‘Fire the Vision’
Over 500 Gather for Federation Convocation
by Jo Ann Timmerman, OP
The Sinsinawa Dominican family gathered at the Federation Convocation.
With this theme, the 2008 Federation of Dominican Sisters USA Convocation was launched. An estimated 560 Sisters and Associates gathered April 24–27 near Chicago at the Wyndham O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont, IL.
From left: Srs. Antonetta Martinka, Ann McCullough, Mary Ellen O’Dea, Roberta Popara, and Bernadine Karge
From left: Srs. Bernadette Ries and Mary O’Donnell
From left: Srs. Richelle Schmitz, Liz Dunn, and Marise Barry
From left: Srs. Marie Condon, Mary Frances Lennartz, and Constance Lennartz
Our representatives to the Federation are Mary Ellen O’Dea, OP, and Jo Ann Timmerman, OP. Eighteen months ago at our spring meeting, Mary Ellen enthusiastically volunteered to represent us on the planning committee. Months of meetings and conference calls resulted in an exciting gathering of Dominicans from all over the United States and beyond! On Thursday night, the opening liturgy greeted and gathered Dominicans―Sisters and Associates―from Nigeria, Trinidad, Peru, Mexico, Iraq, and other countries, singing, “You bring us your fire!” And we did! I was honored to be invited to compose the theme song, “Fire Up the Vision.” With the help of fantastic visuals from Pat Farrell, OP (San Rafael, CA), and vitalizing singing from Rebecca Ann Gemma, OP (Springfield, IL), the convocation began with an exhilarating joy. How fun!
Mary Ann Wiesemann-Mills, OP (Akron, OH), ignited our days. Preaching on “firing the vision,” she spoke not only of change, but of a transition which starts with each congregation letting go of what no longer works. In responding to today’s challenges, Dominicans must strive for a new understanding, a new attitude, and, for some congregations, even a new identity. We must bring to each other, in whatever direction collaboration leads, a passion that fires the Spirit-flame of the Dominican mission. “We are to be a burning, disturbing presence.” Other speakers responded to Mary Ann. Attracta Kelly, OP (Adrian, MI), spoke of her passion to assist low-income immigrants in Raleigh, NC. Associate Larry Vuillemin (Columbus, OH), a lawyer, motivational speaker, and businessman, spoke of “bringing the light into your world.” Associate Cynthia Trenshaw (Grand Rapids, MI) spoke about her ministry of working with the dying in Freeland, WA. Marcelline Koch, OP (Springfield, leadership team), spoke of her work with the homeless. Saturday afternoon, Elyse Marie Ramirez, OP (Springfield), and Connie Schoen, OP (Oxford, MI), spoke of preaching as action.
Our prayer emphasized the deepening desire for contemplation. Friday morning prayer was structured in the Taize style, quiet moments punctuated with beautiful music. Eileen Ivory, OP (Caldwell, NJ), was our preacher. Saturday morning’s contemplative prayer reflected the lectio divina tradition. Carol Mayes, OP (Houston, TX), opened the scriptures to us in her preaching from the Acts of the Apostles, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”
Father Don Goergen, OP, truly celebrated the closing liturgy. Our own Mary McNulty, OP, and Associate Barbara Sharp preached together on the Emmaus story. From this place at our Eucharistic table, like the two on the road, we Dominicans rejoiced together speaking of how our hearts burned within as we gathered near Chicago and now continue on the road to a new Emmaus.
To access talks from the Federation Convocation, visit www.dominicans.us on the web and click on “Articles.”