Mission Advancement
& Opportunities
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Receive our weekly prayer reflections on the Sunday Gospel.
In this reflection for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sister Johnellen, OP explores Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 22:34-40, where He summarizes the entire law in two great commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Drawing on the Ten Commandments, Scripture, and the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas, this reflection reminds us that love is more than an emotion. It is a daily choice to seek the good of God and others through prayer, kindness, sacrifice, and faithful living. Through the simple yet profound message of the Gospel, we are invited to nurture loving hearts and allow God’s love to overflow into every relationship. May these two great commandments guide our lives, strengthen our faith, and bring peace to all whom we encounter.
Readings: • Exodus 22:20-26 • Psalm 18: “I love you, Lord, my strength.”
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 • Matthew 22:34-40
Your Dominican Sisters pray for you. May we express our love for God and neighbor every day.
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Called to Engage: A Dominican Reflection
on Pope Leo XIV’s Message
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Pope Leo: Catholics must not be passive spectators
In a recent article from OSV News, Pope Leo reflects on the responsibility of Catholics amid current events.
In a world marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and deep social tension, Pope Leo reminds us that Catholics are never meant to be passive spectators. The Gospel does not permit indifference. It calls us to see, to discern, and to act. As Dominican women and men — followers of the Order of Preachers — we are entrusted with a particular mission: to read the signs of the times through the lens of truth, compassion, and justice. Our charism invites us to listen deeply, to study carefully, and to speak with clarity rooted in the love of Christ.
To be “engaged” does not mean reacting to every headline or being swept up in the noise of the moment. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our response to the world’s suffering and hope. It means asking: Where is God calling me to bring light? Where is truth needed? Where is mercy waiting to be offered?
We are called to participate — not from party loyalty, but from Gospel conviction. We step forward not with anger, but with courage. We engage not to win arguments, but to build communion. May we be people who see clearly, speak truthfully, and act lovingly. May our presence in the world reflect the Gospel we proclaim. And may our engagement always lead others closer to Christ, who alone is our peace.
Photo: Sister Donna Marie Nicholas, OP
Read the Article
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As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, the Dominican Sisters Conference is proud to partner with Dominican Congregations across the country in presenting 250 Sisters Who Shaped the USA. This special initiative celebrates the lives, ministries, and enduring contributions of Dominican Sisters whose faith, courage, and commitment have helped shape our nation and continue to inspire future generations.
The women we will feature have played a role in our country’s story since the first group of nine women said ‘yes’ to God and followed their calling to Dominican Life in February 1822.From that first group of sisters in Kentucky, to New York, California, and many places in-between, join us on our journey to honor the past and present of Dominican Sisters in the United States.
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On this 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States of America,
We, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, affirm our commitment to:
Upholding the inherent right to life of every human being and the dignity of each person
● Embracing the gospel call to love, welcome, and care for all people, especially those who are most vulnerable
● Welcoming immigrants and providing care and assistance to all who reside in our nation, while advocating for comprehensive immigration reform.
● Standing against violence in all its forms
● Dismantling racism in all its manifestations
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LCWR Letter to Congress
The following is the text of the letter that will be sent to members of the US Congress with a copy of the LCWR Declaration of Commitment
June 25, 2026
Dear Senator/Representative:
The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) represents nearly 300 congregations of Catholic sisters across the United States. Since 1727, we have educated generations of children, cared for the sick, fed and housed those most vulnerable, advocated for human dignity, and upheld the rights to vote, to work, and to access the fundamental freedoms and protections that sustain a just society.
READ MORE
The Pharisees were looking for a simple, clear-cut way to trap Jesus. Either he would be for or against Caesar. The issue of taxes was a burning one for the Jews at that time. The Roman tax system kept people from rising economically and thus improving their status in society. Jesus refused to be caught in the trap of standing for or against the Roman emperor and his system of taxation. He merely asked to see a coin of the realm, a coin that bore the image of Caesar. We do belong to God’s kingdom, but we also have responsibilities for the world in which we live. As political advertising will not let us forget, we are on the cusp of mid-term elections. We have the responsibility of making informed decisions as we cast our ballots. Often we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is heaven.” These must be lived words, not just spoken ones. Civic responsibility helps build the kingdom.
-Sister Katherine Jean Cowan, OP
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We, the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, the Congregation of the Queen of the Holy Rosary, are called to live and proclaim Jesus Christ through evangelizing, preaching, educating, and promoting justice and peace.
In the spirit of St. Dominic and of our foundress, Mother Maria Pia Backes, we witness to this call through our vowed life.
Our prayer, study, ministry, and life in community empower us to participate in the mission of Jesus, especially among the young, the poor, and the vulnerable.
Our Mission Statement
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The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, the Congregation of the Queen of the Holy Rosary,
currently ministers in California and Mexico.
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Center for Education and Spirituality (CES) Events
GO TO CES WEBSITE
Email Sister Marcia
Dear Scripture Companions,
Here are the readings and commentaries to help you live the Word proclaimed this upcoming weekend. We will have a Bible Study session Tuesday @ 9:15 AM and Thursday @ 9:15 AM!
Your,
Sister Marcia
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5. Scripture for Life
1. Bible Study
3. Lectio Divina
2. First Impressions
4. Letter
6. Scripture Study
7. Reflection
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Please join us if you are able on Tuesday for Bible Study at 9:15 and Thursday for Lectio Divina (prayer with the Gospel) at 9:15.
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