Spirituality

  • Embodying PEACE

    Embodying PEACE

    December 7, 2023

    Last Saturday, a group gathered to “Embody Advent” at Dominican Center Marywood. Rev. Debbie Eisenbise led participants through prayer practices that use our bodies as a way to prepare the way for the Lord to dwell within us this season. We prayed with arms out and up, heads rising and lowering, standing and kneeling. We […]

  • Advent O Antiphons with Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids

    Advent O Antiphons with Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids

    December 5, 2023

    Join the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids for Advent O Antiphons Evening Prayer from December 17-23 The O Antiphons are short, Scripture-based Advent prayers from the Middle Ages that are part of the prayer of the Church in the Liturgy of the Hours. Each year, the Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids host this beautiful seven-night experience of […]

  • Embodying HOPE

    Embodying HOPE

    November 27, 2023

    When I ask what hope is, usually the answers revolve around two things: belief and the future. We locate it in the realm of the mind and spirit and, of course, in the not yet of the future. But it is something we experience now. When we pay attention to it, we realize it resides […]

  • Blessing in the Chaos

    Blessing in the Chaos

    November 22, 2023

    Dear Friends, Here at Dominican Center Marywood we lean into the coming days before Advent begins, and recognize the power and necessity of a Holy pause. May you allow for an opening into the quiet spaces of your heart as you make time to rest and reconnect with family, friends and those who give meaning […]

  • Savoring Daily Discoveries of God's Presence

    Savoring Daily Discoveries of God's Presence

    July 11, 2023

    In the fullness of life, there is no shortage of retreat opportunities; we attend professional, marriage, writing and silent retreats. While retreats differ in purpose and practices, participants are generally expected to intentionally step away from life’s regular rhythms for 1-7 days and immerse in a particularly focused topic or activity. Last fall, desiring a […]

  • A Silent Retreat To Remember

    A Silent Retreat To Remember

    June 29, 2023

    Fifteen retreatants recently attended a 5-day silent retreat at the St. Augustine Center in Conway, Michigan. The retreat was completely silent, except for time spent with one’s spiritual director each day. Each retreatant was free to decide the shape of silence: some took long solitary walks on nature trails or the beach; some took their […]

  • Foundations in Spirituality Interview with Phillip Johnson Ph.D.

    Foundations in Spirituality Interview with Phillip Johnson Ph.D.

    June 15, 2023

    What to Expect If you are considering The Foundations in Spirituality formation intensive at Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College, this video from a graduate of the program may be helpful. Phillip Johnson, Ph.D. completed Foundations in Spirituality in 2020. In this video, Dr. Johnson reflects on how his experience in Foundations transformed his approach […]

  • Summer Solstice Celebration June 21 in St. Francis Sculpture Garden

    Summer Solstice Celebration June 21 in St. Francis Sculpture Garden

    June 12, 2023

    The word “solstice” ultimately derives from the Latin solstitium, which comes from the parts sol  “sun,” and sistere, “to stand still.” During the June solstice the Sun reaches its northernmost point in the sky, and for a brief period of time the Sun’s path does not change. The summer solstice is the astronomical beginning of […]

  • Emergence

    Emergence

    April 19, 2023

    Does the anticipation of spring bring your spirit new awakening energy? Emergence is a noun that goes back to the Latin root emergere, meaning “bring to light”. Are there certain spiritual practices that lighten your heart and help you recharge and feel renewed, practices that energize your ability to envision new paths? Thomas Merton said, […]

  • What to Remember Upon Waking

    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 […]