On the Feast of the Holy Rosary in 1972, a relaxing island holiday in the Minnesota Boundary Waters brought four Springfield Dominican Sisters to the brink of tragedy. Sister Margaret Grueter and Sister Marie Michelle Hackett share their poignant memories of this heart-racing experience in a special Catholic Sisters Week edition of F.L.O.W.cast.…

The greatest gift of Christmas is the one that most matters: the Incarnation of the Son of God. In this special F.L..O.Wcast episode, Sister Lori Kirchman, a liturgical musician, and Sister Joanne Delehanty, a pastoral minister, share their mutual love for an ancient poem set to a haunting medieval chant. They unpack the lyrics and explore the intr…

Do you have a favorite hymn? One that touches your heart? Perhaps one that changed your life in some way? On this episode of F.L.O.W.cast we explore hymns and songs our listeners told us were their favorites, in our first ever fan participation episode.By flowcastlisten

Give yourself—and God—the gift of time during this holy season of Advent and let Sister Phyllis Schenk , an experienced spiritual guide, lead you in a few moments of quiet reflection. You may want to get a hot drink and your journal and Bible before you sit down for this timeless prayerful retreat.By flowcastlisten

Two million square miles of rainforest in the Amazon River basin is the focus of the global Dominican family’s Month for Peace observance in 2023. Springfield Dominican Sister Mila Díaz Solano and Father Brendan Curran, a member of the Dominican central province and the North American co-promoter of justice for the Order of Preachers discuss the ch…

Is Eucharist thanksgiving? Is Thanksgiving eucharist? Sister Margaret Schreiber brings all of her passion for liturgy and prayer to this special Thanksgiving podcast in a free-wheeling, exploratory conversation with F.L.O.W.cast host Sister Beth Murphy.By flowcastlisten

The historic assembly of the “synod on synodality” concluded in Rome in October and ushered in a new era in the Roman Catholic Church—one from which we “can’t go back” according to some participants. Springfield Dominican Sisters Mila Diaz Solano and Barbara Blesse, theologians and experienced pastoral ministers, share the insights they’ve gleaned …

The average worker changes careers 7-12 times in a lifetime and may change jobs every 12 months. If you sense an imminent career or job change, you will want to hear this F.L.O.W.cast episode. Our guest, Deanna Blackwell, a training specialist in intercultural engagement and diversity for the Peace Corps, has some thoughts on how to make that next,…

Months before the ongoing, tragic conflict between Israel and Gaza, F.L.O.W.cast producer Sister Beth Murphy made plans for this conversation between her friends, Rabbi Eve Posen and Natalie Long. She knew that Rabbi Posen—an associate Rabbi at Congregation Neveh Shalom, Portland, Oregon, and Natalie—a self-identified “Catholic-leaning Protestant”—…

Do you ever find yourself humming the tune of a song you sang at Mass? Is it your favorite? Or is there another? This week’s F.L.O.W.cast invites fan participation. Take a listen, then get busy on the phone sharing with us your favorite hymn. Tell us a story about why it’s your favorite and you might hear yourself on an episode of F.L.O.W.cast late…

The media landscape has changed dramatically since Sister Beth Murphy and her guest, Sister Rose Pacatte, completed advanced degrees in pastoral communications theology and media literacy 30 years ago. Here they converse about everything from the challenges and gifts of Artificial Intelligence to the impact of media on family life, the well-being o…

Now is the time to bring the perspectives, tell the stories, and value the leadership of Illinois’ indigenous people. Our guest Heather Miller, the first-ever director of tribal relations and historic preservation at the Illinois State Museum, and Sister Marcelline Koch do just that in this touching and sensitive conversation about the value of res…

Claudia Aravello is a mother, wife, employee, communion minister, volunteer—a Mexican immigrant living in Rantoul, Illinois—whose approach to life and faith is both profound and simple. Her conversation with our Sister Denise Glazik is sure to inspire and perhaps lead to a moment of self-reflection on what it means to you to live as a person of fai…

How is Jesus like us, and different from us? What does it mean to claim our own divinity without claiming we are equal to Jesus Christ? What do science and faith have to say to each other? Explore these questions and more with today’s guests: Springfield Dominican Sister Sharon Zayac and Father Richard Chiola, a retired priest of the Diocese of Spr…

Too often wrong-doing is dealt with punitively and unproductively. Relationships torn asunder by violence, trauma, or harmful speech are left in tatters, offenders and victims alike left to live with the consequences of broken relationships. Restorative justice brings healing by repairing harm, rebuilding relationships, and strengthening communitie…

Springfield Dominican Associates Steph Steele and Lucinda and Keith Buescher share a delightful, insightful conversation on all the things about dating and relationships. Steph, a teacher at St. Agnes in Springfield, Ill., and the Bueschers, medical professionals, bring all their joy and personality to this fun conversation. You will laugh with the…

