JUST Words Fall 2017

DOMINICAN SISTERS OF SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

JUSTWords
Fall 2017
Vol. 17, No. 3

RELIGIOUSinLIFthEe
21ST CENTURY

Four Generations: Sister Susan Karina Dickey, OP; Sister Anne
Lawrence Buchmiller, OP; Sister M. Gabriella Luebbers, OP;
Sister KellfyrMomolitnhee, O2P01a4t tChheaJpunteergDenireercatlioasnseSmtabtelym. ent

THE CONTEXT

Dear Readers, Mission Statement:
Called by God
“ How does one approach mystery? structures, attitudes, and habits that
oCfaouutirocuesrlyta—inletyt ,utshgeobotounthdeaerny dof may no longer meet the world’s needs; into right relationship
all we know; while simultaneously midwifing new with all creation and graced by
possibilities that foster the common Dominican life and mission,
aRteavperpernotalyc—hinwgitthhea sense of awe good today and into the future. we compassionately preach the
holy whose
miracles are present in every Rainer Maria Rilke writes, “The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
place and moment; future enters into us, in order to
transform us, long before it happens.” JUST Words
wHhopoelefnuellsys—anoudtroefcoonucrinlieaetidonfoirn We only recognize what is already
our own lives; birthing around us and within us Sharing the life, mission, and
when we are willing to make the ministry of the Dominican
iQnutiimetlayt—e psrimespenlycebeoifnmg yinsttehrey, contemplative journey from the Sisters of Springfield, Illinois.
unashamed, unadorned and familiar into the unknown. Published three times a year.
unafraid.” Volume 17, Number 3
We are called to engage
We Springfield Dominicans would add: transformation that begins at the Dominican Sisters
deepest core of who we are as women of Springfield, Illinois
Communally—moving forward called into God’s mission for the life of Sacred Heart Convent
together with profound courage the world. We hope that in this JUST 1237 W Monroe
and trust, traits we have inherited Words you’ll be inspired by stories of Springfield, Illinois 62704
from Dominic, Catherine, and our this contemplative, future-focused, Phone: 217.787.0481 • Fax: 217.787.8169
Springfield Dominican foundresses. Jesus-centered path of ministry in a www.springfieldop.org
“Trusting the grace of Holy complex world.
Mystery…with active hope we For inquiries about this publication:
choose to imagine the world we We invite you to join us on this Sister Beth Murphy, OP
want to inhabit and accept the contemplative journey, and to pray Director of Communications
urgent responsibility to collaborate with us and for us, that God’s vision [email protected]
in bringing it to birth.” These words for our world may be realized in our
from our 2014 chapter statement midst. For inquiries about vocations:
motivated recent community Sister Teresa Marron, OP
gatherings. In February we gathered With thanks to Gordon B. Director of Vocations
for a day of input and conversation on McKeeman, http://www.uua.org/ [email protected]
the broad realities of religious life— worship/words/meditation/mystery
yesterday and today—with an eye For inquiries about the
to tomorrow. In June we assembled Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP, is on the Associate Program:
again for two and a half days of Dominican Sisters leadership team. Sister M. Joan Sorge, OP
processing and dialogue to envision Director of the Associate Program
more clearly how God is leading us [email protected]
into the future.
We know that walking together, For inquiries about
with God’s grace, into the mystery Mission Advancement
unfolding before us involves Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, OP
exploring complex issues with hope Director of Mission Advancement
and openness to radical possibilities. [email protected]
We discover ourselves immersed in
the Paschal Mystery of letting go of Editorial Board Members:

Sister Barbara Blesse, OP
John Freml
Sister Judine Hilbing, OP
Sister Geraldine Kemper, OP
Craig Missel
Sister Beth Murphy, OP
Sister Linda Sue Noe, OP
Aaron Tebrinke
J. Graham Thompson
Sister Mary Jean Traeger, OP
Mary Waters
Sister Elizabeth Wrenn, OP

Translator:

Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP

Publication Designer:

Aaron Tebrinke

2 | JUST Words

Rehabilitating Dominican Religious
Life: An Historical Perspective

by Sister Susan Karina Dickey, OP

Springfield Dominican Sisters engage
in table talk as Sister Mary Jean
Traeger, OP, leads the conversation.

One of the memorable things Six Cycles of Religious Orders
about St. Dominic was his
willingness to try something Egyptian Monastic Model, 300-600
new while borrowing and adapting First Benedictine Era, 600-900
from the past. For example, the idea of Second Benedictine Era, 900-1200
preachers who were not bishops was Mendicant Era, 1200-1500
an innovation. We cannot know if Apostolic Era, 1500-1800
Dominic saw himself as an innovator, Missionary Era, 1800-to the present
but 800 years later we frame the
emergence of wandering mendicant Spirit bestows gifts on those called from the fall of the Roman Empire.
preachers as an evolutionary to embody a radically intense life Over time, their success led to an
breakthrough. of Christian discipleship suited to unwholesome exercise of privilege
the times. The Order of St. Benedict, and power. Outside forces, including
The mendicants were not the for example, established schools the Viking invasions of northern
first to shape a new way. Church and engaged in several commercial Europe, also contributed to decline,
historian Raymond Hostie proposed activities thus filling a vacuum arising but the Benedictine charism of prayer
a cyclic pattern in the emergence
and eventual decline of religious
communities. Others built on
his 1972 book, Vie et Mort des
Ordres Religieux (Life and Death
of Religious Orders). They identify
the six cycles you see on this page.
Even before the desert fathers and
mothers, small numbers of men and
women, prompted by the Holy Spirit,
banded together to form intentional
communities. In every age the Holy

