2019
Jubilarians God counts the stars and calls them all by name. -Psalm 147:4
grdominicans.org
What is a Jubilarian? Our Hebrew roots provide a tradition for Jubilee to be celebrated every fifty years. In our Dominican tradition, we have developed our own customs. Our celebration of Jubilee brings our Jubilarians back to their origin in the Congregation. We honor each woman and find ways to identify her unique contributions to our lives. We tell stories about our lives, our learnings, and our joys and sorrows. We celebrate! Each Jubilarian has a story to tell, and the common threads of our stories are enhanced by one another. The unfolding of the mystery of God’s presence in our lives is awesome. We recognize this unfolding mystery of dying and being reborn as we walk together throughout life. Each Sister’s YES, each day, enhances the whole community. As we continue to be inflamed with contemplative love daily, we are so grateful for these holy women who celebrate their Jubilee this year, and we continue to be enriched by their lives.
Cover Art: Santo Domingo by Clare Cresap Villa
In memory of the Jubilarians who share eternal life…... Sister Jubilarians 80 Years – 1939
Aurora Valerio Emeliana Judis Elaine Mitchell Camilla Usakowski Eileen Popp Stephen Barilla Faith Mahoney
75 Years – 1944
Adrienne Adelman Angelina Abeyta Villana Van Mullekom
70 Years – 1949
Mary Catherine Brechting Marie Michael Jacobs Jean Paul Tilmann Suzanne Eichhorn Marciana Danielski Reparata Faubert Marjorie Ann Kendall Charlotte Schaub Nancy Coyne Nancy Ann Flumerfelt Ann Frederick Heiskell
60 Years – 1959 Stephanie Heintz Mary Katharine Courtright Judith Ann Barber
50 Years – 1969 Rose Marie Martin
Associate Jubilarians 25 Years – 1994 Joan Burns
We remember with fondness the Jubilarians who celebrate with us bathed in the glory of Eternal Life.
Karen Thoreson, OP “My Being proclaims the Greatness of God; my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” -Luke 1:46-47
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lory and Praise for 80 years of Religious Life. I am grateful to my Dominican Sisters, family, and friends whose love and support have accompanied me along the way. I was born on August 28, 1919, in Port Oneida (Maple City) in Leelanau County, to Ole and Louise Thoreson, the third of seven children. My grade school education was in a oneroom country schoolhouse, two miles from home. High school was at St. Mary’s, Lake Leelanau. To achieve this possibility, kind parishioners took me in as a boarder. On weekends, I spent time with my family. After graduation in 1938, I entered the Dominican Order and became Sister Mary Karen of the Holy Ghost.
Sr. Karen was always ready to lend an ear through the Prayer and Listening Line.
I graduated from Aquinas College and began teaching children in Primary grades. Throughout the years, ministry opened many opportunities: Novice Mistress, Member of the Formation Team, Director of Religious Education, and initiating a Prayer and Listening Line. Two memorable travels were a delightful experience: visiting my brother and family in Australia and going on a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje. I now call the Marywood Health Center my home where love, care, and prayer have become a way of life.
80
years
Antonita Vigil, OP
“With a grateful heart, I thank God for my 80 years as a Grand Rapids Dominican. This journey enriched my life through various ministries, daily prayer, and opportunities for travel especially to the Lands of Dominic. I thank my family and all who have supported me through these 80 years.�
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was born in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, on December 17, 1922. My parents, Antonio and Maria Vigil, gave me the name Adelina Maria. I was the sixth of nine children. I attended St. Francis Elementary School in Ranchos de Taos. I continued my education with the Dominican Sisters in Grand Rapids when I entered the Convent in 1938. At my Reception on August 16, 1939, I received the habit and the name, Sister Antonita.
Many of the pieces Sr. Antonita knits go to Santa Claus Girls, an organization that provides gifts to local families during the holidays.
80 years
During my 80 years, I served in various places in Michigan and New Mexico. My ministries included food service with our Sisters and visiting nursing homes and hospitals where I was privileged to take Holy Communion to the patients. I enjoy crocheting, knitting, and puzzles. At present I live at Aquinata Hall. I have more time for prayer, help where I can, and I participate in various activities.
