Vocations Blog
Sr. Jane Belanger, OP shares her experience working with young adults from AmeriCorps and reflects on the dedication these volunteers bring to their work at Heartland Farms in Kansas.
Click here to read her engaging blog and thoughtful question: What are you called to DO and Be?
Peace & Justice Update
Unfortunate Happenings in Haiti
Father Brendan Curran, OP has sent some terrible news from Haiti which includes the deaths of two Sisters. Please read his letter here which also includes suggestions from him on actions that can be taken.
Information from Southeast Asia
Please also click here for a letter that explains what is happening with our Brothers in Myanmar who are dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake and news about Sisters in Yangon and Kayah state serving in missions.
Words to Remember during upcoming Protests
As we prepare for the National “Hands Off” protests, Sr. Gemma Doll passes along some words of HOPE:
"In 2025, it is imperative that we lean into hope that inspires and energizes us. Let us go forth remembering the words from St. Oscar Romero, spoken moments before he was martyred at the altar 45 years ago on March 24, 1980:
This is the hope
That inspires us as Christians.
We know that every effort to better society,
especially when injustice and sin are so ingrained,
is an effort that God blesses,
that God wants,
that God demands of us."
"Making Connections & Building Hope: Gun Violence Prevention in Pennsylvania"
This is the first in a series of webinars highlighting state-level efforts in gun violence prevention. Presented on April 1, 2025, this webinar focused on the state of Pennsylvania.
Speakers included State Senator Tim Kearney, State Representative Lisa Borowski, Adam Gardner of CeaseFirePA, and Lashira Council from the Chester Community Coalition.
Together, they reflected on ways people can be involved in gun violence prevention and community support, and where they find hope for the future. This event was co-sponsored by Nuns Against Gun Violence, Franciscan Action Network, and the Franciscan Peace Center.
A recording of the event is available by clicking here.
Helping Earth
All month long, it is good to find ways to show love for Earth, even if it is only one act of kindness.
Click here for an Earth month challenge.
From Our Founded Ministries
Noteworthy Newsletter
You can catch up with what is happening at the Heartland Center for Spirituality by reading their April Newsletter here.
And don't forget to read about the latest news at the Dominican Learning Center. See their newsletter here.
In The Media
Making News!
Heartland Farm is in the News. Please click here to read
The Director of Founded Ministries, Mark Butler was a recent guest columnist for the Columbus Dispatch. Read his words of wisdom by clicking here.
Events
"Journey to the Heart "at the MDP Center
Join the Dominican Alliance Eco-Justice Committee 9:30 - 3 pm, May 3 at the Martin De Porres Center for a reflective day focusing on our deeply embedded relationship with Earth, our home.
The "Journey to the Heart" event will present us with different avenues that remind us of who we are as part of this living Earth and renew our embodied human selves.
Spend time with others pondering, celebrating and creating your loving connection with Earth.
Please see all the details, including registration, by clicking here. Please register by April 25.
Employment Opportunity
NRVC Opening
The National Religious Vocation Conference hopes to hire a full-time communications director who will serve as editor of its journal, HORIZON.
But the group is also open to the option of hiring a part-time HORIZON editor.
Find the job description here.
Interested parties are encouraged to send a resume, work samples, letter of interest with qualifications for the position, and available start date to Mrs. Maureen Cetera, NRVC Director of Finance and Operations at mcetera@nrvc.net
Prayer Requests
- Sr. Mary Faith Geelan (Columbus, OH, maryfaith.geelan@oppeace.org) asks for your prayerful support as she transitions to Mohun from the Columbus Motherhouse within the next few weeks.
- Sr. Renee Dreiling (Great Bend, KS, renee.dreiling@oppeace.org) requests prayer for Addalyn, a 16-year-old struggling with anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The request is also to pray for Addalyn's parents and 3 younger siblings since this situation is frightening for all of them. Sr. Renee adds that the knowledge of our prayers is comforting.
- Sr. Barbara Rapp (St. Catharine, KY, barbara.rapp@oppeace.org) requests prayer for Gary Turner, her brother-in-law, who died this week and for her sister, Carolyn.