Contemplative Learning Programs
-
What to Remember Upon Waking
March 28, 2023
This past weekend Kent Dobson presented an introductory workshop on Dreams and Dream Work at Dominican Center Marywood on Aquinas College campus. According to Kent, “dreams deliver material in poetic form.” He shared many insights with the group of participants. When speaking of the soul or “psyche” he stated “the soul gives us clues or […]
-
Have You Wondered How Dreams Relate to Your Spiritual Life?
March 9, 2023
Have you ever wondered how dreams relate to your spiritual life? “Dreams are the back door into the Spiritual life,” says Kent Dobson, author, teacher, and spiritual guide. In the modern world, we have lost this way of listening deeply to the Soul, to the Divine, and we often resist the hidden chambers that dreams […]
-
Join Us in a Care for Earth Challenge
March 7, 2023
Dominican Sisters are Refusing to Use or Buy Single-Use Beverages in Plastic Bottles During Catholic Sisters Week We decided to join the Sisters and invite friends of Dominican Center and Aquinas College to join the challenge. The Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, Michigan are one of many congregations of Catholic Sisters taking up the “Refuse […]
-
Living the Lenten Encounter
February 21, 2023
The Lenten season invites us to reflect and reaffirm our commitment to be consciously divine changemakers in this Body of Christ. Thomas Merton wrote, "We do not find the meaning of life alone, we find it with another." I imagine how this message might influence how I enter into Lent. I plan to accept it […]
-
A New Year Message from the Director
January 5, 2023
Look for "stars"... that direct your journey, that offer new perspectives, that induce wonder and awe, that call us to risk, that entice us to sing, dream, hope, dance, march. What a meaningful message to welcome in the new year. It's from an Epiphany prayer by Sr. Mary Ann Barrett, alumni engagement officer at […]
-
New Awareness & Possibilities With Enneagram Study & Community
January 4, 2023
If you’ve been on the fence about signing up for the Enneagram programs at Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College, either because the word Enneagram itself scares you a little or seems too woo woo, I hope this essay offers some clarity about the tools Ennegram offers each person in any stage of personal growth. […]
-
Celebrating 25 Years as a Grand Rapids Dominican Associate
June 20, 2022
A transformative moment for me as a Dominican Associate was the last day of class at the end of the three-year Spiritual Direction Practicum. Sister Nancy Brousseau and Judy Hahn, our instructors, had equipped us with great teaching and training. Yet, I and the other students felt ill-equipped to go out into the world and […]
-
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 […]
-
A Year in the Light ~ An Update from Dominican Center
September 1, 2021
The pandemic forced the closure of the doors of Dominican Center at Marywood on March 13, 2020. With ingenuity and courage, our Dominican Center team set into motion a plan to keep welcome lamps burning for all seeking community. Below are some highlights of this unusual year. A Year in the Light at Dominican […]
-
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 […]