Spring 2022 · Vol. XXIII
Emboldened by Faith. Serving with Joy.
Times of Transition
Moving Day! In February, Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids moved from Fulton Street to Lakeside Drive. Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help make this transition possible!
Table of Contents: 2 3 5 7
| From the Prioress Mass at Dominican | Final Chapel/Marywood | Marywood Campus Update & Critters | Dolls Made with Love
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11 12 13 14
| At Every Age | We Don’t Always Choose | God’s People Together | Veritas Society
On the Cover: Sr. Nancy Malburg, Occupational Therapist Monica Anderson, Sr. Jo Birchmeier, and Sr. Elaine LaBell are on mission and serving with joy.
A Letter from the Prioress
Sister Sandra Delgado OP Prioress
Dear Friends,
If you happen to live near us here in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you know that in our community one of the great harbingers of spring is the arrival of the butterflies to their tropical habitat at our hometown botanical garden. The butterflies are beautiful as they fly around the tropical conservatory with people walking around admiring one of nature’s wonders. Seeing the metamorphosis of the butterfly got me thinking about the changes that we are going through on our campus. You will read about this transition in the pages that follow. We spent months sorting and packing, organizing and purging, and finally moving and getting settled at our various locations. Each move meant a goodbye to spaces that we had long known as our home, our workspace, our prayer and worship space and our place of formation for Sisters, Associates, and many lay friends. It also meant saying hello to new spaces where we will continue to live, to pray and worship, to share ministry and continue in formation. We are being changed, just as the caterpillar; we are finding a new way of living in our new spaces. Our more than two years of isolation because of COVID precautions and our concentration on the move from our former motherhouse did not stop us from seeking ways to be of service and continue in ministry. You will read in the pages that follow of the many projects that Sisters continued and began during this time. Through these projects, women, babies and children in need received beautiful homemade blankets, dolls, stuffed animals, baby bonnets, winter hats, and many more items, all made with love and a prayer for each recipient. Our isolation was not a complete separation from the world. While we couldn’t be with them physically, we could do our small part to bring comfort and joy to persons with many different needs. We continue to preach the Good News of our Risen Christ through all the ways that we serve the people of God. May the Peace of Christ be ever-present to you and to our world. And let us pray especially for peace in Ukraine.
Sr. Sandra Delgado OP, Prioress
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Doris Faber OP blows out the Dominican candle after our final mass. We treasure all who joined us to worship on this day.
Celebration of Final Mass at Dominican Chapel/Marywood ~ Diane Zerfas OP
The energy and joy were palpable as the Dominican Sisters welcomed the Sunday Assembly home for a final celebration Mass on February 20. After almost two years of separation because of COVID and with the sale of the Motherhouse building we gathered in Dominican Chapel/Marywood for one last time. For 63 years this chapel had held Community prayer and liturgy: chanting daily prayers, quiet meditation, Eucharist with chaplains and Dominican priest-teachers from Aquinas College, receptions and vow celebrations of new members, and funerals sending members home to heaven. It was a rich, prayerful location that was part of the identity of the Grand Rapids Dominicans. And then in 1985, with a further Vatican II renovation, the doors were thrown wide for anyone who would like to worship with us. And to our surprise and joy, many came. We shared our riches: a love and experience of liturgy and prayer, beautiful music, and a lovely setting. They came with babies to be baptized, children to be welcomed to the Table, friends, and family members to be formed in the sacraments
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of the Church. They came with desire to “be Church,” to take responsibility for liturgical ministry, to preach through beauty in the planned environment for each liturgical season, to fill the chapel with song with many musical instruments and a 50+ voice choir. They reached out to people in need by contributions of food and finance for St. Joseph the Worker Parish and Catherine’s Care Pantry at St. Alphonsus. They walked together to raise money for the Hunger Walk every spring. They brought pajamas and socks and whatever was suggested to love their neighbor. They welcomed everyone without label or judgment, especially those hurt by the institutional church. Their faith blossomed in our inclusive language, Dominican preaching, and joy in the Word.
Dominican Sisters Follow Historic Cross to New Home ~ Megan McElroy OP On Sunday, February 13, during Mass in Dominican Chapel/ Marywood, Sisters surrounded a wooden cross placed in front of the altar at the last Eucharist the community would celebrate in this sacred space. This cross has been with us in each of our motherhouses – in Traverse City where we were founded in 1877; to St. John’s Home in Grand Rapids in 1889; to the current Marywood motherhouse in 1922; and now, one hundred years later, it moves with us into our fourth motherhouse, the new Marywood. As Eucharist concluded, the Sisters sang the Dominican Blessing and then were commissioned with the words of St. Dominic, “Go in confidence. God will give you the gift of preaching. You will lack for nothing.” They then processed behind the cross from Dominican Chapel/ Marywood to Chapel of the Word at the new Marywood. To follow the cross is to look behind to what has and who have gone before us; it is to be aware of the present moment and those who accompany us; it is to look ahead to the future in faith and hope, knowing the way is not always easy but is always possible because of the Spirit of Jesus who leads us. To follow the cross is to believe that the mission of God continues in and through the People of God, disciples of Jesus Christ.
