Taylor University Visits Koinonia

Koinonia, our conference centre in Johannesburg, hosted a group of first year honors students (involved in medicine, international studies and other programs) from Taylor University, Upland , Indiana (USA).   Pursuing a course on “Restorative Justice in the Arts”, they are examining justice, mercy and faithfulness, with reference to Mt 23:23, in the context of the past and ongoing struggles in South Africa.  In the Western Cape they heard from Arts faculty members at the Universities of Cape and Stellenbosch, visited a film project and the National Art Gallery, interacted with theologian Professor John de Gruchy, and  visited District Six and Robben Island.

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Kopanang Celebrates 10th Anniversary

On 7^th December, 2011, Kopanang Community Trust, the project Sister Sheila Flynn has been coordinating on the edge of the Tsakane township (about 55km south east of Johannesburg), celebrated its 10^th Anniversary – quite a milestone for development projects here in South Africa.  Students and teachers from Australia, out among the Kopanang families at this time, joined in giving thanks with all those gathered.

One of several highlights was when Samaryia was honoured for the courage she has had put into to overcoming illiteracy.  She was able to sign her name recently when being helped to open her first bank account, instead of making an ‘x’ mark.  We whooped with joy at this incredible feat.

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A Prayer for the New Year

We welcome this new year of hopes and possibilities and we pause in this first week of the year to remember our past year and honor the journey that is yet to unfold before us. With the excitement of a new adventure may our days and nights be filled with confidence to know that in all times we are never alone. And so we lift this New Year Prayer today:

Provident God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows, thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.

Help us in Your new year to fret less and laugh more, to teach our children to laugh by laughing with them, and to teach others to love by loving them.

We rejoice in the world You loved into being.

Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.

We pray for peace, light and hope and that we might spread them to others.

Forgive us for falling short this past year.

We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown knowing You will go with us.

We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want.  Amen.

Christmas Greetings from the U.S. Area

 The Oakford Dominicans of the U.S. Area wishes you and your families a most holy and Merry Christmas. May you experience the peace that Christ has brought to the world!

CLICK HERE to view our special greeting!

Sr. Pru Transfers from England to South Africa

On November 30, 2011, Sr. Pru Cooper arrived in South Africa on a temporary transfer after 40 years of being outside of the country.  Sr. Pru, originally from the English Area, will spend the next few weeks reconnecting with the Oakford communities around South Africa before settling into a new ministry.  Sr. Celia Smit, Congregational Councillor of the South African Area, welcomed Sr. Pru officially at the Oakford Generalate in Bedfordview, South Africa.