Evelyn Schoenborn, OP
“I praise God for the good that has been given to me. “
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y fifteen siblings and our family farm life prepared me well for being a Sister. On my 19th birthday, September 8, 1943, I came to Marywood to join the Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids. Later another three girls in our family entered religious life: Glenmary Sister Catherine, while Phyllis and Jackie came to Marywood. Following profession, I earned my high school diploma, Bachelor of Arts, and Master’s degrees from Aquinas College. I was assigned to a wide range of ministries in many places. These included: teaching in elementary schools, serving as the activity coordinator, home care assistant, seamstress, receptionist, and pastoral minister. A mission experience in rural northeastern Kentucky Known for her skills as a seamstress, created a lasting impression Sr. Evelyn would make everything from for me. For three-and-one-half clothing protectors (aprons), drapes, and years, the women and I shared postulant dresses! sewing and cooking skills as well as the Catholic faith. In every ministry situation, my skills of organization and creativity were valued. Currently, my ministry is prayer and gratefully receiving the assistance I need from others. I enjoy visits from siblings, Sister Catherine Schoenborn, Jacqueline Pangburn, Theresa Crouse, and Lawrence Schoenborn, as well as nieces and nephews. In my 75th year Jubilee ~Religious life~, I thank my family and all who have supported me on this journey.
75
years
Mary Aquinas Weber, OP
When I pray Psalm 139, I am inspired by the words: “I give you thanks for this wondrous life; all your works are wonderful.”
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or 75 years I have been blessed with this wondrous life to serve God as a Grand Rapids Dominican Sister. It is a life of many blessings and graces. I grew up on a farm in Hannah/Kingsley, MI, in a family of 11 children — 9 boys and 2 girls — under the love and care of my parents, Jacob and Anna Weber. It was a life of many joys and sorrows accompanied often by challenges but supported by a deep faith. I thank God for my parents who sacrificed much to provide us with a good Christian life.
Sr. Aquinas signing the final beam for the new addition to Aquinas College’s science building, Sister Aquinas Weber Hall, named in her honor.
75 years
I have had many opportunities for study and travel, made possible because of my vowed life as a Grand Rapids Dominican. I was able to function in various ministries which I never dreamed I would be able to do. These ranged from being Prioress of the congregation, helping to revitalize a neighborhood in serious decline (Eastown), building and rebuilding the Emeritus Program at Aquinas College for older Americans, directing 75 Sisters who lived at the House of Studies while studying at Aquinas College, and leading the Aquinas College Advancement Office for three years, where I still work.
Prior to all of the above, I taught school for 25 years in the dioceses of Grand Rapids, Saginaw, and Detroit. With these various ministries came the gift of grace to respond to each in an appropriate manner. Now in my 75th year, I still experience it as a wondrous life.
Maurita Reynolds, OP “I am very grateful to my Family and my Dominican Sisters for the love, support, and encouragement that has been shown me these 75 years as my ministries led me to many places and types of work.”
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was born on February 13, 1926, to Charles P. Reynolds and Helen Tennis Reynolds. I am the oldest of three girls – myself, Mary, and Pat. Mary died some years ago. Our family belonged to St. Francis Parish in Grand Rapids where I attended school through the tenth grade. For high school, I went to Catholic Central and there my teachers were Dominican Sisters. In 1944, after a time of discernment, I decided God was calling me to Religious Life; so having become familiar with the Dominicans in high school, I decided to become a Sister and am now celebrating my 75th Jubilee as a Grand Rapids Dominican. After attending Aquinas College, I taught both elementary and high school in various Catholic Schools. I was Principal in one of the elementary schools. For five years I did office work. It was very interesting. In this work, I experienced wholesome Spirituality from two Dominicans of our Community who were in charge at the time. Both were brilliant and exemplary examples of Christ in positive ways. Many thanks to our Sisters for so much in so many kindly ways.
75
years
Edith Kahler, OP
“I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
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ister Edith was born February 26, 1930. Her parents, Otto and Clara, were devout German immigrants. So, she and her siblings, Otto and Loretta, grew up in a loving environment. Her teaching career spanned 55 years and was filled with many challenges. Her first 25 years of teaching were in Michigan and another 30 years were in her beloved New Mexico. After retirement, she did 500 hours of service in hospital volunteer work, years on the prayer line, and volunteer jobs. Sister Edith was blessed by God with both a loving family, community, and many friends. The summer after receiving her Master’s degree, her family took her to Germany, and she visited their homeland. They stayed abroad a whole month and visited six countries. She says, “Thank God for the many adventures and blessings in my life.”
