Dominican Sisters of San Rafael

For this #FlashbackFriday post, an appreciation for the Motherhouse, which was badly damaged in a fire on July 12, 1990. While its exterior was extensively photographed over the years, it’s nice to also have some interior shots from the archives, which wouldn’t exist had it not been for the heroic efforts of the San Rafael Fire Department. #SROPArchives

Grateful to our hard working grounds crew for maintaining our beautiful spaces with such care. Arturo, Jesus, and Juan have adding some extra touches to make things special for our upcoming sisters lunch to honor our Jubilarians. If you would like to virtually attend our Jubilee Mass and/or to read more about our Jubilarians, click here: https://sanrafaelop.org/events/jubilee/

Hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th holiday. We thank God for our liberty and pray for justice for all.

Blessings on Independence Daywishing one and all a Happy 4th of July! Prayer offered by the chaplain, Rev. Edward G. Latch on July 3, 1974 in the U.S. House of Representatives Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalms 33:12).... Eternal God, stir thou our minds and stimulate our hearts with a high sense of patriotism as we approach the Fourth of July. May all that this day symbolizes renew our faith in freedom, our devotion to democracy, and redouble our efforts to keep a government of the people, by the people, and for the people truly alive in our world. Grant that we may highly resolve on this great day to dedicate ourselves anew to the task of ushering in an era when good will shall live in the hearts of a free people, justice shall be the light to guide their feet, and peace shall be the goal of humankind: to the glory of thy holy name and the good of our nation and of all mankind. Amen. Source: Congressional Record

It’s #justiceOPportunity Thursday and we hope you’ll join us in supporting AB 124, the Justice for Survivors Act. California’s current legal framework lacks clear legal mechanisms to ensure judges are provided information regarding an individual’s victimization, exploitation, trauma, and abuse at the time of charging, sentencing, and re-sentencing. Assembly Bill 124 supports survivors of violence, including domestic and sexual violence, and human trafficking, by providing tra...uma-informed sentencing and re-sentencing relief by allowing judges to consider the impact of trauma on the person’s behavior. We need YOUR HELP to move AB 124 along in the Senate. It is presently in the Public Safety Committee. If approved here, it will move to Appropriations and then, hopefully, to the floor for the vote of the entire Senate. Please call your California State Senator and ask for her/his support for this bill. If she/he has already signed on to the bill, thank her/him. A sample script could be: "Hello, my name is [NAME] from [CITY]. I am calling to urge my senator to support (or--thank my senator for supporting) survivors of violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking, by voting Aye when AB 124 (Kamlager) comes up for a Floor vote. Thank you!"

As the day begins to warm up, soak in this serene sceneSr. Pat Farrell has the right idea for a cool start to the day on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

The Saint Michael School community members were grateful that Sister Emmanuel Cardinale, OP, could join them for Mass and graduation. The Class of 2021 is pictured on the steps of the church. Sister Emmanuel served as principal of the school for 30 years, departing in 2011 when the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, the founding order, ended their 98 years of service there. During this visit, Sister Emmanuel had the opportunity to meet Sarah Pereira, the kindergarten teacher wh...o is a Dominican University graduate. Under her direction, the Kindergarten class adopts the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael Motherhouse as its service project for the school year. She has taught her little ones to recite the Dominican blessing as their closing prayer each day. Sister Emmanuel also had the opportunity to catch up with the Lessard Mother and Daughter duo. Mary Lessard is fourth-generation SMS, and Shannon Lessard is fifth generation SMS. https://www.catholicvoiceoakland.org//06/inthisissue16.htm See more

Look who's first in line showing the love to volunteers on their joyful return to service - our own Sr. Abby Newton, the Medical Center's Vice President for Mission. After 464 days without volunteers at the hospital, they are beyond excited to reunite with their cheerful friends in purple! What a wonderful day! https://fb.watch/6pSvzH-S1Z/

Thought for the dayfor the week! Be joy-filled and share with others!

Several Sisters had a little photo shoot back in 1990 documenting the different Dominican habits worn over the years #FlashbackFriday #SROPArchives

It’s #justiceOPportunity Thursday and we hope you’ll join us in supporting the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act. It is very important to recycle and be more conscious consumers. However, while our individual actions do help, the truth is that we need big systemic change that addresses the root cause of plastic pollution. At every stage of its lifecycle, plastic exacerbates the climate crisis and continues unconscionable environmental injustices. Companies and our elect...ed leaders must protect our communities and put the health of people and the planet ahead of polluter profit. Contact Congress to pass the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act now! You may do so by clicking on the following link and adding your name. Tell Congress: Support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act https://petitions.signforgood.com/break-free-from-plastics-

Safety exercise with a social benefit! Sometimes a fire drill provides a great opportunity for a quick visit on a beautiful afternoon. Thanks to Sr. Barbara Green, our resident CERTS representative, and our HR manager for keeping us all organized and safe!