(continued on page 4)

Fall-2017 | 3

DOMINICAN RELIGIOUS LIFE

(continued from p. 3)

and work was renewed through the Sister M. Michaela Collins and Sister M. Samuella Volk invite YOU to become a Dominican!
Cluniac reforms.
invitation to join ourselves more occupied it. Rehabilitation, or “rehab”
The fact that Benedictines, closely to the spirit of St. Dominic is to honor the historical integrity
Dominicans, Franciscans, and others and the early Dominicans. There were of a building, but make it livable
still exist is evidence of the lasting no guarantees of success or longevity with modern features needed for
value of their respective charisms. for Dominic among the Albigensians; the way we live today. Dominic built
The dominant form of religious life in or for Henri Lacordaire, who re- on the foundation of monastic life
one age does not disappear, but adapts founded the Order of Preachers in and transformed it into something
to new conditions. The pattern is one post-Revolutionary France, or for new: mendicant preaching. We are
of birth, growth, and a formalization the 18th and 19th century North the heirs of Dominic, the pioneer
of structures, followed by a period of American foundresses of Dominican sisters from Kentucky, and hundreds
flourishing. At about the 200-year congregations like our own. of Springfield Dominicans who
mark, according to Hostie, some preceded us. The foundation is firm.
institutes decline and eventually Notice how the cycles of religious What is God calling us to build next?
disband. Sometimes external forces, life echo the Paschal Mystery. Jesus
such as the English Reformation or incarnates the Divine, he grows and *In describing the cycles, I am
the French Revolution, brought an flourishes. He suffered persecution indebted to the work of Diarmuid
abrupt end. Other institutes devolved and died, yet rose, transformed, O’Murchu in Religious Life in the 21st
more slowly. into new life. Sister Illia Delio, Century: The Prospect of Refounding.
OSF, says it well: “The fact is, every New York: Orbis Books, 2016. Kindle
Still others adapted to changing aspect of life has moments of death edition.
conditions and continued to gift and resurrection. We are dying all
the Church and society with their along the way. But in a participatory Ilia Delio, OSF, “An Interview with
charisms. Women and men of the universe, every death is the beginning Ilia Delio, OSF, Seeing Christianity
Vincentian Family continue to of new life; every end is a new arrival.” as a Religion of Evolution and the
prioritize service to the poor. The Implications for Religious Life,”
Ursulines still minister as educators. The concept of rehabilitation may LCWR Occasional Papers, Summer
The Jesuits dominate Catholic higher be helpful when we look to the future 2012.
education (not bad for a group that of religious life. To rehabilitate means
was suppressed for close to forty years to make something livable again. Sister Susan Karina Dickey, OP,
beginning in 1773). Consider architecture as a metaphor. is director of mission integration for
The Abraham Lincoln Home in St. Dominic Health Services Jackson,
The Springfield Dominicans were Springfield, Ill., is a restoration. Miss., and a historian.
founded 144 years ago, and like other That is, the house is made to look
societies of apostolic sisters, we are as it did in when the Lincoln family
bumping up against the 200-year
milestone. We are in good company.
The Sisters of Mercy, the Missionary
Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and the
Congregation of St. Joseph, among
others, experience numerical
diminishment and ponder how to
continue to embody their charisms
with integrity. The challenges are
apparent not only in our congregation
in Peru and North America, but,
with some exceptions, for institutes
around the globe.

