Living Contemplatively: Our Sacred Journey
by Associate Paula Winker and Helen Hayes, OP
From left: Srs. Helen Dailey and Helen Hayes, Associate Kelly Sinasac, and Srs. Jean Tranel and Elaine Taylor
Contemplation
Presenters: Associates Paula Winker and Dorine Bemmel
- “Living contemplatively begins with ourselves and leads us in the end to embrace deeply not only our truest self but God, neighbor and all of creation.” Thomas Merton Institute
- Beholding the Divine Light within. “You are the light of Christ.”
- “Every evening after a long day at work, I enter my darkened living room and place the candle into the votive holder which reads, ‘Behold the Divine Light within.’” Associate Margaret Webinger
- Honoring My Authentic Self. “Trust the light of Christ within to find my authentic self.”
- “The love of Christ unfolds you. In what way may a particular flower or blossom be representative of your authentic self?”
- Embracing Each Sip of Life. Just as the water in a river is flowing and ever changing, so are we growing, evolving. We, all of creation, are interconnected, surrounded by the light of Christ, the breath of God. Be present to each moment.
Living Contemplatively with Community
Presenter: Liz Dunn, OP
- “The right small group conversation releases aliveness and intention into the community.” Community: The Structure of Belonging by Peter Block.
- “The Dominican perspective is that community is the lifeline, a vitalness. Time together is precious. Prayer enables community.”
- “All I am is because I live in community.”
- “Yearnings for community can become a reality through intention, commitment, and presence.”
- “What I give to community is reflected back to me.”
Living Contemplatively with Mission
Presenter: Maureen Kelley, OP
- “Mission is what we are about.”
- “Take a stand. Accept the power of our witness. Recognize that others take a stand because they saw the Sinsinawa Dominicans there.”
- “Witness may be one person at a time.”
- “Without contemplative life, it is impossible to create a holy and just society.”
- “I would not be able to speak out without the Congregation.” Living Contemplatively in Study Presenter: Tere Auad, OP
- “The Banquet of the Faith” by Sister Elizabeth Johnson
- Forgiveness and Life Affirming Theology for All Persons . . . All Creation
Living Contemplatively in Prayer
Presenters: Jean Tranel, OP, and Christa Cunningham, OP
- Meditation. He Washed My Feet. Tenderness encircled us as He bowed before us and said, “I choose to wash your feet because I love you. . . . As I have done, so must you do.”
Celebrating Our Jubilarians
- Helen Dailey, OP, Christa Cunningham, OP, and Mary Alice Neylon, OP, were honored for 170 years as Sisters of Sinsinawa with memories, laughter, letters, and songs written by Helen Hayes, OP.