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Grains of Wheat
Vol XXXVI No 4

Winter 20082009

ods post traumatic stress G Sich rs usta r e i c a l v ain for g uan suspicion g n i t l e s e t Ear destru m un is m s t s i c i l h t o r i jus on workah qua c ial c ke i n t im a r fin pornograp nC e t e a a h hina y global warming mi rthq w n gra chi uak ea w e l a t r e c ld t s s i n s murder on a u e lab r w u sy hu l or r fai a ste a home rric nim le nk m c u ba foreclosures al tsu ane n s ab s s na e use over consumption n mi i l r e e s t n disr abortion en ess g o ega l C n sin rd f e d d e or l it hou ra r ife T i p ard s d s l e r r isola n o i a nd f a e W tion t t s m bs e f u r s o o d f e n r mental illness a tu t l c h e ate u t p u a s c re s eq i f de tion d Katrina d o e na Iraq u r i l u t l ul o ness y c p s p u esticide b refugees c i t e y e c a n r e s e t i l r il f s oi terroris n m g n i y e greed l t l s u a Cyclone Nargis ew ution l d l v o i p s sel b ab i s in Myanmar e v orc exc fish use y r e t y t of p r a e l v n o o p owe id ess rape ive nuclear s s e r r p p o cance weapons ss e r addictions ebt n l u f m d s e i t l a o r child abuse and neglect repressive regimes alcoh ung
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loss of family-owned businesses hatred animal flooding extinction ness s s e s use g l t e n m e o e h hum ym ic ell kin o l t p c m a n rig a c fic une r hunger p h hu do m raf ts ab r e ma me t o u Unfa s gt b s e l a s n s u l ir tra nhe ra ru tra tic r i o de p d fa m racti ffick viol althy n u im ces ing enc h ybr capital punish e id ment

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Jesus brings light into the darkness of all that stands in the way of hope and wholeness in our personal lives and in our hurting world. We Dominican Sisters, Associates and Partners in Mission remember you daily in prayer, especially during our Christmas liturgy and novena, December 1624.

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Grains of Wheat

Winter 20082009

Recognizing the relationship between the ill-health of our planet and our own incidences of ill-health, the staff at the Heartland Center for Wholistic Health continue to offer a healing alternative.

Celebrating 20 Years of Healing Ministry

By Rebecca Ford This kind of preventative care that is noninvasive and non-toxic is the dream that led Sr Anita Schugart to open the Heartland Center for Wholistic Health twenty years ago. But this was just one piece of the Dominican Sisters Heartland Ministries. In addition to the Wholistic Health Center, the sisters also opened Heartland Farm and the Heartland Center for Spirituality. Together, these three ministries offer re-creative spaces to experience Christian life and hospitality in a way that values the health of the Earth and the health of the whole personmind, body and spiritas interdependent. When we harm the Earth, we end up harming ourselves; and when we do violence to ourselves, we are more likely to do more harm to the Earth. Consider this familiar scenario: after WWII, a few farmers began to plant more acres of the same crop every year so that they could make a better profit with less machinery. It seemed like a good deal. But, with nothing else to fall back on, these farmers became desperate to keep their one crop alive, and their farms became increasingly dependent on chemicals; nerve gases that were used during warfare were now turned on weeds and crop-eating insects. Gradually, wild and domesticated crops were lost, and the soil was depleted of nutrients. Eventually, the chemicals ended up in people where they contributed to diseases such as cancer, Parkinsons disease, miscarriages, birth defects, and weakened immune systems. In an effort to use fewer chemicals, engineers created genetically modified products; genetic coding was changed so that the crops were more resistant to pests and and to certain brands of herbicides. Through cross-pollination, these crops have begun to spread uncontrollably to other crops. Meanwhile, the nutritional value of food

everal years ago, Sonja began experiencing neck pain from a herniated disk. After trying several options without success, someone suggested that she see a massage therapist for a while at the Heartland Center for Wholistic Health. At first, Sonja was reluctant. Coming from an old-school way of thinking, she considered a massage to be too self-indulgent, and she really wasnt that kind of person. After doing some research about the benefits of massage therapy, however, she decided to give it a try. Today, shes hooked. I never thought of a massage as something that could be so healing and healthy, she explains. Over time, she has come to believe that massage therapy is something that helps to keep us healthy. Just this year, Lillian began going to a chiropractor for injuries that she received in a car accident. Since she was receiving cancer treatments at the same time, the chiropractic care proved to be too harsh, and she began to develop additional arthritis as well. Seeking relief, she was advised to see a massage therapist. Everyone she asked recommended the Heartland Center for Wholistic Health. First, they are just lovely people, and very kind, she explains. Right away, they did exactly what was needed; everything relaxed, and my posture began to improve. But there were secondary improvements related to her cancer treatments that Lillian wasnt expecting. Toxins were moving out, her neuropathy was improving, and she had significantly less hair loss. Its been pretty spectacular, she explains, and she doesnt hesitate to tell others about the relief she has experienced.

