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St Catherine of Siena House of Discernment |
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The St Catherine of Siena House of Discernment opened in September 2003 with one discerner in residence and the hope of welcoming others in the future. Before the house officially opened, many people worked to prepare the long-empty St Anthony of Padua convent for its transformation. Dominican Associates and family in Denver, plus a number of Great Bend Dominicans worked to clean, renovate, rejuvenate, and furnish the building. The activity sparked many area residents to stop by, asking questions as to the fate of the building and what function it would have in the future. The present community includes three Dominican Sisters and one laywoman discerner. Yet, the house is not full and it is open to any woman who desires to explore where God might be leading her, whether that calling is to religious life or another life direction. “Both types of seekers are welcome at the house,” said Sr Teri Wall OP. Community life at the house of discernment strives to exemplify the four elements of Dominican life: prayer, study, community and ministry. These elements offer the community members a wide variety for creative living. And just as varied are some of the ways they have chosen to do this. Once a month the Dominican men and women of the Denver area are invited for an evening of prayer, study, and fellowship. On another evening of the month they invite young adults to join them for a simple meal, prayer and discussion. Wednesday and Thursday evenings the parish community is invited for Evening Prayer. The house of discernment community members also volunteer for Project Angel Heart, helping to deliver meals to persons who have life-threatening illnesses. Most importantly there is time for daily prayer, quiet, and sharing. Discerners also have the opportunity to reflect, with a director, on their personal lives and choices. Are you wrestling with the path along which God may be leading you? Perhaps the St Catherine of Siena House of Discernment is the place for you. St Catherine of Siena House of Discernment provides a place the opportunity for young, Catholic single women, ages 18-35, to explore the future direction of their lives. By sharing community with vowed and non-vowed members, it offers an opportunity to experience prayer, faith sharing, sharing in community living, and ministry. The commitment is for one year, a year which will be a blessed challenge and will provide an atmosphere of grace-full support. For more information about joining the community at the house of discernment, write to St Catherine of Siena House of Discernment, Sr Teri Wall OP, 3805 W Walsh Pl, Denver CO 80219; call 303-922-2997; or email Sr Teri at teriop@ksdom.org. |