Among the highlights of Sr. Edith’s travels were the Colosseum in Rome and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
70 years
Jean Marie Birkman, OP “You, God, are my stronghold, the God who shows me faithful love.” -Psalm 59:18
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rom farm girl in Walkerville to 70-year Jubilarian at Marywood - who could have imagined all that happened in between! Little did I dream, when I left a faith-filled family, my mom, dad, brother and three sisters, that I would become a teacher, administrator, pastoral associate - let alone a Grand Rapids Dominican. I’ve ministered in many places in the Grand Rapids, Saginaw, and Gaylord dioceses. I’ve taught students on many grade levels, and during my 36 years as principal, I was very involved with parish needs. Since losing my sight nine years ago, I have been able to carry on my pastoral work by phoning the sick and homebound at Holy Name of Sr. Jean Marie provides pastoral presence for those who are sick by Jesus parish - a life-giving connecting with them on the phone. privilege for me. My life journey has included adventures, twists, turns, bumps (sometimes mountains), but the one constant in my life has been the great love God has shown me. I have always treasured God’s beautiful creation - everyone and everything. As I grow older and nearer to end of life here on earth, I hope I can continue to face all with dignity and trust, knowing God will continue to show me faithful love.
70
years
Marie Kathleen McCrackin, OP These 70 years have passed so quickly! I am most grateful to God for my loving parents and family, my call to religious life, my Dominican community and the Sisters I have lived, prayed, and worked with. God is so good and has blessed me abundantly.
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y life began on a farm near Carson City. My parents were William and Marie McCrackin. I attended St. Mary’s School which was staffed by the Grand Rapids Dominicans. Sister Fabian was very influential in my decision to become a Sister. My first teaching mission was St. Mary’s, Hannah, where I taught first and second grades. I loved teaching and always found the children challenging, fun, and so eager to learn. Having taught several years, I had the privilege of attending Xavier College in Louisiana. Under the direction of Sister Grace Pelan, I began her Workshop Way Program. Sr. Marie Kathleen shares smiles I was thrilled and excited about this with the last group of students she program and anxious to incorporate tutored in Big Rapids. She taught it in my classroom. for 42 years and tutored for 6 years. I have had many opportunities to travel. My first European trip to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy was most enjoyable and educational. Visiting the Vatican was an experience I will never forget. Then having the thrill of a surprise trip to Ireland on my 60th birthday was the dream of my life as both my grandfathers and my grandmother had come from there. The many states I visited and the cruises on the Caribbean were memorable events.
70 years
Some of my hobbies include reading, gardening, traveling, visiting, and watching sport games on TV, especially the ND girls’ basketball, men’s football, and the Detroit Tigers.
Rose Mary Belanger, OP “You will show me the path of life, fullness of joy in your presence.” -Psalm 16
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od began to show me this path as I grew up in a good Catholic family in rural Lake Leelanau. Then our little country school was consolidated with St. Mary’s in Lake Leelanau. There I had the benefit of having the Sisters as my teachers. I wanted to be like them - a Sister as well as a teacher. A big step on this path was when I won a scholarship in eighth grade to attend Marywood Academy for high school. I became an aspirant for four years and finally a novice and final profession.
Sr. Rose Mary with her 8th grade class at graduation in Fisherville, 1961. Thanks be to God for 70 years of many graces and blessings. Much gratitude extended for the support of family, friends, and community. I am still journeying on this path that will lead to the hands of a loving and merciful God. Happiness forever!
You can often find Sr. Rose Mary helping out during many of the Energize Your Brain activities at Aquinata Hall.
70
years
Lydia Korson, OP “This is what Yahweh asks: to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with God.” -Micah 6
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t’s Jubilee Year and I THANK GOD for my Vocation. I am CELEBRATING Seventy Years of Religious Life. GRATEFUL for my parents, family, and community, whose love, prayers, and friendship have brought me to this moment. BLESSED to be a member of a special Dominican Order. Here, I am sharing a part of my life with you. Gills Pier in Leelanau County is my birthplace, and I’m the seventh child of twelve. Being a twin, I always had someone to play with, someone to comfort me when sad, and someone to share my happiness. Growing up on a farm provided a happy rural environment. Early education began in a one-room country school, continued in public schools, and was completed at St. Mary’s, Lake Leelanau, taught by our Dominican Sisters. Following Graduation in 1948, I entered the Marywood Community and became Sister Mary Lydia of the Infant of Prague. Given opportunities for study, I received a BA from Aquinas College, Certificate in Theology from Aquinas Institute of Theology, and an MA in Administration from Central Michigan University. Professional experiences in teaching and administration have centered in the Santa Fe, Saginaw, Gaylord, and Grand Rapids Dioceses.