goes down, and human health along with it. Harming the Earth with chemicals in the pursuit of profit, we have dirtied our Earthly nest, damaged our food sources, and diseased our bodies. But the cycle doesnt stop there. In an effort to feel better, we have discovered synthetic drugs with their own side effects that that may temporarily ease symptoms, but not the root of the problem. Combine all of this with the stress of our modern worldless time, less sleep, less fulfillment, more work, more noise, more obligations and expectations, more fastfood, more adrenaline, more perfection, more debt, more alcohol, more drugs, and fewer meaningful activities and relationshipsand the number of people who collapse from heart attacks, strokes, and other serious illnesses is not surprising. After her mother died of heart disease at the age of 43, and her own health continued to suffer, Barbara Koester, the new Co-Director of the Heartland Center for Wholistic Health, began reading everything she could about making alternative health decisions that could break the cycle of disease. She remembers reading in Dean Ornishs book, Reversing Heart Disease, that good health requires diet, exercise and relaxation. Experts estimate that 90% of chronic disease, including obesity, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer, immune deficiency, and more, is stress related. Some stress and pressure is unavoidable. But regular massage can help to manage stress, and so many other things besides. According to Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, a massage can:
Continued on page 3

Located at 1005 Williams Street in Great Bend, the Heartland Center for Wholistic Health offers a variety of services such as chiropractic care, massage, homeopathic and herbal remedies and a variety of resources for individuals who are interested in knowing more about their healthcare options. Continued from page 2

Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion. Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays. Manage pain. Improve circulation. Lower blood pressure. Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flowthe bodys natural defense system. Exercise and stretch weak, tight or atrophied muscles. Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts. Improve the condition of the bodys largest organthe skin.

Increase joint flexibility. Encourage relaxation. Improve posture. Lessen depression and anxiety. Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks. Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation. Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling. Reduce spasms and cramping. Relax and soften injured, tired and overused muscles. Release endorphinsamino acids that work as the bodys natural painkiller. Relieve migraine pain.

In addition to therapeutic body massage, the Heartland Center for Wholistic Health also offers gentle chiropractic care, nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, and a variety of resources and guidance for individuals who are interested in knowing more about their health care options. Sr Anita was just one person doing massage therapy when she opened the doors of the Wholistic Health Center twenty years ago. At the time, she couldnt even imagine what the office would become. Today, staff and clients describe the Center as a very peaceful place, comfortable, soothing, egalitarian, and supportive. Caring about and helping each otherthats what its all about.

Young Preacher -in-Training Plants Pumpkins for the Preachers!

Sarah Eck (left) learned about stewardship and the Works of Mercy in her Parish School of Religion (PSR) class at St Boniface Church in Sharon KS where Sr Nancy Jane Kuntz OP works as a Pastoral Minister. After Sarah turned in her first $42 along with the note pictured at right, she went on to collect another $70 for her pumpkins. Her efforts inspired others, too; someone heard of Sarahs special effort and gave another $50 anonymously to add to her project. As a result, Sarah raised a total of $163 for the Dominican Sisters in Africa. Once in a while some seeds in the hearts of our children and youth take off and sprout and grow, explains Sr Nancy Jane.

Left: Today, the circle of staff at the Heartland Center for Wholistic Health includes (counter-clockwise from bottom left) Sr Anita Schugart OP (Director), Barbara Koester OPA (Co-Director), Jessica Williams (Massage Therapist), Amy Antle D.C. (Chiropractor), Sr Cecilia Ann Stremel OP (Office Manager), and Connie Bahan (above) who joined the staff this year as a massage therapist who is also certified as a manual lymph drainage therapist. The Heartland Center for Wholistic Health also works with Andrew Hefner N.D. (Naturopath).

