contemplation

  • 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 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 […]

  • Because of Dominicans, I am …

    Because of Dominicans, I am …

    May 26, 2020

    On an evening in March 2020, Dominican Center celebrated the ministry of Spiritual Direction. Spiritual Directors gathered to reconnect and to reflect on the impact the ministry has on their lives and on the lives of those with whom they walk. Spiritual Director Esther Yff-Prins shared this reflection; may her powerful message enrich your own […]

  • 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 […]

  • Is This the Great Pause?

    Is This the Great Pause?

    May 5, 2020

    This post is part of Dominican Center's series Stay in the Light ~ Stories of Prayer and Hope During a Pandemic.  What happens when you push the pause button on a movie or video? The movie stops. A still picture freezes on the television screen. Quiet reigns. We then have time to grab a favorite […]

  • Light in the Darkness

    Light in the Darkness

    April 20, 2020

    This post is part of Dominican Center's series Stay in the Light ~ Stories of Prayer and Hope During a Pandemic.  I have been having haunting dreams. These dreams include me trying to care for others, but everything always goes wrong. I try to make food, but the pots boil over or dishes melt, then […]

  • Insights and Wisdom Regarding My Spiritual Direction Ministry

    Insights and Wisdom Regarding My Spiritual Direction Ministry

    April 13, 2020

    This post is part of Dominican Center's series Stay in the Light ~ Stories of Prayer and Hope During a Pandemic. At Dominican Center, we believe we are prayer in action, and that connection, contemplation, and creativity will see us through these unsettling times and help us find and be in light. We invite you […]