Sr. Lydia out for a stroll with Sr. Rose Miriam Visner†.
70 years
At present, I am called to minister at our Marywood Health Center as Common Life Coordinator. It is where care is given to our elderly Sisters. One experiences being in the presence of holy women. A few of “my favorite things” are caramel corn, sewing, reading, watching-sports on TV, and music.
Rosemary Homrich, OP “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” -John 10:10
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osemary Homrich was born in Muskegon, MI, March 20, 1927, the third of six children of Bernard and Ella Valley Homrich. Rosemary attended St. Joseph School and graduated in 1945. The Grand Rapids Dominicans were her teachers, and she loved their joy and kindness. After high school, Rosemary entered Mercy Central School of Nursing and graduated as an R.N. in 1948. Then on October 1 of that year, she entered the Dominican Congregation. After profession, she put her nurse’s training to use at the Marywood infirmary. Sister Rosemary ministered as a nurse and administrator for many years in Health Care Facilities in New Mexico, California, and Chimbote, Peru. Sister Rosemary’s other ministries included practicing mid-wifery in Mississippi and New Mexico - even delivering twins; Hispanic parish ministry in Bloomfield, New Mexico; and a Home Care Hospice Volunteer for Presbyterian Health Care in Sr. Rosemary enjoyed planting New Mexico. in the garden each Spring at Aquinata Hall. Her hobbies and interests included hiking, horse-back riding, needlework of all kinds, especially creating beautiful quilts. In 2019, Sister Rosemary became a resident at Marywood Health Center where she receives loving care.
70
years
Mary Louise Stauder, OP
“Called to give sight...set captives free...” -Luke 4:18
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s the first girl and granddaughter, I was welcomed with much joy. (After 7 nephews, when my only niece was born, I too had that experience.) My 4 brothers and I arrived within 7 years. With great excitement, we greeted our younger sister 5 years later. Our parents were dedicated and devoted to raising Catholic adults and made the necessary sacrifices to do so. We attended Our Lady of Grace school. At the invitation of Sister Columkille, I attended Marywood High. After graduation, I entered in 1958. We of 1957 and 1958 opened the House of Studies and completed most of our college credits before missioning. I loved teaching 1st grade: seeing children progress from ABCs into readers is a wonder. I eventually served as principal, DRE, and Pastoral assistant. I’ve also subbed at public schools and taught ESL and GED prep at Steepletown and the jail.
Sr. Mary Louise enjoys board games, cards, gardening, and various activities with Sisters and friends.
60 years
After the death of my last brother, I needed roots and returned to Marywood. I so wanted time to BE. I now rejoice in this opportunity even as I continue - in a limited capacity - ministries I’ve enjoyed across these many years to live out Luke 4:18, “called to give sight...set captives free...”.
Joan Foley, OP “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, And I will glorify your name forever, for great is your steadfast love toward me.� -Psalm 86:12-13
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nce more I have the opportunity to express gratitude for all the many blessings received. Falling and becoming incapacitated made me realize how truly fortunate I was to receive such loving care. It was a lesson that prepared me more fully to visit the hospitalized and the homebound. Also, crocheting and knitting to keep others warm is likewise a blessing. It is a meditative, calming experience for which I am grateful. I ask for the continued privilege to Praise, to Bless, and to give Thanks for Dominican life with my Sisters, Associates, Family, and Friends.
Sr. Joan shows a new crochet stitch to Frances, one of her regulars whom she visits with often as part of her ministry.