Grains of Wheat concerns that will not advance our Dominican Mission in the Church, then lets forget about it. But if this cluster is going to reinforce our contemplative call and help us to find ways to simplify our busy lives, then we must say YES because our world is waiting, really pleading for such a contemplative witness. From Rome, Sr Margaret asked the sisters to broaden their sense of family, neighbor, and freedom. We can connect with people the world over and feel their pain and tears as if it was our own. Are we willing to add these faces to our family album and allow these people to poor who are perishing. . . . As citizens of the richest country in the world, we as North Americans, are spoiled. And this reality is very bad for us because it makes people, especially the poor, invisible . . . . Many of us are clueless regarding the realities that 80% of our sisters and brothers face every day. We are prone to comfort and we are losing contact with the real world . . . . Can the cluster help us to be counter-cultural in this regard, and make us open-eyed and critical about our own life styles? Will the cluster encourage us along the path of simplicity? . . . . Can we find the support and strength we need to

Winter 20082009

or more than a decade, Dominican Sisters across the country have been talking about ways to collaborate with each other in order to improve their missionary efforts. At first, there were just four congregations involved in the conversation. Over time, other U.S. Dominican congregations joined the discussion until there were 13 congregations sitting at the table, including the Dominican Sisters of Great Bend. In 2003 and 2004, several of these Dominican congregations began to commit themselves to exploring the possibility of an even closer union, though at the time, no one knew what that closer union would look like. Again, the Dominican Sisters of Great Bend chose to be part of the new cluster discussion. Other congregations included the Dominicans of St Catharine KY, Dominican Sisters of St Mary of the Springs in Columbus OH, Dominican Sisters of St Mary and the Eucharistic Missionaries of St Dominic in New Orleans LA, Dominican Congregation of St Rose of Lima in Oxford MI, and the Sisters of St Dominic of Akron OH.

Kentucky Roots
Becoming part of the new congregation of Dominican Sisters of Peace connects the sisters in Great Bend KS to the very first Foundation of U.S. Dominicans that began in Kentucky on Easter Sunday in 1822. In those early years, Edward Dominic Fenwick and Samuel Thomas Wilson OP wanted to begin a uniquely American order of Dominicans. They asked women in the church to consider becoming Dominican Sisters. Nine

Introducing the . . .

Searching Questions
Sr Margaret Ormond from Columbus OH, who was the Coordinator of Dominican Sisters International, was invited to address the new cluster of congregations about their future and about the possibilities that they were considering. As Sr Margaret journeyed around the world, she wrote a series of four letters over the course of almost four months, in which she raised thoughtprovoking questions for the Dominican sisters to consider. From Palestine she began, [Jesus] life was about saying: I CARE, even to the point of death . . . . How is this cluster going to strengthen our primary vocation to careto care for our Earth, for our planet, for our sisters and brothers, especially the poor? Will this cluster enable us to combine ideas and resources so as to care more for our planet and the people in it? Will this cluster enable us to streamline our internal operations so as to focus more of our attention outward and not on ourselves? From England, Sr Margaret continued her questioning with a quote from Thomas Merton: The rush and pressure of the modern life are a form, perhaps the most common form, of its innate violence. To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit one-

Dominican Sisters of Peace

A New Congregation of Seven Midwest Dominican Communities

inhabit our hearts? Without such links in our globalized world, our sisters and brothers in the developing world will not survive and our planet wont either . . . . How is this cluster going to help us open our hearts and minds so that we can extend our mission beyond the confines of our local world and church and address seriously the impact of globalization on our lives and ministries? Broadening ones sense of family and neighbor requires a bit of detachment, Sr Margaret explained. Our brother, Albert [Nolan] makes it very relevant when he talks about detachment as freedom, not held down in chains or enslaved. He gives us a list of possible things that might be enslaving us: Some of us are attached to the pastpractices, customs and big numbers of the past. Some are attached to their workstheir apostolates, ministries, parishes or schools. Then there are those who are attached to their particular religious congregation or provincewith its history and customs. Often we are deeply attached to our reputations . . . . Perhaps we have become obsessed with tidiness, orderliness, cleanliness or our privacy . . . . Are we willing to let go of our own congregations, as we now know them, only to create one with sisters who will re-member us along national, continental and international lines for the sake of our common mission? Our globalized world requires different links, different structures, different family photos. Finally, Sr Margaret asked the sisters to consider their life styles. Dominic insisted . . . . that the friars embrace mendicancy . . . . to ensure the witness of simplicity of life and to help the

By Rebecca Ford
become more uncomfortable with the policies in our congregations, culture and world that exalt comfort as a false sense of security? Can we challenge each other to become more uncomfortable with the things of this world? Only if this cluster makes a difference in our Order and in our world, in concrete and transformational ways, Sr Margaret cautioned, can we justify the expense of time and talent and treasure.

