2021
JUBILARIANS
“I have called you by name; you are mine.” ~Isaiah 43:1
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 and Associate’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.
In memory of the Jubilarians who share eternal life…... Sr. J oh
nne Paquette A n
Sr.
Marie Berna
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1946
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S r.
Anne Kea ti n
Sr. M ar
Sr. Jean Milha
Sr. JoAn Brow
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.P Sr
hyllis Brown
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S r.
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gene Charb Eu o
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M
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a Marie Viol He . r S
ge ni
75 years
Sr. Janet Mish
rtens
70
te
akers, Associ m a y
Clare Ra a
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en hr
Sr. Phyllis
years 1951
Sr. M ar y
Ma
Sr .R
Elizabeth Pow
s er
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60
years 1961
25
years 1996
We remember with fondness the Jubilarians who celebrate with us bathed in the glory of Eternal Life.
Thomas Estelle Bryan, OP “This is what the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.”
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75
years
~ Micah 6:8
was born August 2, 1927. My parents, Thomas and Estelle Page Bryan, saw to it that we were members of Saints Peter and Paul Church; and all eight children attended Saints Peter and Paul School. When I graduated, I entered Marywood - September 6, 1945. I was given the name Sister Thomas Estelle and began spiritual preparations and went to Aquinas College receiving a BA in English/History. During my teaching years I taught in Michigan (Saginaw, Traverse City, Marywood, and Grand Rapids) and in New Mexico (Santa Cruz [50s - back in 70s]) for 25 years altogether. I was able to make the Lands of Dominic Retreat. I was also able to make the 100-Mile walk, nine different years, nine directions, covering all of New Mexico.
Sr. Thomas Estelle established three Kindergartens: at Sts. Peter and Paul (Saginaw), St. Francis (Traverse City), and Holy Cross (Santa Cruz) in New Mexico.
In 2000, I came back to Michigan, living in the house in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Saginaw, and then moving to Carrollton with Sr. Anne Breitag, close to her work. I was a volunteer in the neighborhood. When all my siblings went home to God, I chose to come back to Marywood. Now I’m at Aquinata Hall preparing to meet my Lord and family. Sr. Thomas Estelle helps a student build a grotto for Our Lady at the Navajo Vacation Bible School in Arizona.
Praise the Lord! However can I thank God for the many blessings bestowed on me: my parents, sisters and brothers, my call to serve God’s people as a Grand Rapids Dominican, those with whom and to whom I ministered, and last but not least, I thank God and my Sister companions for all they have been to me on my way home! May God be praised!
Michael Anne Nic, OP I thank God for this amazing life of 75 years. I’m grateful for the support of my parents, siblings, and community.
75
years
I
was born in Petoskey, Michigan, to Bernadine Hutta and Michael Nic. With more job opportunities in my mother’s hometown, we moved to Muskegon Heights, Michigan. Until I came to Marywood as an aspirant, I attended public schools. Dominican Sisters from St. Mary’s School in Muskegon came to teach us religion. I received a BA from the college of St. Joseph on the Rio Grande and an MA from Western Michigan University. Both degrees were in Art. I taught in parish schools throughout Michigan and spent 8 years in Belen, New Mexico. On loan to the Sisters of Providence in St. Mary of the Woods, I worked in their Communication Department. While there, amongst various duties, I illustrated an annual report, laid out a pictorial directory (received the first copy off the press), designed and sewed two banners.
Sr. Michael Anne hard at work using her creative eye while at St. Mary of the Woods.
After retiring from teaching, I was a receptionist at Holmdene, Aquinas College and at Marywood. I liked to travel. One of my treasured travels was to my Dad’s birthplace in Slovakia where I met many first cousins. Sr. Michael Anne paints a bowl during the Annual Day of Service in celebration of Catholic Sisters Week.
Mary Lee Pitre, OP
God gave the heart a voice to sound its joy and called it Music.
