This last month over 1,600 "Welcome Packages" were mailed to those in our congregational data base. The connections to the community varied, and all were given an opportunity to tell us more about their connection to the Springfield Dominicans and to "sign up" or "opt out" of receiving future communications from Mission Advancement.

The letters and forms which were sent out are posted on the membership page of our website. You can also follow the link connected to this article.

At this mailing about ten percent of the forms have been returned. Many of them have included donations in honor of our sisters and our work. You will get a more complete report in the next newsletter!

Currently an internal "Case Statement" is being developed. This document outlines the congregation's mission, history and ministries. In addition, it articulates areas of focus identified by the leadership team which advance the mission more specifically. These areas include our vocation and formation efforts; compensation for sisters whose ministries serve the poor or underserved; support for our ministries in Peru; the health and retirement needs of our congregation; and care of the earth and all her inhabitants.

Sr. Kathleen Anne is meeting with both sisters and others who serve in those areas so as to collect first-hand information about their needs and the positive impact the ministries have on others. This will guide Mission Advancement efforts in the future.

In each thank you note written, donors are reminded that that they are continually held in prayers. Our "Welcome Packages" asked for prayer intentions - these are a few which were requested:

• May God guide and guard my children, grandchildren and my siblings.
• That your (Spfld Dominican) good works live on.
• Prayers for me, a survivor of breast cancer and all who suffer from it.
• For all the Spfld Dominican associates and for my husband.
• For peace in the world and future generations.
• For those with dementia and their caregivers.
• For my family who have slipped away from the Church, that they may find their way home.
• for a benign outcome to the doctrinal assessment of LCWR
• For a holy and happy family.

"This donation is in memory of Sr. Wilma Marie and all the wonderful women I had as teachers at St. Agnes. I have thought of them, hearing their words in my head, guiding my life many years later.
They were all excellent teachers as well as loving role models. I am so grateful to have them in my life."

One of the main efforts of this first year is growing our data base so more people receive news about our congregation and how they might participate with us in God's mission. Our three high schools have all generously agreed to help us mail information to their alumni. This will be a great addition to our efforts.

Now we are turning to you for assistance in helping us to grow our data base. We ask that you share your Christmas card list and the names & addresses of family and friends you have known from your ministries. Remember we do not need to determine a person's capacity or propensity to give. We are sharing information on our life and mission with them and want to give them the opportunity to participate.

The people whose names you forward to the Mission Advancement Office will not know you provided the information. They will receive the same welcome package we sent others in our data base and will have the freedom to opt out of future communications. Again you can review the letter and form at the link above.

For all of you willing to share names of those who will receive a welcome package from the congregation, please send the information to Sr. Linda Hayes or Sr. Kathleen Anne. These are the a few ideas which may be helpful:

• Follow the link below to submit information electronically.
• Download the form at the link below and email it back to [email protected]
• Copy your address book or information and send it to the Mission Advancement Office.

The following link will take you to an excel sheet which you can download and use to complete the information. You can then e-mail the file back to [email protected].