Sister Judine Hilbing, OP is President ofMarian Catholic High School in ChicagoHeights, IL.

DVUSA Assistant Director Erica Greil

DVUSA Director Michael Chapuran

DVUSA Volunteer Lisa Hayes

Sister Judith Hilbing,OP and StephanieHolmstrom

12 Just WORDS/Winter 2012 UNFOLDING IN GOD’S TIME

Unfolding in God’s TimeBY SISTER REGINA MARIE BERNET, OP

Some time ago I wrote a reflectionon Mary that began like this:“Mary took some initiative, then

filled with peace and joy, moved towardthe unknown… and let things unfoldin God’s time.” This is how I felt aboutsomething that kept rising in my heartthat I believed was from the HolySpirit. Some years ago, I gave a ClayReflection Day at the GrahamCorrectional Center in Hillsboro, IL.In April of last year, I called the chap-lain at the women’s prison in Lincoln,IL to see if she would be interested inhaving someone give art classes to thewomen there. The chaplain said theyalready had someone to do that.However, when I mentioned art therapy in the course of the conversa-tion, she became enthusiastic and said she thought art therapy would be a wonderful way to work with the women.

I was asked to send in a proposal forthe warden and others at the prison totake under consideration. Then beganthe waiting game! Weeks passed, and Ifinally called her. The chaplain told methat the warden had been on vacationand that there were a lot of transitionsgoing on at the prison. She said shewould call when and if this project was cleared.

The day before our communitymeeting in June, the chaplain calledand said that I had a green light. As itturned out, I wasn’t able to go for myfingerprinting and “hostage” pictureuntil the end of August, so I began arttherapy on the first Wednesday inSeptember. One of the biggest hurdlesfor the women was the need for confi-dentiality and freedom to share in thegroup and to know that what was saidthere would stay there. Classes are held

in the Vocational Building, and I carrysupplies back and forth with me. Ihave Cray-Pas, colored chalk, and colored pencils as well as regular pencilsavailable to use

In art therapy, the participants havedone pencil drawings depicting them-selves as any type of container. Onewoman drew a sprinkling can in atipped position, pouring words over theearth. Another one made a water con-tainer that had a lid and she said shecould clamp it down tight. When itwas pointed out to her that the lid wasslightly open, she explained that she istrying to be more open with others.

After a few sessions, I asked them todraw their family as kitchen utensils.That really opened them up to sharetheir backgrounds. They were thenasked to write a Post-It note to put on a clip-art refrigerator, a note with amessage for their families. Afterward,we discussed an article on forgivenesswhich would help them process someof the feelings they were experiencing.

I continue to hold art therapy sessions, meeting with women once aweek for eight weeks. We touch on topics such as boundary issues, angerand grief. I think the women definitelyknow themselves better at the end ofthe eight sessions.

The Springfield Dominicans’ prisonministry is so much larger than my lat-est venture. These are a few of theministries Dominican Sisters ofSpringfield have engaged in:• Sister Lori Kirchman and I led a

Retreat Day at Parchman, the maxi-mum security prison in Mississippi.

• While missioned in Decatur, IL,Sister Marianne Nolan presided atCommunion Services at theWomen’s Correctional Center.

UNFOLDING IN GOD’S TIME Just WORDS/Winter 2012 13

• Sister Helen Michael Horne andSister Helen Wolf gave enrichmentclasses at Jacksonville CorrectionalCenter in IL.

• Sister Mary Megan Farrelly providedmusic ministry for the Sunday massat the women’s prison in Dwight,Illinois for several years.

• Sister M. Raymunda Troeckler hasbeen writing to a death row inmatefor years.

• Sister Kathryn Edward Knecht wroteto an inmate in Jacksonville whosefamily had been killed in a car acci-dent. We have other Sisters whowrite letters to prisoners as well.

• Our Sisters in Peru have worked foryears with the prisoners there. SisterM. Rene Lawless, Sister M. deCarmel Gaynor (deceased), Sister M.Rose Schleeper, Hermana NéridaGuardamino Pajuelo, and Sister AnnElizabeth Little worked with the prisoners in LaOroya, Peru.

• Hermana Elsi Orellana Carhuancho,a counselor, does therapy at thewomen’s prison in Lima, Peru.

• Several years ago, Sister Helen Wolf,Sister Margaret Rose Aultz and I hada regular Sunday evening scripturestudy with the men at JacksonvilleCorrectional Center and were part ofa team that met twice a year for athree-day retreat weekend called REC(Residents Encounter Christ). Onthe Saturday during the retreat wehave an Agape Meal, and Sister MarieAndre Dougherty was among thosewho came to set up the tables and

serve the men. We had a wonderfulprayer backup at the Motherhousepraying for the success of the retreat,and many of our Sisters write “Wheat Letters” that are read atretreats, letting the men know of theirsacrifices and prayers for them.

• Of late I have continued going toJacksonville on Saturday mornings,following in Sister Helen Wolf ’s footsteps, where a group of us has aCommunion Service with twenty ormore gentlemen.

We always say that we get muchmore than we give to these groups ofmen and women who are trying so hardin their journey through life withChrist. Things really are unfolding inGod’s time.

Sister Regina Marie Bernet, OP workswith incarcerated men and women. Shealso teaches enrichment classes and is aspiritual companion at the Motherhouse ofthe Springfield Dominicans.

Sisters Regina Marie Bernet,OP, Helen Wolf, OP and MaryRose Schleeper, OP are three ofthe many SpringfieldDominican Sisters who haveministered in prisons.