To meditate on the unfolding
mystery of religious life is an
4 | JUST Words

God is good!
Food Pantry Volunteers
Enlarge the Circle of Compassion
by Sister Judine Hilbing, OP
When Alexis Williams
became a Dominican Above: Associate Alexis Williams, left, with former client-turned-volunteer Vanessa Hood,
associate candidate, her who now volunteers at the St. Irenaeus food pantry weekly. “The need is greater now than
world view was already aligned ever before,” Alexis says of her 5 years of volunteer experience.
with the values of justice and peace
promoted by the Dominicans of “I am blessed to be able to help of the pantry that day, her grocery
Springfield. Understanding the moral provide for those in need,” Alexis cart full of food for her children,
imperative to be generous with the reflects. “I find ministry in the food she said, “This is God’s work.” Now
blessings she had received, Alexis pantry to be spiritually uplifting and employed full time, Vanessa comes
responded to an announcement at I’m grateful to be called to serve. The each Monday to help with food
her parish, St Irenaeus, Park Forest, clients are always appreciative of the distribution for, as she and Alexis
Ill., about the new food pantry being many blessings that come from this both say, “God is good.”
established in the former school pantry.”
building. Alexis made her formal
Some volunteers are former clients commitment as a Dominican
When Alexis started as a volunteer themselves. Vanessa Hood, one such associate with the 2017 class. (See
at the pantry in 2012, her talents volunteer, accepted the challenge of story on page 14.) Her work in the
for organization, leadership, and sharing the blessing she received. food pantry is one inspiring example
compassion were quickly discovered. Months earlier, Vanessa had her work of how each act of justice and every
Then-director Colette Wisnewski schedule cut from 28 to 16 hours and effort for peace can impact an ever-
asked her to help coordinate the could not feed her four children. She widening circle of compassion. Thank
frozen and refrigerated foods section. heard about the St. Irenaeus Food you, Alexis, for your gospel witness.
In this capacity, Alexis helps to Pantry and requested emergency
receive and arrange fresh and frozen assistance. When she walked out Sister Judine Hilbing, OP, is director
items from the Greater Chicago Food of scholarships, Marian Catholic High
Depository, makes decisions about School, Chicago Heights, Ill.; food
distribution, and interacts with pantry director at the St. Irenaeus/
clients at the St. Irenaeus Catholic Catholic Charities Food Pantry, Park
Charities Client Choice Food Pantry. Forest, Ill.; and a member of the JUST
Words editorial board.
“The need is greater now than ever
before,” Alexis says. More residents
of Chicago’s Southland need food
because of illness, loss of jobs,
physical and mental disabilities,
or low-wage employment. Elderly
clients on Social Security frequently
find their benefits absorbed by rent,
utilities, and healthcare expenses.
Without assistance from the pantry,
they would go hungry.

Fall-2017 | 5

LITERACY CENTER RESPONDS
TO INCREASED CALL FOR
CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

Fear and anxiety have risen by Sister Geraldine Kemper, OP and a new application fee applied.
throughout immigrant Once the students pass this
communities in the U.S. received a donation from the grant.
since the president’s January 25, Citizenship class prepares students last hurdle they often return to
2017, executive order, “Protecting the Literacy Center to encourage
the Nation from Foreign Terrorist for a 100-question test—entirely in others preparing for citizenship.
Entry into the United States,” more English—covering U.S. geography, These exuberant U.S. citizens are
commonly called “the travel ban.” history, federal, and state government. profoundly grateful and no longer
The order and the vitriolic rhetoric A written answer is required for 35 burdened by fear and anxiety.
surrounding it have caused grave questions. Sometimes the biggest
concerns for immigrant residents— challenge is not the test, but the Sister Geraldine Kemper, OP, is
authorized and unauthorized. immigration officer administering community outreach coordinator
Constant worry, excessive stress, it. Some ask questions rapidly, at Rosary High School, Aurora, Ill.
and fear of deportation have had creating a grueling experience for the
devastating effects on families and applicant, while others are patient,
their health. gentle, and kind. Questions are asked
at the discretion of the administrator
The Greater Aurora Area Literacy who may, at any time, decide the
Coalition (GAAC) to which our applicant’s English is insufficient and
Dominican Literacy Center (DLC) stop the test. After two failed attempts
belongs, reports that the number of a new application must be submitted
people seeking citizenship classes
tripled last year, another consequence
of the travel ban, they believe. At
the start of second semester, DLC
enrollment doubled, requiring
Sisters Jane Ann Beckman, OP, and
Kathleen Ryan, OP to add a class.
The classes are held in St. Mary’s
Parish Hall through the generosity
of the pastor Father Tim Piasecki.

To address the pressing need for
citizenship education, GAAC also
offered an additional summer class.
Sister Kathleen secured a $5,000
grant from the Dunham Foundation
to cover expenses for study materials,
instructor, and facility costs. Sister
Jane Ann trained additional
volunteers, and Alison Brzezinski,
DLC tutoring program director,
taught the Wednesday night class
at Santori Public Library, Aurora. For
its donation of a double conference
room the Library Foundation
6 | JUST Words