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75
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rom my earliest memories, my mother sang with my sisters and me as we went from place to place in our car. In 1939, Sister Leone came to Essexville where she formed a group of students who wanted to sing. She often gathered us on Saturday afternoons to listen to Opera. When Sister Arlene arrived in 1942, we were prepared to sing for Sunday Mass. We later sang for special occasions at the public school since we had no other facilities at the Parish. Coming to Marywood in 1945, my interest in music had already been formed. Since 1948, whenever I was in parishes and an organist was needed, it became my privilege to play for daily Masses. Sr. Mary Lee (far left) with her choir group at St. Charles Parish in Coldwater, MI.
Also engaging with young people who loved to sing and with adults interested in being choir members, much of my life has been centered in praising God and making music a vital part of my being. Music in the next world will be Heavenly!
Olga Mizzi, OP I thank the dear Lord for the many blessings I have received during my 75 years as a Grand Rapids Dominican. My brother, Alex, (deceased) told my family that I wouldn’t last two months and Here I am, Lord!
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75
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was born in Detroit, Michigan, on December 20, 1924, the third of six children, four boys and two girls. My parents, Charles and Olga Mizzi, were both born on the island of Malta. For grades one to eight, I went to St. Dominic’s School staffed by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. For high school I went to Saint Leo’s. I came to Marywood at the advice of a Dominican Priest at St. Dominic’s and that has made all the difference in my life. My years of college were at Aquinas. Shortly after college, I was assigned to St. John’s Home under the supervision of Sister Jane de Chantal. I worked there for a few years and then was sent to teach in schools throughout Michigan. For 29 years, I worked at St. Alphonsus School in Grand Rapids, teaching and tutoring. Shortly after this, I moved to Marywood where I continued ministry as a member of the Prayer and Listening Line, and I tutored in the Word~ESL Program.
Teresa Houlihan, OP “It is good to give thanks to God, to proclaim God’s steadfast love in the morning, and faithfulness in the night.”
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70 years
~ Psalm 92
y 70 years of Dominican Life and Mission have been blessed in countless ways. As I reflect on those years, from early years in formation, during years of advanced study in preparation for ministry, decades of teaching at Aquinas College and Providence College, and during my years of internal service to the Congregation, my faith sees God’s grace and faithfulness.
“I pause and thank... all the Sisters with whom I have lived and ministered who have helped shape my journey.”
Sr. Teresa (right) continues to proclaim God’s love with Sr. Lorraine Rajewski (left).
My response is one of deep gratitude and thanksgiving, of joy and satisfaction, of fulfillment and contentment. Indeed, those years were well spent. I pause and thank my family and all the Sisters with whom I have lived and ministered who have helped shape my journey. My Jubilee prayer is for this Dominican congregation, which I have loved, honored, and served. May it continue to Praise, to Bless, to Preach well into the future, creatively meeting the needs of God’s people.
Lorraine Rajewski, OP “Just to be is a blessing just to live is holy.”
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70
n February 7, 1933, I was born to Nicodemus and Wilhelmina Rajewski in years Bay City, Michigan. I wanted to attend public high school, but my father’s word prevailed and, much against my protestations, I entered ninth grade at St. John in Essexville. Three months later, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the strong life influence of Sister Cecile, I decided to become a Sister. I received a BS from Aquinas College, pursued further studies at Xavier University; and in 1979 I became a licensed Workshop Way® Consultant, giving workshops to teachers in Alaska, California, New Mexico, Michigan, and Texas. I also taught early elementary education in Michigan, Florida, and New Mexico. During a one-year sabbatical at Blessing Place in Lacombe, Louisiana, I began doing artwork and discovered I was artistically creative. Using watercolors, I used blending techniques and allowed the colors to choose me. My hobbies include card making, gardening, and baking. Working in a garden helps me to experience the ever presence of God working in our lives. When I create cards, I pray for the person who buys as well as the person who receives the card.
Sr. Lorraine enjoys sharing joy with others through her baking.
Just to be is holy is the grace I am experiencing this time in my life. Because of recognizing this grace as being holy – I am in awe of the blessings of God I have received through family, community, ministry, and friends.
