Excitement, hope, and a sense of the Holy Spirit's call to mission permeated the Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio, Texas, as 142 Dominican Sisters, representing 16 U.S. Congregations, gathered August 28-31, 2014, for "conversations of consequence." 

Dominican Women Afire! Envisioning our Future! drew Dominican Sisters who are 59 years and younger, as well as those who had been finally professed for 10 or fewer years. Also attending to offer encouragement and support were 11 Sister companions/wisdom figures from several of these congregations. Among those attending were 22 Adrian Dominican Sisters.

 A strong desire for cross-congregational collaboration and engagement was evident in the many proposals that emerged through the intense process of reflection, prayer, discussion, and envisioning. Each of the top five initiatives that were supported for further exploration by a majority of the Dominican Sisters present involved networking and collaboration around mission. 

In the midst of the packed schedule, participants found time to get to know one another, to pray and eat together, and to celebrate through liturgy and an evening of dancing. 

Eighth-grade student, Ryan Monroe, spent the first week of June participating in the United States Naval Academy Summer STEM Program in Annapolis, Maryland. Ryan was one of two hundred seventh and eighth graders nationwide selected. The program provided participants with the opportunity to become familiar with the exceptional Naval Academy Education provided to Midshipmen; gain exposure to one of the Top 5 "Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs" in the country as ranked by U.S. News and World Report;  work in world -class lab facilities that provide a unique learning environment outside the traditional classroom; experience real-life application of math and science principles through hands-on practical learning; and interact with other students from across the country who share a similar interest in technology and engineering. 

The eighth grade class spent a few hours on September 25th reading, playing and enjoying lunch with the children from Opportunity, Inc. Early Learning Center. RA students paired off with the children--infants through 5 years old. They brought books to read (and then to donate to Opportunity Inc.'s library) and lunches to share with the children. 

Click here to view photos from the service experience >>>

This month, the fourth graders worked collaboratively to understand the human circulatory system. They created wheel charts to show the arteries moving oxygenated blood from the heart to the extremities and the veins moving the oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. Through the use of technology, an educational video explained the function of the heart. Together, the students discussed and took notes on the different aspects of this very complex system.

For the second year, Rosarian will use the electronic bidding software, BidPal, to run the silent auction at the Christmas in Hollywood Auction & Ball on November 22.  All attendees will have the chance to see what will be auctioned in the silent and live auctions.  Items continue to come in, so check back often.  If you're attending the event, be sure to log in and register your credit card to make check-in a breeze.  Visit www.bidpal.net/rosarian to view items that have already been donated.   Start your "watch list" now; so, when you attend the event, you can be anywhere at The Breakers and still win the items you want! Only bids from those who purchased tickets and attend the Auction & Ball will be recognized. 

Rosarian Academy, founded in 1925, is a private, coeducational, Catholic school sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Its mission is to educate the whole person for life in a global community in the light of Gospel values.