&
dominican sisters ~ grand rapids
mission
ministry
renewed life in the midst of change
Fall 2012 ¡ Vol. VI
Meet the new leadership team
2025 Fulton St East Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3895
T (616) 459.2910 F (616) 454.6105 www.grdominicans.org
Table of Contents Inside cover .....Meet the new Leadership Team 1 ..................... Letter from the Prioress 2,3 .................. Marywood revitalization continues 4 ..................... Legacy Room opens 5 ..................... Exploring the campus 6,7 .................. Interview with the Director of Clinical and Life Services 8 ..................... Spiritual companionship 9 ..................... What’s cooking 10, 11 ............. Sister news 12 ................... Volunteer spotlight 13 ................... Development update Back cover ..... Chapter and Dominican Days summary
Mission & Ministry is produced biannually by the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids. For address changes or other inquiries, please call 616-459-2910.
Left to Right: Sisters Mary Ann Barrett, Sandra Delgado, Maureen Geary and Lucianne Siers
Sister Maureen Geary, Prioress, most recently served as Vicaress and Councilor for Finance with the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids. A Grand Rapids native, she received a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, an M.A. from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a J.D. (Doctor of Law) from the University of Michigan. Previously employed as a certified public accountant and as an attorney, she taught and served in administration at Aquinas College; and she served in ministries with the Diocese of Grand Rapids Secretariat for Social Justice and the Kent County Vision to End Homelessness. Sister Sandra Delgado, Vicaress and Councilor for Finance, is a Saginaw, Michigan native. Missioned in Kentucky for twenty-six years, she worked in adult education in Appalachia, for the State of Kentucky and in Hispanic ministry – most recently for the Catholic Diocese of Lexington. She has a B.A. from Nazareth College in Kalamazoo and a M.A. in adult and continuing adult education from Michigan State University. Sister Lucianne Siers, Councilor, was born in Saginaw, Michigan. She most recently served as executive director for the Partnership for Global Justice in New York City. Having served in leadership roles with a number of other organizations, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C., she is also co-promoter of justice for the Dominican Family in North America. Sister Lucianne earned a B.A. and M.A. from Aquinas College, an M.A. from Boston College and a D.Min. (Doctor of Ministry) in missiology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Sister Mary Ann Barrett, Councilor, was born in Alpena, Michigan. She received her B.A. and M.A. from Aquinas College, an M.A. in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in Chicago and a Certificate in Biblical Studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Sister Mary Ann began her religious ministry as a teacher more than forty years ago and subsequently directed campus ministry at Aquinas College while working in several administrative roles on the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids Marywood campus. She has also been a campus minister at the Aquinas Newman Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She served as a pastoral associate for a Catholic parish in Albuquerque before assuming a similar position in Holland, Michigan in 2010.
Dear Friends,
from the prioress
All our senses are exposed to the wonders of this changing season of Fall. The deep reds, oranges and yellows remind us that life continues to renew itself. Our congregation is also in the midst of lifes transitions. In Dominican life, the Chapter is the highest form of governance, and it both reviews the life and mission of the congregation and also sets its direction for the ensuing six years. The Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids participated in our 24th General Chapter in 2012. Our new Leadership Team was introduced to you on the previous page, and our new direction calls us into mission that is inflamed with contemplative love. Each Chapter brings a new chapter into the life of a congregation. Yet like a chapter in a book, it is only the next part of an ongoing story. Our congregational story, which began 2000 years ago with the birth of Christ, took on a new character 800 years ago in Prouilhe, France, thrived when new threads were added in Traverse City and Grand Rapids more than 125 years ago, and continues to enthrall to this day. In these pages you will read about some new features of our ministry, and some that are not really new, but refurbished and repurposed. Spun like any great yarn, characters have come and gone, locations have changed, and major story lines have intrigued and engaged. As Mother Eveline Mackey wrote in 1929: “Tell me, dear sisters, what far shores will feel the final impulse of your combined efforts…? Only God and the angels will keep the record of their distances.” Our ministry continues to evolve from primarily classroom teaching to teaching through many collaborative ministries, including a significant new venture into health care. We are delighted that God has seen fit to use our presence in these new ways, as season changes to season. We hope you will enjoy reading about our latest chapter as we continue to enrich our Marywood legacy. Perhaps you'll find yourself among the characters enriched by new experiences, new opportunities, flashbacks to what has been and foreshadowings of what will be. As poet and theologian John O’Donohue has penned in his poem For a New Beginning: In out-of-the-way places of the heart, Where your thoughts never think to wander, This beginning has been quietly forming, Waiting until you were ready to emerge. Then the delight, when your courage kindled, And out you stepped onto new ground, Your eyes young again with energy and dream, A path of plenitude opening before you. Awaken your spirit to adventure; Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; Soon you will be home in a new rhythm, For your soul senses the world that awaits you.
