Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids 2024 Jubilarian Booklet

2024 Jubilarians

“Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”

~ John 7:38

Cover Artwork: Saint Dominic de Guzman by Sister Thoma Swanson, OP, Dominican Sisters of Peace, used with permission.

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 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 disciples who celebrate their Jubilee this year. We continue to be enriched by their lives.

I~ M a ry Aqu i n a s Weber

OP ~

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing God’s name, to proclaim your steadfastness in the morning and your faithfulness in the night.

~ Psalm 92

came to Marywood on February 2, eighty years ago, coming from a farm in Kingsley, Michigan. After working two years at a pharmaceutical company in Detroit, I made a decision to enter religious life with the Dominican Sisters who had taught me from grade to high school in St. Mary, Hannah. In my mind, if I did not like what I experienced after serious consideration, I could leave.

Here I am eighty years later, having enjoyed each day with the opportunity to have time for community, prayer, contemplation, and liturgy. While that strengthened my life, I was also blessed to have a rich opportunity for education, which enabled me to help people become more productive in their lives, especially those lacking basic needs, such as housing, food, medicine, and clothing.

I thank the many wonderful Sisters who have been on this journey with me. The opportunity for study, travel, and leadership positions in and out of the Congregation that have helped me to be able to share in the lives of our Sisters and so many others who have been part of my public life.

My prayer for all those I know and love is embodied in Paul’s letter to the Colossians 1:9-12 (edited):

“I ask that you may be filled with knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from God’s glorious power and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks.”

From entry day one, eighty years ago, the thought of leaving has never entered my mind!

Mother Victor Flannery and Sr. Aquinas

Sr. Aquinas talks with Jim Geib, local Eastown business owner, on actions to make the neighborhood safer and more prosperous.

~ Edith K a hler OP ~

I thank God for all His blessings and pray each day for peace.

I75Years

was born in Saginaw of German immigrant parents, Otto and Clara Kahler, in 1930. My sister, Loretta and brother, Otto and I went to Sacred Heart School and were taught by Dominican Sisters. In April 1946, I went to Marywood as an aspirant and after graduating entered the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids.

Sr. Edith is dedicated to her ministry of prayer. She also enjoys her ministry of service, sharing God’s love with correspondence by phone.

After making my final vows, I began working on my master’s degree. Most of our higher education was obtained in summer school. It was difficult but so rewarding. The rest of our lives were dedicated to teaching. I taught 25 years in Michigan and 30 years in New Mexico. How I loved the Southwest: land of high desert, white mountain peaks, cacti and yucca, and beautiful Spanish people. Teaching was filled with so many blessings.

Speaking of blessings, let me end on one of the greatest - a month spent in Europe with my mom and dad in the 70s. We landed in Frankfort and went first to Mom’s home in Bavaria. It was a little village called Kleinwallstadt. There I met my aunts, uncles, and many cousins. What a joy! We couldn’t visit my dad’s home because it was behind the Iron Curtain. Our hearts were sad, but we turned toward Rome. Now 94 years later, I thank God for all His blessings and pray each day for peace.

TR ose Mary Be la nger OP

“You will show me the path of life, The fullness of joy in Your presence, Happiness at Your hand forever.” ~ Psalm 16

ime goes by so fast, and here I am celebrating 75 years as a Dominican Sister. I first saw Marywood in September of 1944. I was coming as an aspirant. The Sisters at St. Mary’s in Lake Leelanau had inspired me to be one of them. They were such beautiful women that I wanted to be both a teacher and a Sister. Now, I realize that the Lord was showing me the path of life that I should follow. I was an aspirant for four years. My brother teased me saying that it took me four years to do “boot camp”.

I began teaching in 1950 at St. Thomas. My teaching of sixty some years has been in several places in Michigan and also in New Mexico. I loved teaching, but being a principal - not so much.

