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“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

-Ecclesiastes 3:1

Community Connections

Connecting With You...

S. Maryann McMahon | S. Chris Broslavick

S. Agnes Johnson | S. Mary Ann Pevas

Dear Sisters and Associates:

Who are we called to be? We hear this question from many circles in these chaotic times. How do we answer?

Across the Catholic world we are celebrating the Season of Creation. Creation has much to teach us about how we can live together in peace or in chaos. We have heard of the “butterfly effect” in nature. The butterfly effect is a ripple effect illustrating the theory that small actions can lead to “significant and unpredictable consequences in complex systems.” It is part of what is called “chaos theory” in science and illustrates the belief that there is an impact in Brazil, for example, of a butterfly living in another part of the world. The butterfly’s wings create a ripple effect which goes out into nature and even though the effect is very small the theory is that it very likely creates significant changes in the planet’s ecosystem. Can we apply this to the question of “who are we called to be?”

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We live in chaotic times. How do we know that? We know what is taking place elsewhere in our world via the media, the news especially. However, so many news sources exist that we can pick and choose from positions across a full spectrum of values. Each report of what is happening in the world is predigested to satisfy viewers. What we are fed is already judged as important, or not, according to a set of values which are important to the broadcaster. The broadcaster has to satisfy viewers.

What does this have to do with us? Reports of such news is more often than not reported in a judgmental and blaming manner. That manner usually upholds one perspective and paints the other perspective as wrong and divisive. Such reporting has a ripple effect in our interactions with family, friends, and community. It is often news about a violent and divisive world. Can we call it “bad news?” Bad meaning the ripple effect creates divisions in our social relations which spill over into more divisions. It seems the fallout is hostility and violence. Where can the “common” good grow in such a system? Where is the “good news?”

Let’s ask again, who are we called to be? As disciples of the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus, we are sent to be proclaimers of the “good news,” a set of life-giving values of seeing ALL others as sons and daughters of God. We hold a set of values which proclaim love as the greatest value and it means to share the earth’s resources with others and to care for the earth. The Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church through the centuries give us plenty of examples of how its teachings and traditions are to spread the “good news” among humanity. We are to be people proclaiming these values. We are to be the voice of the “good news” in our world. Where do we hear it? Where is God’s voice heard today? From us?

Who are WE called to be? What if we could be proclaimers of the Good News each day. What if after hearing the news, we reflected together and spoke of Gospel values which are needed to guide policies and actions in each day’s news events? What would be the butterfly/ripple effect of such conversation? Would such conversation counterbalance the energy given off from the broadcast? Is such conversation what we are called to speak and in so doing be the voice of life-giving ripple effects in the social systems of our world of today? In addition to prayer which so essential?

Who are we called to be? The choice is ours. the butterfly/ripple effect we give to the world is ours to choose, to explore. What will it be? What are we called to be?

Blessings, Maryann, Mary Ann, Agnes and Chris

Directory Updates

S. Lois Aceto is now in Room 103 in the Dominican Sisters Residence. Her phone number is the same.

S. Agnes Johnson and S. Karen Fredrickson have a new address:

1200 College Avenue Racine, WI 53403-1919

There is no land line number, so please continue to use their cell phone numbers.

Associate Kathie Solie has a new address:

3304 14th Street, Apt. 118 Eau Claire, WI 54703-3632

Her phone number and e-mail address are the same. Please update your directories.

With Gratitude

Dear Sisters and Associates,

We are all hurting, as we seek somehow to keep alive the beautiful spirit of Evelyn in our midst and treasure the gift she was among us. Thank you so much for your shared support via cards, phone, emails, conversations, hugs, etc. Death, which I always saw as separation, is showing me its power as a unifier, one more grace of a woman we loved. Again, thank you.

I love you all!

Alice Pittz

Dear Sisters and Associates,

Thank you for your support of sympathy and friendship in the death of my beloved husband, Russell. He is at peace and shares in God’s loving embrace. I share also because of your prayers, I continue to stay strong and at peace. Thank you for sending the beautiful bouquet of flowers to the funeral home and the numerous cards of comfort that I have personally received.

