Sinsinawa
Spectrum
A Congregation News Magazine
Community Days 2009:
Deepening the Conversation
by Geri Kline, OP
From left: Srs. Clemente Davlin and
Mariel Blanche Bronson rehearse
their musical piece during a break.
Srs. LouAnne Willette and Monica Oboagwina.
Srs. Collette Mary White and Geri Kline.
From left: Srs. Mary Therese Dolan, Susan Ostrowski, and Dolores Cavalli.
Sr. Elizabeth Toohey with Sr. Delmarie Gibney (presenter) and Sallie Lee (facilitator).
Srs. Kathleen Loughrin, Margaret
McGuirk, Marie Cagnoni, Loretta
Finnerty, and Judy Aubry.
“Just pay attention!” With these words from a poem of Mary Oliver, Delmarie Gibney, FSPA, invited the over 400 Sinsinawa Dominican and Associate participants to awaken. And awaken we did, in exquisitely prepared space and through the powerful presentations of Delmarie; the artful weaving of the themes of contemplation and community crafted by Elizabeth Toohey, OP, and Mary Ann Nelson, OP, and their committees; and the integrated multimedia presentation and challenge arranged by the committees on care of the Earth, peace and justice, and collaboration.
This year’s Community Days were a continuation and deepening of the conversations begun last year as we embraced the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) process with the skillful help of our consultant Sallie Lee. Sharing contemplative space and conversations, we listened to the story of the universe unfolding in the mystery of God and considered our role and task in the unfolding of the universe at this point in time. We were reminded that there was a time and the energy for the formation of galaxies, oceans, animals, etc. There was a time for our founding and growth as a Congregation. That particular energy no longer exists, and we are challenged to build on and move forward the gifts offered by those on whose shoulders we stand.
In prayer and conversation, we reflected on questions whose answers would determine how we choose to step together into the future: plan for our demise, deny the present reality of our lives, or plan for an unknown future. Some of the questions we addressed were these:
- What energy is calling us today? What is evolving is something we’ve never experienced before and can’t understand or control, but we are co-creators. What is coming cannot be done without us.
- What are we waking up to in our world, our community, and ourselves as we endeavor not to change ourselves but to wake up to who we are at our very core? When we stand up and speak the truth, we are facilitating the awakening. This requires trusting our experience and opening our minds, hearts, and wills to our God of incomprehensible mystery.
- What time is it now in religious life, in our communities? We are standing on the threshold of transformation as a bridge to the birthing of something radically new.
- What is the unique gift the Sinsinawa Dominicans have brought to the world and want to continue into the future? What are you yearning for now?
Our contemplation and conversations led us to realize that the only way to hold such large and vital questions is in community and as community. And so, out of our deep contemplation and loving conversations, we agreed to keep walking into the mystery together with the intention of sharing our gifts with the world, willing to step into the unknown future together, trusting in God and in each other as we co-create the future: a holy and just society.
With enthusiasm and creativity, ideas budded forth as Sisters and Associates offered to be contact persons on such as future-directed topics such as nonviolent communication, off-campus formation for Mound staff, and ways to strengthen the formation of Associates in their Dominican charism while gathering in circles of contemplation and through “road trips” to deepen our bonds within the Dominican Family.
Two optional evening gatherings were planned by the Institutional Church Committee: “The Emerging Church” and “Dissent in the Church.” The deep listening and energizing conversations provided hope and encouragement as the participants shared hopes and visions for the Church of the future.
Surrounding and enhancing our quiet contemplation and animated conversations were inspiring poems, prayers, songs, and instrumental gems by Clemente Davlin, OP, Rosa Rauth, OP, and Mariel Blanche Bronson, OP; and by Tanya Williams, OP, and Jo Ann Timmerman, OP. Jo Ann and Mary Ellen Winston, OP, arranged and directed beautiful music that held our days in artistic loveliness.
Our closing session included a lively “Community Commons,” giving us a place and time to connect and express our love and appreciation to one another.
The joyful spirit that permeated these days together was celebrated in inspiring and energizing sacred liturgies. Geri Kline, OP, called us to speak as clearly, articulately, and flawlessly as possible the language of God’s love, giving us the acronym LOVE: Let Our Voices Echo throughout the universe. Sister Gail Jagroop blessed us with a moving dramatization of Dominic’s Nine Ways of Prayer as Ann Willits, OP, proclaimed each stance. Gail was, in turn, blessed as she moves into her second novitiate year. We ended our Community Days with Pat Mulcahey, OP, receiving the first profession of vows by Priscilla Torres, OP, and Christine Walcott, OP, and the final profession of vows by Anne Sur, OP, who reminded us in her preaching of the many “angels” who have accompanied her on her journey as a Dominican Sister.
In these days, we experienced the power of contemplation in the context of loving, supportive, gifted community. We were truly AWAKENED as we recommitted ourselves to a future together!