Integrating the Gifts of Dominican Life

Our coworkers from St. Dominic’s Hospital
Immerse Themselves in Dominican Life

W by Sister Kathleen Gallagher, OP “I opened my Bible and
hat might 16 coworkers
of St. Dominic’s Health there was the passage
Services in Jackson, Miss.,
have in common with a motherhouse
full of sisters in Springfield, Ill? Our
friends from Jackson joined us last from the Prophet:
April for a “Spirit Pilgrimage,” during
which they learned about the history Video links: Video link: http://bit.ly/OPVocation I know what plan I
and ministry of our congregation. have in mind for you.
A future full of joy not
Surely there are differences between woe. (Jeremiah 29:11)
our sisters and our coworkers, but the
joy and laughter, the conversation Sister Elyse Marie
and sharing, the connections and the Ramirez, OP
memories reminded us that what we
share, our Dominican mission and ”
our charism, is more significant than
anything that divides.
During the pilgrimage six sisters
shared stories of their vocation and
ministry. As they did, the four pillars
of our Dominican life were revealed.
Sister Philip Neri Crawford spoke
of all the activities she enjoys that
build on our pillar of study. Being
retired at Sacred Heart Convent
offers a myriad of things to read,
a committee to serve on, and the
opportunity to offer a mini course
on current events to the sisters.
Similarly, Sister Marcelline Koch,
justice promoter, spoke of the remarks by saying that after serving those we are with and creating
education and study she enjoys as she at St. Dominic’s Hospital she can intentional community is the holy
follows her heart for social justice, affirm that it truly is “a silent power preaching.
including as many of the sisters as for God.” When the panel finished, our
possible in her efforts. Sister M. Joan Sorge did not have friends from St. Dominic’s talked
Sister Phyllis Schenk used her gift to talk very long before we knew with the presenters to capture just
of warm and gentle speech to share that her many years in education is one more word, one more connection,
her love of God. Her work as pastoral loving service for the people of God; and one more delicious sharing of
facilitator, not something she had indeed, she preaches through her the mission that is ours. All in all,
sought, turned out to be a journey compassion and energy, and receives everyone went away with a grateful
of loving the people of God, a living back from parents and students. Sister Dominican heart and spirit.
prayer by which she serves them in Elyse Marie Ramirez, too, shared her Sister Kathleen Gallagher, OP, is
every way she can. Likewise, Sister vocation story and her experience a member of the Dominican Sisters’
Kathleen Kenny, a registered nurse with formation and preaching, but leadership team and promoter of
for over forty years, concluded her most especially her belief that loving preaching for the congregation.

Fall-2017 | 7

¿Qué pasó HaWppheanted
con los Ptooothre?
?pobres
by/por
Sister Mary Jean Traeger, OP

An illustration of the dynamics of inequity in our society, produced during a training session at Sacred Heart Convent by Crossroads Antiracism Training.
as palabras importan. Las palabras que usamos
significan algo—tanto que cambiar incluso unaords matter. The words we use mean
something—so much so that changing even
L Wpalabra en una frase puede cambiar radicalmente one word in a sentence can radically change
la forma en la que la gente piensa acerca de la realidad. the way people think about reality. There is a world of
Hay un mundo de diferencia, por ejemplo, entre decir difference, for instance, between saying “I’m tired” and
(continúa en la página 9) (coninued on page 9)

8 | JUST Words

¿Qué pasó con los pobres? What Happened to the Poor?

(continuó de p. 8) (continued from page 8)

“estoy cansada” y “estoy agotada”, incluso cuando la “I’m exhausted” even when the latter word is used in an
última palabra se utiliza de una manera exagerada que exaggerated way that begs the truth. Adding new words
cuestiona su veracidad. Agregar palabras nuevas u omitir or omitting other words from our vocabulary can also
otras palabras de nuestro vocabulario también puede have a profound effect on how we see the world.
tener un profundo efecto en cómo vemos el mundo.
I’ve begun to notice one such omission which has
He comenzado a reconocer una omisión de este tipo subtly yet profoundly changed the way we think about
que ha cambiado sutil pero profundamente la forma people in our society. The phrase, which has all but
en que pensamos acerca de las personas en nuestra disappeared from usage, is “the poor.” Recall when
sociedad. La frase, que casi ha desaparecido del uso, es President Lyndon Johnson announced his “war on
“los pobres”. Recordemos cuando el presidente Lyndon poverty.” Whatever one thinks about his militaristic
Johnson anunció su “guerra contra la pobreza”. Sea cual language, Johnson’s declaration drew attention to people
sea su lenguaje militarista, la declaración de Johnson who were not receiving the resources they needed to
llamó la atención a las personas que no estaban recibiendo feed their families. Programs were developed to provide
los recursos necesarios para alimentar a sus familias. Se “safety nets” and resources were reallocated to serve
desarrollaron programas para proporcionar “redes de people who fell “below the poverty line.” It wasn’t a
seguridad” y se reasignaron recursos para atender a las perfect plan. Many were still excluded from the circle
personas que caían “por debajo de la línea de pobreza”. of support, but attention was drawn toward establishing
No era un plan perfecto. Muchos se quedaron excluidos greater equity in society. For a while, these changes
del círculo de apoyo, pero llamó la atención en establecer actually helped.
una mayor equidad en la sociedad. Por un tiempo, estos
cambios realmente ayudaron. So what has changed? Today, the belief seems to
dominate that the “free market” can adjust itself,
Entonces, ¿qué ha cambiado? Hoy en día, parece making it possible for all who want to flourish to do
dominante la creencia que el “mercado libre” se puede so. Gradually, the mentality has grown that those who
ajustar a sí mismo, haciendo posible que todos los que do not succeed financially simply aren’t working hard
quieran florecer lo hagan. Poco a poco, la mentalidad enough. Accusations are made that “undeserving”
ha crecido que los que no tienen éxito económico people take advantage of temporary assistance.
simplemente no están trabajando lo suficiente. Se
comenta que las personas “indignas” se aprovechan de Those who do advance economically are labeled
los programas de asistencira. “middle class” and viewed as “making it,” though not to
the extent of the really wealthy. Over time, that middle-
Los que avanzan económicamente son etiquetados class label is stretched to include more and more of the
como “clase media” y vistos como “exitosos”, aunque population. But it deceptively implies that everyone is
no en la medida de los realmente ricos. Con el tiempo, doing well. In fact, income inequality in the U.S. is at its
ese etiqueta de clase media se estira para incluir más most disparate since before the Great Depression of 1929.
y más de la población. Engañosamente implica que Less and less attention is paid to those at the bottom of
todo el mundo está bien. De hecho, la desigualdad de the economic ladder until the poor disappear from view.
ingresos en los Estados Unidos es la más dispar, desde When the word poverty disappears from usage, people
antes de la Gran Depresión de 1929. Cada vez se presta who are poor also disappear from our consciousness.
menos atención a los que están en la parte inferior de They are pushed to the margins of society: unable to
la escala económica hasta que los pobres desaparezcan earn enough to feed their families and dropped from
de la vista. Cuando la palabra pobreza desaparece del the very programs designed to provide for their needs.
uso, las personas que son pobres también desaparecen
de nuestra conciencia. Se les empujan a los márgenes (coninued on page 10)
de la sociedad: incapaces de ganar lo suficiente para
alimentar a sus familias, y abandonados por los mismos Learn more:
programas diseñados para satisfacer sus necesidades. For a clear explanation of wealth inequality in the U.S.
visit http://bit.ly/seethepoor
(continúa en la página 10)