During these 70 years of Dominican vowed life, I have come to know the blessings of love I have given to others and the blessings of love others have given to me. I hear the same with Jesus’ heart “I am a beloved of God”.
Laurena Alflen, OP
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70
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“God, you have taught me from my youth: To this day I proclaim your wondrous deeds. Now that I am old and gray, do not forsake me, God, that I may proclaim your might to all generations yet to come. That I may praise you with the lyre and sing to you with the harp.” ~ Psalm 71:17-22
t was 1946 when I was inspired by the Dominican Sisters who taught me at St. Mary Magdalene, Melvindale, to tell Sister Marie Ida that I would like to become a Sister. At age 14, I came to Marywood to become an Aspirant. My mother told me she always wanted one of her daughters to become a Sister. My motives were sometimes questioned by Father Wilson and others. As the years passed, maturity helped me to acknowledge the gift of being a musician in many areas, especially teaching and church music. Ongoing education was necessary. The community and family supported this. I loved every moment of it.
Sr. Laurena (right) says “goodbye” to her mom (left) in the parking lot by Marywood. (September 1946)
Since returning to live at Marywood, I have found many opportunities to deepen the spiritual longings of my heart that were awakened by Vatican II: prayer, contemplation, community life, ministries, and a zest for life, love, joy, music, and painting. All gifts from God, my creator, and wonderful family heritage. This is why I became a Dominican Sister. In March 2020, we were challenged in our way of living by Covid-19. Visits to the doctor required isolation. I wait for the future. I am at peace and pray for wellness for all, body and soul. I continue to work for justice and look forward to seeing what is around the bend in the road to come.
Maria Goretti Beckman, OP “I try to make sense of life. I try to keep myself open to people, to laughter, to love, and to have faith.”
70
~ Sr. Thea Bowman
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y parents, Marcellus and Rosa Beckman, prayed the rosary every night that God would choose one of us. They instilled in us to be persons of service. Seventy years later I am still doing service. My beginnings were in Maple Grove, Michigan, on July 9th. A family of eleven, 8 brothers and 2 sisters. We had many others who came to live with us. I had community early in my life. I have had many opportunities to study and travel, made possible because of my vowed life as a Grand Rapids Dominican. I was able to minister in various ministries which I never dreamed I would be able to do… cook....teacher… principal…pastoral administrator. With each ministry I was looking for ways to live out our direction statements. Most of my ministry was at St. Joseph, Bay City. My volunteering at the Marywood Health Center was full of gratitude to be in the presence of holy women. My hobbies are baking, joking/puns, making rolls often, surprising the Sisters and always with laughter. Sr. Maria Goretti bakes a pie for her floor in celebration of President Biden’s inauguration.
Marlene Edwards, OP
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70
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I would like to express my gratitude to my Dominican community, my family and faithful friends who have been a support to me throughout these 70 years. Rejoice with me in praising God for all that has been and all that will be.
arlene was born in Madison, Wisconsin, January 2, 1933. Until the age of fourteen, she was the only child in her family. Her family moved frequently, but Marlene was always able to attend a Catholic School. She considered religious life in the fourth grade; and at age 17 she joined the Dominican Sisters at Marywood. Sister Marlene served as a teacher, elementary principal, pastoral team member, and director of religious education in towns throughout Michigan and New Mexico. Sister Marlene earned a BA and an MA in Religious Education from Aquinas College as well as an MA in Elementary Administration from Central Michigan University. After retiring from full-time ministry, Sister Marlene assisted the house coordinator at Marywood, served as a spiritual director, referral coordinator for Dominican Center, and was a member of the Common Life Team. Her interests throughout the years have been reading, traveling, sewing, watercolor, and painting.
Throughout the year, the Dominican Sisters stuff, sew, and create dolls for children at Bethany Christian Services - an activity that Sr. Marlene is often happy to help with.
Teresita Garcia, OP I praise and thank my loving God for seventy years in this loving community; for calling me to teach, to mission work, to parish ministry. I’ve enjoyed the support of many loving friends and my family during this great adventure.
