DOMINICAN LIFE


The lives of the Dominican Sisters of Houston have revolved around the Word of God received in PRAYER and STUDY, and the Word of God proclaimed in COMMUNITY and through MINISTRY.

Beginning with a trail from Ohio to Texas, the sisters have continued to blaze trails throughout the Houston area and beyond.  Building on the successes of the 125 year history, the future continues to hold great promise and meaningful purpose.
 

We are called...

to participate in the mission of the Order of Preachers according to our diverse abilities, gifts, training, and call.  We discern as community and as individuals within the community how to be faithful both to the congregational charism and goals, and to our own unique giftedness.
  

 





 



 
 

 

Pillars of Dominican Life

 

PRAYER

As Dominicans devoted to the proclamation of the Word of God, we read and reflect in common upon sacred Scripture, especially in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours.   The combination of psalms and scripture readings meditated upon in common follows the classic Dominican mode of prayer, which is both ecclesial and contemplative.  Periods of private prayer, contemplation and the annual retreat offer concentrated time to deepen our commitment to God, ministry and community.

"Dominican prayer is fundamentally communal.  Through the liturgy of the Eucharist we seek to unify and strengthen our community life as we celebrate the presence of Christ in our Daily experiences."  Constitution #21

 

 

 

STUDY 

St. Dominic sought truth through study of the Word of God and prayerful reflection on sacred scripture. This distinguishing element of the Order, serious study, permeates our community life and ministry as Houston Dominicans.  We commit ourselves to continual study in order to nurture the vision, flexibility and responsiveness needed for the expression of truth in contemporary society. By discipline of the intellect, we clarify and refine our personal and communal insights in our attempt to become compassionate ministers of the Word of God.

Study is an integral part of the Dominican Vocation. Through annual reflection cycles, the community focuses on specific themes related to our Mission and Vision Statements. Recent and ongoing areas of study have been devoted to:
* women's concerns, social conditions oppressive to them and to children.
* refugee and immigrant situation in U.S.
* eco-justice
* racial equality
* capital punishment
* economic sanctions on Iraqi people
* International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World

 

COMMUNITY

Community living includes prayer, study, service and a common concern for others' needs.  Community serves as the basis for our mission and ministries.

The task of common life is the building up of one another as members of one body.  In community we challenge each other to growth.  Mutual support renews our confidence and leisure recreates our spirits.

Community is enriched when each member places her talents and insights, as well as her material goods, at the service of the community.  Periodic community gatherings such as regional meetings and the annual convocations provide a forum for each sister's participation in the leadership of the congregation.

Hospitality is a key feature of our communities.

 

 

MINISTRY

By virture of our immersion into Dominican life, we are made aware that we are entrusted with the Word of God for others.

The earliest charters of the Dominican Order called the nuns "sister preachers" because of their close association with their brother preachers.

Catherine of Siena presents a further model of the myriad ways in which the gospel can and must be preached. We have had in our membership from the beginning women who have embodied and shared their gift of preaching and teaching with each other and with those they served. Our foundress, Mother Agnes Magevney gave the first retreat to the sisters when they arrived in Texas in 1882 because the community had no money to offer a stipend for a retreat director.

As Dominicans we seek new modes and places for preaching and teaching that remain true to the original inspiration of St. Dominic. 

Constitution #29

 

"Ultimately...what preaching is all about is handing on the Christian story in such a way that the experience of grace - God's presence in ordinary human life - is communicated."
Dominican theologian, Mary Catherine Hilkert, OP (Akron)

Calendar of Events

Fri, Sep 17th, @12:01am - 04:59PM : Founders' Day at St. Pius X High School
Fri, Oct 8th, @8:00am - 05:00PM : Ten Year Labyrinth Celebration
Sat, Oct 9th, @8:00am - 05:00PM : Ten Year Labyrinth Celebration
Fri, Nov 5th, @9:00am - 04:00PM : Dominican Sisters Arts & Crafts Sale
Sat, Nov 6th, @9:00am - 12:00PM : Dominican Sisters Arts & Crafts Sale

Contact Us

Let us hear from you.  Click below to email with questions.  Or write to us:


Dominican Sisters of Houston
6501 Almeda Road
Houston, TX  77021

Phone: 713-440-3710 Fax: 713-747-4707
domhou@domhou.org

Dominican Sisters of Houston • 6501 Almeda Road • Houston, Texas  77021-2095 • Phone: 713-747-3310 • Fax: 713-747-4707 • Email: domhou@domhou.org