Fall-2017 | 9

¿Qué pasó con los pobres? What Happened to the Poor?

(continuó de p. 9) (continued from page 9)

También ha habido un cambio de lenguaje en la parte There has also been a change of language at the top
superior de la cadena económica. Rara vez hablamos de of the economic food chain. We rarely speak anymore
“los ricos” sino de “el 1%” para identificar a las élites que of “the rich” but of “the 1%” to identify elites who
acumulan más riqueza de la que necesitarán o podrán accumulate more wealth than they will ever need or be
gastar. Este pequeño grupo privilegiado acumula la able to spend. This small privileged group accumulates
mayor parte de su tesoro a través del mercado de valores, most of its treasure via the stock market, without any
sin trabajo propio y sin responsabilidad de otros que no labor of their own and without responsibility for others
comparten sus privilegios. who do not share their privilege.
El problema no es sólo semántico. Fuerzas económicas The problem is not just semantics. Very real economic
y políticas muy reales dividen al pueblo de Dios en estas and political forces divide God’s people into these
categorías. Es problemático porque esta desigualdad se categories. It is troublesome because this inequality is
ve como normal, tal y como son las cosas. seen as normal, just the way things are.
Como personas de fe, ¿qué responsabilidad tenemos As people of faith, what responsibility do we have to
para nombrar y cambiar esta inequidad? Para empezar, name and change this inequity? For starters, we can see
podemos ver a los pobres, tomando nuestra señal de the poor, taking our cue from Jesus’ gospel response
la respuesta de Jesús a las to people who are poor. In the
personas que son pobres. Gospel of Mark this especially
El Evangelio de Marcos es is clear. Jesus spends time with
especialmente claro. Jesús Pray with Mark people who are poor, serving,
pasa su tiempo con personas healing, pardoning, welcoming
que son pobres, sirviendo, them into his company. Mark’s
sanando, perdonando, dándoles Jesus’ healing: 2:12; 3:1-6; Jesus consistently moves from
la bienvenida a su compañía. the centers of power to the social
Jesús, según Marcos, se mueve 5:1-40; 6:53-56 margins of Palestine. Mark

constantemente de los centros Jesus and his relatives: 3:20-21, 31-35 shows us Jesus, there at the
de poder a los márgenes margins of society, tending to
sociales de Palestina. Marcos people cast out because of their
nos muestra a Jesús, allí en Jesus and the Pharisees: 3:1-12; 7:1-14 social status, gender, health
los márgenes de la sociedad, needs, religious affiliations,
tendiendo a las personas or racial background. His
expulsadas por su condición Jesus and the disciples: 6:7-13, 30-33 interactions at the margins

social, género, necesidades de make the invisible visible.
salud, afiliaciones religiosas Jesus roams the countryside,
o antecedentes raciales. Sus involving himself in the lives of
interacciones en los márgenes hacen visible lo invisible. people who are poor, blind, lame—in other words, with
Jesús camina por el campo, involucrándose en las everyone society has cast aside. They are not the only
vidas de las personas pobres, ciegas, cojas—o sea, con people he tends. Even the Pharisees are his concern. He
todas las que la sociedad ha dejado de lado. No son las engages them in conversation; they plot his destruction.
únicas personas que él tiende. Incluso los fariseos son su God, it seems, is available to everyone. Jesus is present
preocupación. Él los involucra en la conversación; ellos to everyone to make it clear that God welcomes all.
planean su destrucción. Dios, al parecer, está disponible There is more. Jesus tells his followers they must be
para todos y todas. Jesús está presente a todos para dejar “the last of all and the servants of all.” Mark expresses an
claro que Dios acoge a todos. urgency as Jesus presses the Twelve into service. Without
Hay más todavía. Jesús les dice a sus seguidores que lengthy preparation, Jesus expects them to learn as
deben ser “los últimos de todos y los siervos de todos”. they go, following his lead. This is the way divisions
(continúa en la página 11) and boundaries are broken down. There are no insiders

(continued on page 11)

10 | JUST Words

¿Qué pasó con los pobres? What Happened to the Poor?

