A Congregation News Magazine
January 2012 Index
On the Cover
Dominicans around the world participated in the Nov. 21 live webcast from Sinsinawa Mound commemorating 500 years of Dominican preaching in the Americas. The program focused on past and present human-rights issues that challenge the Dominican Family in America to call for justice. The program included insight into the life of Friar Antonio Montesinos, OP, who was the first Dominican to speak out in the Americas against injustices experienced by natives in Hispaniola (current-day Haiti and Dominican Republic) at the hands of Spanish colonists 500 years ago. To view the webcast, go to www.ustream.tv/recorded/18672338. Pictured from left are Sr. Joaquina Pacheco-Villar, who played the part of a native of Hispaniola; Fr. James Barnett, who played the part of Antonio Montesinos; and Sr. Toni Harris, who was a presenter.
Sisters Donate to Fire Department
The Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters presented a $250 donation to the Hazel Green Fire Department on Nov. 3 as part of the department’s annual fundraiser to replace aging equipment with new equipment. Read more . . .
Sr. Elayne Hill Grateful for Community
I was born and raised in Washington, DC. I attended Sacred Heart Academy where I had the privilege of being taught by Sinsinawa Dominicans. I was always impressed with their joyful spirit and welcoming presence. Read more . . .
Celebrating Community in Trinidad
The profession of Lystra Long, OP, in Trinidad on Nov. 5 was beautiful. It was a celebration of love, life, and joy, an expression of who she is, who we are, and who God is among us. Read more . . .
Mexico Trip Inspires Trinity High School
Students to Live More Passionately
Writing about an experience with Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) [an international organization caring for orphaned and abandoned children] is a daunting task. Read more . . .
Siena Youth Center Opens in California
Srs. Tina and Sue ‘Setting the World on Fire’ in Redwood City
Turn right off El Camino Real, zip past the naughty novelties store, and make another right around the corner to discover a different novelty: the Siena Youth Center (SYC). At first glance, one may not realize this attraction primarily serves as a gymnasium. Read more . . .
Make the Word Your Home
“If you make my Word your home, you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31–32). Ann Willits, OP, full-time itinerant preacher, has taken these words to heart and provided us with Writing Home, a retreat consisting of twelve 25-minute lectures that will stir our hearts and open our minds to God’s work in our lives here and now. Read more . . .
Red Hatters Visit Villa
The Red Hatters from Sinsinawa Mound visited St. Dominic Villa on Dec. 6. Read more . . .
Dominican University: A Tradition of Interfaith Cooperation
For the past year, Dominican University (DU), River Forest, IL, has been involved in an exciting initiative designed to advance a campus culture of interfaith cooperation and understanding. The project, while fairly modern in its approach, has its roots in Dominican’s rich heritage. Read more . . .
Dominican Justice Promoters Gather in Adrian
The Dominican Justice Promoters of North America met in Adrian, MI, from Oct. 21 to 22, 2011. Thirty-one promoters gathered, including Joy Peterson, PBVM, and Mary Catherine Perkins, OP, representing Sinsinawa. Read more . . .
Sisters Launch ‘Welcoming Communities’ Campaign
The Sinsinawa Dominicans are one of ten congregations based in the Upper Mississippi River Valley calling on President Barack Obama and Congress to work together to enact comprehensive immigration reform. Read more . . .
Sinsinawa Mound Declared a Weapon-Free Zone
In November 2011, the state of Wisconsin passed a law that created a process for Wisconsin residents to obtain a license to carry concealed weapons. The law also allows property owners to prohibit concealed weapons provided due notice is given. Read more . . .
The Song We Sing
I once had a liturgical studies professor who repeated the same refrain every day. He would say, “In every ritual there is much that is traditional and familiar and a little that is new. The traditional lets us feel at home in every surrounding. The new dimension lets us celebrate the unique or special occasion.” Read more . . .