If the cluster is only going to multiply meetings, place more demands on us, carry us away with conflicting concerns that will not advance our Dominican Mission in the Church, then lets forget about it. But if this cluster is going to reinforce our contemplative call and help us to find ways to simplify our busy lives, then we must say YES because our world is waiting, really pleading for such a contemplative witness.
women, all born in America, stepped forward, including Angela Sansbury, who is now considered the foundress of the Dominican Sisterhood in the U.S. These first nine sisters lived in a log cabin, and went to work starting their first school, St Magdalene Academy. Not long after, the then Bishop Fenwick OP of Cincinnati asked that some of the sisters in Kentucky come to minister in Ohio. Four sisters left for Somerset OH in 1830, including Mother Angelas sister, Sr Benvin Sansbury who was recently named one of Ohios outstanding women of the 19th century by the Ohio Bicentennial Commission. In Ohio, the sisters founded one of the first Catholic schools, St Marys Academy. Eventually, it was the bitter struggle over slavery that would form the backdrop for the sisters educational efforts. Ohio, an anti-slavery state, was a destination for escaped slaves through the underground railroad, not to mention home for three of the Unions top generals. Ohio had reason to celebrate their Union victory in 1865, along with the fourteenth amendment that later gave blacks the right to vote. But for the sisters in Ohio, it was a sad year as a fire destroyed their school in 1866. Two years later, the sisters traveled by covered wagon to rebuild St Marys Academy in Columbus OH. While the Dominican Sisters of St Mary of the Springs were becoming established in Columbus, the first immigrant Dominican sisters began arriving in the U.S. Four Dominicans from Holy Cross Monastery in Regensburg, Germany arrived in New York City in 1853. They were given shelter in the rectory basement of Most Holy Trinity Parish in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where they took charge of the parish school within a

The Birth of a New Congregation

For the next two years, inspired by Sr Margarets call to a renewed commitment to care, to pray, to love neighbor as self, and to live in unincumbered freedom and simplicity, the cluster of seven Dominican congregations continued to visit together, and as separate congregations, about their visions and hopes for the future. Finally, throughout the spring of 2007, each of the seven congregations voted to proceed with the collaborative work of becoming one new congregation. Their decision was affirmed by the Holy See a few months later with a letter of approval from the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life on November 7, 2007the Feast of All Dominican Saints. As of 2008, the Dominican Sisters of Great Bend are pleased to announce that the name of their new congregation will be Dominican Sisters of Peace with civil incorporation in Kentucky, and headquarters in Columbus OH where offices will be located for leadership, finance, mission advancement (communication and development), information technology, and human resources. The Founding date and celebration for the new congregation will be during Easter of 2009.

[Jesus] life was about saying: I CARE, even to the point of death . . . . How is this cluster going to strengthen our primary vocation to careto care for our earth, for our planet, for our sisters and brothers, especially the poor?
self to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succomb to violence. Can the cluster help us deal with this violence that seems to be controlling our lives? . . . . Contemplation is the sine qua non of Dominican life. It is integral to our Dominican Mission and foundational to the Holy Preaching . . . . Can the cluster insist that we grab hold more steadfastly to this pillar of our Dominican life? If the cluster is only going to multiply meetings, place more demands on us, carry us away with conflicting