With gratitude for your presence on our journey,
Maureen R. Geary, OP Prioress
"This vision gives us hope for the future" Marywood campus revitalization nearing completion The Marywood campus has been home to construction crews and heavy equipment over the past several months. The rumbling trucks, the squawking bulldozers as they scrape against the pavement and the percussive jackhammers have become as much a part of the Sisters’ daily life as prayer, song and contemplation. Soon the campus will shift to a new normal with the re-opening of Aquinata Hall, which will be reborn as an assisted-living residence; and a renewed and updated Marywood Health Center licensed for skilled nursing care. The third component of the project, the Marywood Home Health outreach, made its debut last summer. This is all part of a campus revitalization to respond to the needs of the 21st century. With our changing world, our children often move far from home, parents seldom live with their children and healthcare delivery must adapt to these changing lifestyles. In response to a growing need for rehabilitation, assisted-living and skilled-nursing needs, a joint venture with Porter Hills Retirement Communities and Services was established to address the increasing need for quality health care. The Marywood campus has been on quite a journey from its early days as the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids and Sacred Heart College and Academy to its current life that supports multiple ministries while it continues as the Motherhouse for the Sisters. Now, in the main building, the Marywood chapel rests above the several modern public conference rooms of Dominican Center. Dominican Center at Marywood (DCM) is a ministry sponsored by the Dominican Sisters. DCM shares the Dominican spirit and tradition that is at the heart of our campus. A variety of programs are offered that include Spiritual Formation, Contemplative Groups, Interfaith Understanding and many other learning opportunities and retreats. The DCM Conference Center offers many lay and religious groups a quiet space along with a gourmet menu at an affordable cost. Change has been welcomed with grace and patience. Sisters receive periodic “What’s Happening” updates and participate in multidisciplinary planning teams. A quality of life team was also formed to assure consistent care for Sisters temporarily relocated from the health center during renovation. The Sisters’ early constitution emphasized a focus on ministries in three areas -- education, health care and social work. Their outreach in these areas continues in seven states, as well as in Peru and Honduras. One Sister noted, “This vision for Marywood gives us hope for a future and a continued Dominican presence.” The call to Praise, to Bless and to Preach invites many responses.
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Meet the NEW Marywood Some of the new health care and residential options on the Marywood campus Marywood Home Health, in collaboration with Porter Hills, debuted in the summer 2011. Providing home health services in areas such as licensed nursing, rehabilitation therapy, health monitoring and personal care, Marywood Home Health makes it possible for clients to remain in their own homes. • Unique advantage: Spiritual companionship offered by Dominican Sisters and Associates is available to Marywood Home Health clients. Under the direction of Sister Mary Ellen McDonald, the program has more than 30 Sisters and Associates serving in a companion role. For more information, contact the Marywood Home Health office at 616-643-0403. Aquinata Hall was built in 1966 as a home for retired and infirm Sisters. After Marywood Health Center was constructed, Aquinata was used as a dorm for Aquinas College female students. Now, given new life, Aquinata has forty-five assistedliving units, which will house Sisters and some laity. The building will also provide a beautiful chapel. Each room includes a kitchenette, bathroom and living space. All residents will have access to a large central dining area, community rooms with fireplaces and laundry facilities. A three-story atrium and sheltered entrance enhance the structure’s façade. • Unique advantage: Scenic views and walking trails, a variety of spiritual and other programs at Dominican Center—and, of course, that traditional Dominican hospitality. Minutes away from downtown Grand Rapids, residents have easy access to restaurants, shopping malls, concerts and local community events. For more information, contact Yvonne Rackow at 616-643-0136 or yrackow@grdominicans.org Marywood Health Center (MHC), built in 2005, will be used for rehabilitative and long-term skilled nursing care for Sisters and laity. This collaborative project with Porter Hills will meet licensing regulations and offer an ideal place for recovery and recuperation therapy. Opening is scheduled for the winter of 2013. • Unique advantage: Chapel of the Word, located at Marywood Health Center, offers a serene view of nature through floor-to-ceiling windows. Each spacious room has a private bath and a view of woods and wildlife. Dominican Center cuisine, known for local, healthy selections, will be a part of daily life at MHC. For more information, contact Yvonne Rackow at 616-643-0136 or yrackow@grdominicans.org
Large windows at the Marywood Health Center and Aquinata Hall allow natural light and beauty to be part of the every day experience for residents.
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New Legacy Room: a place where the walls talk After years of hoping, wishing and lobbying for a space to tell the story of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, Archivist Sister Rose Marie Martin’s vision was fulfilled in August 2012, with the opening of the Legacy Room. Located in Dominican Center across from Dominican Chapel Marywood, the room covers nine centuries of history on four walls, illustrated by numerous artifacts and printed materials as seen in the panoramic photo below. In addition to Sister Rose Marie, major contributors to the project were Sisters Mary Navarre, Michael Ellen Carling and Gretchen Sills, who collaborated on writing the history and selecting the visual elements for the room. They worked with Exhibit Design Consultants, a Grand Rapids-based firm, to bring the project from concept to reality through graphic design and renovation of the space.
Legacy dates back to the 13th Century Visitors to the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids’ Legacy Room will find that the walls tell the amazing story of plans gone awry, of diversions that included endless surprises, of plantings and scatterings, of buildings and convergences, of collaborations and embraces. Children often beg their parents to “tell us about the olden days.” Stories of courage, perseverance, humor and tragedy help us become secure in our traditions, strong in our identity and equipped to face the future. The Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids Legacy Room is just that -- a story of our lives in pictures, artifacts and writings from the olden days to the dream of our tomorrow. Our story began in the 13th century in southern France where a Spaniard, Dominic de Guzman, was moved by compassion to create a safe haven for women converts in Prouilhe, an isolated crossroad near the village of Fanjeaux. Within a few years, these monasteries of Dominican Sisters had spread to other parts of Europe, including a monastery in Regensburg, Germany, where the nuns planned to live a cloistered life. That life was threatened during the French Revolution, but when the nuns agreed to open a school, they were allowed to maintain their lives in the monastery. Dominican nuns from Regensburg arrived in the United States in the mid-1800’s, in response to a need for teachers of German immigrants. Later, four nuns from the first convent in New York City moved to Traverse City, Michigan to begin a school. Shortly thereafter, they were called to Grand Rapids to staff an orphanage, thereby further extending their ministries into social work and nursing. And the story continues, through service in Michigan, New Mexico, Peru, Honduras and other places. When you visit our Legacy Room, you will notice how the south windows transmit light from God’s sun; we pray that we might also transmit the light of God’s Word to all we meet as we claim over and over again our Dominican mottos: “To Praise, To Bless, to Preach” and “To Contemplate and Give to Others the Fruits of Contemplation” ~ Mary Navarre, OP
The newly-dedicated Legacy Room displays photographs, documents and artifacts that shed light on the missions and ministries of 4
welcome to campus The Marywood campus houses Dominican Center at Marywood (DCM), a ministry of the Dominican Sisters. DCM is a welcoming place where people of all beliefs, and those of no specific belief, are welcome to share and learn, to grow spiritually and to find peace. In addition to spirituality and interfaith programs offered for persons of diverse cultures and beliefs, DCM houses an Art Gallery, Bookstore and a prize-winning Conference Center. Sister Maribeth Holst visits the DCM art gallery.
Instruments of Hope is collaborating with the Dominican Sisters to shape an outdoor barrier-free sculpture and meditation path, complete with benches to encourage all to stop, smell the roses and enjoy the artwork.
Children from Head Start and Whistlestop, two on-campus programs, enjoy the hills and paths of the Marywood environs.
the Dominican Sisters. 5
Love will move us forward Meet Laurie Sefton, RN – Director of Clinical and Life Services at Marywood Laurie Sefton is a registered nurse. Before coming to Marywood she worked for many years in hospice care. It was a difficult but rewarding career. She was a sort of tour guide there –she served others, offered comfort and helped the anxious conquer fears. In February of 2008 when West Michigan was in the throes of the snowiest winter on record, Marywood Health Center welcomed Laurie Sefton, RN, into the community as a new employee on the health care team. She has been here ever since that snowy winter and has shared the past four and a half years of healing and helping; and she has experienced both tears and laughter with the Dominican Sisters in their sickness and their healing. She has also walked in grief in mourning with the community at the death of each beloved Sister. Laurie is currently the Director of Clinical and Life Services and she supervises thirty-four employees whose works range from skilled nursing care to occupational therapy and physical activity. The staff assist the residents in maintaining healthy care of mind, body and spirit. "The challenges we face here are very similar to those faced by any population. The Sisters are dealing with the same changes that we all face as our bodies change during the process of aging. As with many families, there are smaller numbers of younger members who can support the practical needs of the community such as providing transportation to health appointments or taking on the role of a patient advocate. In some ways, our challenges are easier to deal with because it is a Sister population. For instance, the experience of this community includes a lifetime of work and discipline that encompasses mind, body and spirit in a balance not commonly found in the lay world," adds Sefton. As a result of a healthy lifestyle and the supportive strength of community–each supporting one another–it is not unusual for Sisters to continue an active and meaningful ministry long past what would be a usual retirement age. Sefton notes that, "The Sisters' grace in aging and commitment to service tend to keep their minds active and bodies moving in spite of chronic health issues. Another important difference is that as Sisters face their own health challenges, they do so within a community providing tangible and intangible support. And although they aren't immune from the human response to bad news, the majority of them approach health challenges with immeasurable grace, relying on prayerful support from their community." Laurie Sefton, pictured here with 97-year-young Sister Mary Albert, says, she “can’t healing. . .” than the members of this religious community
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When asked how the spiritual lifestyle of the Sisters affects their outlook, Laurie responded that, "I can't think of better role models or companions on a journey toward recovery, healing and the trusting in God's plan than the Sisters in this community. They don't need the classrooms and chalkboards to share this learning experience with others. "For healthcare givers, a commitment to making the experience of person-centered care a part of an individual's ongoing growth is essential," said Sefton. "Expertise in the challenges of healing and optimism focused on making the moments meaningful, joyful and comfortable goes a long way toward enriching life." "Also, while as staff we don't have a long history of knowing the indiviual, we have the memory of care given by our hands and the comfort we offered by our presence and knowledge. Being able to turn from that loss and provide loving care to others requires attention to self-care and personal ways of honoring the loss which is part of the art of nursing." "Most recently, the Sisters have chosen to partner with Porter Hills to expand their healthcare and rehabilitation expertise. The benefits go far beyond assuring the Sisters' care for the future. There will be a mutual benefit for the Sisters with the opening of their campus and sharing a bit of their unique presence. Spiritual companioning and prayerful support are part of the exceptional Dominican hospitality, and provide benefits to patients choosing this facility." "Beyond renovating the building and preparing it for licensure is the opportunity for Sisters to share their wisdom, continue their spiritual ministry and leave a tangible legacy in improving care for the elderly." Laurie is looking forward to, "seeing that excellence and expertise in providing clinical rehabilitation and healthcare goes hand in hand with creating a living experience that will be unique and holistic – an essential part of learning as we walk with each other along the road to health and peace."
think of better role models or companions on a journey toward recovery and
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Sisters embrace spiritual companionship role A horizontal picture of peaceful sailboats decorates the wall behind her desk, an icon of Saint Catherine of Siena, a slate sculpture of Mother and Child, a picture of a smiling Jesus, lots of books with interesting titles – the office décor is basic and down to earth. It fits. This is the office of Sister Mary Ellen McDonald, a down to earth person. After 24 years serving in the Saginaw Diocese as pastoral administrator in parishes where there were no resident priests, she has coped with all the tragedies and triumphs of the human condition. And she has all the pastoral and administrative experiences needed for her new role – Director of Spiritual Care Companioning – a component of Marywood Home Health Ministry.
may ask your spiritual companion to pray with you, read Scripture, share a book or even read the newspaper to you. Perhaps a simple conversation about life in general would be appreciated. Although the purpose of this aspect of Marywood Home Health is to provide companionship on the spiritual journey, no topic is really excluded. Persons serving as Spiritual Companions are either professed Sisters or Dominican Associates who are trained for the role. All are individuals who are active listeners; people who do not need to know all the answers or solve all the problems. They are always compassionate and never judgmental. Sister Mary Ellen assures us that anyone is eligible to have a Spiritual Companion, “You don’t have to be holy,” she said, “just open to the Spirit and real about life. If you are open, all sorts of possibilities can unfold.”
Along with the familiar services of licensed nurses, health monitoring, rehabilitation, mental health and personal care, this additional program is offered as part of the Sisters’ conviction that the well-being of the whole person includes the spiritual dimension. Marywood Home Health offers the opportunity for good company in the person of a spiritual companion.
There is no cost for this service; it is included as a contributed service from the Dominican Sisters to anyone receiving the services of Marywood Home Health. If you are interested in exploring this possibility for yourself or for someone you love, call or email Sister Mary Ellen at 616-643-0141 or memcdonald@grdominicans.org
In a recent conversation, Sister Mary Ellen explained: As a client of Marywood Home Health, you are entitled to have a spiritual companion to meet with you on a regular basis by phone or in person. The visit or phone call may last anywhere from fifteen minutes to one hour. You
You'll be glad you did! ~ Mary Navarre, OP
Sister Mary Ellen McDonald (right) is Director of Spiritual Care Companioning. Here she explains to Sister Regina Goeldel the scope and reach of the spiritual companionship element of Marywood Home Health.
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What's Cooking? With all the changes happening at the Marywood campus, the food service department continues to adapt and excel
The staff seems to be always smiling, and have a turnover rate that is near zero. Many employees have been there for more than 10 years, a few more than 15 years and the Food Service Manager of Marywood, Charla Brydon, has been working for the sisters for more than 30 years.
A good meal is often the thing that makes us feel at home. The food service department at Marywood goes beyond creating delicious meals—they provide a truly exemplary service.
"We use a servant leadership approach," said Tim. "While this approach is more work, it also yields better, lasting results. The morale stays high and we continue to improve on what we do best."
“There is a passion in what the sisters do, and the food service department follows that passion,” said Tim Pirochta, Director of Conferencing and Food Services of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids. “There’s an intersection where religion and food meet, and we try to operate on that band.”
For more information about the food service department and the Dominican Center at Marywood, e-mail: events@dominicancenter.com phone: 616-643-0161
Along with being personable, upbeat and knowledgeable about their work, the food service staff find new ways to make our conference guests and Sisters’ meals a better experience. Apart from preparing meals, the food service department also acts as a grocery store for the Sisters. While some Sisters enjoy going out to the grocery store to pick up their food, the food service department provides an easy, inexpensive and healthy way for the Sisters to get the groceries they need. The food service staff does more than just make meals—they make it healthy. And they tell you how. Every day, the nutritional information of every meal is posted, including the caloric content, sodium content and even the amount of Weight Watchers points. They want to make things easier for people to make healthy choices. With the new construction on campus, the collaboration with Porter Hills and numerous other advancements with the Dominican Sisters, the food service department has found new ways to improve the quality of meals, and protect the environment. “We buy locally, recycle and compost,” said Ryan Wiltzer, Food Service Manager of the Marywood Health Center. “Most places, don’t take the time to do that, because it’s labor intensive and not as cost effective. While challenging, we are pioneering ways to make this environmental approach practical.”
Where's the food from? Produce – Crispheart Produce Inc. Meat – Tollmans Dairy – Prairie Farms Dairy (Battle Creek) Misc. – Numerous Local Farms 9
Tim Pirochta, Director of Conferencing and Food Services, has been a member of the Dominican team for more than ten years. He oversees the resident Sisters’ meal plans, making accommodations for many special dietary needs and restrictions; he also provides gourmet meals for events and programs at Dominican Center.
Sister News Sister Aquinas Weber received the Economic Club of Grand Rapids’ Slykhouse Lifetime Achievement Award during the group’s 25th annual dinner in May. The award, created in 2000, recognizes “non-business executives who have also contributed through their time, talent and support to help the community grow and prosper economically." Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair was keynote speaker when Sister Aquinas received the award. Prior award honorees have included President Gerald R. Ford and philanthropists Peter Wege and Ralph Hauenstein. The award is named for George J. Slykhouse, club president and founder, the first award recipient.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Sister Aquinas Weber
Sister Marjorie Vangsness received, in June, an honorary
D.D. (Doctor of Divinity) from Aquinas College. She previously had earned her M.A. and Ph.D. at Laval University in Quebec City, a Fulbright scholarship for study in France; and she taught French for 12 years. She is a former prioress of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, and also worked for Network–a Catholic social justice lobby in Washington, D.C. "Since entering the Marywood convent in 1933, Sr. Marjorie Vangsness has exemplified the Dominican charism of prayer, study, service and community," according to a college summary of her achievements. Sister Barbara Reid was given the Jerome Award in April during the 2012 Catholic Library Association Convention in Boston. The award, established in 1992, recognizes “outstanding contribution and commitment to excellence in scholarship embodying the ideals of the Catholic Library Association.” It is presented by the Academic Libraries, Archives, and Library Education section. Sister Barbara is a vice president, academic dean and professor at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. In addition, she has authored many books and is currently working on “Sophia’s Table: An Introduction to Feminist Interpretation of the Scriptures.”
Sister Marjorie Vangsness (center) was joined by (left to right back) current Prioress Sister Maureen Geary and former Prioresses Sisters Nathalie Meyer, Maribeth Holst, Barbara Hansen and (front left to right) Aquinas Weber and Teresa Houlihan in receiving her honorary doctorate.
Sister Maureen Geary, current prioress, was named “Outstanding Alumnus of the Year 2012” in April, from the University of Notre Dame’s department of accountancy. She “has enjoyed a wide range of work and life experiences,” it was noted in the awards program. “Her accounting and legal skills have served her well in a variety of settings.” As the annual award banquet's keynote speaker, Sister Maureen encouraged the accounting graduates to use their education toward serving the common good. Sister Ann Mason is the recipient of the Aquinas College 10th Annual Outstanding Women Faculty Award. In nominating her for the honor, former student and current Aquinas Assistant Professor of Math, Shari Ann Lewis, cited Sister Ann’s leadership in the mathematics department. Shari noted that, “At a time when over 75 percent of mathematics professors are male, [Sister Ann] can be proud of the fact that almost all of the students succeed here at Aquinas."
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Sister Jean Milhaupt was posthumously named as the Aquinas College’s 125th Anniversary Outstanding Woman. The award was given to Sister Jean for her seventy years of dedication to Aquinas. Aquinas College noted that she served “longer than any other individual in our history,” and they also saluted her for “the considerable research she completed that made possible the publications and activities associated with this year’s anniversary celebration.” Inducted into the Aquinas College Hall of Fame in 2008, she received an honorary doctorate from the school in 2011, prior to her death in November of that same year. Sister Francetta McCann was an award winner for her photograph displayed at the 43rd Festival of the Arts held in June in downtown Grand Rapids. Her awardwinning “Life’s Cross Roads & Joys,” a hand colored black and white print of a barn at Yellowstone National Park, and her black and white “Living Water,” picturing a waterfall in the Upper Peninsula, were exhibited at The Grand Rapids Press building. She has been an avid photographer for more than twenty years and is a past Camera Club “photographer of the year.” Sister Margaret Thomas, Director of Religious Education at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Aurora, Colorado, was honored with "The Sister Margaret Thomas, OP Sister Jean Milhaupt Labyrinth Prayer Walk." The labyrinth was constructed by high school freshman Monty Smith, a parish member, as his Eagle Scout project. “The labyrinth is viewed as a metaphor for life’s journey. Walking the labyrinth may help you to meditate and pray.” Sister Alice Wittenbach was given the Ancient Order of Hibernians’ Spirit of Ireland award during St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Grand Rapids. She received the award for her many achievements and her “allegiance to heritage, family, country and a devotion to Jesus Christ and the Roman Catholic Church," according to a summary of the award. For many years she co-directed the Aquinas College Ireland Program in Tully Cross, County Galway. Sister Sue Tracy was among the presenters at the annual Laugh Fest held in Grand Rapids in March. “More than 150 folks, including some Sisters, Associates, patients and families I've interacted with as a chaplain at the hospital, came to hear me talk about the importance of laughter ‘for the health of it,’” she said. The Gilda’s Club fundraiser included headliners Martin Short and Kevin Nealon from “Saturday Night Live."
Sister Alice Wittenbach with students in Ireland in 2005.
Sister Mario Pavoni has been saluted by Holland Home for her work at its Rehab Dimensions facility. “She is able to establish and develop excellent relationships with Rehab Dimensions’ older adults, who love her wonderful sense of humor,” according to the organization. “Her patients truly miss her when she is not available.” Sister Mario has worked in physical therapy for more than 30 years, and has been affiliated with Holland Home since 2005. She is also a certified Feldenkrais © practitioner.
Sister Mario Pavoni
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Much more than a Volunteer
~ Mary Navarre, OP
sue ann jabin
In this issue of Mission and Ministry, we feature Sue Jabin as our volunteer extraordinaire. Sue doesn’t approve of this. “That word [volunteer] doesn’t really sit well with me,” she said in a recent conversation, “I’m part of this family, not a volunteer.” The family, in this case, the Dominican Sisters and Associates, is fortunate to have such a non-volunteer, for Sue brings great beauty to our campus with her knowledge, experience, gifted hands and generous heart. It began years ago when Sue was going through a rough patch in life. She started coming to Dominican Chapel/Marywood for Sunday liturgies. One day she decided to participate in an evening program as well. Entering the room, she saw an empty seat next to Sr. Rose Miriam Visner and asked if it was being saved. Sister Rose Miriam promptly replied, “Yes, I’ve been saving this seat just for you.” Sue recalls, “Then I knew that I was home and I have felt nothing but acceptance and inclusion ever since.”
Sue Ann Jabin, volunteer and gardening angel, shares her green thumb to color the Marywood campus in a rainbow of living color with floral arrangements and many beautiful plants.
As tiny in stature as her mentor, Sister Rose Miriam, Sue Jabin is often seen with trowel and basket or a handful of something green, zipping around campus digging, pruning, planting, planning – doing whatever it takes to keep this acreage looking its best. Sue is the president and CEO of The Gardening Angel, Inc., a gardening company.
Sue and her colleague Rob McCartney have designed a Master Plan for the campus grounds. She has also offered her assistance with the renovated Aquinata Hall. She exclaimed, “I can’t believe such beauty grew out of that square box!” She describes her dreams for Aquinata Hall as simple, elegant and in motion. “The Atrium is the centerpiece,” she explained, “my dream is to have pavers with cut out spaces for planters, and table and chairs so that people can have a guest for afternoon tea or even a glass of wine. And I would love to see a living wall – but there isn’t a lot of money. We hope some benefactors might want to come forward to do a memorial to a loved one.” At this point, Sue’s voice and eyes brim with enthusiasm for what might be. As the newest feature of our campus environment, Aquinata Hall too will be alive and beautiful; it will bring people together to enjoy life in the company of good friends in a setting that invites conversation as well as contemplation. We are grateful to our non-volunteer, Sue Jabin, – treasured member of this family.
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Office of Development
Sister Patrice Konwinski
Dear friends, Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." Reflecting on this passage causes each one of us to ask: "What will be my gift?" or "What will be my legacy?" Indeed, the Dominican Sisters also ask the same question: What will be our legacy? What will we pass on to the future? Legacy is defined as a gift, a gift of property, especially personal property such as money established by will or by bequest that is handed on from one to another. During their 100 plus years in Grand Rapids, the Sisters have blessed thousands of people with their care and service, their teaching, their counseling, their service to people who are poor and needy, their prayers. Today, they continue these works emboldened by faith and serving with joy, and embrace this opportunity to continue that legacy of service. As we look to the future, we seek to ensure excellent care for our elder Sisters, to use our Marywood campus to its best and fullest potential and to establish a legacy for a secure future for our congregation, as well as to invite others to share in this legacy. We understand development work for our Congregation to be about ministry and relationships with people. Hence, we are inviting others to share in our work to support us as we engage in preaching the Word, making the world a more just and holy society and bringing others to wholeness. In the spirit of St. Dominic & St. Catherine,
Patrice Konwinski, OP Development Coordinator
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Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 451
2025 Fulton St East Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3895
T (616) 459.2910 F (616) 454.6105 www.grdominicans.org
About the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids We are a Roman Catholic community of 230 vowed women religious and we embrace the charism of Saints Dominic de Guzman and Catherine of Siena. Our Sisters serve in education, pastoral and health care ministries throughout the United States. We support several ministries in the US, missions in Chimbote, Peru, and in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Carrying the torch of Dominic, we live and preach peace and justice, respect and care of God's Earth, and collaborate in global partnerships that foster harmony and end homelessness. Liturgy and prayer is at the heart of Dominican life. Dominican Chapel Marywood provides liturgy; and Dominican Center at Marywood offers programs that afford opportunities for the spiritual nourishment of our Sisters and the public. We currently have 120 (and growing) lay Dominican Associates who are dedicated to the charism of Dominic and are active participants in the life and mission of the Sisters. In addition, we are currently engaged in a campus revitalization project that will expand our ministry with a home health initiative, renovation and licensing. Aquinata Hall will become an assisted living residence for our Sisters and for lay seniors within the Grand Rapids area. Our current health center will become a skilled nursing facility. Our ministries continue to respond to social, spiritual and cultural needs – walking always in the footsteps of the joyful friar, our beloved Dominic. To volunteer, donate or learn more, visit www.grdominicans.org or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ dominicansistersgrandrapids
Gatherings are many this year! In keeping with our Dominican tradition, the Sisters gather every six years for General Chapter–the highest governing authority in the congregation. The work of the Chapter is to preserve our spiritual heritage, to elect the prioress and council, to review the quality of life and mission of the membership and to set goals and direction for the next six years. The 24th General Chapter of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids was held in two parts. The first part, the Chapter of Direction Setting, met from January 2-7, 2012 at Marywood. The Chapter body gathered for contemplative prayer and focused on the deep story of who we are as Dominican Sisters in our world. Our conversation centered on three themes: being women of the Word, walking together in Justice, and reverencing Earth. During the weekend of February 24-26, 2012 the Chapter of Election, the second part, convened for election of a new leadership team. In a spirit of prayerful discernment, the 98-member Chapter elected Sisters Maureen Geary, Prioress; Sandra Delgado, Vicaress; Lucianne Siers, Councilor; and Mary Ann Barrett, Councilor. The installation of the new team took place during Eucharist on July 1, 2012. The evening before we gratefully acknowledged the gifts and contributions of the outgoing team of Sisters. The Sisters and Associates gathered at Marywood on August 1-5 for our Annual Dominican Days which included prayer, study and reconnecting. The discussions and reflections built on the earlier Chapter presentations of our own members, enabling us to identify how we wanted to grow deeper into living the values and vision of our Dominican tradition. Our prayer remembered and embraced the sixteen sisters who entered eternal life since our gathering a year ago August. The celebration of 19 Sister Jubilarians, completing 25, 50, 60, 70 and 80 years as vowed Dominican women, was a significant part of our time together. In this 20th year of our Associate Life program, we received eight new Associates who spoke of their faith-filled journey with Dominican sisters and mentors. With gratitude to God, they celebrated the gift of association with all things Dominican and committed themselves to strengthen their spiritual life through prayer, community, study and service. And we received the rich memories of our seven living former prioresses who have led us during the fifty years since Vatican Council II was convened. Through all of these gatherings, our commitment as vowed women religious is celebrated and strengthened, equipping us for the next whisper of God’s voice that calls us to service. ~ Lucianne Siers, OP