This is the kind of church that Pope Francis longs for. A synodal church, one where people journey together, care for the poor, and take responsibility for the future of humankind and the earth, our common home, as followers of Jesus. Sunday Assembly thanked the Sisters for the home they have experienced with us by celebrating with joy, with music, with flower arrangements, with liturgical ministries, with community. From this ‘synodal’ foundation hopefully they will be able to take the pearl of great price with them wherever they celebrate Eucharist and form the Body of Christ. The Sisters thanked the members of the Sunday Assembly for gifting us with years of their lives and a love and joy that give us hope for the future.
We follow the cross, enflamed with contemplative love, as we die and are reborn, as we walk together preaching justice.” ~ Chapter Statement 2018
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DOMINICAN CENTER 1700 Fulton St East
Formation & Spirituality
In December, Dominican Center moved down the street to 1700 Fulton. This ministry now has its home amidst another of our hallmark ministries: Aquinas College. We are blessed to share space with the students, faculty, Sisters, and staff who are the lifeblood of the college. Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College offers in-person and online programs. Visit dominicancenter.com to learn more. Fulton St East
MARYWOOD MOTHERHOUSE Outdoor Spaces
Sisters moved into new residences in the Grand Rapids area. Our new motherhouse is the former Marywood Health Center building at 111 Lakeside Drive NE. Seventy Sisters of our congregation of 154 reside on Marywood Campus.
We treasure our green space. We are committed to stewarding the creek, pond, trees, and plants that make up God’s creation at Marywood.
MARYWOOD 111 Lakeside Dr NE
Marywood Campus Update We are excited to share this update and hope it helps re-orient you to the location of our new Motherhouse— our home and our ministry headquarters! Our former Motherhouse building has been sold and plans are underway for it to be transformed into affordable housing for seniors. We feel blessed to
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bear witness to the next chapter for this place of mission, and grateful to be able to share our Marywood campus so that others may have an affordable and beautiful place to call home. We look forward to welcoming new friends to the neighborhood!
Lakeside
On the Horizon
The Motherhouse main building, including the east and west wings, and the buildings leased by Whistle Stop, have been sold. As part of our rightsizing, an estate sale is planned for spring. More details to come.
BENINCASA
AQUINATA HALL 153 Lakeside Dr NE
Our Ministries
From the Montana plains to the New Mexico sierra, from the streets of Chicago to the barrios of Chimbote, Peru, we bring our charism to life through ministries of service, prayer, community, and study. Even in transition, our Grand Rapids-based ministries continue to lift up the Word of God.
143 Lakeside Dr NE
e Dr NE
Change is underway at the corner of Fulton and Lakeside. Be sure to update our mailing address in your contact list! Our main address for all mail is: 111 Lakeside Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3811
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Monica Anderson and Sister Nancy Malburg guide service projects to create inclusive, meaningful experiences that bring Sisters from every living group together to companion one another in service and mission.
Dolls & Critters Made with Love In 2019, Nancy Malburg OP called Bethany Christian Service and asked “What can the Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids do to comfort the children caught up in the refugee and immigration crisis?” When told the children arrive with nothing, Sister Nancy put into motion a plan that would put creature comforts into the arms of children. This retired educator, school administrator, personnel director, and project manager wanted to create tactile, playful items for children to cuddle. Modest in all things, Sister Nancy said: “It wasn’t anything. I used fabric from my stash and just got creative with pattern making. If I could offer anything, it was the benefit of my creativity; I have plenty of that. And I have these ladies [Sisters] who can help. “Over the past four years, Little Friends Dolls have provided comfort for children caught up in adult problems: immigration 7 mission ministry
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and asylum issues, domestic disputes and violence, separation from parents, grief and loss,” said Sister Nancy, who designs each doll. “We have provided 80-85 dolls per year. Even during pandemic isolation, Activities Coordinator Leah Hansen worked with Sisters at Aquinata Hall to stuff and dress dolls. With the help of Ann Hehl OP and Julia Nellett OP, piecework is prepared and sewn, then packaged to send forward to more Sister dollmakers to stuff and, later, dress. Together, Sisters have created more than 340 dolls.” The Critter Brigade coordinated by Elaine LaBell OP functions much like the doll workshops. Sister Elaine has been designing the huggable creatures since 2018. Once cut and piecework sewn, the critters are stuffed by Sisters, loving notes are signed, and all are packaged for delivery to Bethany. More than 270 frogs, puppies, elephants, fish, turtles and bears have found loving arms.
More Than a Craft Project Occupational Therapist Monica Anderson practices a wellness model for Sisters living in community at Marywood. She facilitates fitness and programs that enhance health, cognitive function, and social engagement. “Sisters serve throughout their lifetimes, that doesn’t stop with age,” says Monica, who worked closely with Sisters Elaine LaBell and Nancy Malburg to develop the rationale, process, and engagement model of their service ministry project. Their focus was to create inclusive, meaningful experiences that would bring together as many Sisters as possible—from every living group— to companion one another for the good of mission. “We strive to provide meaningful engagement grounded in the ministry and values of the Dominican Sisters,” says Monica.
“Sisters are encouraged to use former occupational skills and creative gifts. We can see the memory connections, the joy that our Sisters experience.” “Our programs, by design, provide structure and hands-on guidance. The doll and critter kits engage multiple senses. That sense stimulation engages our brains, our emotions. The dynamics of color, pieces that fit together, shapes that can be stuffed, all can be associated with “just right” challenges for every individual.”
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Emboldened by Faith, Serving with Joy...
The Dominican Sisters Doll & Critter Brigade has placed more than 600 friends in loving arms since 2018.
Sister Lupe Silva and Associate Mary Nausadis, avid crocheters, contribute to the collections of blankets donated each year. “As Dominican women, we are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly, we are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God,” says Sister Lupe.
At Every Age
Sister Pat Kennedy’s hats warm the heads of hospitalized preemies and adults in the Heartside Neighborhood. Her blankets, along with booties, bibs, and teddy bears are donated to the pregnancy help center in her parish, St. Jude’s. “You know, we never meet the babies, the mothers, who receive these items. But I know that I’ve been praying for them. I don’t know who they are, but I’m praying for that baby, and for the mother. They both need prayers. “It is so life-giving; my heart is warmed knowing I am doing something for somebody else, for women who can’t necessarily afford beautiful baby things. I so enjoy making hats, booties, jackets for them.”
As I crochet, I’m praying for the child who will be wrapped in this blanket, wearing this hat. I’m praying to God to wrap your arms and love around them.” ~ Pat Kennedy OP
Teaching and Learning
“My sister taught me to crochet at 13 years of age,” says Sister Pat. She then took a hiatus from the craft for half of her lifetime. Her interest in knitting and crocheting were piqued again when missioned at St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids. “I used to watch Sisters JoAnn Boucher and Sister Christopher Steinforth , their knitting needles flying lickety split. I asked if I could watch and learn. Later I was invited to make items for mothers in need. “You know, I continue to learn new things as I go, new patterns and techniques. It’s all very exciting to me! And I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach others.” Associate Gaylia Ross learning crochet stitches from Sister Pat Kennedy during a Congregation Service Day . 11 mission ministry
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We Don’t Always Choose To abide in Christ is to abide in the faith. When struggles come, you stay in the faith-you abide in it. ~ 1 Corinthian 16:13 1 We don’t always choose the nature or timing of changes that come into our lives. Josephine “Jo” Birchmeier OP knows this all too well. She has experienced transitions through her 60 years of Dominican life. “The first 30 years of my life in community were focused on education—both my own and in teaching elementary students. During those years I also experienced the many changes taking place in the Catholic Church and in religious life. I will always be grateful for having experienced both the pre-Vatican and post-Vatican Church.
Retired Registered Nurse Ann Hehl OP transitioned from full-time nursing after 52 years to spiritual care companioning and then pastoral ministry at Marywood Health Center (MHC). “When the pandemic forced closure of MHC, I transitioned to spiritual companioning Sisters and helping with doll-making.” Sister Ann’s availability has been a gift for Sister Nancy Malburg. “Macular degeneration is taking my vision. I’m not sure how long I can continue my doll ministry. I’m happy to continue as long as it fits my interest, capability, and stamina.”