60
years
Marie Rachael Guevara, OP “Here is the test to find out if your mission on earth is finished. If you’re still alive, it isn’t.” -Joan Chittister, OSB
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s I celebrate my 60th Jubilee in religious life, I ask myself, where have the years gone? I was born in Saginaw, MI, to Bartolo and Francisca Guevara, the sixth child in a family of 11 children. Discipline, a strong faith, and caring for one another was the mantra in the Guevara household. I became acquainted with the Dominican Sisters at St. Joseph High School and found them to be women who were dedicated, happy, and wholesome. After high school graduation, and meeting with Mother Victor Flannery, Prioress of the Order, I was convinced of my vocation to join the Grand Rapids Dominican Order, a teaching order. As I always wanted to be a teacher, this was the career path I wanted to pursue as a Dominican Sister. My teaching experience began at St. Alfred’s School teaching 52 first graders in Taylor, MI. Many summers found me as an educational consultant working with teachers in Michigan, Ohio, Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua, Mexico. In 2010, after 48 years of full-time teaching in parochial and public schools, I retired. Retirement allowed me to be a volunteer tutor at Holy Redeemer Elementary and Detroit Cristo Rey High Schools. In 2014, I assisted the Adrian Dominican Sisters in opening an Adult Literacy Center in Southwest Detroit. I currently serve there as a tutor as well as at Detroit Cristo Rey.
60 years
Sr. Marie Rachael with one of her students from Detroit Cristo Rey High School.
I am grateful for the continuous support of my family, friends, and the opportunities the Community has provided me in pursuing this educational ministry. God indeed has blessed me.
Ann Mason, OP “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you, live on in my Love.” -John 15:9
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was born and raised on a farm in Midland County along with my brothers, John and Bob. It was a great place to grow up working on the family farm, hiking in the woods seeing wild life, playing ball, and learning love for the land. I attended the same one-room country school as my Dad followed by high school in Midland. Then I worked at Dow Corning Corporation to earn money for college. At Aquinas College I met the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters. I thought I was doing something for God when I entered religious life, but I came to realize God was doing something for me. Religious life has been God’s gift to me along with the precious gift of my family. Sr. Ann helps a student work through some exercises.
“It is a privilege to help students achieve their dreams,” says Sr. Ann.
I’ve loved my years of teaching both high school and college. I continue to connect with college students as a mathematics tutor and sharing of faith life through Advent and Lenten Retreats. I am grateful to my loving God, the support of family and friends, and the companionship and inspiration of my Dominican Sisters.
60
years
Irene Mary McDonnell, OP “I fled Him down the nights and down the days.” -Francis Thompson
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y initial call to religious life could best be characterized by these words from Francis Thompson, “I fled Him down the nights and down the days”. As a Junior at SS. Peter and Paul in Saginaw, Michigan, I “felt” God’s soft but insistent invitation to enter religious life. I resisted this idea with prayer...rosaries said on my knees nightly. Guess who won? As I look back on my 60 years, I marvel at the faith-filled, joyful experiences of my life. From my first ministry in San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico, teaching fifty-five seventh and eighth graders, to my new ministry as Chaplain for the poor in San Francisco, it has been quite a journey. In New Mexico, I taught Spanish and Native American students. Since it was my first year, I should say I TRIED to teach. In San Francisco, I helped serve 3000 meals a day, 365 days a year to those who are poor, which included those who are homeless and addicted to drugs or alcohol. Both situations brought challenges and excitement. Sr. Irene Mary seen participating in her volunteer work with God has graced me during these Meals on Wheels in Custer, various opportunities. I am grateful South Dakota. for the many opportunities the Grand Rapids Dominicans have provided. I look forward to new opportunities in the future.
60 years
Janet Marie Heitz, OP God is good. He brought me to this holy place.
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he Lord certainly works in strange ways. He took me through four years of high school at Mt. Mercy to let me know that I had a Dominican vocation. My past sixty years in Religious Life have been happy ones. Serving the Sisters as Chauffeur the last twenty years has been a delight getting to know the Sisters better. I am greatly appreciative to all the people who have brought me to this day - my Brothers and Sisters and most of all my Dominican family. For all the love, support, understanding, and patience, I thank you, Lord, and pray that I continue to serve your people in whatever way you see fit.
When Sr. Janet Marie has spare time, she likes to keep busy on her sewing machine.
