Dominican Sisters of Peace

Everyone loves a good story! When I first began to think about religious life, I would love to listen to the vocation stories of different Sisters. Whenever I would meet a new Sister, I always eventually asked about her vocation story - or found some way of articulating the famous, "when did you know” question. Although every story was unique, there were also similarities. One such similarity was usually the presence of an occasion or a person that sparked an internal knowing, passion, or curiosity in the person's life about the idea of becoming a Sister. Sharing the stories of our lives as Sisters helps to inspire and promote the viability of religious life among young women growing up in the 21st century.

Last week I had the privilege of traveling to Kentucky's state capitol to attend a news conference announcing a bill to reduce gun violence. I joined representatives of the Catholic Conference of Bishops, Youth Advocates, Highland Baptist Church, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, and several other service organizations. As the state representative sponsoring this important bill read the name "Dominican Sisters of Peace" as one of the groups present supporting the bill, it was clear to me that our footprints need to be found in the state legislatures around the country. This is an important opportunity to preach truth to power and influence decisions that affect the quality of life for millions.

Is your relationship with God so life-giving that you want to share that Good News with others? Have the feelings of giving more or doing more with your life been tugging at your heart, off and on for a while? Does the idea of religious life and becoming a Sister excite you, but somehow at the same time, seem a little scary? These are just a few of the questions used in the discernment book, "Vocations Anonymous" by Sr. Kathleen Bryant, RSC, written for women thinking about religious life. If you have thought about any of these questions or feel attracted to a life of prayer, service, and love - then the "Come and See" Retreat scheduled for February 15 - 17, 2013 in Columbus, OH, is for you!

Mountaintop removal remains ignored by the media. Kentuckian Ashley Judd continues her principled stand on mountaintop removal and that brings forth ridicule from coal company executives and no response from media or legislators.

Although mountaintop removal is largely in Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Virginia, it is a national concern. During President George W. Bush's first term he weakened the Clean Water Act with loopholes, supporting the efforts of coal companies to dump waste in waterways and make much more money.

According to Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, serious environmental and human health results include: