jubilee 2014

2014 Jubilarians

Walking Together2025 Fulton Street EastGrand Rapids, MI 49503www.grdominicans.org

What is a Jubilarian?

Megan McElroy, OP

25 years

Ephesians 3:14-21 speaks of family and the discovery of one's true self. Being part of a family – "whether spiritual or natural" – reminds us that we are not alone in life or faith. Becoming Dominican is a lifelong process of discovering the true self, which at its core is the Word of Life. I am so grateful to discover, share, and celebrate this Life with all who have touched and shaped me, especially the Dominican Family.

Had I not seen the postcard about spending a semester in Ireland on the bulletin board in high school, I never would have found my

way to Aquinas College where I met the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids and the Dominican Friars of the Central Province. Born and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan, the oldest of five children, my discovery of Aquinas College was the beginning of seeing the world, of discover-ing the presence of God everywhere. Since those days, I have indeed been in the presence of God in what I have done, in where I have gone, and in whom I have met. In these 25 years of religious life, all of my ministries (pastoral work, teaching, and formation), my studies, my prayer, and my communities of sisters, brothers, family, and friends have collaborated with the grace of God to birth a preacher into being. Who would have thought? How blessed are we to be a part of the imagination of God!

Our Hebrew roots provide a tradition for Jubilee to be celebrated every fifty years. In our Dominican tradition we have developed our own customs. Our celebration of Jubilee brings our Jubilarians back to their origin in the Congregation. We honor each woman and find ways to identify her unique contributions to our lives. We tell stories about our lives, our learnings and our joys and sorrows. We celebrate!

Each Jubilarian has a story to tell, and the common threads of our stories are enhanced by one another. The unfolding of the mystery of God’s presence in our lives is awesome. We recognize this unfolding mystery of dying and being reborn as we walk together throughout life. Each Sister’s YES, each day, enhances the whole community.

As we continue to be inflamed with contemplative love daily, we are so grateful for these holy women who celebrate their Jubilee this year, and we continue to be enriched by their lives.

Br. Ambrose Lowman and Sr. Megan at a prayer service.

In memory of the Jubilarians

who share eternal life

80 Years – 1934Katherine PowerMarie Therese RouseMalachi LaithwaiteJordan Marie HomolkaLeah DorionPeter Verona KolendaMary AlvestefferPaschal BarthLeona LoyerCecelia PoppDolores WendlingEleanore Van DykeJames RauLoretta Marie WannerPhyllis CrimminsLeo Mergener

75 Years – 1939Camilla UsakowskiStephen BarillaFaith Mahoney

70 Years – 1944Villana Van Mullekom

60 Years – 1954Lisa Marie LazioGrace Licavoli

50 Years – 1964Diane HofmanDominica Nellett

Julia Nellett, OP

50 years

In September 1963, Jennie (Sister Dominica, my twin) and I left home to begin our new way of life. We went with a desire to do

the will of God. It was hard to leave home, and the transition to be in a large community with many Sisters was difficult, and it was even harder to lose my sister, Sister Dominica in 2011. I have found that the Dominican Sisters were a blessing in my life in many ways; giving me a firmer prayer life, and helping me to find my best way of serving God by working in food service for 16 years. These years took me to Saint Joseph Seminary, House of Studies, and Mt. Pleasant. It was in Mt. Pleasant that I stepped into a new ministry of hair styling, which has been my ministry for the last 33 years. For the past 11 years, I have also served the community as Car Care Coordinator. All my years have been filled with many blessings and thankfulness for the many Sisters I have lived and work with.

Thank you and many blessings. God is good.

In my 50 years as a Dominican I have passed through many seasons: those of patience, of letting go, of fullness, of new beginnings and of growth in a deeper awareness of my God. I have learned in my brokenness to reach out and to express my capacity to care for others. A sense of humor has always been essential in living life to the fullness. May we continue to grow together in our search for our completeness with God.

80 years

My life began October 30, 1916, in Sagola, Michigan, as a daughter to Ethel and Oscar Vangsness. I grew up with my two younger brothers –

Norbert and Orland – and five uncles, in the care of my grandmother, Adice Kramer, with my father’s permission since my mother died when I was three-years-old. My brothers and I agree that we had a happy childhood.

I graduated from St. Joseph High School, Marinette, Wisconsin, then entered the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, receiving the name Sister Mary Norbert at my profession. Later I earned a B.A. in mathematics and a doctorate in French. I taught high school in Michigan and then French at Aquinas College.

