Advent and O Antiphons!

You continue to be in our prayers as you discern God’s plans for you!

May Christ find a dwelling place in your heart this Advent!

The Many Busy Blessings of December

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https://www.grdominicans.org

Love and Gratitude - Not Only on Thanksgiving Day!

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http://www.grdominicans.org 

November 12th is Second Sunday!

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http://www.grdominicans.org 

National Vocations Awareness Week!

It's Autumn, and We're Back to Standard Time!

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🌝 

What Are You Seeking?

“Jesus said to them: Come and see!”

Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, 

“What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” 

He said to them, “Come and see!” (John 1:38-39)

There is still time to register for the “Come-and-See” Weekend!

I invite you to come spend some time with us –

the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids

October 27^th – 29^th, 2017! 

I have heard from some of you already, and I look forward to meeting you in person! 

Please register – even if you have already told me that you’ll be attending – by clicking on the following link:  

https://dominicancenter.com/programs/come-and-see-weekend/ 

This way I’ll be sure to have a room reserved for you.

Remember: There is no cost for this weekend.  Room and meals are provided.

"Come and See" Weekend at Marywood!

Come and See Weekend

October 27 – 29, 2017

Jesus turned and saw them following himAnd said to them, “What are you looking for?”And they said to him, “Rabbi, where are you staying?”He said to them,“Come and See!”

                                                          – John 1: 38 – 39

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions,

you are invited to a “Come and See” Weekend

to reflect, explore and discern your call with the

Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids

2025 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

We are just a month away from the Come and See Weekend.  Some of you have registered already, and I look forward to seeing you here with us!  If you are planning to come, but haven’t registered yet, it is never too early!  Even if you have told me that you are coming, please register online.  That will reserve a room for you.  Remember: there is no charge for the weekend – just get yourself here and be our guest! 

You many now register on line:

https://dominicancenter.com/programs/come-see-weekend/

You May Now Register Online for October's Come and See!

To register online, click on the link below:

https://dominicancenter.com/programs/come-see-weekend/

If you wish to learn more about us and/or would like to read this and past e-newsletters, visit our blog:

http://grdominicanvocations.blogspot.com

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Blessings!

Discerning Religious Life

                                               Call us!  Visit us!  Email us!

Come & See in October

Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids: Stance Against Racism

www.grdominicans.org

Preach the truth as if you had a million voices...

Come and See Weekend at Marywood

It’s hard to believe that we are already into the second week of August!  As fast as these months have passed by for me, I’m feeling that October will be here before I know.  So… on that note, I want to remind you that we have a “Come and See Weekend” on October 27^th – 29^th.  One important step in discerning religious life is to have a direct experience with a religious congregation.  A visit – whether it’s a full day, overnight or a weekend – will help you be immersed in the spirit of the community, through prayer, community life, and meals.  This also offers the opportunity to meet a variety of community members and have conversations with them.  Following up with an ongoing conversation with the congregation or a Sister will help you to get to know more about the congregation and their charism.

It’s never too early to save a date!  Pull out your calendar while you’re at it, and block off October 27 – 29, 2017 for the next “Come and See” Weekend at Marywood (our Motherhouse) with the Dominican Sisters in Grand Rapids. 

Join us in prayer and Eucharist.  Listen to some of the Sisters speak about their way of life and about their own journey of discernment.  Meet other women exploring God’s call in their lives.  There will be opportunities for personal prayer and silence, to ask questions, a visit one-on-one with a Sister about your own discernment, and enjoy the beautiful grounds at Marywood.

So, save the date!  Do it now!  …and it’s free!  However, you do need to contact Sister Chela Gonzalez, OP (CGonzalez@GRDominicans.org or call 616-329-6221) if you’re coming so that we can make room reservations for you!   All you have to do is get yourself here! 

 

DOMINICAN DAYS 2017

 

DISCERNING A RELIGIOUS LIFE

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Come Visit Us This Sunday!

