Don't Go Back to Sleep!

Don’t go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep…
~ Jelalluddin Rumi

"Don’t go back to sleep!" You are the prophetic "Edgewalker" so needed in our time. "Don’t go back to sleep!" Borrowing from the mystic Rumi, these words became one of the central themes at the inaugural gathering of the Dominican Sisters Conference (DSC). Over the course of four days in Wheeling, Illinois, 600 plus Dominican Sisters and Associates from all over the USA, as well as Canada, Rome and Australia, were energized and challenged in our continuing mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all - especially to those on the edges of our society. Why should we be on the edge? It's because change happens on the edge. The challenge given to us by Judi Neal, our first presenter, was that we as an organization should continue to be "Edgewalkers" - those who "take risks, build bridges across different worlds and break new ground."

The second keynote from Dominican Friar Timothy Radcliff, OP (delivered by Sr. Ann Willits, OP) continued with the theme, "Women Religious as Edgewalkers." In his letter to us, our Dominican brother shared an image of being firmly rooted in the "center" and being "on the edge" all at the same time. In the "center" is the Word of God, Love itself. Being deeply rooted in the "center" brings about stability and transformation "on the edge." As religious women rooted in the Word of God, our Dominican Sisters understand that being in solidarity with the marginalized is instrumental in moving toward a more peaceful and just society.

The Dominican Sisters Conference was an energizing event that brought together our creative energies, motivation and spirit. As women religious in the 21st century united in the common heritage of our founder, St. Dominic, the Sisters of the DSC are committed to collaborative study and action in responding to the needs in our world.

If you are a Catholic single woman, age 20-45, and feel called to serve and preach the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ - consider joining us! (Click here for more information.) But whatever you do, remain alert to the needs of our time. Don't go back to sleep!