The Heartland Center for Spirituality, known as a retreat-conference center for people of all faiths and a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, is observing 40 years of serving others. The first of its anniversary celebrations is a gathering open to the public at its Dominican Chapel of the Plains, 3600 Broadway, on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m.
Bishop John B. Brungardt will offer prayer and a blessing for the Heartland Spirituality Center and accomplished mezzo-soprano Hayley Shoemaker will share a range of spiritual selections and a French operatic piece. Shoemaker is a voice professor at Fort Hays State University who offers public performances regularly and recently reprised the role of Carmen at the 2024 Eutiner Festspiele in Eutin, Germany.
“We are blessed to be experiencing a renewal at Heartland. We are excited about what is to come and new opportunities opening to the public –near and far – this year,” said Ann Axman, Heartland co-director. “We will touch on a few upcoming events including a Lenten Retreat during the kick-off occasion but the full rundown and explanation of what’s ahead in 2025 will be revealed soon, so stay tuned for that.”
Keith Funk, another co-director of Heartland says, “Our vision is to build bridges between different faiths in the community, which is the same belief of our sponsors, the Dominican Sisters of Peace, who promote interfaith collaboration and welcome associates from a variety of faith traditions. Everyone here is very excited for what is ahead in 2025.”
Tours of the Heartland Spirituality Center will be available after the Feb. 16 event and refreshments will be offered.
The Heartland Center for Spirituality provides overnight accommodations, meeting space for individuals, church organizations and non-profits who are interested in spiritual enrichment, education programs, staff development, conferences, and retreats.
About the Dominican Sisters of Peace
Dominican Sisters of Peace, members of the Order of Preachers, are vowed Catholic women who preach the Gospel of Christ through lives of service and peace-making. The Dominican Sisters of Peace are present in 22 states and Nigeria. The Sisters serve God’s people in many ways, including education, health care, spirituality, pastoral care, prison ministry, the arts, and care of creation. There are more than 300 Sisters and more than 300 lay women and men associated with the congregation.
