Healing and Hope Can Flow Like a River

“Our world in so many ways and in so many places, in so many hearts and in so many bodies, is crying out for help. Do we dare to respond to the cry? Do we dare to risk asking the question ‘How can I help? How can we help?'” ~ Prioress Megan McElroy, OP

Discernment of how the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids can offer our presence as a gift and blessing to the world was the guiding intention of this 34th Chapter, informed over months by contemplative dialogue with Sisters, Associates, and lay directors.

Enlarging our “table” in this way was a first. Sisters sensed that these voices and experiences would be invaluable to exploring present realities and our hopes for the future. From these conversations, a new Chapter Statement was written, setting our vision for the next six years, 2024-2030.

Collectively, Sisters identified three sources of energy — now included in our Chapter Statement — that we can draw upon to guide, enlighten, and inform our decisions and preaching.

Relationship Contemplation Plenitude

As the water of rivers, lakes, and seas
sustains and unites us in creation,
so the waters of Baptism welcome us
to abundant life and call us to birth a world
of healing and hope, compassion
and justice.
Immersed in the Source of Life,
we take a long loving look
at the world’s joys and sorrows.
Drinking from the well of gratitude,
we share God’s abundant love, mercy,
and joy.
Enlivened by the springs of new life,
we walk together in kinship
with all of Earth community
praising, blessing, and preaching
the saving grace of God.

Sisters embrace these energies. Believing deeply in the power of collective consciousness, we envision a future where healing and hope can flow like a river.

“Our world in so many ways and in so many places, in so many hearts and in so many bodies, is crying out for help. Do we dare to respond to the cry? Do we dare to risk asking the question ‘How can I help? How can we help?'” asked Prioress Megan McElroy, OP, in July during the installation of the new Leadership Team.

“It’s the question, I think, that is at the heart of Jesus’ life and ministry. Our God, recognizing that people are hurting, are in need of care and compassion. Let such help and assistance, healing and hope, flow like a river.”

The future holds God’s plan and possibilities for us and for our mission.

We have faith that we have a place in that plan, as do you, as does every human being.