DYM USA Forges Ahead May 30, 2019

From May 22-27, 2018, thirty-eight students from Dominican Colleges/Universities and colleges with a Dominican presence gathered at Caldwell University, Caldwell, NJ, for the National College “Preaching in Action” Conference.

The National College “Preaching in Action” Conference, now in its 17th year, is a collaborative response to our desire as Dominicans to introduce college students to the foundations and characteristics of Dominican Preaching. We commit ourselves to actively engage students in prayer, preaching the Word, service, community, and modeling creative ways to make preaching a living dynamic in their daily lives.

These young people came together to learn about the Dominican charism of preaching and how that charism can be incorporated into their own lives and passed on to others.  They were given the opportunity to experience themselves as preachers using the mediums of art, dance, drama, and music. 

A highlight of this year’s conference was the opportunity for students to see a volume of the “St. John’s Bible” which Caldwell University is housing for the year.  Caldwell University’s Campus Minister, Colleen O’Brien presented the Bible, its history, and the beautiful artistry within the book.  The students really enjoyed the presentation and wished there was more time in the schedule to spend learning the particulars of the pictures and calligraphy.

Tired, but filled with the joy of the spirit, Sunday’s closing liturgy was a culmination of a week of prayer, reflection, service, and newfound preaching skills. Students lent their talents as signers, lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, liturgical dancers, and the list goes on.

Upon leaving, these young people felt like part of our Dominican Family and will forever be connected.  Wherever they go, they will be preachers of God’s love, God’s peace and God’s justice for all!