F.L.O.W.cast producer Sister Beth Murphy talks with Liz Mitchell—Catholic convert, spouse, mom of two, and deputy spokesperson for the Illinois Senate Democrats—about the intersection of life, work and faith in this Labor Day weekend episode. Resources Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago Blessed Sacrament Parish, Springfield, Ill. How to apply for a Fulbr…

Listen and learn alongside the Dominican Sisters at Jubilee Farm as they help Earth heal by learning the skills for permaculture—working with land to allow it to heal itself. They will discuss weeds, waste, and how to get started on your own permaculture garden. It isn’t as simple as letting the grass grow and not pulling ‘weeds.’ By making some ch…

People who are related to Catholic sisters have a unique “insiders” perspective on religious life. Three Springfield Dominican associates share inspiring stories about the joys of having a Springfield Dominican Sister on their family tree. Show Notes available here: https://flowcastlisten.org/episodes/ ______________________________________________…

Three Dominican Sisters share their favorite Christmas memories. Show Notes available here: https://flowcastlisten.org/episodes/ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Follow us on social media for exclusive content! And, could you do us a favor? Rate, Review, & Follow …

Two Dominicans who work at the United Nations talk about the half-millennia-long role of the Order of Preachers in advancing human rights. Father Aniedi Okure and Sister Dusty Farnan talk about the Dominican roots of human rights and share inspiring stories about the courageous efforts of women and men around the world to defend the rights of peopl…

Sister Joanne Delehanty and Adrienne Alexander step past the Catholic “liturgy wars” to share moving stories about their experiences as praying members of the Body of Christ. Listeners will find much food for thought as Sister Joanne and Adrienne witness to the role of faith in their own lives and discuss the very real challenge it is for contempor…

Here’s a mini-retreat for Advent led by our Sister Phyllis Schenk. Are you ready to give God the time God needs to act in your life? Sister Phyllis Schenk has accompanied parish communities in Illinois and Ohio for decades. She is a spiritual director and lives now at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield. Show Notes available here: https://flowcastl…

Just in time for Thanksgiving, Sister Marcelline Koch talks with Illinois State Museum leaders about the growing practice of land acknowledgement in relationship to Indian nations that claim Illinois as home. Though there are no federally recognized Indian tribes on their own land in Illinois, the region is considered sacred land by 32 nations that…

Three wise women talk about how prayer has transformed them and share advice for those who want to learn how to pray. Vicki Schmidt, the retired executive director of an international faith-based women’s community, has recently completed certification as a spiritual director. She lives in Springfield, Ill. Michele Sisson-White lives in Columbia, Mo…

Young professional women sometimes struggle to build friendships and find support for their faith lives. Stephanie Steele and Daisy Contreras found their way to stronger faith and deeper relationships at Cor Unum, a community for women sponsored by the Dominican Sisters. Guest host Daisy Contreras is editor for Latino USA, a Futuro Media production…

If you know about community organizing, it might be because our 44th President Barak Obama put a spotlight on his former job. But today’s guest says Jesus was organizing long before that. Emma Shafer, a Springfield native and community organizer, shines her own kind of light on the power for good that comes from working together for positive change…

Sister M. Thecla Kuhnline and Sister M. Celestine Rondelli were born the same year in two different Central Illinois towns and their journeys to religious life followed similar trajectories. Here they share the wisdom they’ve gleaned from 67 years of ministry and compare notes on their experience as hospital chaplains. Show Notes available here: ht…

You decide things all the time, but do you know how to discern? Sister Elyse Marie Ramirez shares insights about discernment she’s learned through decades of her own journey and through accompanying others. Show Notes available here: https://flowcastlisten.org/episodes/ _______________________________________________________________________________…

For nearly 30 years immigrant women have gained confidence and independence through the Dominican Literacy Center in Aurora, Illinois. Our guests share inspiring stories about the impact of the center on thousands of families. Show Notes available here: https://flowcastlisten.org/episodes/ ___________________________________________________________…

Sisters Barbara Ann Bogenschutz, Martha Carmody, and Anita Cleary, talk about community life, who’s “in their corner” and their varied ministries, from teaching and nursing to fiber art and the accompaniment of Native Americans. Show Notes available here: https://flowcastlisten.org/episodes/ _________________________________________________________…

Listen in as Sisters Mary Clare Fichtner, Judith Anne Haase, and Marcelline Koch reflect with host Sister Karen Freund about the changes they’ve seen in religious life during their combined 187 years of religious profession. Show Notes available here: https://flowcastlisten.org/episodes/ _____________________________________________________________…

Deepening your spiritual life is not rocket science. Everyone can do it. Springfield Dominican Sisters Barbara Blesse and Jane Ann Beckman share practical tips for growing and deepening your relationship with God and God’s creation. Show Notes available here: https://flowcastlisten.org/episodes/ _____________________________________________________…

