Sinsinawa
Spectrum
A Congregation News Magazine
Wisdom's Well
by Eileen Dushek-Manthe
Sr. Alita Lisbeth (left) leads a reflection and discussion about Thomas Merton at Wisdom’s Well Interfaith Spirituality Center, Madison, WI.When Alita Lisbeth, OP, was asked to describe the ministry at Wisdom’s Well Interfaith Spirituality Center in Madison, WI, that she shares with Maureen McDonnell, OP, and Paula Hirschboeck, Alita responded, “It’s people.”
No buildings. No boundaries. “The center is not a place,” Alita said, adding, “We are always looking for ways to collaborate.” That collaboration leads them to different locations to hold their programs and different people who become involved with the center. Programs, including spiritual guidance, retreats, education, and gathering for reflection, are presented “on spiritual topics of interest for adults of many faiths and those who may not identify with a particular faith but are searching to own and understand what gives them life” (www.wisdomswell.org).
The mission statement says, Wisdom’s Well Interfaith Spirituality Center is committed to sharing humanity’s stories within the context of the Universe Story. . . . Wisdom’s Well is particularly dedicated to its work of interfaith spirituality by supporting contemplation in the midst of an active life and celebration of a sacred earth community. Alita said the staff sees the mission statement being a good fit with the Sinsinawa Dominicans’ mission statement to participate in the building of a holy and just society, building respect, and encouraging support of one another.
The center began in 2006 borne from the dream of Maureen, Paula, and Marie Louise Seckar, OP, to engage in spiritual guidance with individual adults and plan programs together for the spiritual growth of adults. Alita joined the group in 2008 when Marie Louise left this ministry. Each of the staff ministers part time at the center and participates in other forms of ministry.
It is evident this ministry is life-giving for the staff. Maureen said, “The practice of spiritual guidance is rooted most deeply in my life of prayer, reflection, and action. This daily renews my relationship with God, who loves me totally. From this flows my desire and ability to walk with whomever God sends my way, seeking an attentive companion on the journey of life” (www.wisdomswell.org).
Alita sees the ministry as a “way of recognizing the Divine―the Spirit―in all things. It is the affirmation of things we have said all along.” She appreciates how this ministry gives people access to a global village and a global world. “We are all so blessed to be gathering with each other in this work and with so many other traveling companions along the shared journey. The universe welcomes all kinds of diverse life and invites us to enter into the mystery of be-ing and to come together in community. Wow!”
To learn more about Wisdom’s Well, visit their web site at www.wisdomswell.org. Maureen, Alita, and Paula express their gratitude to Isabel Rafferty, OP, for developing and maintaining the site.