(continuó de p. 10) (continued from page 10)

Marcos expresa la urgencia de Jesús que insiste a los Doce and outsiders. All can hear and receive the Good News.
para que sirvan. Sin una larga preparación, Jesús espera Even Jesus’ family members have no privileged access
que aprendan en el proceso, siguiendo su ejemplo. Esta es that isn’t available to the crowds.
la forma en la que las divisiones y los límites se desglosan.
No hay favorecidos y desfavorecidos. Todos pueden oír To be a disciple of Jesus is to do what he did, and in
y recibir las Buenas Nuevas. Incluso los miembros de la Mark’s gospel especially that means seeing the poor by
familia de Jesús no tienen acceso privilegiado que no esté moving from the centers of power to the margins, even if
disponible para las multitudes. that means the cross. It means demonstrating what God
is really like and who we are called to be. The goal is a
Ser discípulo de Jesús es hacer lo que él hizo, y en el transformed society where barriers of class and privilege
evangelio de Marcos en particular, eso significa ver a los are broken down and places are set for everyone at the
pobres por moverse de los centros de poder a los márgenes, table of the kingdom.
incluso si eso significa la cruz. Significa demostrar lo que
Dios realmente es y quiénes somos llamados a ser. El Sister Mary Jean Traeger, OP, is Springfield/SCoDR
objetivo es una sociedad transformada donde las barreras regional coordinator for Crossroads Antiracism
de clase y privilegio se descompongan y se establezcan Organizing & Training and a member of the JUST Words
lugares para todos en el banquete del Reino. editorial board.

WHAT NOW? A PERSPECTIVE
ON THE ROLE OF SPRINGFIELD

DOMINICAN ASSOCIATES

Change is constant. Nothing in by Craig Missel to the poor. There are present
life stays exactly the same from and future social, economic, and
one moment to another. And to minister to people at the margins political forces working against the
change results in challenges to the of spiritual, social, economic, and allocation of resources and service
mission and ministry of religious and political life. These are people who to marginalized communities
associate members of our Dominican are often thought of as “invisible”
community. because they are unseen by those As followers of Christ and as
who can be considered advantaged Dominican Associates, can we find
In this issue of JUST Words, others in their spiritual, social, economic, a way to speak out individually and
share stories of how a changing world and political life. collectively in opposition to the forces
and church requires new approaches that oppress the most vulnerable
to the Dominican Sisters’ mission and As Christians and Dominican among us? What will you do today
service. I’m focused on the challenge Associates how do we see people at and every day into the future to
for Dominican Associates. How will the margins of society? One answer help make those you may not see
each of us answer the question, “What would come from the pillars of visible to yourself and to members
am I called to do to collaborate with Dominican life: prayer, common of your community? How will you
and support the mission and ministry life, study and preaching. When we resist forces not in alignment with
of the Dominican Sisters?” allow these gifts to shape our service Christian and Dominican teaching
to people who are on the margins we and service?
We are called as Christians to be make the invisible among us visible.
like Christ, following him in word Craig Missel is member of the JUST
and action. The gospels call us to be One only needs to pay attention Words editorial board and a Springfield
of service to people who are poor, and to current events to gain some clues Dominican Associate since 2007.
to what challenges we will face in
our future mission and service

Fall-2017 | 11

EXPLORING MY PRIVILEGE
by Ellen Curry

“Ms. Curry, why aren’t there any white kids at our school?”
asked 11-year-old Ruby. “All of the white people are teachers.”