week. They became known as the Amityville about a century to develop. It took almost another Dominicans. Another band of Irish Dominican 100 years for each of the congregations to develimmigrants, led by Mother Mary John Flanagan, op into maturity, each with their own well estabarrived in the bustling port city of New Orleans lished ministries and projects. Today, supported LA in 1860 to start a new foundation among the by about 700 sisters and almost 500 associates, unique mix of French, Spanish and African cul- the new Dominican Sisters of Peace Congregatures that was forming in the area. It was an Irish tion will pool these ministries into the primary pastor who requested the Dominican sisters areas of education, healthcare, housing, spiritualpresence, and after teaching in the parish school ity, ecology, and overseas missions. for a year, the sisters started St Marys Academy Most significantly, and following in the footwhich still flourishes today. steps of St Dominic who valued study, the DoThe Amityville Dominican ministries contin- minican Sisters of Peace will sponsor educational ued to respond to the explosive growth of Brook- opportunities for all ages, including a fully aclyn NY throughout the 1850s, followed by U.S. credited early childcare and pre-school program expansion into the western territories. At first, in Massachusetts, pre-K through 12 schools in the sisters expansion was limited to the upper Memphis TN and New Orleans, and two college midwest. In 1869, the first group of Amityville prep high schools for women in New Orleans and Dominicans traveled to Newburgh NY to start New York. For a liberal arts education, the sisters a new congregation. From Newburgh, still an- will sponsor St Catharine College in St Cathaother group of sisters travelled to Caldwell NJ rine KY, Albertus Magnus College in New Hato respond to the needs of the West, especially ven CT, and Ohio Dominican University in Cothe schools of northeastern Ohio. By 1929, a new lumbus OH. Finally, for individuals who cannot congregation of Dominican sisters, led by Moth- read or who do not know English, the Sisters will er Beda Schmid, began in Akron OH. Known as sponsor three adult learning centers in Columbus the Rubber Capital of the World, Akron was OH, and New Haven and New Britain CT. the destination for many of the immigrants who Mindful of those who are no longer able to care were coming to work in the rubber plants. for themselves, or who need assistance with their In 1902, another nine Amityville sisters left housing, the Dominican Sisters of Peace will Brooklyn NY for Great Bend KS under the lead- sponsor health care centers in St Catharine KY, ership of Mother Antonina Fisher. With the Kan- Waterford MI, Columbus OH, Richfield OH and sas-Nebraska Act that opened up new territories New Orleans LA. There is a special Alzheimers in 1854, and the Homestead act that granted free care unit, assisted-living apartments, and housing land in 1862, settlers and pioneers flooded west for low-income seniors in Waterford MI. And in where education and health care was scarce. The Great Bend KS, Cedar Park Place will continue sisters opened St Marys Academy first. But the to provide housing units for seniors and disabled demand for a hospital was so great, they also sent individuals. for sister nurses from New York and opened St Also in Great Bend KS, the Heartland MinisRose Hospital in 1903. tries (Heartland Farm, Heartland Center for SpirFinally, four more immigrant Dominican sis- ituality, and the Heartland Center for Wholistic ters arrived from Repcin Czechoslovakia in 1913 Health) will continue to provide services and reat the request of a priest who wanted their help sources that are mindful of the relationship and with the missionary efforts in his Pennsylvannia balance between the earth and the human mind, parish. When other women wanted to join their body, and spirit. Additional retreat centers for effort, the sisters traveled to Detroit to seek finan- the new congregation are located in Ponchatoula cial assistance. Following Wilbur and Orvilles LA, Oxford MI, Liebenthal KS, Columbus OH, first flight in Ohio in 1903, and the first Model- and Waterford MI. And other very fine ecology T in 1908, Detroit held many fresh possibilities centers are located in Plainville MA, St Cathafor ministering among the people who worked in rine KY, and Bath and Blacklick OH. the factories, auto plants, steel mills, and gravel mines. Father Zalibera Are we willing to let go of our invited the sisters to teach. They own congregations, as we now continued to maintain contact with their Dominican sisters in Czechoknow them, only to create one slavakia until difficult communicawith sisters who will re-member tions throughout WWII forced them to officially separate and form their us along national, continental and own Dominican Congregation of St international lines for the sake Rose of Lima in Oxford MI. Throughout the 1920s, there were of our common mission? also two women who ministered in the New Orleans area without any Our globalized world requires affiliation with the Dominican Orderat least not to start with. Catha- different links, different structures, rine Bostick and Margaret Grouchy different family photos. lived and prayed together and from their devotion to the Eucharist, they engaged in catechetical and caring outreach. The Most of the Dominican Sisters of Peace can Archbishop of New Orleans encouraged them to be found in Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, continue, and soon other women arrived to join Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Connectithem. They became known as the Missionary cut, Colorado and Illinois, with a few living in Servants of the Most Holy Eucharist. In 1950, other states as well. But they have also branched they advanced their cannonical status by becom- out beyond U.S. borders with overseas missions ing affiliated with the Dominican Order, at which in Chimbote Peru and San Pedro Sula Honduras, time they became known as the Eucharistic Mis- as well as Nigeria, Africa where a daughter consionaries of St Dominic. gregation, the Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena, carries the fire of St Dominic as well. Common Ministries And so, the journey continues: a hundred eighty six years of Dominican presence in the U.S. . . . Responding to the needs of the American people, we are proud to introduce: The Dominican Sisthe roots of the Dominican Sisters of Peace took ters of Peace!

