Mission Statement

We, the Houston Dominican Sisters, publicly commit ourselves to study and address the crucial justice issues of our times.

We assume the risks inherent in preaching and teaching the gospel.

We will work to transform social structures which oppress the powerless, ministering with them in our common struggle to remain faithful to the Word of God.

1991

 Directional Statements

We, the Houston Dominican Sisters, commit ourselves to a deepening of personal and communal spiritual life which grounds
us and moves us to action.

We will develop a consciousness of local and global
environmental issues; we will live and act in an ecologically
responsible manner.

We will advocate the transformation of those social conditions
which oppress women and children.

We will sensitize ourselves to racial discrimination and commit ourselves to work for equality for all persons, especially those caught in systemic discrimination.

1992

 Resolution on Building a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World

.... Be it resolved that the Dominican Sisters of Houston, Texas on June 2, 20021.

1. Endorse the implementation of the Nobel Laureates' appeal for a Decade of Nonviolence with special emphasis on children and youth,
2. Support the Decade of Nonviolence initiatives and agree to become a Decade Partner organization,
3. Encourage one another in our local settings and ministries to make a priority to teach, practice, and model nonviolence, making use of available resources.
4. Through conversation and the sharing of information, encourage other groups
with whom we work to join this international effort "For the Children of the World."

June 2, 2002

 Corporate Commitment

We, the Houston Dominicans, moved to a strong reaffirmation of our Mission and Directional Statements, pledge ourselves to renewed accountability for the commitments they embody. With one voice we claim our Dominican tradition as "Communities of the Holy Preaching," and embrace our call to be women preachers of justice.

June, 1997

Statement on Capital Punishment 

"The Dominican Sisters of Houston call for the abolition of the Death Penalty in Texas and throughout the United States.

As women of faith we believe in the sanctity of human life and in the merciful and forgiving God who offers the opportunity for redemption, change and growth.

We stand in solidarity with the Catholic Bishops of Texas, who, in their October, l997 statement on capital punishment say, 'We implore all citizens to call on our elected officials to reject the Death Penalty and replace it with non-lethal means of punishment which are sufficient to protect society from violent offenders of human life and public order.'

Our compassion goes out to those victims and their families who suffer at the hands of accused and/or convicted criminals. However, we believe that the death penalty is an inappropriate response because it encourages a culture of violence. Furthermore, capital punishment has not proved to be a deterrent to crime."

December, 1997

 Declaration of Public Sanctuary

"... therefore, we, the Dominican Sisters of Sacred Heart Convent, Houston, Texas, in the spirit of Dominic and Catherine, openly express at this time our compassion for our suffering sisters and brothers who come to us fleeing the persecution and injustice of El Salvador and Guatemala.

As women committed to preaching and teaching the Word, we declare and offer public sanctuary to refugees from El Salvador and Guatemala ..."

September, 1987