60
years
June Martin, OP
“Cast all your care upon God for God cares for you.� -1 Peter 5:7
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y parents were Ella and Eldred. My father attended St. Mary School, Muskegon, taught by Dominican Sisters. Their children were June (June 30, 1937), Helen, Louise, Paula Elsa, and Laura. We grew up on Jackson Hill in Muskegon. I hiked and biked to St. Jean School, Muskegon, conducted by Mercy Sisters, for grades 3-10 and was subsequently bused to Muskegon Catholic Central for grades 11-12. Staff included Dominican, Mercy, and Bernardine Sisters, and parish priests. In Grand Rapids, by means of scholarship, family support, and available off-campus living, I attended Aquinas College with its new main building (1955-1959). Accessible faculty were Dominican Sisters and Priests. After entering the Dominican Order of Sisters at Marywood in 1958, I completed the Aquinas theology studies graduate program and visited the lands of St. Dominic.
Sr. June does music ministry with hospice, church, retreats, and senior centers.
60 years
I ministered in Michigan, with a taste of Minnesota. My responsibilities included learning, teaching, administration, curriculum development, research, grant writing; technology, literacy and substance abuse prevention programs; and instrumental music. I enjoy hiking, biking, camping; racquet sports, baseball, and softball; swimming and boating; skating and skiing.
Agnes Mary Wojtkowiak, OP In the Lord I will be forever thankful. In the Lord I will forever rejoice.
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was born in “God’s Country,” Gaylord, MI, so it is no wonder that I would one day follow my dream to begin a life of service to the Lord as a Dominican Sister. There were many other influences in my early life that reinforced this dream. My beloved aunt, Sr. Ann Eugene, was a member in this community, and my family—particularly my mother—was very religious, and I owe special thanks in discerning my calling to all the Dominican Sisters who taught me at St. Mary’s School in Gaylord. I entered the Dominican Order in 1958 and then served God’s littlest angels, his children, as a teacher at several different Catholic schools in Michigan.
Sr. Agnes Mary joins with some young boys in the celebration of their First Communion.
In 1983, after much reflection and prayer to ascertain God’s plan for me, I was called to a ministry where I could serve the other workers in God’s vineyard. I obtained my ministry as Pastoral Associate at St. Michael’s the Archangel Parish in Muskegon, MI, where I am still actively engaged and enjoying my calling. My duties still allow me to teach God’s children, as well as minister to the many families and older parishioners who often need the friendship, emotional and spiritual support, and prayers that my training and love of God can provide. Thus, I thank the Lord, my family, the parishioners, and my community for the support they have given and continue to give me.
60
years
Irene Chrusciel, OP “Your works are wondrous, and my soul knows it very well.� -Psalm 139
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y heart overflows with gratitude. I am grateful to God for life, family, friends, and being a Grand Rapids Dominican. I began my journey in a farm house in Wayland, Michigan, as a child born to Michael and Sophia (Furgal) on April 21, 1936. I received the sacraments and went to grade school at St. Stanislaus, Hilliards. Moving to Grand Rapids, I continued my education at Catholic Central and Aquinas College where I met the Dominican Sisters and Priests. I entered the sisterhood from Aquinas College where I taught later in life. I also taught grade and high school in Michigan and New Mexico. I appreciated the pastoral learning in Phoenix which lead me to an administrative growing edge and exhilarating experience besides living in the Valley of the Sun.
Sr. Irene continues her ministries today by providing transportation for her Sisters.
60 years
All my life I have enjoyed the theatre, opera, and various museums and galleries besides traveling. I have had opportunities for all through study and as opportunities given by family, friends, and community. I delved into watercolor, pottery, and long stitch as a hobby and recreation. In my early teaching, I also did arts and crafts. I continue my journey with overwhelming GRATITUDE.
Joan Pichette, OP Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together can’t handle.
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his is truly a blessed and happy year in my life as a daughter of Dominic. These years as teacher, librarian, pastoral minister, and friend to many have been fulfilling and joyful. I praise and ask God’s blessing on my family, my Dominican Sisters, and those dear people whose love and support have accompanied me along the way.
“Baking is one of my favorite pastimes,” says Sr. Joan. “On Thursdays I select a favorite recipe and bake it for the Sisters Weekly Round up.”
Every other week, children come from Whistle Stop for story time with Sr. Joan. “They enjoy funny stories.”
60
years
Darlene Sikorski, OP
“I thank you, Yahweh, with all my heart, for your love and faithfulness.� -Psalm 138
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arlene Ann Sikorski was born February 20, 1940, the youngest of seven children to Peter and Antoinette Sikorski of Saginaw, Michigan. Darlene attended St. Rita Grade School, Marywood Academy as an aspirant, and entered the community as a postulant in 1958. Over the years, ministry has been culturally and geographically diverse. Well prepared and effective as a classroom teacher, she learned skills transferable to multiple areas. From Michigan to the Mountains of New Mexico, from Inner-city Detroit to the Bayou of Louisiana, Darlene responded to need with a willingness to serve. Since entering the congregation in 1958, there have been numerous opportunities for growth and challenging changes. I am the Dominican woman I am today because of these experiences and the wise and holy Dominican women who have mentored and supported me along the way.