Grains of Wheat

Winter 20082009

Sister Salesia Schneweis OP October 18, 1909 August 6, 2008

By Sister Elaine Osborne OP Sister Salesia was not only our eldest member at 98 years old; she was also our member longest in religious life. She had celebrated 80 years of profession in May of 2008. Sister Salesia wanted it known that her life was healthcare and hostess. Though not a registered nurse, she ministered in our hospitals for many years. Patients and families in all four of the Communitys hospitals St. Rose (Great Bend), St. Catherine (Garden City), Sacred Heart (Lamar, Colorado), and Central Kansas Medical Center (Great Bend) knew her care and compassion. Then, for almost twenty years, her loving, solicitous hospitality in CKMC made her an unforgettable hostess. It seems that she ministered in some way to patients and families and the people of Great Bend for nearly half a century. She knew everyone and forgot the name of no one. There was indeed time for many ministries in eighty years. In addition to hospital ministry she began her early ministry as a homemaker for sisters on missions and for the diocesan bishop. She also served as infirmarian at the motherhouse. She became known as a prayerful person, and a woman of perseverance and gracious encouragement, said Sister Irene Hartman. She was always smiling, greeting, and eager to know the news about people she knew. Sister Salesia always longed for the times when all our Sisters were coming home. She was interested in each one and always asked about their families. The day of her death, Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, Sisters were arriving again, this time for our annual Missioning weekend. The three-day weekend was soon full of Sisters, Associates, and guests and many activities. Sister Salesia must have been thrilled to receive Gods call on this weekend when all the Sisters would be here! When the actual moment came, she was ready completely alone in her chair in her room, quietly and peacefully being led to the Eternal Banquet, with echoes of the Community celebrating Evening Praise of the Transfiguration wafting through the motherhouse. What a great day to be called Home! And her own transfiguration, so longed for, is now well under way.

Thank you, our benefactors

. . . for gifts you gave in memory of your deceased loved ones,

or in honor of your living family and friends.

This list represents gifts received from July 1 to September 30, 2008. We will list gifts given In Memory Of or In Honor Of in each issue of Grains of Wheat. Once a year we list all our donors. Please let us know if you notice any omission or incorrectly listed name.
In Honor of July 1 Sept 30, 2008 Associates of the Dominican Sisters of Great Bend Henry J Bahr Francis Beckman Sr Frances Biernacki OP Rosella Billinger Sr Cornelia Bock OP Sr Virginia Burgardt OP Sr Mary Ellen Dater OP Dominican Sisters of Great Bend Sr Renee Dreiling OP Sr Mary Rose Engel OP Sr Ignatius Galvan OP Sr Louise Hageman OP Sr Edith Marie Hauser OP Janice Hirsh Mathew & Martha Horsch Sr Teresita Huse OP Martin Klitzke Ron & Marlene Lawless Andy Luebbers Sr Coletta Masterson OP Rodney & Frances Mense Family Sr Sibyllina Mueller OP Mary Nielobovitz Luella E Paine Sr Amata Pantel OP Ray Petz Joseph F Reif Family Linda Schlegel Wanda Schmitberger Laverna Schulte Sr Martina Stegman OP Sr Rose Mary Stein OP Sr Malachy Stockemer OP Charlene Strobel Gilbert Ulbrich June L Vsetecka Sr Mary Martin Weaver OP Sr Rene Weeks OP Kirk Williams Thomas Young Jeffrey Zimmerman In Memory of July 1 Sept 30, 2008 Bill Adelhardt Dennis Axman Jerome Axman Judy Axman Michael Axman Fr Joseph E Bahr Linda Sue Bailey William Bailey Bill & Esther Basgall Henry & Mathilda Basgall Vern Bellendir Marie Bestgen Louis Bianchino Greg Birzer Birzer Family Sr Lorena Bolte OP Carol Borth Brenner Family Joe Brungardt Charles Converse Isabel Dixon Paul Dolechek Tom Doll Peter & Filomena Dorte Larry Dreher Joseph P & Anna Dreiling Francis Ebenkamp Jack Ebenkamp Sam Ebenkamp Mervin & Irene Eck June E Erhart Mary Farmer Paul Feist Sr Dorothy Felder OP Sylvia Folk Rena Frassico Dr Boyd Furbeck Donaciana Galvan Charles & Helen Gehlen Leo H Gerke Gerstenkorn Family Mary Ann Goode Leona Goodman Monica Gugleta Joe & Anna Haberman Sr Edna Haefling OP Fred & Louise Hageman Robert & Mayola Haley Jordan Harris Lois Marie Hauser Sr Amadea Hauser OP Charles Helfrich LaVerna Herdt Travis Herman Hope Herman Nikki Hern William & Regina Hertel Marilyn Hilmes Joe Hintz Mrs Mills Hollis Horsch Family Marie Ann Isenbart William & Theresia Jansen Gene Juno Frank Kaiser Kaiser Family Larry Kerschen Melvin Kerschen Fr Arthur Kinsella OP Sr Clarissa Kinzel OP David W Klanke Frank N & Ellen Klepper Edward Knoll Ed & Oliva Koehler Sr Mary Gregory Kraus OP Nicholas Kuntz Leona Leiker Joan Leiker Joseph P Luebbers Brian Maloney Kathryn Maneth Leonard & Lennie Maneth Rita Mater Joseph McGlinn Simona Medve John Meister Lawrence & Louise Mense Dianne Metzen Urban Meyeres Bill & Teresa Meyeres Robert & Theresa Miller Mintener Family Ben & Elaina Morton Milton Ney Shirley Noonan Dr William Winston Paine David Parker Mary Parks Frank Petz Danielle Poland Kathleen Poling Alma Posch Rabenseifner Family Sr Aloysia Rachbauer OP Joseph F Reif Family Sr Cunigunda Ridder OP Edward & Charlotte Riedel Joe Rocha Family Philip Rodacy Sylvia Ann Rohr John & Agnes Rossman Mr & Mrs B I Routh Billy Schafer Marion Schneider Raymond A Schneider Michael A Schneider BJ Schneider Family Sr Salesia Schneweis OP Michael Schulte Neil Schulte Virgil Schulte Walter & Pauline Schwieterman Bill Sheehan Viola Shenefield Dorothy Statt Sr Monica Staudinger OP Sr Veronica Staudinger OP Brad & Laverne Stecklein Marla Stucky Brian Thielen Leo Thielen Philip Thielen Theodore Thielen Sr Theodosia Tockert OP Gil Trevino Michael Triplett Shirley Turner Mary Ellen Vanhorn Juanita Vigil Mark Vigil Rosalie Vigil Sam Von Lintel B F Vsetecka Tony & Leocadia Walt Margaret J Wasinger Inez Wasinger Cornelius Buddy Webster Erwin & Clara Werner Sr Kathleen Werner OP Brenda Williams Wirtz Family John & Rose Wolke Thelma Wood John & Blanche Wozniak Dorothy A Wozniak Clarence Younger Christopher & Barbara Zerr Sr Christine Zerr OP Ben & Mary Zimmerman Douglas Zimmerman Zink Family

