The weeks are flying by, here at the CDN. Winter gives way to spring, as we see crocus, daffodil, and even tulips blooming all around us. In our backyard, the birds and squirrels are busy, and naturally we've been busy too. 

We were blessed to host an in-person panel on the topic of consecrated celibacy, with our sisters Julia Schideler MM, Mary Jo Sobieck OP (Springfield), and Christin Tomy OP (Sinsinawa). Our guest panelists shared with us their experience, understanding and practical wisdom in authentically living this important element of our vowed life. We so appreciate the gift of their time. 

On St Patrick's Day, we were delighted to be able to attend Mass at Old St Pat's in downtown Chicago. It was a distinctive celebration of the saint, the parish, and the culture of the many Irish immigrants who contributed here to our Catholic life and history. You might notice a new face in the picture; we were privileged to welcome Paula's daughter for a visit that weekend. Maintaining connections with family and friends looks a little bit different for each of us; fundamentally, our priorities have changed from what they were before we entered religious life. Each of us is in the midst of learning what that might look like for us.

We had a Zoom panel, discussing the Rule of St Augustine and our vowed life, with our sisters Denise Glazik OP (Springfield) and Betsy Pawlicki OP (Sinsinawa). It's so helpful for us to hear our panelist's personal stories and examples, as well as their thoughts and best practices. We are grateful to you both!

For our most recent in-person panel, on the topic of consecrated poverty, we were pleased to be able to welcome both Dominican sisters and brothers to be with us. Our sisters Barbara Reid OP (Grand Rapids) and Bernadine Karge OP (Sinsinawa) joined us, along with our brethren from the Central Province, Louis Morrone OP and James Pierce Cavanaugh OP. The discussion was both lively and enlightening, sparking at least as many questions as it answered. Our panelists, in sharing their experiences, helped us to understand the call and meaning of consecrated poverty, within a world filled with people experiencing unchosen poverty. 

As we enter together into the Triduum, we hold in prayer all persons in need. Please join us in prayer; pray with us and for us, on this journey toward resurrection.