14 Just WORDS/Winter 2012 CAUGHT IN THE ACT OF PREACHING/IN PRAYER

Caught in the Act of PreachingBY SISTER MARILYN JEAN RUNKEL, OP

In October of 2011, Sally Hatfield and Rochelle Green, two of our esteemedemployees at Sacred Heart Convent, were definitely caught in the act of preach-ing. Sally discovered that a local Be Aware Women’s Fair was sponsoring a

Super Survivor award. The criteria for receiving the award included not only surviv-ing breast cancer, but remaining positive and simultaneously help-ing others in the midst of personal anxiety.

Sally knew without a doubt that Rochelle qualified as a candi-date. Not only had Rochelle maintained her positive spirit andhope during her cancer journey, she was supporting other membersof her family who in the end did not survive their struggle withbreast cancer. She even invited her sister’s children to join her own family amidst their challenge of adjusting to the loss of their mother. Rochelle’s colleagues and friends were in awe of her braveand generous spirit.

Out of thirty candidates, Rochelle was one of three persons to receive the award. The three Super Survivors were treated to a Super-Survivor Total Makeover: hair, nails, massage, facial and

more. They also were treated to a shopping spree resulting in an entire new outfit,which included matching jewelry, shoes and purse. What a joyful spirit spreadthroughout the convent and among Rochelle’s family and friends at the news.

Indeed, both Sally’s awareness and Rochelle’s generosity and steadfastness in her personal journey witness how preaching happens in the lives of so many.Sometimes words are not necessary; the actions of the preacher are the joyful witness of caring and loving community.

Sister Marilyn Jean Runkel, OP, PhD is an instructor of Business Management,Organizational Development and Education for Benedictine University.

In PrayerPlease remember these Sisters and Dominican Associates who

have entered into eternal life.

Ron Janssens November 15, 2011

Mary Bernardi November 20, 2011

Sister Peter Damien Vekich, OP December 15, 2011

Rochelle Green and SallyHatfield's friendship exemplifies

preaching in action.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Just WORDS/Winter 2012 15

Sharing in the CareBY KATHERINE ELSNER, SISTER JUDITH ANNE HAASE, OP & SISTER ROSE MARIE RILEY, OP

Each December, the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) conducts acollection in parishes nation-wide for the retirement funds of religious con-gregations in the United States. The Springfield Dominicans have recently

benefitted from this campaign and became beneficiaries of a uniqueprogram offered by NRRO.

Besides giving direct assistance to religious congregations for theretired Sisters, NRRO also helps congregations through a Planningand Implementation program. This program provides assistance tocongregations in developing and implementing a comprehensiveretirement plan. The aim of the plan is to increase the institution’scapacity to provide care for the elder members of the congregationboth now and into the future. In the fall of 2009 Sister RoseMarie Riley and the Leadership Team submitted an application toparticipate in the National Religious Retirement Office’s Planningand Implementation Assistance Program. Several months laterNRRO sent notice that the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, IL had been acceptedinto the Planning and Implementation program!

The first requirement was that the Major Superior, the Chief Financial Officerand the Retirement Director participate in a three-day planning workshop. SisterRose Marie Riley, Katherine Elsner and Sister Judith Anne Haase attended theNRRO workshop in April 2011. They were joined by Sister Hertha Longo, CSAand Brother Steve Glodek, SM who were assigned as consultants for the DominicanSisters during the planning and implementation process. Throughout the work-shop Sister Hertha and Brother Steve provided guidance in clarifying the retirementplanning issues of the congregation. Their expertise and encouragement assisted inthe formulation of an extensive planning proposal. Workshop presentations provided input on related issues such as the leadership’s role in planning for retirement, the eldercare delivery process and financial planning for retirement.

By the final day of the workshop, the Springfield participants had formulated aplan which included the following items: • Complete TRENDS – a software program for forecasting the demographics and

finances of the congregation• Review the elder care services of retired members• Analyze the cost of care of all members of the congregation• Conduct an efficiency study of staffing at Sacred Heart Convent • Study the feasibility of establishing a development office for the congregation

Since the initial workshop, the first four issues have been addressed, and the lastactivity will be conducted within a few months. At the end of that time, furthercourses of action will be evaluated and determined. Dominican Sisters wish toexpress sincere thanks to NRRO for the Planning and Implementation program, tothe consultants who continue to be of assistance, and to all of the people who sogenerously support the National Retirement Fund for Religious.

Katherine Elsner is Chief Financial Officer, Sister Judith Anne Haase, OP isMotherhouse Prioress and Sister Rose Marie Riley, OP is Prioress General for theSpringfield Dominicans.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Brother Ray Mattes, IHM and SisterSusan Schorsten, HM met withgroups of Sisters and shared insights

Nonprofit Org

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Paid

Springfield IL

Permit No. 414

Dominican Sisters of Springfield

Sacred Heart Convent

1237 W. Monroe Street

Springfield, IL 62704-1680

A d d r e s s S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d

D A T E B O O K

2012: Dominican Jubilee-The Year ofDominican Women and Preaching

MARCH 2012

18 Taizé Prayer Service6:30 pm Sacred Heart Chapel

MAY 2012

20 Dominican Associate Committment Ceremony

JULY 2012

1-3 Domincan Faith Camp Summer Camp for Girls 5th - 8th Grade

Abyss! O eternal Godhead! O deep sea! What

more could you have given me than the gift of

your very self? You are a fire always burning but

never consuming; you are a fire consuming in

your heat all the soul’s selfish love; you are a fire

lifting all chill and giving light.

From The Dialogue

Saint Catherine of Siena

Dominican Sources

Take a peek at our updated website!www.springfieldop.org