Sister Ignatius Galvan OP March 1, 1923 October 11, 2008

By Sister Elaine Osborne OP Sister Ignatius, born Rosenda Galvan, came to our community at the age of 24, already a registered nurse. Even before her perpetual profession she was ministering in nursing at St Rose (Great Bend) and St Catherine Hospital (Garden City). After her perpetual vows she worked at both of these hospitals as well as Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend, and Sacred Heart Hospital in Lamar CO. She was night duty supervisor, emergency room nurse, and a rotating ward secretary. For a few months she also was a missionary nurse in Gusau, Nigeria. Close to her heart were her ministries in Las Hermanas Health Service in San Antonio TX and Texas Medical Foundation Clinic in Crystal City TX. In 1976 her health began to deteriorate and she was in and out of recuperation and light work. By 1980 Sister Ignatius had moved to the infirmary where she remained the rest of her life. Sister Ignatius then turned to ministries she could do from her room. Prayer was fulfilling and ministerial for her as she remembered community members, family, and world needs. No longer able to do active ministry, she also began to devote many hours to knitting hundreds of colorful caps, mittens, and other items for poor children and for our Annual Mission Benefit Bazaar. When even this became impossible, her life became one of solitude, abandonment to God, and suffering for many reclusive years. Sister Amy McFrederick compared her to St. Teresa of Avila on whose feast we celebrated her entrance into eternal life. Both were from families of nine siblings. Both entered their religious communities in their early twenties, Sister Ignatius must have felt drawn to solitude, recollection and complete abandonment to God, as did St. Teresa. Perhaps it was no slip of the tongue that the funeral celebrant kept calling her Saint Ignatius instead of Sister Ignatius for through their lives, both of these holy women knew that nothing matters as much as loving and doing all those things that stir our hearts to love. Sister Ignatius now knows how true are the words of St. Teresa of Avila: Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Nothing is lacking for those who seek and attain God. God alone can satisfy us.

Associate Bernardine Leiker May 20, 1928 October 21, 2008

By Sister Elaine Osborne OP A few months before her death, Sisters Jolene Geier and Kathy Goetz, (current Associate Director) celebrated Bernardines 80th birthday with her at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center where she spent her last years. Her 80 years were full and fulfilling. Servant could have been her middle name. In her active years, she had ministered as lector, usher, and Eucharistic minister. She was in the adult choir, Daughters of Isabella, Altar Society, Christian mothers, and Central Kansas Medical Center Auxiliary. She taught in the RCIA program and took Communion to shut-ins. Her most unusual work was probably helping in a funeral home, especially by typing funeral books. In all this life of service she was ever faithful She is remembered by many as an impresto her personal spiritual life she was in Bible sive woman, sustained by prayer, generous classes and associate gatherings, prayed Chris- with her time, and devoted to her faith and her tian Prayer and the Rosary daily, loved Bene- family. diction and the Stations of the Cross. Until October 28, 1984 she was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis. On that day she became an Associate of our Community and began a faithful support of the associate program, our mission in Nigeria, and the Rosary Shrine. She loved her life as wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband Richard, who preceded her in death, had three daughters, a son, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She delighted in visiting her grandchildren on Grandparents Day at school where she says she was amazed at the reading level of the students. She found time for workouts at the gym, and loved walking and reading.