It was my privilege to serve as a member of our General Council in our community for 12 years and eight years as Prioress. Beginning in 1980, I served in various ministries: Finance Director at NETWORK, pastoral ministry, and involvement in peace and justice issues in retirement.

My life has been blessed and continues to be blessed.

Marjorie Vangsness, OP

GRATITUDE THANKSGIVING BLESSINGSI am ever grateful and thank God for my Dominican vocation, my loving and supportive family, my Dominican Sisters, and all those whose lives I touched and who touched my life for these past wonderful, exciting, and challenging 80 years. I promise my prayers for you as I continue my journey giving thanks and praise to our God.

Constance Fifelski, OP

50 years

The oldest of 11, my brothers and sisters and I grew up on a dairy farm

run by our hard-working and faithful parents, Lucy and Steve Fifelski. That connection to growing and gardening has always stayed with me. In my young adult years, amid the upheavals of the 60’s and 70’s, including the exhilarating vision of Vatican II, change became the only reliable. Much of my life’s work has been in Catholic education, especially in leadership and administration.

All the places, with so many remarkable people, have had such an impact on me: Saginaw and Muskegon; Joplin and Kansas City, MO; Kalamazoo, Chicago, and for the last 12 years, Delton and Lacey. Incredible and numerous blessings have come to me through my religious community:

so many inspiring women, such joyful companions on the journey, good friends, and many opportunities for study and growth. “How can I keep from singing?”

As the Quaker hymn says, “My life flows on in endless song. . . . How can I keep from singing?” Countless daily blessings! My heart is filled with gratitude for a loving and devoted family; so many friends, colleagues, and young people; and my Dominican sisters, so faithful and caring.

Sister Constance and parishioners sign monthly greeting cards for shut-ins.

Elizabeth Barilla, OP

80 years

I was born on March 31, 1915, the fourth child of 11 children born to John and Juliana Kulcsar Barilla. Our home town was Grayson,

Saskatchewan, Canada. I met the Dominican Sisters in Melville during my high school years and thought, “That’s what I want to be.”

I loved my home and the work on the wide open spaces. Along with a brother and uncle of similar age I could ride, shoot, trap and herd cattle. On February 5, 1931, I left the dearest, happiest spot on earth, my home.

I arrived at Marywood on February 9, 1931 as an Aspirant and received the habit on August 21, 1934. My ministries were varied: Catholic school education, religious education and pastoral ministry. With a return to Marywood in 1991, I was engaged with the Prayer and Listening Line, the Dominican Laity, and was spiritual advisor for the Friends of the Cross. I now reside at Aquinata Hall continuing with a ministry of contemplative prayer.

“Sing to the Lord, He has done wondrous deeds.” (Ps. 98:1)

Who would ever have thought that a cowgirl herding cattle on the Saskatchewan prairies would one day be a Dominican Sister – reaching the milestone of 80 years – as a teacher, choir-director, organist, pastoral minister and foreign missionary? By God’s grace it all happened. I praise and thank God. I thank all those who helped me on the way.

Maxine Plamondon, OP

50 years

I entered the community from beautiful Lake Leelanau, after

attending St. Mary’s School where I was taught by the Dominican Sisters. My home life was Faith-enriched and of-the-earth, since both sides of our family were farmers.

I am most grateful to God for my large family and for my Religious Community. In 2010 I was given the honor of attending the Canonization in Rome of a distant relative, St. André Bessette. This was a special occasion, since I have little desire to travel.

Presently, I am living with my sibling, Beatrice Marie, a Felician Sister as well as Sr. Jean Karen Woloszyk, OP. My Ministry is one of presence, volunteering in Home Health, visiting residents at places of care, praying with them and bringing them Holy Communion.

GOLDEN G God is so gloriousO Over gracious with BLESSINGSL Loving, letting me reach this Year of JubileeD Daily filled with HIS PRESENCEE Everywhere is greatness and gratitudeN Naming me among His chosen

Juliana Barilla, OP

80 years

As I reflect on my past 80 years as a Dominican Sister, I am filled with gratitude for all of God’s gifts and blessings, my

religious Community, family, relatives and friends.

Common prayer, common life and study prepared me to serve as a teacher and executive housekeeper at Marywood and enabled me to spend some years in family ministry.

My grandparents and parents brought their deep faith from Hungary and passed it on to their children. What a privilege it was to return to that homeland and rekindle the faith in the land of my forebears. It was a dream I had hoped to fulfill – and to go with my sister, Elizabeth, was an added blessing. Deo Gratias.