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70
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ita Garcia was born in Espanola, New Mexico, the second of twelve children for Gregoro and Mauricia Garcia. She entered the community in 1950, and in 1951, she received the habit and the name Sister Maria Teresita. Sister Teresita loved her years of teaching, mission work in Chimbote, religious education, Parish Administration, and much more during her 70 years of religious life. Today Sister Teresita is no longer able to do the active ministry that blessed so many in her path. Yet she continues her ministry in a very special way. Teresita loves to sing and has a lovely voice. She enjoys sharing her memories of her ministry and of her family life. She has a smile that will capture your attention and bring delight to your soul. She is a woman of prayer and is seen in the chapel balcony several times a day. She is grateful for a walk outside to see the flowers and the birds. She has many friends and loves to have someone stop by for a chat.
Sr. Teresita not only enjoys walks to see the flowers but you can also find her tending to them at Aquinata Hall.
This grace-filled woman spreads joy and beauty as she lives out her elder years. Let’s celebrate for and with her in this Jubilee year.
Geneva Marie Schaub, OP Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Justice and all else will be given to you.
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70
All things work together unto good for those who love God.
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orn in Lake Leelanau, Michigan, on August 4, 1932, Irma Lucille was the second of eleven children born to Genevieve and Leo Schaub. Irma attended both public and Catholic schools until she completed the tenth grade. She entered the Grand Rapids Dominicans in 1950 and received the name Sister Geneva Marie of the Sacred Heart. While working in food service, she continued her education. She then became Chaplain at Heritage Hospital in Taylor, Ml. She also ministered to the homebound, taught religious education, and RCIA. She started “Rainbows For All God’s Children” and a Grief Support group before going to Hannah. In Hannah, she became Director of Religious Education, Pastoral Associate, Youth Group, RCIA, and the Homebound. Sister has enjoyed traveling, rosary making, writing icons, crocheting, reading, and card games. Some of her travels took her to Rome, the Holy Land, Poland, Medjugorje, Canada, Florida, Arizona, and more.
Each year a group of Sisters, including Sr. Geneva Marie, crochet baby blankets, booties, and hats to donate to HELP Pregnancy Crisis Aid.
Sister left active ministry for the Health Center where she continued writing icons and then became Spiritual Assistant to the Dominican Laity of Western Michigan’s Rosary Chapter. She now resides at Aquinata Hall and is in the Prayer Ministry.
Peter Mary Korson, OP To PRAISE, to BLESS, to PREACH!!! Our Dominican Charism is my Joyful Jubilee Prayer. I am eternally grateful to God for the Gift of my Vocation. I give loving thanks to my Parents, my Family, Dominican Sisters, and close Friends for their love and encouragement during my Dominican Journey.
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70
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ister Peter Mary was the tenth of twelve children born to Wencel and Ludmilla Korson in Gills Pier, Michigan in 1932. Sister attended both public and Catholic schools. Following graduation from St. Mary’s High School, Lake Leelanau in 1950, she entered the Marywood Community and became Sister Peter Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Given many opportunities for study, Sister Peter Mary received her BA from Aquinas College in 1963; Certificate in Theology from Aquinas Theological Institute in 1968; and her MA from Michigan State University in 1973. Catholic Education became Sister Peter Mary’s Love and Life’s Work. Over the years, she taught Grades 1-8 in Michigan and New Mexico. At her final Mission at St. Catherine School in Ravenna, she assumed the duties of Principal, a position she held for 23 years. Sister Peter Mary resides at the Marywood Motherhouse where she serves as Sacristan and Coordinator of the Mailroom. Sister is an avid Notre Dame fan. She enjoys watching spectator sports, reading, needlepoint, assembling puzzles, and playing chess and cards.
Sr. Peter Mary preparing mail to run through the “Magic” Post Machine!
Donna Brown, OP
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70
Marking each of the jubilee years - silver, gold, diamond - the jewels become more precious. The variety of ministries have been blessings, offering new opportunities to praise, to bless, and to proclaim.
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ister Donna expresses gratitude for years of teaching and pastoral ministry. She is a woman who worked hard and loved much. She was able to share her Dominican vocation with her older sister, Phyllis, whom she grieved much when Phyllis died. She continues to speak of her sister with love and affection. Sister Donna was raised on a farm in Alpine and knew the joys and challenges of country life. In her years at Aquinata, she has spoken often and lovingly of her family. The pandemic ended any regular visits from family and friends, but telephone calls and correspondence continue – a testimony to Sister Donna’s strong friendships and her ability to reach out to others.
Sr. Donna is always happy to help decorate lunch bags for Kids Food Basket or put together dolls that are donated to children through Bethany Christian Services.
She so appreciates the opportunity to go for a walk around Aquinata and experience the sights and smells, feel the breeze and the heat of the afternoon sun. She often shares memories of her ministry experience and family life. We rejoice in Sister Donna’s blessing as we celebrate her 70 years of faithful service to praise, bless, and preach.
David Therese Korson, OP
“Be still and know I am God.”
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70
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rateful and thanks to God for the gifts, happiness, and blessings I have received these past 70 years. I have been blessed with loving and faithful parents, family, Dominican Sisters, and friends. Therese Marie, a twin of Sister Lydia, was born July 4, 1929, the 8th of 12 children to Wencel and Ludmilla Korson of Gills Pier, Michigan. She attended both public and private schools. Sister enrolled at Aquinas College and entered the Dominican Order in 1950 receiving the name Sister David Therese of the Child Jesus. Sister David Therese earned her BA in History, a Certificate in Theology from Aquinas Theological Institute, and MA in Elementary Education from Michigan State University. She taught in Grand Rapids, Beal City, and Saginaw serving as principal at St. Catherine, Ravenna; St. Adalbert, Grand Rapids; and St. Charles, Greenville. Sister David Therese enjoys sewing, knitting, baking, and listening to music. She currently resides at Marywood, volunteering in the mailroom and baking pies, cookies, and kolache for the Sisters.
Sr. David Therese adds finishing touches to these cookies baked special for the Sisters.
Elaine LaBell, OP I feel very grateful for the Sisters and Leadership Team as we all are living through the experience of the pandemic. Everyone gives from their experiences from their living on mission.
60 It is sixty years now of life as a Dominican Sister. Our class was the first to live at the
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House of Studies once it was completed. I lived there for my studies at Aquinas and a hiatus of studies at Mercy Central School of Nursing. With discernment, I returned to Aquinas which led to continuing for a degree in biology and chemistry. I taught high school for fourteen years. I was then invited to youth ministry and then adult ministry as a Pastoral Administrator. These flowed from my experience in Bay City... thus Cheboygan, Manistee, Beal City, Carrollton, and Otisville were the missions in which I concentrated on this new adventure. In the transition from one ministry to another, I was privileged to receive the special education and workshops needed to have a good preparation for the change in the style of mission life. Our congregation was very supportive of me to receive what I needed. I found my life in the parish very affirming. It was a time for happy and meaningful exchange! Both the youth and adults were a great support. Whether it was youth rallies, youth retreats, clown ministry, quilt making in group settings, advent tea luncheons, or red hat gatherings... all were important and enjoyable! Training catechists, RCIA, visiting the sick and homebound, being present to the dying, and accepting the role as presider when the occasions called for it (non-sacramental, of course). Each occasion called for a different style of attention.
From one ministry to another... all were important and enjoyable to Sr. Elaine.
My life as a Dominican has been varied as I found myself in group living of different sizes and then living alone. I was very aware of the importance of sharing the ministerial life with the parishioners. Many different needs! Keeping in contact with our community calendar was also important! I feel very grateful for the Sisters and Leadership Team as we all are living through the experience of the pandemic. Everyone gives from their experiences from their living on mission.
