St. Dominic Village author Bea Cunningham releases new book ‘Waiting for Jesus’

Beatric Cunningham, a St. Dominic Village resident and former longtime catechist in the Archdiocese recently published a new book.

HOUSTON — St. Dominic Village resident, Beatrice “Bea” Cunningham has released “Waiting for Jesus,” a 130-page paperback book published by Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc.

Whether at school or in a church setting, “Waiting for Jesus” can help adults and children alike prepare for the coming of Jesus while reflecting on Scripture from Proverbs. It has singing, praying and a simple technique to help them memorize Scripture.

Cunningham hopes whoever reads the book and participates in the activities therein will grow in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and man.“This book may help someone to know that waiting is not passive but very active as we prepare for the coming of Jesus,” she said.

Cunningham grew up in Beaumont and graduated from Charlton-Pollard High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Prairie View A&M University, and later graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a Master’s Degree in religious education. She also completed formation training for Spiritual Directors/Companions from the Cenacle Retreat House.

She worked as a teacher in schools in the Archdiocese for 16 years, then served as an associate director in the Catechetical Office of the Archdiocese for another 16 years before retiring.

She said her experience of working in the OEC/CCE office was a time of grace for her.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher and I taught in Catholic Schools before going to the OEC/CCE office,” she said. “My working in the Archdiocese has been and is a positive influence on my life and all that I do. I wrote articles and learned a lot and was an excellent example of being a witness of God’s love and presence.”

She said that without these experiences she doesn’t think she could have written her book.

“The book is written for adults and children, to help them prepare for the coming of Jesus, while reflecting on Scripture from the book of Proverbs,” she said. “It has singing, praying and a simple technique to help them memorize Scripture.”

Cunningham now resides at St. Dominic Village, where she went with her husband, who was ill, and he died immediately after they arrived. She decided to stay because of the peaceful environment in Warren Chapel, where she was when she received the inspiration for this book during Advent of 2019. “Waiting for Jesus” was completed in 2020 during the pandemic.

“It’s about Advent, how to actively prepare for the coming of Jesus,” she said. “Warren Chapel is a very holy place and is one of the reasons why I stay at St. Dominic Village. Not only can one go to Mass daily but the grounds are spacious and gives one the freedom to walk and pray and just be with the Lord.

She is the mother of three children — one son who is deceased and two adult daughters. She has five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and the count keeps on growing.

“My husband’s words to our children and grandchildren about coming to St. Dominic Village were, ‘We are going to St. Dominic so that I can be close to the medical center and Bea can go to Mass every day,’” she said. “I stay because my spiritual life is strengthened and I feel safe, with the ability to be creative and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.”

She loves reading, singing, and praying for her family and others and considers herself a prayer warrior.

To buy “Waiting for Jesus,” visit https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/waiting-for-jesus. It is also available on Amazon. †