“The summer of 1989 was a turning point for me. During that summer I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Since severe fatigue was one of many symptoms, I found it necessary to resign from teaching and find other forms of ministry.” These days Sister Jo’s focus, like a multitude of Sisters and Associates, is to companion one another and others. She knits and crochets warm hats and scarves for children and teens served by the Santa Claus Girls, St. Alphonsus, and God’s Kitchen. She also sews baby blankets and burp cloths for infants and new moms at Help Pregnancy Crisis Aid. “I knit while watching the news; it keeps my blood pressure down,” she mentions drily. She admits “Lupus has slowed me down, but my handicraft keeps my fingers and wrists nimble and my mind focused on the needs of others.” Sister Ann Hehl helps create the accessories for Little Friends Dolls. Special touches like seasonal outfits, backpacks and purses, hats and more accompany each doll. grdominicans.org 12
God’s People Together —
Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College ~ Diane Zerfas OP, Spirituality Program Director
As it says in the inclusive version of the Psalms: “See how good, how pleasant it is, for God’s people to live together as one.” ~ Psalm 133 We have been reaping the benefits of face-to-face community, sharing the joy and togetherness that we will never take for granted in the future. J
On Saturday, March 19, Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College hosted its first in-person program since the campus of Marywood closed to the public two years ago. Ginger Rohwer gently guided participants to center on God through a prayer practices program with mandalas. She offered: Centering Prayer, Ignatian Examen, and Self-Compassioning Prayer prompts as participants spent time praying and coloring in silence along with answering reflective questions to help them integrate their experience. Participant Mindy Hills noted this program “reminded us that Lent is neither an endurance test nor a time to prove our Christian stamina. Rather, the season of Lent can be a time to slow down and ponder what is essential to our faith and how we can use this time to receive transformative healing for our lives and the life of our world to come.”
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Our annual Journey into Silence March retreat in upper Michigan at the Augustine Center gathered 22 participants and five directors. There were a number of first timers and a shared exuberance of being able to gather together to pray, absorb the beauty and silence of the north woods, and be at peace in the Lord. Our gathering for the First Nations Version of the New Testament on April 2 explored the care of creation of the indigenous wisdom echoed in the Gospel stories of the seed planter and the wildflowers of the meadow. It was a lovely sharing time for those committed to the earth and to the discipleship of Jesus (in this translation: Creator Sets Free). Being free to gather gave us renewed energy and joy of praying and studying together.
We hope to see you soon. Explore upcoming spiritual formation and contemplative learning programs. dominicancenter.com
In a contemplative gathering this April, Plainsong Farm Founder Rev. Nurya Love Parish led a Program titled Faith in Place: Caring for the Land that Cares for Us. She offered her prayerful presence, passion for the care of creation, and curiosity about what is possible.
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We are here to help! If you have questions or would like to discuss your plans, please contact: Alyssa Morillo Scheidt Director of Mission Advancement 616.514.3110 amorilloscheidt@grdominicans.org If you’ve already included the Sisters in your plans, please do let us know! We have some unique things to share with you, as a member of the Veritas Society!
Cassandra Kroondyk
Your Legacy can Support what Matters Most to You. The Dominican Sisters have been part of Cassandra Kroondyk’s life for more than 30 years. “I am glad and grateful to support the Sisters and their mission.” And the mission is all about what’s most important: the people we love, our faith in God, living with purpose.
You are already with us in mission... now we invite you to build your legacy with us. By including Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids in your will or estate plans, you join more than 40 current members of our Veritas Society—deeply committed friends like Cassandra who are creating a legacy that honors their values and celebrates their bond with the Sisters.
grdominicans.org/veritas
Let’s dedicate our efforts to the things that matter most, together!
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Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage
PA I D
Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 451
111 Lakeside Drive NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.459.2910 grdominicans.org dominicancenter.com
About Us
The Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids are a community of vowed women religious and Associates who follow the Catholic traditions of St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena. Since 1877 we have been praising, blessing, and preaching God’s love through all we do.
Campus Contacts
• Administration & Leadership –
616.459.2910
• Aquinata Hall – 616.259.1703 • Archives – 616.514.3313
• Associate Life – 616.514.3115
• Communications – 616.514.3455 • Dominican Center Marywood at
Aquinas College – 616.514.3325
• Facilities – 616.514.3343 • Finance – 616.514.3318
• Human Resources – 616.514.3322
• Mission Advancement – 616.514.3110
Mission & Ministry Editorial Team • Sandra Delgado OP – Prioress • Danny Lynn – Art Director
• Stacy Spitler – Editor/Contributor
• Alyssa Morillo Scheidt, Contributor
All photos are from the Archives of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids (DSGR) unless otherwise noted.
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PRAYER FOR PEACE God of all People, We pray for peace today and every day, especially for the people of Ukraine. Send your Spirit of wisdom upon our world leaders. May the decisions they make be in the interest of all Earth’s citizens. Send your Spirit of compassion upon those who bear arms. May they turn instead to reconciliation and dialogue. Send your Spirit of healing upon those who are injured. May they know your touch through the hands of those who care for them. Send your Spirit of welcome upon those who are killed in this act of war. May they know the embrace of your love. Send your Spirit of consolation on those who have lost loved ones. May they know comfort in your promise that one day they will see them again. Send your Spirit of protection on those who have lost their homes. May they find shelter and security. Send your Spirit of hospitality upon all nations. May they welcome refugees into their midst. Send your Spirit of hope upon your world. May we live into your vision of a future of justice and peace. AMEN. ~ Megan McElroy OP