Much love, Associate Joan Brown

Enjoy Your Photos!

By Kyla Mrazek

As you know, we had beautiful group and individual photos taken here at Siena in late June. I have distributed your individual photos either via e-mail for those Sisters that use e-mail, or for those that don’t, I put several copies of your photo in your mailbox in the RDR.

If anyone would like additional copies of their photo, I will be putting in another order. Please contact me at ext. 4087 or kmrazek@racinedominicans.org and I would be happy to order some prints for you.

Calling Elected Representatives - 5Calls.org

By the Justice Team and the Laudato Si’ Action Team

You may recall that in the August Community Connections there was a note that the Justice Team distributed cards to Sisters in the Dominican Sisters Residence (DSR) with the names and phone numbers of our specific elected officials.

Some of you outside of Racine have recently asked about receiving the same information for your location. As noted in the August Community Connections, an easy way to obtain information about your local officials is to go to 5calls.org (https://5calls.org), available online or as an app if you want to download it.

If you enter your zip code on the site, it will bring up your elected officials – their names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mails. The site continually posts and updates possible scripts on the issues of the day so you have some suggestions of what you may want to say or include when you make your calls.

We encourage you to consider calling and sharing your concerns with local officials about issues of justice in our country and world!

Preaching Corner

By the Preaching Committee, Sisters Kathy Slesar and Carla Mae Streeter and Associates Lisa Marie Duffield, Kathie Solie and Tesha Urban

On August 29, seven of the Preaching Contacts met via Zoom and discussed part 2 of the Final Synod Document. Part II begins the Participation focus and highlights the major shift of the whole document to Relationship.

We considered what is coming to birth and what can be different from the Church that nurtured us as we grew up. We are called to listen to all voices and to welcome all people.

We’ve discussed Parts I and II, and recognized that as communities of religious women, we have been dealing with this new awareness for two or three decades, using our prophetic role to call the Church to this new awareness globally. Now with joy and hope we await its implementation globally.

October is Fire Prevention Month

It’s October, which means is Fire Prevention Month, dedicated to raising awareness and promoting safe practices that help protect everyone from the dangers of fire. This month provides an opportunity to review our fire prevention tips and practice emergency procedures. It also reminds us all about simple daily habits that can prevent fires and keep our community safe. In the DSR, you will see staff doing fire drills, performing safety checks on equipment and adding some new safety features around campus.

Will you help us? We have a checklist for you to help kick off the month:

Know your exit routes: Locate emergency exits in the places you are most often. For those in the DSR, this could be places like your room, the dining room and Chapel. For those outside the house, that could be your home, place of work or school, where you worship, etc. knowing where the emergency exits and evacuation routes are can save lives in a fire.

Keep exits clear: Do not block doors, hallways or stairways with furniture, boxes, or equipment.

Check electrical cords: Recycle and replace frayed, damaged or overloaded cords. For those in the DSR, report any of these to our Maintenance team immediately so they can replace them.

Be mindful when cooking/snacking: Use kitchen areas safely, and never leave food unattended in microwaves or ovens. Be mindful of burners when you’re cooking on stovetops and be sure that they are turned off when you’re done.

Don’t block sprinklers or alarms: Keep decorations and belongings away from sprinkler heads, smoke detectors and exit signs.

If you see something, say something: There is never a wrong time to mention if something looks like it could be a hazard or needs further attention.

Being aware and having a plan are the best ways to keep our campus safe – when it comes to fire safety, we’re all in this together!

Indigenous Peoples Day

the Justice Team and the Laudato Si’ Action Team

Monday, October 13 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This important day is celebrated on the second Monday in October, and is an opportunity to honor our diverse history and the Indigenous people who contributed to shaping our country. It recognizes the legacy and impact of colonialism on Native communities and celebrates the cultures, contributions, and resilience of Native/Indigenous People.

Please consider praying the “Land Acknowledgement” that is found on the Laudato Si’ Commitment Form you received and give thanks for the Native People who occupied the land we now reside on.

