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Hello
Fellow Dominicans,
I hope
everyone is doing well and weathered the latest surge! We will be
meeting IN PERSON on March 7, so
mark your calendars. Arrive early at 6:00 p.m. to socialize with your
Dominican friends, who you probably haven't seen in a while. The
program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.
March Gathering - Motherhouse
Monday, March 7
6:00 p.m. – Socializing
6:30 p.m. – Program
We want to
let everyone know that we have been closely following the COVID data
for the Houston area. We continue to be very respectful of the health
and safety of every Dominican Family member who might attend AND all
the resident sisters at the Villa. We feel now, with the lower
infection rates and transmission levels being seen in Houston the past
few weeks, it is now safe to get back together as a Family and do so
with everyone's care in mind. With that in mind:
- Please monitor your health and if you do not
feel well or feel you've been exposed to someone who has tested
positive, please stay at home, and take care of yourself.
- We ask that you wear a mask if you are
uncomfortable with the group setting but still want to come out.
We will set up ample tables to minimize the number of people
at each table.
- It is our belief that we can now meet safely
if everyone follows the simple rules we've all come so familiar
with in identifying and watching for the signs of the virus.
With all
that said, you won't want to miss this month's program because we have
one of our very own, Dr. Phylliss Chappell presenting, which includes a
guided meditation and spiritual reflection for the group.
Phylliss is foremost a Dominican Family member and is
board-certified in Family Medicine, Hospice, and Palliative Care
doctor. She is going to speak with us through a meditative and
spiritual blessing. Sr. Carol has seen Phylliss talk and has
raved about it.
Our evening
will also include prayer and table talk discussions around Lent. We
will focus on the changes we have experienced these last two years and
how our Lenten journeys may differ after two years of Covid. We are
sure you will not want to miss this Gathering!
Prayers for the people of Ukraine
As
Dominicans, we would be remiss if we did not ask for your prayers for
the people of Ukraine during these tumultuous times. We pray that
world leaders will respect and honor the human lives impacted by their
decisions.
Catholic Charities USA and Rio Grande Valley
Catholic
Charities USA and the Rio Grande Valley agency of Catholic Charities is
facing criticism for their role in the refugee crisis at the border.
They have been particularly harsh to Adrian Dominican Sr. Donna
Markham, OP, Ph.D. President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA and
Missionaries of Jesus Sr. Norma Pimentel, MJ, Executive Director of
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Below are links that
include a statement by the Adrian Dominican Sisters and two articles
with additional information about the situation.
The Adrian Dominicans' statement in
support of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley: Adrian Dominicans' Statement
More
information:
America Magazine - Catholic Charities' work at
the Border
CRUX Article - Information Request - Church
Affiliated Groups working at the border
Lenten Prayer Books
Lenten
prayer books will be available at the March meeting. If you are unable
to attend the meeting, you are welcome to ask a fellow Family member to
pick one up for you. Otherwise, email Sr. Carol after March 7. Note,
all Family Members will receive the first week of readings through
Flocknotes since Lent starts before our Gathering.
Respectfully,
Greg Schockling
Anna Sklut
Mary Gangelhoff
Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P.
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