Eileen Jaramillo, OP “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it for me.” ~ Matthew 25-40
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esus taught us when we care for others, we show our love for Him. Influenced by this teaching, I answered my call to Vocation. Giving thanks to God’s grace, I also extend gratitude to my biological family, Dominican family, and friends for supporting my journey to this sixty-year Jubilee. Born on October 2, 1942, to Raquel and Nestor Jaramillo and four half-siblings, I grew up in Belen, New Mexico, surrounded by love, learning hard work to “bear fruit” by assisting others in need. My teachers, our Dominican Sisters, influenced my vocation. Upon departing to Marywood, my parents gave me keys to their house, proclaiming, “Go with our blessings: You are always welcome back.” Sixty years later, I realize the key served a different purpose, that of opening opportunities to appreciate life’s blessings. My passion for teaching brought me much joy as I tried to utilize Scriptural Wisdom, musical talents, and compassionate discipline to keep students engaged. Since 1989, my volunteer ministry at the New Mexico Veterans Administration Hospital has gifted me with numerous awe-inspiring and humble moments in visiting patients, Eucharistic ministry, providing piano accompaniment for daily and Sunday Masses. I am humbled by gifts God has bestowed on me to help others. Teaching others about His Love was the best way to share my gratitude to God. My prayer is that the sharing of my gifts has also shown love to “the least of His people.”
Jarrett DeWyse, OP
All I can say is - life is gracious.
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60
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od’s mercy is fresh every morning. It is the way I live. So much of life is a mystery – win a few encounters and lose many more, but always in the cloud of smoke and fire. I try to remember that not getting what I want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. Sr. Jarrett’s present ministry, The years continue to pass Coordinator of the Marywood Campus by, and I wonder - what is Planning, doesn’t consume all her time, God calling me to this time, as this golf game attests to one of her at this moment, at this turn avid interests. of the journey? The only thing I am sure of is Mercy covers me each day as I try to live, pray, preach, and study; as I try to be a generous, compassionate, and loving presence in the midst of the wonderful people who travel the path of peace and reconciliation with me. The smoke of the Holy Spirit blows circles ‘round my rich and surprising days and lights a fire of passion for the nights when the lonely and disenfranchised seek refuge in a loving embrace.
Sixty years of committed Dominican Life is but a breath, and the smoke and fire allow the Light to shine, demanding a lot of gratitude and gumption. All I can say is - life is gracious.
Mary Brigid Clingman, OP
“I set before you life and death. Choose life!”
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ixty years of prayers, presence, and ministry have happened! A consistent Scripture that has rooted me has been Moses’ admonition: “I set before you life and death. Choose life!” And for those moments of discouragement and helplessness Jesus’ words: “Go tell John what you have seen – the blind see, the deaf hear!”
Death Penalty demonstration at the Supreme Court in Washington.
Sr. Brigid and Associates at a Climate Strike March.
The Care of Earth committee at the Diocesan Conference on Laudato Si’.
With the ministry of social work with children separated from their parents in foster care as well as children in detention for real or alleged crimes, the painful realities of how little our society cares for the most vulnerable among us has been an empowering call to be engaged in a ministry of justice, advocacy, and encounter. I am thankful to our community for trusting me with the Office of Promoter of Justice and grateful for the many persons within and beyond the community with whom I have had the privilege to do this ministry and the support which they have given me.
Chris Herald, OP
To serve the Lord is my delight.
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60
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eni, vidi, vici. I came, I saw, I conquered.” When I told my parents I wanted to be a Sister, my mother was quick to respond, “You’ll never last. You’ll be home in a month.” She thought I was too wild to be a Sister. With every visiting day as a postulant and novice, I waited to be sent home. As you see, it never happened! My ministry has included teaching grade and high school, a few years as a professional student, Director of Retirement and Pre-retirement Service for the congregation, and parish ministry. The past 34 years I’ve served the Church and the People of God as Pastoral Administrator in the Diocese of Gaylord. These years have been most demanding, exciting, and rewarding. This ministry has allowed me to build buildings, give direction to a myriad of projects, use my creativity wisely, challenged me to learn new skills, and the greatest gift of all... to be one with the people in the pews! I am blessed to share in their deepest sorrows and their most joyous moments. So many have In her free time, Sr. Chris become friends for life. I would not (right) enjoys quilting, traveling, change these years for anything.
and summer golfing. She also enjoys iconography, as pictured above with friend Jane Cardinal (left) with a finished icon, Christ - Pantocrato.