Dominicans and journalists share a common sacred trust: communicating truth. The proliferation of news distributors and the multiplication of social media platforms that purport to be legitimate news sources makes the goal of truth-finding in news harder than ever. This conversation with trained journalists can help you sort it out. Show Notes avai…

There is lots of talk about dismantling racism these days. But what does that mean to the people who are committed to the process? Two veterans of the antiracism movement share their experience and wisdom. Show Notes available here: https://flowcastlisten.org/episodes/ ________________________________________________________________________________…

Introduction Young professionals are catching on to the Springfield Dominican Associate Program. Learn why from two professional women who made their commitment as Springfield Dominican Associates in 2019. Show notes About the host: Veronica Brown served as a valuable member of the Dominican Sisters’ communications team for nearly two years. In Aug…

"First the bow is bent in study, then the arrow is released in preaching." Hugh of St. Cher Be inspired by three graduates of Dominican High Schools, participants in the high school preaching programs at Sacred Heart-Griffin, Rosary, and Marian Catholic. Hear how the Dominican education of Elizabeth Sperlakis, Leo Rubinkowsi and Amir Gazaleh contin…

Welcome to this special Christmas edition of F.L.O.W.cast. Three of our elder sisters are here to share their Christmas memories. Sister Gabriella Luebbers, Sister Agnes Ann Pisel, and Sister Rosemary McGuire will inspire you with their Christmas memories and proclaim the Gospel from the Christmas liturgies. Whether you are relaxing in an easy chai…

Pope Francis turned heads in 2013 when he told a group of priests: “This is what I am asking you—be shepherds with the smell of sheep.” Shepherds and sheep have long been metaphors for pastoral leaders, those who accompany communities of faith. Today, three Springfield Dominican Sisters who are veteran pastoral ministers talk shop about their lives…

Host Jeremiah Washington welcomes Sister Mila Diaz Solano for a conversation about the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated on December 12. In 1945 Pope Pius XII declared Our Lady of Guadalupe patroness of all the Americas. Her integration into U.S. Catholic culture has been greatly influenced by the devotion of immigrants from Mexico and oth…

This week's episode is sure to bring you a few moments of peace and stillness, courtesy of Springfield Dominican Sister Karen Freund. Sister Karen has years of experience accompanying men and women on their spiritual journeys. Today, she will share three uncomplicated ways to enrich your experience of Advent. Things you can do now, and things you c…

This is the first-ever “Ask me anything edition” of FLOWcast. We’ll answer questions from our listeners. Answering your question today are Sisters Judith Anne Haas, Margaret Schreiber, and Rose Miriam Schulte. And, because this episode airs on Thanksgiving Day, the sisters will also share what they are grateful for. ________________________________…

For decades the Dominican Sisters of Springfield have understood, preached, taught and begun to adapt their lives in response to the ecological crisis facing Earth. Now they and hundreds of other congregations of Catholic Sisters around the globe are responding to the cry of Earth and the cry of the poor by joining Pope Francis in a seven-year jour…

Ever wondered what Catholic sisters might do when presented with 164 acres of land, a few llamas and alpacas, and some chickens? Well, you are about to find out. You're invited to meet Sisters Rose Marie Riley, Sharon Zayac, Anita Cleary and Susan Donner, who converse about what it means to have the stewardship of Jubilee Farm, their community’s ec…

Our motherhouse chapel is an architectural gem in the heart of Springfield. Dedicated in 1968, for more than 50 years it has been the center of life for our sisters. We are pleased to share it with you! ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes available here: h…

Sister Barbara Blesse and Sister Beth Murphy reminisce with host Jeremiah Washington about Halloween and share insights about the holiday’s connection to the Catholic holy days that follow, All Saints Day and All Soul’s Day. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show N…

When Bill and Rebecca Steele first married, they agreed to raise their children in an interfaith home. They determined to raise their girls in their mother’s Lutheran tradition and the boys in their father’s Catholic faith. In this episode we hear from their daughter, F.L.O.W.cast team member Veronica Brown as she reflects on her experience with tw…

A glimpse into the growth of Dominican ministry on the Illinois prairie in this wide-ranging conversation between Sister Denise Glazik and Sister M. Alberta Lawless about history, community, and the future of religious life. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show N…

Sister Jean Patrick Ehrhardt, OP and Sister Beth Murphy, OP have a great conversation about the Feast of the Holy Rosary. Sister Jean Patrick shares how you can get one of her handmade rosaries. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes available here: https://f…

F.L.O.W.cast engineer Aaron Tebrinke and host Jeremiah Washington talk about working at Sacred Heart Convent, living in a time of pandemic, and their unique perspective on the sisters’ life and ministry. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes available here: …