I owe my family a great big thank you for all they did for me. I really missed the family when I first came. I felt like an orphan. But then I got to know the other girls and got involved in my studies. When I began teaching, I always felt that the Lord was directing me to that place and to do the best that I could there.

I appreciate all the Community has done for me - a good education along with many workshops and summer school. The Lands of Dominic tour will always stand out as something great for me.

Sr. Rose Mary helps Sr. Rosemary Homrich decorate lunch bags for Kids Food Basket.

For her 86th birthday, Sr. Rose Mary’s family took her bowling for the first time.

I’m still working on the happiness forever part of that psalm.

Marga ret K ie nstra O P ~

“I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

~ John 10:10

W70Years

hen I was in the sixth grade, my dad took us to my cousin’s reception into the Good Shepherd Order in St. Louis. I was so impressed by how happy and joyful my cousin was as she greeted her relatives and friends that I felt I wanted to be a Sister.

Later, after high school, I would meet with a group weekly during Lent to read about the saints and talk about vocations and other topics. I read about St. Dominic and St. Thomas Aquinas. I decided I wanted to be a Dominican.

One day I saw an ad, “Come and See” in the Sacred Heart Magazine. I wrote for information. After many prayers, I sent in my application. I am glad I did.

I know that God, my parents who provided me with a good Catholic environment, and many friends helped guide me here.

Sr. Margaret enjoys the many activities offered at Aquinata Hall, including bingo!

C~

Robert A n n Erno OP ~

“0 give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.”

~ Psalm 105

elebrating 70 years as a Grand Rapids Dominican is a gift I couldn’t imagine back when I discerned the call to be a Sister. The seed for becoming a Sister was planted when I was a student at Saint Michael’s School in Maple Grove (New Lothrop).

The transition from a rural farming area to the city of Grand Rapids was challenging. The Sisters lovingly welcomed me in adjusting to the city as well as welcoming me to my “new family’’.

I enjoyed my many years of teaching both in city and rural environments. Math was the focus of my teaching career, and it gave me great pleasure. All these years have been enjoyable working with students. My years of working with so many students, teachers, administrators, and parents has truly been a blessing.

Sr. Robert Ann enjoys helping to make stuffed animals for the children at Bethany Christian Services.

~ Eliza bet h Bish o p O P ~

“For I know well the plans I have for you, says the Lord.”

~ Jeremiah 29:11

M70Years

y seventy years as a Grand Rapids Dominican have been very rewarding and happy as I reflect on all that has been during these years.

I am most grateful for the family values my parents passed on to the ten of us children. They were our role models and taught us to love others with a compassionate spirit. This was what probably helped me gladly accept the invitation from the Community to become a nurse.

As a nurse, I worked in hospitals in New Mexico and Michigan and later in the public sector. It has been a privilege all these years to be part of God’s healing team.

In my later years when time was more my own, I have done some traveling, reading books and magazines, visiting with friends and family, and enjoying a good basketball or baseball game.

I am energized daily by my prayer life, the support of my family and friends, and those who help me with my needs and concerns. I thank God for all the blessings in my life especially my Vocation, my family, and my friends.

Sr. Liz and the Sisters have helped create hundreds of dolls for the children at Bethany Christian Services.

TRita We n zlick OP ~

ea r s

God has done great things for me!

he Psalmist tells us that “seventy is the sum of our years or eighty if we are strong”. This psalm verse reminds me of my seventy years as a Grand Rapids Dominican Sister.

I am grateful to my family who encouraged me to follow the call to religious life. My parents taught me how important it was to serve others. Being born and raised on a farm, I learned early in life what it was to be a farmhand, not just on our little farm but also on the neighbor’s as needed. It was this service to others that drew me to religious life and is part of who I am today.

The first 33 years of religious life were spent in educational ministry. There are many good memories. The students on Beaver Island scored third highest on the MEAP test with the lowest cost of education per pupil in the State of Michigan. Over the years many high school graduates went on to higher education and have careers which involve serving others. Hopefully, the students, parents, and teachers who have crossed paths during my administration have benefitted is some way.