Ruby is one of my favorite Ellen Curry surrounded by some of her students at St. Andrew Nativity School in Portland, Ore., where she
students—always ready with spent a year as a Jesuit Volunteer.
a friendly greeting, a genuine
compliment, or a curious question. include Mexico, Guatemala, Somalia, privilege. I never doubted that higher
She probably hadn’t thought twice Ethiopia, and Vietnam. Serving in education would be a reality for me,
before asking this, the most complex an environment that embraces our but the road is more difficult for these
question she’d ever posed. I kept my students’ diverse backgrounds has been just-as-hardworking and motivated
answer simple for the sake of making a beautiful experience, particularly at students. Although this inequity is
sure she got to her next class on time: this tense, divided time in our nation. upsetting, the hope at Nativity School
“Well, it just depends on who applies I have grown close with my students is that we do our part to create change.
each year, and right now, not many this year and have been blessed to By advocating fiercely alongside our
white families are applying.” That is witness their personal, spiritual, and trailblazing students, we hope to
true; word of our school’s mission academic growth. I’ve shared with afford them the same opportunities
has historically spread throughout them my passion for singing, laughed as more privileged students. Most
Portland’s immigrant communities with them at recess, dug back into importantly, we hope to form “young
and communities of color, but there middle school math problems, and people for others” in the Jesuit tradition.
is much more to it. Later, I thought: finally, celebrated the graduation of
Should I have engaged Ruby more our 8th graders, all of whom have So, Ruby, thank you for your curiosity.
deeply in an exploration of the reality been accepted with full scholarships Thank you for calling attention to what
she lives every day? Should I have to local Catholic high schools. is obvious, but what most adults are
given her the most honest answer hesitant to discuss. We need your voice,
and broken down systemic racism This experience has not been without your perspective, and your community’s
right there? Should I have mentioned its challenges, though. Often, I’ve come insight. You deserve all the opportunities
how children of color are often stuck face-to-face with my privilege. The vast accessible to me because of my privilege,
in our nation’s lowest-performing majority of my colleagues and I are and more. We will work for a more
schools, further perpetuating their white, college-educated, far removed just and hopeful world together.
families’ cycles of poverty? These are from our families’ immigrant roots,
the realities that I’ve met in this year and grew up in upper-middle class Ellen Curry, Sacred Heart-Griffin
of service. These injustices are largely environments. Our students are often ‘12, graduated from St. Louis University
the reason that St. Andrew Nativity first-generation college students, have in 2016 and spent last year as a Jesuit
School exists. parents who are still learning English, Volunteer/AmeriCorps member
and have families who face significant at St. Andrew Nativity School in
Nativity School is a tuition-free financial barriers. In noticing this Portland, Oregon. She will serve an
middle school that provides a values- contrast, I’ve become more aware additional year at Posada Esperanza,
based Jesuit education to children from that my upbringing was coated in a transitional housing program for
low-income backgrounds, in the hopes immigrant mothers and their children
of breaking the cycle of poverty for their in Austin, Texas.
families. Our school doesn’t specifically
seek out children of color, but there
are rarely white students. Many of our
students are from immigrant and refugee
families, with countries of origin that

12 | JUST Words

PA R TInNMEisRsioSn

by Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, OP CATHERINE LEYSER:
HELPING TO CREATE THE WORLD
Director of Mission Advancement
WE WANT TO INHABIT!
Where do you find hope
amid the uncertainties sharing her time, talent, and treasure Catherine Leyser
of these days? The to make the world a better place. After Fall-2017 | 13
Dominican Sisters of Springfield becoming an associate she made
find it in YOU, our Partners in monthly contributions part of her
Mission, as well as through our commitment because she appreciates
faith in God’s unfailing love. seeing the sisters “live out the values
Through your generosity, you join I hold…and I know that they use my
us in “active hope” and visioning donations wisely in support of the
“the world we want to inhabit.” You causes I hold dear—social justice, the
partner with us in accepting “the poor, immigrants and refugees, and
urgent responsibility to collaborate care of earth!” she says, adding “The
in bringing it to birth.” These more I’ve come to know and work
excerpts from our 2014 Chapter with the sisters, the more impressed
Statement challenge us to deepen I am with their stewardship and
our commitment to service and dedication.”
collaborate with others to transform
the world into a mutual community As we look at changes in the world
caring for all members. and in what religious life means in
the 21st century, we share Catherine
Catherine Leyser is realistic about Leyser’s thoughts. “Very likely,
the challenges of today, “I admit that [religious life] will take on a different
at times it is difficult to find hope in form than the one we grew up with,
this world so full of war and struggle but one in which the Spirit will guide
for so many people, ‘fake news,’ us. As another aspect of the Chapter
and political and economic divide. Direction statement indicates,
But when I consider the Chapter ‘Centering our lives in Jesus, the
Direction Statement calling on us Word Made Flesh, we walk into the
to build a world that we imagine— mystery unfolding before us.’”
to bring the community of saints
to reality in this world, it gives me We can walk into that mystery
hope and energy to work toward unfolding before us—thanks to the
that myself. I can see how every financial support of Catherine and all
day, through so many ministries and our Partners in Mission. Together we
activities, the sisters and associates can continually work toward creating
are working toward that goal.” a world we all want to inhabit.

Throughout her life Catherine At the time of printing we learned
has been taught the importance of that Catherine passed away suddenly.
We are grateful for her friendship and
generosity. May she rest in peace.