Sr. Darlene visits and assists a family member.
60 years
I pay special tribute to my parents. Within the setting of family life with all its problems, they taught me the meaning of service and sacrifice for others. They did so by example, tireless dedication, and hard work. I am confident they rejoice with me in this Jubilee celebration.
Kateri Schrems, OP For the sake of my family and friends, I say, “Peace be within you.” -Psalm 122
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o family with roots in Regensburg (one grandmother had a cousin in the convent, not Heilig Kreuz, in Regensburg the area of Bavaria, Germany, from which came at least one branch of the family) but mainly Saginaw - parents, seven siblings, 24 nieces and nephews, 44 grands and seven great-grands who are now in numerous cities and states - as well as friends and colleagues around the world, I say “ . . . thanks, thanks, and ever thanks” for journeying with me to know, love, and serve in this Mystery of God and world, people and places, wonder and challenge with the world-wide Dominican family of Grand Rapids. After years of teaching, principaling, parish and community ministries (FreshStart Partnership, CASA, Emmaus Sr. Kateri receiving a Saginaw House), 2019 finds me in Grand Rapids County Award for her work living at Marywood. This newest with CASA (Court Appointed opportunity provides many blessings, Special Advocate), helping one of which is to visit and pray with children who are in the court a host of God’s people who arrive at system due to abuse/neglect. Marywood Health Center (a sub-acute rehab facility on the grounds of Marywood). So! 60 years of Dominican being – praying, working, studying, communing the Word of God! May the Sweet Mystery of Life (birth to death) continue in wonder, joy and gratitude praising, blessing, preaching day by day, breath by breath! “You ‘will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.’ ” Isaiah 55:11
60
years
Maribeth Holst, OP
“To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest. To live fully is to experience each moment as completely new and fresh.” -Pema Chodron
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eflecting on 50 years as a Dominican, I realize it is an opportunity in prayer, gratitude, and celebration to look back at the people and experiences that have formed me on this life journey. I thank God for those who have brought me to this day: my parents, family and friends, Dominican Sisters, Associates, and other mentors who have influenced and helped me along this way. This life journey has not been simply a journey through a string of days and years. Rather it is surrounded and intertwined by mystery and growth. It is one of risk and excitement. The path has not been easy, smooth, short, or detour-free. I thank God for the many people who have walked in and out of my life and have left footprints on my heart. I reaffirm my faith in the basic goodness of people, and I sense God’s loving hand in both turmoil and tranquility. I firmly believe God wants only the best for all of us. I am aware all has been gift and that God’s love enfolds me.
50 years
Meister Eckhart says it so simply, “Whatever God does, the first outburst is always compassion.” I am invited and challenged daily to continue to do the same unsure of what is around the bend. This journey continues to be one of risk and excitement.
Carole Nugent, Associate “...words alone cannot express the fullness of my thanks...�
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t is with joy, gratitude, respect, and love that I celebrate twenty-five years as a Dominican Associate of Grand Rapids. If only I had met you all sooner. I never imagined the fullness that would be added to my life by my association with the Sisters and fellow Associates. Working on the Habitat for Humanity of The charisms of prayer, Kent County 2018 Catholic Build study, community, and service are as much a part of me now as breathing. The programs at Dominican Center, faithsharing, and spiritual direction have blessed me in so many ways. The example you set by bringing the Good News in so many large and small ways is inspirational. On this journey to eternal life, I could not have asked for better companions. Unfortunately, words alone cannot express the fullness of my thanks for the richness you have brought into my life!
25
years
Our celebrants are contemplative, hope-filled women committed to the Word of God and the Holy Preaching. They live with a passion for Truth and Justice following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Their lives are a testimony to the Pillars of Dominican Life and Mission: Prayer ~ Community ~Study ~ Service. Let us celebrate the faithful service of these women.
grdominicans.org • (616) 514-3106 • dominicancenter.com 2025 Fulton Street East • Grand Rapids, MI 49503