Sr. Rita with one of her recent sewing projectsclothing protectors for the Sisters at Aquinata Hall.

There were challenging times during these years. Saint Mary Grade School in Gaylord burned to the ground one day while in session. The school on Beaver Island was flooded with several inches of water when we arrived to begin the school year. A call from the state police one night informed me that one of the teachers had murdered a student. In another situation, two internal embezzlements left the school and parish with no funds. One day a senior girl spoke to her government class as part of an assignment, sat down when finished and fell to the floor. She passed away later that day. Blessings and endurance enabled me to work through these challenges.

My final 28 years in ministry were spent at the Diocese of Lansing. This ministry took me to many parishes throughout the 10-county diocese which resulted in a plan to revision the parishes. This achievement brought me to retirement.

I now engage in many activities. I am able to pray and read with little distraction. I sew on occasion, do needlework, garden and tend my rose bushes. Telephone calls are an important part of many days, someone needing prayers or a listening ear. Each of these is a special blessing. God indeed has been good to me.

~ Catherin e A nderson O P ~

“I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.”

~ John 10:10

I70Years

praise and thank God for this special year. This year I will turn 90 years old and celebrate 70 years of life of being a Grand Rapids Dominican Sister. How awesome is that?

God blessed my first 19 years of life with a wonderful faith-filled family which included my mom, Rose Pawloski Anderson, my dad, Charles Anderson, my older brother Al, my sister Betty, and five brothers: Phil, Bill, Tom, Peter who died at one month, and Bob. I grew up in Traverse City, MI. Our house was on 12th street where we could see the Dominican Sisters back yard. We attended St. Francis Church and had Dominican Sisters at St. Francis School. Sister Lucinda was the Sister who inspired me to become a Dominican Sister.

The next 71 years of life and ministry were awesome and challenging as I journeyed into greater fullness of life. I especially loved teaching first graders, teaching on Beaver Island, working with people who were mentally or physically challenged, studying to become a Spiritual Director, going to the Lands of Dominic in Spain, France, and Italy for three weeks.

In between all of this, I loved studying and doing oil and watercolor painting, belonging to the Dominican Institute of the Arts (DIA), and using my art work in our Pax Christi of West Michigan group.

I feel so blessed to be a member of the Grand Rapids Dominicans who have inspired me to live a deeper love of God, working for peace and justice for all people and care of God’s wonderful earth.

From icons to flowers to landscapes, Sr. Catherine has created numerous artworks.

F~

Ca rletta Bo ckh ei m

For 70 years of religious life, my God, I thank you!

or my wonderful parents, brothers and sister, my God, I thank you! And for the Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids who have encouraged me and accepted me as their Sister, I am most grateful. My deepest appreciation and love to each of you.

Jubilate Deo omnis terra – servite Domino in laetitia.”

Sing joyfully to God, all the earth, serve ye the Lord with gladness.

Seventy years doing this! A joy to behold. I ask God’s blessing on all those who have helped to make this possible – my family, friends, relatives and our wonderful Dominican Community!

May God grant many graces, blessings and good health to each of you and all your families.

Gratefully in our Heavenly Father!

Sr. Carletta weaves the palms from Palm Sunday into crosses.

Marily n Hol me s O P

“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you, live on in my love.”

~ John 15:9

My heart overflows with thankfulness to those who have led me to celebrate 60 years of Dominican life. Foremost are my parents, Bill and Grace Holmes, who gave me the most amazing family – Bill, Sue, and John. They have supported me all along the way.

I am very grateful to many wonderful Dominican Sisters who I lived and taught school with over the years. I was a teacher of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders in urban as well as inner city schools for 43 years. I learned countless, valuable lessons and also had fun along the way!

Summer vacations were significant learning times! Love of nature was enhanced by camping in tents throughout Michigan and many outstanding National Parks. Seeing sunrises and sunsets allow prayer to come unhindered. They lead me to delight in God’s goodness and loving presence.

Sr. Marilyn arranges transportation for the Sisters, ensuring travel to their appointments are smooth sailing.

The trip to the Lands of Dominic was spectacular. Our daily prayers and liturgies were a very meaningful way to experience the Dominican Family. I fell in love with the spirit of Dominic and Catherine. They accomplished so much because of their deep love.

These days, since 2012, I help in providing transportation to Sisters in need and in being with our Sisters on 2nd Floor at Aquinata. They and the other Aquinata Sisters’ prayers and lives are the bedrock of our community

I close with the words to the song - “You Are Special”. Just live each day and trust in ME for you are special and I love you.

N“The story is not ended, the cloth is still on the loom.”

~ Sheila Flynn OP

ever having been attracted to religious life, it was a surprise to me when a strong call to join the Dominican Sisters came sixty years ago. The call itself hit me like a brick, not a fluttery sticky- note. It was unexpected and strong. Those first days at Marywood were like entering a medieval world with its Latin chants and regimented schedule. It struck me as odd, but I adapted to this new way of praying and living and loved the classes at Aquinas College – expansive to both mind and imagination. Making new friends, surrounded by caring people in an atmosphere of trust and joy was nourishing to my spirit. The strong and competent women leading us were both admirable and inspiring.

Always an eager learner, I was enthralled with the possibilities before me and came to relish both learning and teaching, which became my life’s work and ministry until ten years ago when I was appointed the archivist for the congregation.

The years have flown as they do. What remains clear is the fact that I never looked back. Life continues to be an adventure – ever ancient, ever new. I can imagine no other.

Behind the Scenes: Sr. Mary serves as the Director of Archives, preserving the history of the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.

~ Maxine Pl a mondon O P ~

Thanks be to God!

Coming from Lake Leelanau where the early days of the Dominicans started with teaching. I was blessed to be from a very large Catholic family of down to earth farmers in all of my ancestry. Thus, my driving began at the young age of 12 to drive a tractor, truck, car, etc. It has developed into a continued ministry of driving my Sisters to doctor appointments or whatever.

Also, over these wonderful 60 years of varied occupations. Learning Food Management and doing ministry by reaching others hearts through their stomachs in schools Food Service, and teaching Religion classes. My life has taken me to many homes doing and serving the homebound sick as a Certified Nurse Aide, even in a hospice home. Know that I have been blessed to be chosen as a witness to others in my daily life.

It really hasn’t mattered. “If one were digging a ditch or constructing the Cathedral Steeple” to be of the same importance. In my life I also learned of being a distant relative of St. Andre Bessette from Canada ‘The Miracle Man of Montreal’. Thus, I had the privilege to go to Bl. Andre’s canonization with my Felician Sister to Rome on October 17, 2010. A real trip of a life time!

In the summer, Sr. Maxine enjoys whisking Sisters around on a golf cart to enjoy the beautiful Marywood grounds.

M~

Consta

n c e F ifelski

OP ~

“My life flows on in endless song... How can I keep from singing?”

y heart overflows with deep gratitude for so many blessings poured forth daily! Blessings through loving family, wonderful parishioners and friends, steadfast GR Dominican Sisters, and so many others who have touched my life. During the past ten years, of special significance has been the opportunity to visit/assist with my dear mother, who now resides in a nursing home. We are incredibly fortunate to have her with us for so many years.

Many mixed emotions these days as I prepare to leave my current ministry as pastoral administrator of St. Ambrose in Delton and Our Lady of Great Oak in Lacey after 22 years. Yet we are hopeful since our loving God continually calls us forth to ever greater fullness of life. As the Quaker hymn says, “My life flows on in endless song... How can I keep from singing?”

Sr. Constance celebrates with her mother, Lucy Fifelski, during her 100th birthday party, October 2023!

Pictured are her 11 kids. Back row: Chuck, Ken, Sam, Fred, Mike, and Alan.

Front row: Sr. Jacoba, Janet, Sr. Constance, Lucy, Laura, and Pauline.

~

Ju lia N e llett OP ~

“There is a time for everything.”

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

I60Years

, Julia and my twin, Jennie were born in Omer, MI. This was a time for this little town to get excited, because we were the first set of twins born there. We lived in AuGres, MI until we were 5 years old and then it was time to move to Bay City where we went to school from the 1st to 12th grade, being taught by the Dominican Sisters.

Again, it was time to make a decision. We wrote separate letters asking to enter the Dominican Sisters and, it was not until we received our letters from Marywood that we realized we both felt called to enter.

My first mission was Traverse City, and, at this time, my first ministry food service.

In the late 1960s it was time for the Church to make big changes, and we as a community did likewise. Then it was time to make decisions about name changes I went back to Julia and Jennie continued to keep the name Dominica.

In the 1980s I went to Mount Pleasant for three years as a food service person and while there I got my license as a hair stylist. I did a year internship in Gaylord and then back to Grand Rapids. It was also a time for many blessings and meeting so many wonderful people. After 11 years it was time to move back to Grand Rapids and later it was time to make another lifelong decision to become the Car Care Coordinator. Each time I moved I loved what I was doing. So, as you see a time for change is a part of our history.

“We walk by faith, not by sight.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7

Twin sisters Jennie and Julia

A~ Jea n MacDo n a ld, Associate

Twenty-five years as an Associate? Impossible! Wait!

“With God all things are possible.” ~ Matthew 19:26 Gratitude!

s I reflect on these past two and a half decades, I am reminded of God’s great love for me. This moment, I am right where I am meant to be. I no longer wish to spoil the beauty in the present moment by wishing for something else.

I have come back ‘home’ to myself! I have come back ‘home’ to the present moment. Some moments are easier to accept than others. I have learned to trust the process, to trust all of it, without hanging onto the past or peering too far into the future. This has taken a lot of faith and a lot of surrendering to the different moments in my life.

For many years I was out of the general workforce as I was a foster parent. Recently I began working at Aquinata Hall as a Resident Assistant/Med Tech. It felt like coming ‘home’ again! I love my ministry and as one of the pins I wear says, ‘I am too blessed to be stressed!’ God is good all the time. I am humbled to be ministering to the needs of the Dominican community in this way.

Thank you to all of you who have touched my life in a special way and made me feel so at ‘home.’ I look forward to many more years of celebrating my Associate and life ‘moments’ with you.

~

Thank you to all of you who have touched my life in a special way and made me feel so at ‘home.’

~

Patricia Ma d u ra, Associ ate

~

TI am so thankful to all of you that have helped me on this journey.

rs

wenty-five years ago I became a Dominican Associate! When I was asked about becoming an Associate, I wondered where this journey was taking me. It became a wonderful experience.

Joan Burns was my mentor. As she guided me with her kind and caring ways, I realized a new direction in my life. Many of the Sisters and Associates were so encouraging to me as I started a different way to live my life.

Sister Catherine Anderson and I comentored women that wanted to know about the Associate Program. Sister Catherine was so kind and caring, and I continued to grow in my spiritual life.

Associates Mary Regan McNeil and Pat Madura share laughs with the Sisters as they make stuffed animals together.

After a few years of meeting at Marywood, I joined a group of Associates that studied topics about Saints and our religion. The group of 8 to 10 each shared how each of us were doing and a time of faith sharing.

My husband and I keep busy with attending many school and sporting events of our grandchildren. Our youngest granddaughter is two years old, and we visit them often in New Baltimore, MI.

I look forward to continuing my Associate Life and I am so thankful to all of you that have helped me on this journey.

I“See! I will not forget you… I have carved you on the palm of my hand.”

~ Isaiah 49:15

was the oldest of six children while growing up in Roscommon, Michigan. I always knew,as a young girl, I would be a nurse like mom, and my aunt, or a school teacher. It was taught that we should choose our profession as a Christ-like service. We said a Swedish prayer before meals that my father taught us. We always said prayers at night before bed, and still do.

I have always enjoyed music, reading, knitting, golf, bridge, camping, painting by oil and water, basket making, and traveling.

When the position opened at Aquinata, I was certain that God himself had put me there. As time went by, and the Associate Program opened, I was ready to be a part of the Marywood Dominican Associate Program. I was on the advisory board for many years. It has been in these experiences where I have continued growing in my faith, this community and in faith enriching activities. In recent years my health has become difficult to take part in these activities. But, it’s still a good life and these experiences are important to me.

My husband, Frank and I are in our 62nd year of marriage. We have had many retreats over the years. Each retreat attracted me to grow more in faith and share. We have been active in the Saint Jude Catholic Parish. I have been involved in Altar Society, Guild, Funeral Lunches, CCD Teacher, Eucharistic Ministry, and visiting shut-ins. We are the parents of five children. Much of our time is spent now with our children and their families, our friends and time at our summer home in Roscommon.

Raelynn St ei n, Associ a te ~

May my eyes and my heart be open to His ways as I continue this journey.

R25Years

eflecting on the past twenty-five years of being a Dominican Associate, it is easy to see how God used me to spread the Dominican charism. Being a Catholic educator, I encountered students, parents, and staff members hungry for a smile and a positive message. Since recent retirement, I seek opportunities to continue to praise, to preach, and to bless.

I look to my mother now, as she inspired me to live my life rooted in faith. She and my father taught me to pray as a child, and how to use the talents and gifts God has given me to bless others. My mom mentored me through the study and process of becoming part of this community, encouraging me to grow in my spirituality. Thank you, Charmaine and Raymond Kulczyk for blessing my life.

My teaching career was a vocation for me. Each day I prayed I could show less of me and more of Jesus to those I encountered. I taught at St. Mary’s of Hannah with two Sisters who warmly accepted me and encouraged my growth. Thank you, Sister Geneva Marie Schuab, for your guidance. Thank you, Sister Dorena Gonzalez, for never being too busy to listen, to serve, and to share her joy!

Recently I retired, after 32 years being an educator in Catholic schools. I search for ways to live the Gospel. I allowed myself to slow down and look closer to my family. I am blessed with a supportive husband of 41 years, three adult sons, two daughters-inlaw, and five grandchildren.

Staff and students gathered to celebrate Mrs. Stein’s retirement from St. Augustine Cathedral School.

In my daily prayers, I ask Jesus to help me see with his eyes the opportunities in my day to spread His message of love. May my eyes and my heart be open to His ways as I continue this journey.

80 Years – 1944

† Adrienne Adelman

† Angelina Abeyta

† Villana Van Mullekom

† Evelyn Schoenborn

† Maurita Reynolds

70 Years – 1954

† Geraldine Czolgosz

† Mary Ann Ferguson

† Jean Reimer

† Phyllis Lopez

† Lisa Marie Lazio

† Grace Licavoli

60 Years – 1964

† Diane Hofman

† Dominica Nellett

25 Years – 1999

† Kathleen Przybylski

75 Years – 1949

† Mary Catherine Brechting

† Marie Michael Jacobs

† Jean Paul Tilmann

† Suzanne Eichhorn

† Marciana Danielski

† Jean Marie Birkman

† Reparata Faubert

† Marie Kathleen McCrackin

† Marjorie Ann Kendall

† Charlotte Schaub

† Nancy Coyne

† Lydia Korson

† Nancy Ann Flumerfelt

† Rosemary Homrich

† Ann Frederick Heiskell

Associate Jubilarians

25 Years – 1999

† Ann Matthews

† Jacqueline Pointer

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.

We remember with fondness the many Jubilarians who celebrate with us bathed in the glory of Eternal Life.

Let us celebrate the faithful service of these women.

grdominicans.org • (616) 514-3106 • dominicancenter.com 111 Lakeside Drive NE • Grand Rapids, MI 49503