At the time of my 50th jubilee, I reflected on the scripture passage: “I have put my hand to the plow and never looked back.” Now at my 60th jubilee, these words ring through my heart: “To serve the Lord is my delight.” The generosity of God cannot be outdone. God has been abundantly generous to me. Amen.
Helen Bueche, OP Your loving presence ignites a blazing desire to enflame hearts of hope ablaze with courage journeying in the warmth of Your Embrace.
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was born in Grand Rapids, May 18th, 1935, the fifth of six children to Charles and Helen Bueche. I was taught by the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters from First Grade through College. After graduating from Aquinas College, I taught for three years at Coit Public School in Grand Rapids, and then entered the Dominican Congregation on September 8, 1960. After profession, I taught in several suburban schools in Michigan. My ministries in the lower income area of Saginaw and with the Cheyenne and Arapaho in N.W. Oklahoma can best be expressed with the words “being with” – a ministry of presence. It was painful to witness such oppressed, impoverished, and wounded people. They were very spiritual people living their daily lives with courage, endurance, and resilience. These two ministries were challenging and rewarding, life-changing experiences. In 1998, I was privileged to take a sabbatical at Sophia Center, Oakland, CA. The Cosmology courses on the new universe story changed my worldview, and the Creative Enrichment Classes awakened my creativity. Upon returning to Marywood in June 2011, I volunteered on the Prayer and Listening Line, as a companion with Sisters to doctor appointments, and assisting with mail projects. I enjoy reflective reading, writing poetry, creating mandalas, and pondering the wonder and beauty of God’s Creation. Sr. Helen believes that “creating a mandala is an encounter with the source of life within us.”
Mary Kay Oosdyke, OP
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Come celebrate with me, for God has been terribly faithful to this “piece of clay” to which God gave “the breath of life” and “called” some 60 years ago!
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t was my family and teachers who prepared me to pay attention to God’s stirrings within. However, like so many, I avoided them as much as possible. Enamored of so many things and experiences at 18, I asked God, “Are you sure about this?” I was not sure I had enough faith for this. But I was willing to try, even though it was a life I viewed as extremely limiting of my desires to explore all the world had to offer, plus having a meaningful life of love and work. I was sure I would be bored by endless routine living. Oh my, the folly of youth. And God has been utterly faithful! I am so thankful and amazed at all that God continues to be for us. When I think of my own efforts at generosity and faithfulness, there is no comparison with God’s generosity, patience, compassionate forgiveness, and love for me and all human persons as well as the rest of God’s creation.
Using Zoom, Sr. Mary Kay is still able to provide adult faith development classes, retreat days, and spiritual direction.
Those limits and restrictions I perceived at 18 were rather just doors opening to all sorts of paths which led to a community that nurtures my relationship with God, brings me into relationship with diverse persons, opens many ways of service to others, encourages continuous study of what life really means, and offers a truly expansive and everlasting experience of God as love. In less wordy language, my life has been one of prayer, companionship, wisdom, laughter, and meaningful work. Alleluia!
Rosanne Szocinski, OP “I give you thanks for this wondrous life; all your works are wonderful.” ~ Psalm 139:13
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he joys and wonders, the laughter and tears, the faith and fidelity of living sixty years as a Grand Rapids Dominican is a blessing from God that I celebrate this year. This journey could never have been imagined when I entered Community in 1960. Born in Pontiac, Michigan, the oldest of four children to Stanley and Bernice (Brasseur) Szocinski, I learned to be responsible and caring. Prayer and Church were the bedrock of our family life. I came to Marywood as an aspirant at the age of 16 and entered Community as a postulant in 1960. My great aunt, Sister Wenceslaus Szocinski, OP, was my mentor to Dominican life. I have ministered as teacher, principal, DRE, chaplain, Common Life Coordinator, and Pastoral Assistant. My education includes a BA in History and an MA in Religious Ed from Aquinas College and an MA from Western Michigan University. I have ministered in Michigan, New Mexico, Alabama, and Indiana. I await the day that the pandemic is over, and I can return to be of service to Community. My hobbies include reading, study, baking and cooking, singing, and being in nature.