Artist: Gus Antone Used with permission

Updates from NDAD

The National Dominican Associate Directors and Liaisons (NDAD), while meeting on September 12-14, 2025, at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield, IL, elected new leadership for the organization, effective immediately. Congratulations and best wishes to our own Associate Director Mare Wheeler for being elected to the NDAD Leadership Team! Associate Directors from eleven Dominican communities selected and affirmed the following team of officers, with a nod to the LCWR leadership model:

Past Chair – Lisa Mitchell (Grand Rapids)

Current Chair – Mare Wheeler (Racine)

Upcoming Chair – Kaitlyn Tashjian (Caldwell)

Treasurer – Kathleen Friend (Amityville)

We wish these new leaders and NDAD much success this year. Pictured are Mare Wheeler (Racine), Kaitlyn Tashjian (Caldwell) and Lisa Mitchell (Grand Rapids)

Integrative Wellness

By S. Carla Mae Streeter

The Human Organism

The physical dimension of our humanness has many functions: circulation, digestion, respiration, etc. Key to our mental and spiritual health is our nervous system. It has two parts: the sympathetic nervous system, and the parasympathetic nervous system. The first is our ‘gas pedal’ and the second is our ‘brake pedal.’ The sympathetic nervous system should only be active 10% of the time…it urges us toward fight or flight when danger threatens. It releases cortisone in our system, ups our blood pressure and heartbeat. The para-sympathetic nervous system should be operating 90% of the time. It is guided by our vagus nerve, which extends from our brain down to our entire digestive system. It calms us down, relaxes us, and just helps us to ‘feel good.’ It helps release dopamine.

So, is there anything we can do to help our vagus nerve keep us in a peaceful mode most of the time? Yes, and many of us are aware of these exercises or can learn them. Forms of exercise that help the vagus nerve relax us are Yoga, Tai Chi, or stretching. A food that helps is the mushroom…any kind, but especially reishi mushrooms. Mindfulness is very helpful, for it calls upon our ability to quiet the chattering mind or focus on a single image.

When we picture something that makes us feel secure, a loved space outdoors, or being held in the arms of the Shepherd in meditation, we can help our nervous system go from tensed to calm. Simplest of all is intentional deep breathing. Six or seven times, and you will feel as though you’ve had a nap. Breathe in with your nose and mouth…do 3 ‘sniffs’ to fill your lungs…hold for a count of 6…breathe out as though through a straw…do 3 ‘puffs’ to empty your lungs. Try it…you’ll like it…!

News from Siena Retreat Center

Siena Retreat Center had a wonderful 2024-2025 program year, and our new program year is off to a great start! Here are some highlights:

• Our new program offerings are organized around five components of spiritual wellbeing: Belonging & Community, Justice & Integrity, Meaning & Purpose, Sensing the Sacred, and Wonder & Wellness.

• New groups and individuals continue to find Siena Retreat Center. One recent retreat participant shared, “Thank you, Siena Retreat Center, for such a peaceful, restful, and rejuvenating setting. My time here was very rich and rewarding.”

• Finally, Siena Retreat Center was recently mentioned in an article on “Nine Life Lessons” from poet Mark Nepo.

With Gratitude to our Donors

Kenneth Berkel, Rubicon, WI

Mary Ellen Wedding, Toledo, OH

Patricia and Robert Perrault, Racine, WI

Bertha Haas, Cornelius, OR

Donations from the Dominican College Reunion

A Dominican College reunion was held on Saturday, September 13th. Over 220 alumni and faculty were invited to mass and luncheon and attendees made generous donations to the Racine Dominicans. Some of our Sisters attended the reunion and it was a wonderful afternoon as we heard how Dominican College alumni have carried forth our mission - committed to truth, compelled to justice. Please give thanks for the donations and keep the Dominican College alumni and faculty in your prayers.

Picnic a Success!

On Saturday, September 27th, the Sisters held a picnic for employees and Associates. Wonderful food and companionship was shared as we dined outside together in the beautiful weather!