Dec 6, 2008 to Jan 31, 2009

Rosary Novena

Pray the Rosary

A penny saved is a penny earned and the Dominican Sisters of Great Bend have raised almost $40 just because of your clicks and purchases through www.goodsearch.com! We are grateful!
Through goodsearch.com, we receive a penny for every internet search you conduct in our name (Be sure to enter Dominican Sisters of Great Bend in the blank where it says Who Do You GoodSearch For). And at the bottom of goodsearch.com, there is also a GoodShop button that looks like the one below. When you click on Shop now you are taken to a very large selection of internet stores (amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Dell, Bloomingdales, L.L.Bean, Home Depot, Office Depot, Sears, Target, Walmart, Travelocity, United Airlines, Weight Watchers, and more!). Click on and shop at one of those stores, and a small percentage of your purchase is donated to us! Note that we only get credit, though, if you put our name in the blank, and if you enter the stores through the button below.

Let us all join our hearts in prayer for peace in our troubled world. Send your petitions to be united with others at our Rosary Shrine. We offer the Eucharistic Liturgy each week at our motherhouse for all our benefactors and for our Rosary Shrine clients. Praying for you always. . . Ever since the Rosary Shrine was founded in the 1930s, our motherhouse has been a powerhouse of prayer. Our sisters consistently remember you, your families, and your special needs in prayer. We pray for you whether we know your special needs or not, and we always enjoy the letters from you which tell us of your special needs.

Is God Calling You to be a Dominican Sister of Great Bend?

In the busy world of everyday life there are many choices. The call to ones vocation, however, comes not from the outside, but rather from within ones heart. It is the Baptismal call that is more than a career. It is a life choice, an answer to God: Whom shall I send? I will go, send me. For more information, contact Sr Teri Wall OP Vocation Minister 3805 W Walsh Pl Denver CO 80219 303-922-2997 teriop@msn.com Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Great Bend KS Permit #39

Grains of Wheat
Dominican Sisters
3600 Broadway Great Bend KS 67530-3692

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Vol. XXXVI, No. 4 Winter 20082009

Grains of Wheat

is published quarterly by the Dominican Sisters and Associates of Great Bend, Kansas.
Editor: Rebecca Ford, Communications Director Consultant and Contributing Writer: Sr Elaine Osborne OP Printing by The Spearville News

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Please use the enclosed envelope for address changes, names to be added to the mailing list, and/or your prayer requests for the Rosary Shrine, as well as for your financial contribution for our ministries. Thank you!

Impelled by the Gospel of Jesus Are the Holy Preaching

We Dominicans of Kansas

A Time of Transition
2008
December 27 - Loss, Transition, and Anticipation Committee Workshop and Liturgy: Dominican Sisters of Great Bend will spend the day together, grieving the end of their community, and continuing their preparations for the coming birth of the new congregation.

Founded aN e by St Dominic on the pillars of prayer, study, community, and ministry, Dominican Sisters continue to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ through art, music, teaching, spiritual enrichment, care for the poor and the sick, care of creation, housing ministries, advocacy for justice, and much more.

Preaching with

April 12 - Founding Day of the New Congregation: The birth of the new congregation will be celebrated in conjunction with the Easter celebration of Christs resurrection and new life. April 14 - Founding Event: A celebration of the founding of the new congregation. April 15-21 - First General Chapter of the New Congregation: An assembly of sisters from all seven of the former Dominican communities will gather to elect a leadership team (prioress and councilors), and to carry on the business of the new congregation. August 8 - Installation of the New Leadership Team for the New Congregation: The elected prioress and Councilors will assume their respective duties with offices at the new central house in Columbus, Ohio.

2009

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Is God calling you to be a Dominican Sister?

Dominican Sisters of St Mary of the Springs, Columbus OH Dominican Congregation of St Rose of Lima, Oxford MI
3600 Broadway Great Bend KS 620-792-1232 sisters@ksdom.org www.ksdom.org

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