ASSOCIATES ON THE MOVE
by Sister Beth Murphy, OP

This is not the most artful of photos 2017 Assocaite Commitment Together Dominican sisters and
taken at the associate commitment energy strode down the altar steps associates proclaim the power of
celebration on May 7, but it may be and out of the sanctuary. In a flash, I the Risen Christ by living from the
the most expressive of the purpose could just imagine them moving out foundations of our Dominican life:
of what happened that day in our the chapel doors and into Monroe prayer, study, common life, and
chapel. street, echoing the words of Peter to preaching.
the Pentecost crowd in the Acts of
Twenty-eight new associates made the Apostles proclaimed moments Congratulations to the associate
a public commitment to living earlier: “Let the whole house of Israel class of 2017. Thank you for reminding
Gospel values, were received by Sister know for certain that God has made all of us to be on the move.
Rebecca Ann Gemma, and then both Lord and Christ, this Jesus
applauded by an assembly of sisters, whom you crucified.” For more associate news, including
associates, and family. Then they a complete list of new associates,
moved. A powerful wave of gospel This is what Christians do every photos, news about Sister M. Joan’s
day: we put our feet to the floor. new ministry and an interview with
Sister Paul Mary, visit springfieldop.
org/associates.

IN MEMORIAM

Please join us in prayer for our Associates who have entered into eternal life:

Norma Kneer, Prayer Associate • May 17, 2017
Helen DeRuntz, Associate • August 1, 2017
Paul Puckel, Associate • August 14, 2017

Catherine Leyser, Associate • August 28, 2017

14 | JUST Words

EL CENTRO DE ALFABETIZACIÓN
RESPONDE AL AUMENTO DE LLAMADA

A LA EDUCACIÓN CIUDADANA

by Sister Geraldine Kemper, OP

“Al extranjero que resida con ustedes lo tratará como uno
nacido entre ustedes, y lo amarás como a ti mismo, porque
ustedes también fueron extranjeros…”
Levítico 19:33-34

El miedo y la ansiedad han Alison Brzezinski con los estudiantes. estatal de los Estados Unidos. Se
aumentado en las comunidades Ryan, OP añadieran otra clase. Las requiere una respuesta por escrito
de inmigrantes en los Estados clases se llevan a cabo en el Salón para 35 preguntas. A veces el desafío
Unidos desde la orden ejecutiva del Parroquial de Saint Mary a través más grande no es el examen, sino
presidente, el 25 de enero de 2017, de la generosidad del pastor Padre el oficial de inmigración que lo
“Proteger a la Nación de la Entrada Tim Piasecki. administra. Algunos oficiales hacen
de Terroristas Extranjeras en los las preguntas rápidamente, creando
Estados Unidos”, frecuentemente Para responder a la urgente una experiencia agotadora para el
llamada “la prohibición de viajar”. La necesidad de educación para la solicitante, mientras que otros son
orden y la retórica odiosa que lo rodea ciudadanía, la GAAC también ofreció pacientes, gentiles y amables. Las
ha causado serias preocupaciones una clase adicional en el verano. preguntas se hacen a discreción
para los inmigrantes residentes— La Hermana Kathleen obtuvo una del administrador que puede, en
autorizados y no autorizados. La subvención de $ 5,000 de la Fundación cualquier momento, decidir que el
preocupación constante, el estrés Dunham para cubrir los gastos de inglés del solicitante es insuficiente y
excesivo y el temor a la deportación materiales de estudio, instructor y terminar el examen. Después de dos
han tenido efectos devastadores sobre costos de la instalación. La Hermana intentos fallidos, se debe presentar
las familias y su salud. Jane Ann capacitó a voluntarios una nueva solicitud con nueva tasa
adicionales, y Alison Brzezinski, de solicitud.
La Coalición de Alfabetización de directora del programa de tutoría de
Aurora (GAAC) a la que pertenece DLC, enseñó las clases de la noche del Al pasar este último obstáculo,
nuestro Dominican Literacy Center miércoles en la Biblioteca Pública de las estudiantes a menudo regresan
(DLC), informa que el número Santori, Aurora. Para su donación al Dominican Literacy Center para
de personas que buscan clases de de una doble sala de conferencias, alentar a las demás en su preparación
ciudadanía triplicó el año pasado, la Fundación de la Biblioteca recibió para la ciudadanía. Estas exuberantes
otra consecuencia de la prohibición una donación de la subvención. ciudadanas estadounidenses están
de viajar. Al comienzo del segundo profundamente agradecidas y ya no
semestre, la matrícula del DLC se Las clases de ciudadanía prepara a están sobrecargadas por el miedo y
duplicó, requiriendo que las hermanas las estudiantes para el examen de 100 la ansiedad.
Jane Ann Beckman, OP y Kathleen preguntas—totalmente en inglés—
que abarca la geografía, la historia, Fall-2017 | 15
el gobierno federal y el gobierno

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Dominican Sources September DATEBOOK
October
“ With active hope we choose 21 International Day of Peace
November
to imagine the world we 4 Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi
want to inhabit and accept 9 Indigenous People’s Day
the urgent responsibility to 31 Halloween (All Hallow’s Eve)
collaborate in bring it to 1 Feast of All Saints
birth.” 2 Feast of All Souls
5-11 Retreat, Sacred Heart Convent
– General Chapter Statement 2014 5-11 National Vocation Awareness
11 Veteran’s Day

23 Thanksgiving