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100 Years on Holy Ground!!

Sunday, June 11th Is ‘Second’ Sunday!

Sunday, June 11^th Is ‘Second’ Sunday!

Don't forget!!

The second Sunday of each month is set aside for you!

You are invited to spend the day with us,

and pray, worship, eat, play and meet with the

Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids.

Some of you have indicated that you are coming on that Sunday!  I look forward to seeing/meeting you!  That’s great!  Please know that other arrangements can also be made for other days or weekends – especially if you’re travelling far.

Either way, please do let me know if you’re coming,

and I’ll make sure to have a place reserved for you!

Email:CGonzalez@GRDominicans.org

Or Call me at: 616-329-6221

Schedule for the day

Morning Prayer: 9:30 a.m. (plan on being here by 9:15)

Sunday Liturgy: 10:00 a.m.

Lunch after Liturgy

Conversation and time with the Sisters after Lunch

Call Us | Email Us | Visit Us!

Blessings!

Itinerant Dominican

Itinerant Dominican: From Michigan to New York to New Mexico!

Greetings from sunny New Mexico!  I feel have been so out of touch – and that’s because I haven’t sent an e-newsletter since May 14^th!  

However, you have been in my thoughts and daily prayers even when I have not been in touch! 😊

I had hoped to send pictures from New York last week, but my laptop was not connecting, so I left it in Michigan.  In between trips I picked up my now-functioning laptop, so I will post pictures of the National College Preaching in Action Conference which took place at Molloy University in Rockville Centre, New York.

A Brief History:

What is the Preaching in Action Conference?

The National “Preaching in Action” Conference is a venue where college age students explore
Dominican spirituality and preaching.  The conference familiarizes the college students to the foundations and characteristics of the four pillars of the Dominican charism: Prayer, Study, Service, and Community, by modeling and actively engaging them in creative ways of preaching in their daily lives.  “It’s about gathering together to discover how each of us is called to preach the Gospel message in our own unique way.”

 
Speakers representing congregations and provinces of the Dominican Order facilitate various experiences for preaching which makes the Word of God come alive through prayer, Liturgy, art, dance, drama and music.

Who can attend the Preaching in Action Conference?
Students from Dominican Colleges, or colleges which have a Dominican presence, throughout the United States are eligible to attend the Preaching in Action Conference. The Conference was begun originally when the connection between the Dominican tradition of preaching and the desire of many students to answer their own call to preach was recognized.  Four sophomore or junior students and an adult mentor from each college or university are accepted for this college preaching conference. It is conducted annually at different Dominican college sites.  (Source: http://dymusa.org/collegepreachingconf/) 

Throughout the week the mentors and college students were fully engaged in the four pillars of Dominican spirituality:  Community, Service (Ministry), Prayer and Study.  We also had a selection of sites for our day of service.  The last night we were there we had a talent show.  The pictures below are just a few of many I took in New York last week.  
(* DON’T Miss this: On Saturday night our Aquinas College students performed a piece from the Broadway musical, "Annie".  You can view the video by clicking on this link: http://bit.ly/2qL9XTd ) 
Enjoy…

And Last, But Not Least…

Sunday, June 11^th Is ‘Second’ Sunday!

Don't forget!!

The second Sunday of each month is set aside for you!

You are invited to spend the day with us,

and pray, worship, eat, play and meet with the

Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids.

Some of you have indicated that you are coming on that Sunday!  I look forward to seeing/meeting you!  That’s great!  Please know that other arrangements can also be made for other days or weekends – especially if you’re travelling far.

Either way, please do let me know if you’re coming,

and I’ll make sure to have a place reserved for you!

Schedule for the day

Morning Prayer: 9:30 a.m. (plan on being here by 9:15)

Sunday Liturgy: 10:00 a.m.

Lunch after Liturgy

Conversation and time with the Sisters after Lunch

Call Us | Email Us | Visit Us!