Sr. Rosanne enjoys baking cookies, bread, and pizza, all fresh from the oven.
Reflecting on the years that bring me to Diamond Jubilee fills my heart with gratitude to God, Community, Family, Friends, and all who have supported and loved me.
Carmelita Murphy, OP “You get up at sunrise, take what life gives you, and keep your hair combed!”
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60
years
ucharist is an act of remembrance and thanksgiving: such movement expresses my sense of a jubilee season. Remembrance for God breaking in through all the love and laughter and sorrow is part of keeping one’s hair combed! Eucharist also is being together in family and community and friendship—loving and being loved in ways that spill out to my countless sisters and brothers.
I give thanks for my beloved family and my call to Dominican life and mission. My ministries have included healthcare, initial and ongoing formation, and the Parable Conference for Dominican Life and Mission with its consciousness of belonging to the global Dominican family. Congregational leadership followed, and then LEAD, Inc., a ministry to religious and nonprofits doing future planning and so much more, with the happy realization of God present in countless people of goodwill and awareness of Sr. Carm had the opportunity to view some of God’s creations God’s Spirit in our world. For all this abundance—along with Earth from 8000 ft. on Mt. Rainier. beauty of national parks, Lake Michigan, and the landscapes and cities of our planet—how does one express gratitude? As Alice Walker writes, “Dear God Everything!” is my jubilee response!
Diane Zerfas, OP “I trust the tiny whispering sound that calls me by name and claims me as God’s own, and I trust the hand of my friend, Jesus, inviting me to bear abundant fruit that will last.” ~ I Kings 19:12; Isaiah 43:1; John 15:16
M
50
years
y heart overflows with gratitude for all the abundant blessings of my life. The gifts of being: daughter, sister, aunt, friend, Dominican Sister, and co-worker in the vineyard. The gifts of doing: teacher, preacher, storyteller, liturgy and retreat planner, spiritual director, pilgrim and traveler. The gift of remembering: our family dinner table, the farm in Dorr, opportunities for education beginning with Marywood Academy, the beauties of nature – especially the National Parks, the joy of swimming and of reading, savoring and sharing Sr. Diane leading Lectio Divina the experiences of the Holy Land and in the Meditation Chapel the Lands of Dominic. And the gift of faith: family prayer, singing in the choir, the power of the sacraments, the eloquence of the Word of God, the presence of the Spirit in my daily life and ministry.
Denise Shankin, Associate “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
I
25
~ Micah 6:8
years
always want to work for justice, and I count on God’s mercy to do that. I began that work early in middle school with helping out at a low-income neighborhood rec center and later volunteering at Capitol Lunch downtown. Social justice has always been an important part of my faith life. I am humbled to be an Associate with the Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids, which has enriched my life. My relationship with God has deepened and my prayer life has helped me grow spiritually. As an Associate, my desire is to pray, worship, study, and to share my spiritual life with this community of believers who have influenced and inspired me by their commitment to the Gospel. This past year has reminded me how much the relationships with the Sisters and Associates have meant to me. Participating in Sunday Assembly and volunteering at DCM Bookstore has given me many opportunities to connect with Sisters and others.
In celebration of Catholic Sisters Week, Associates, Sisters, and friends gather for an Annual Day of Service working on various projects throughout the area. Denise enjoyed painting bowls for Soup’s On, an event that auctions off hand-painted bowls to raise funds for God’s Kitchen.
Since August 2020, I’ve been reading the Bible daily with my sister in California. It has been very grounding to read an excerpt from the scriptures and to discuss them.
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