• Grief as a Practice of Love

    Grief as a Practice of Love

    August 23, 2022

    As we edge into autumn, Dominican Center Marywood — in collaboration with six area hospices, Kaufman Interfaith Institute, Michigan Humanists, and the Grand Rapids area Baha’i community — is poised to host its 8th annual remembering ceremony, We Remember Interfaith Memorial Service, on the Aquinas College campus on Tuesday, September 13, 6:30-8:00 pm. This event is […]

  • Connecting Creativity and Spirituality

    Connecting Creativity and Spirituality

    November 19, 2021

    Art and creativity are integral in every religion. From sacred pictures and symbols to singing and dancing, art is used in service to prayer and meditation. Our creativity makes for an instinctive and essential channel for expressing and connecting with the Divine. When we create art, we follow where the Creator leads and gives form […]

  • Everything is as it Should Be

    Everything is as it Should Be

    October 28, 2021

    Acceptance is the currency of love. ~ Teal Swan Everything is as it should be is a sentiment sometimes viewed as outrageous — profane, even. When we are inundated with news from around the globe — and from right here at home — that includes senseless shootings, the COVID-19 crisis, harrowing acts of war, a […]

  • Apprentice Presence at Dominican Center

    Apprentice Presence at Dominican Center

    August 19, 2021

    Dominican Center initiated the role of apprentices in 2019. Apprentices have already participated in our programs and now are immersing themselves in the Dominican spirit: hospitality, invitation, and contemplation in support of our formation team. Currently, Amanda Dobson has been working with Carmelita Switzer OP in Foundations in Spirituality. Andy Rebollar has joined Diane Zerfas […]

  • Dominican Center Emerges Anew

    Dominican Center Emerges Anew

    January 12, 2021

    We remain grounded in Dominican roots that guide us to pause and contemplate, stilling the uncertainty surrounding us. We do this resting in God's compassionate love while breathing in trust and breathing out hope. We know the gifts of Dominican Center rest on serving the community by providing programs, retreats, and experiences that help shape […]

  • Dominican Center Honors the In-Between

    Dominican Center Honors the In-Between

    September 24, 2020

    Final Gathering of Be Still and Stay in the Light on September 28 As the final gathering of Be Still and Stay in the Light, it is with full hearts that the Domincan Center Village thanks each of you who've been with us. We began these gatherings as a way to explore what staying in […]

  • Colors of COVID

    Colors of COVID

    June 24, 2020

    Golden sun, warming my skin while I enjoy sparkling water on the lawn. Pink walls, a weekend project that my three-year-old had been requesting. Blue shoes, my gift to myself as I invest in my new running hobby. Red wine, a nice treat to accompany a snack and a movie. Yellow highlighter, marking jobs well […]

  • May the Spirit Blow Love this Pentecost 2020

    May the Spirit Blow Love this Pentecost 2020

    June 9, 2020

    A poem that came up in me as we celebrated the feast of Pentecost — the mixed feelings of what does it mean that the Holy Spirit is with us in the midst of the horrific way George Floyd died. Seeing the protestors who are giving voice to our broken system that does not live […]

  • Sharing Love in COVID-19 Times Gets Creative

    Sharing Love in COVID-19 Times Gets Creative

    May 14, 2020

    This post is part of Dominican Center's series Stay in the Light ~ Stories of Prayer and Hope During a Pandemic.  With the days of the COVID-19 crisis stretching out, Annie, the great-niece of Sister Rose Mary Belanger OP began missing her aunt. Because the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids are sheltering-in-place,  Annie had to […]

  • Keeping Busy During Trying Times

    Keeping Busy During Trying Times

    May 6, 2020

    This post is part of Dominican Center's series Stay in the Light ~ Stories of Prayer and Hope During a Pandemic.  My wife, Mary Jo, and I are Dominican Associates. Mary Jo is still working in a medical factory, and I went back to work recently in the automotive industry. I am trying to stay […]