Blessings!

May 14th Is ‘Second’ Sunday!

May 14^th Is ‘Second’ Sunday!

Don't forget!!

The second Sunday of each month is set aside for you!

You are invited to spend the day with us, and pray, worship, eat, play and meet with the

Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids.

Some of you have indicated that you are coming on that Sunday!  I look forward to seeing/meeting you!  That’s great!  Please know that other arrangements can also be made for other days or weekends – especially if you’re travelling far.

Either way, please do let me know if you’re coming,

and I’ll make sure to have a place reserved for you!

Schedule for the day

Morning Prayer: 9:30 a.m. (plan on being here by 9:15)

Sunday Liturgy: 10:00 a.m.

Lunch after Liturgy

Conversation and time with the Sisters after Lunch

Call Us | Email Us | Visit Us!

Continued Easter Blessings to you!

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

54th World Day of Prayer for Vocations 

“Each vocation has its origin in the compassionate gaze of Jesus…” – Letter on Vocations, Pope Francis This year World Day of Prayer for Vocations is observed on "Good Shepherd Sunday" - May 7, 2017.   The purpose of this day is to publicly fulfill the Lord's instruction to, "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk. 10:2).  As a climax to a prayer that is continually offered throughout the Church, it affirms the primacy of faith and grace in all that concerns vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life.  While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to five areas: ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), Religious life in all its forms (men and women, contemplative and apostolic), societies of apostolic life, to  secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life, in the particular sense of mission "ad gentes". This year in his message for vocations, Led by the Spirit for Mission, Pope Francis states:  “There can be no promotion of vocations or Christian mission apart from constant contemplative prayer.” 2017 marks the 54th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.  More information on WD of Prayer for Vocations is available on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website. (USCCB.org)  You are Not Alone Are you discerning a call from God?  Would you like to talk to someone about your call?  I’m just a call or an email away! If you’re unsure of God’s call in your life, and you’re waiting for some direction from the Lord, serve him generously where you are, as you wait for God’s plan to unfold. As you discern God’s call for you, I want you to know that you are not alone in all this.  I have created special prayer cards with your first name on it, and invited our Sisters to pray for you as you take this journey of inquiry.  A Sister has committed to place your name daily before God for guidance in your discernment.  Our prayer for  you is that you may discern your vocation to live out your Baptismal call to holiness in the way that God is leading you!  In the end it is between you and God – and trust me, God will lead you where God wants you! Praying with you and for you has turned out to be quite popular!  I received an overwhelming response from the Sisters, so that means that more than one Sister has your name (first name only), and is praying for you during your discernment journey!  Don't worry!  They aren't praying that you join us (although, I personally think that would be so ideal)!  Each Sister is praying for your discernment — that God may speak clearly to you, and that you may clearly see God's dream for you as you discern your call to holiness wherever God leads you.  This is a copy of the prayer card (below).  …and as I mentioned — in the end, it is a decision between you and God!   Also know that each one of you is on my daily prayer list!  I have this list of names in my prayer book, and on my office wall.  I include your names during Morning Prayer, and again when I pray my daily Rosary.  Some of you I have been honored to have had a face-to-face conversation, others have communicated to me via email and/or Facebook, and still others, I have spoken with over the phone.  I feel honored to journey with you!    Sunday, May 14th Is ‘Second’ Sunday! Don't forget!! The second Sunday of each month is set aside for you! You are invited to spend the day with us, and pray, worship, eat, play and meet with the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids.  The next ‘Second Sunday’ is May 14th!  Some of you have indicated that you are coming on that Sunday!  I look forward to seeing/meeting you! That’s great!  Please know that other arrangements can also be made for other days or weekends – especially if you’re travelling far.   Either way, please do let me know if you’re coming, and I’ll make sure to have a place reserved for you! Call Us | Email Us | Visit Us! Continued Easter Blessings to you!