The November Family Gathering invited family members into our theme, “Open Hearts, Willing Hands,” with prayers and presentations from representatives of three distinct religions: Judaism, Islam, and Sikhism (by guest speakers Chava Gal-Or, Amina Ishaq and Manpreet K. Singh respectively.) Our presenters each shared prayers of Thanksgiving, and explored the main tenets of their faiths, some common misconceptions, and how their lives are rooted not only in God’s glory and mercy but also in gratitude for God’s blessing in their lives. Chava, Amina, and Manpreet encouraged family members to be an ally for those of other faiths, standing with them, so they are not standing and defending their beliefs alone. Each presenter noted how much our religions have in common in that they are all based upon being a prayerful and peaceful representative of God and recognizing God in each other.

Chava Gal–Or started the night off by speaking from the Jewish experience.  She led us in prayer and explained how every day starts off in prayer and gratitude to God knowing that we are here because God allows it. She reminded us that Judaism, like many religions, has many denominations and shared some of the tenets of Judaism from her experience.  She spoke about the importance of showing gratitude to God through the practice of the Sabbath, how Jewish holy days encourage her to ask “How am I going to be and do better” and of the importance of seeing God and God’s creation in everyone and everything.

Next, Amina Ishaq spoke to us from the Muslim experience. She shared that Muslims root everything they do in prayer: waking up, driving a car, eating, and living is all from and for Allah. As all is rooted in prayer, she began her presentation by leading us in prayer.  Amina spoke about the five tenets of Islam and how the five tenets guided the practice of faith. She also talked about the person and purpose of the Prophet Muhammed and how Islam is situated in the Jewish and Christian stories.  She spoke about how Muslims honor the Prophets of Noah, Moses, Abraham, and Jesus and how Mary, the mother of God is a central female prophet.  Amina shared with us the misconceptions of Islam through sharing pieces of the Quran, prayers, and life experiences.

Lastly, Manpreet K. Singh, spoke to us about her experience as a Sikh. She shared that Sikh’s believe in One God, and that God is the same God that other faiths also believe in. Manpreet led the group in a meditation on God’s gratitude that many families say each morning. Manpreet spoke to us about the “uniform of the Sikh.” She explained about the long hair of women, the turbans worn by men, the steel bracelet, and the religious articles that they always carry with them.  She then talked about how the Sikh are often misrepresented in our culture but are a religion of peace and equality for all people.

Manpreet generously invited all to a celebration at the Sikh Center on Sunday, November 27.  All are welcome.

Poverty Committee Book Study:  November 9th, 10 am, (The November 12th meeting has been cancelled) in the Small meeting room off the large room where we have our large family gatherings.  Feel free to attend even if you have not read the book!  We are reading and discussing “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay and a Mothers Will to Survive” by Stephanie Land (available on Amazon).  

Happy Hour - Thursday, November 21, 5 - 8 pm. 
Kirby Ice House, 3333 Eastside St.
Back by popular demand! Dominican Family will again celebrate the pillar of community with a casual Happy Hour at a new location.  We have a section of reserved tables outside under the awning, so there are no worries in case of rain. Sr. Carol and Sr. Maureen plan to be there. Please feel free to bring friends or potential future Dominicans!

From the Sr. Ceil:
DACA Update On November 12, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) will be hearing oral arguments on the legality of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. On that day, JFI core member organizations will be joined by other Catholic and interfaith DACA supporters in a "Walking Rosary" from Columbus Circle in Washington, DC, to the Supreme Court.

Starting at 9 AM on Nov. 12th, Catholics and interfaith DACA supporters will recite the first two decades of Sorrowful Mysteries at Columbus Circle, then pray the third and fourth decades of the Rosary while walking towards the Supreme Court. Participants will end the walk across the street from or at the Supreme Court where they will recite the last decade and send forth advocates in prayerful support of DACA recipients and SCOTUS justices in their deliberation of DACA.

Plans are being made to gather at the Bob Casey Federal Court House (Rusk and Smith) at 12 noon, Tuesday, November 12. to pray the rosary to show our support for DACA recipients.  More details to follow.  Or you can contact Sr. Ceil for more information:  croeger@domhou.org