“Who has given God anything as to deserve return?” Romans 12:35

Mary Navarre, OP

50 years

When I first visited Marywood in 1962, I saw a group of women whose prayer moved me with its beauty. It was clear to me that they cared deeply for one another; and they remembered how to laugh. That’s when I knew I had found my ‘home.’

If one thousand years are as a day in God’s sight, fifty years are as swift

as a falling spark of light in a meteor shower. Yet each day of these fifty years, days of joy and sorrow, fill me with gratitude. Teaching and study occupied the early years. Prayer has deepened with the passage of time, study has sweetened and now the ministry of writing fills my days. My love for this community grows with the concentric circles of the expanding family of St. Dominic. My prayer now is to serve boldly and joyfully until the end of my days on Earth. And when the time comes to return to the stardust from which I

came, I pray to gladly greet the Creator of all that is good, to enjoy the company of all whom I have loved, and to begin that last great adventure and first perfect joy.

Sister Marilyn in her office writing the second history book on the

Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids.

Aurora Valerio, OP

75 years

Iwas born in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico on August 9, 1921. My parents, Celso and Ester Valerio, named me Aurora Delphine. I was

the oldest of four children. My mother died when I was twelve and my father’s mother came to live with us and care for us. I attended St. Francis of Assisi School in Ranchos de Taos. I continued my education with the Sisters when I entered the community in 1938.

My seventy-five years in the community included ministries in Michigan, New Mexico, and Chimbote, Peru. I served the Sisters in food service and in Chimbote I was a support person for the maternity hospital, the home for the elderly, as well as helping those preparing to receive the sacraments. I started a Mothers’ Club and taught the women cooking and sewing.

In 1984 I returned to Marywood and served as sacristan and continued to sew clothing for the poor. I now enjoy time for prayer and the companionship of my Sisters at Aquinata Hall.

Rejoice with me as I give thanks for 75 years of religious life. I give praise and thanks to God and also to all who have supported me along the journey of Religious Life.

Marilyn Holmes, OP

50 years

“This is what I will keep in mind: the Lord’s love never ends; God’s mercies never stop. They are new every morning.” Lamentations 3:21-23What a wonderful ray of hope! How good my God has been to me … all my life and especially these past 50 years. Golden indeed! I am very grateful for the abundance of gifts I’ve received. The gift of life blesses me with challenge and adventure. Thanks be to God!

Pleasanton, California is the place I was born to Bill and Grace Holmes on March 24, 1945. I began my life there because my Dad was stationed

at a Navy base. When the war ended, we came back to Grand Rapids. Our family grew with the addition of three more children. St. Francis Xavier Church was very much a part of our community, education, and faith life. I graduated from Catholic Central in 1963. Feelings of giving more with my life had been tugging at my heart, off and on for a while and I decided to enter the community on September 8, 1963. After attending Aquinas College I began my 43 year teaching ministry. When reflecting on those

years, my joy always came when the students “got it”; when they had their “aha” moment. It was such an enriching time. The last couple of years I have been blessed to serve our Sisters and to learn from their wisdom which continues to be a source of strength and inspiration.

Sister Marilyn in her office organizing transportation for the Sisters.

Emelina Judis, OP

75 years

Seventy five years ago I heard the call to be a Dominican Sister and I continue to taste and see the goodness of the Lord daily. My grateful prayer of thanksgiving for the gifts of life, family, friends and vocation are treasured. The many opportunities in ministry and renewal to grow in grace have brought me joy. Deo Gratias!

I was born on July 30, 1917 in the town of Irons, Michigan. I was the third of 12 children born to Dominick and Casimira Judis. I

joined the Dominican Sisters at Marywood on September 8, 1939. My ministries included elementary education and pastoral ministry.

In 1989 I was engaged in a new ministry at Marywood called the Prayer and Listening Line. Then in 1994, well past my golden jubilee year, when the United States Bishops’ asked for helpers for Central and Eastern Europe, I was able to spend two months in ministry in Lithuania, the land of my ancestors.

At the time of my final retirement I said, “life keeps getting better and better. I have loved everything I’ve done.” I now reside at Aquinata Hall continuing with a ministry of contemplative prayer.

Carletta Bockheim, OP

60 years

Jubilate Deo omnis terra – servite Domino in latita.” Sing joyfully to God, all the earth, serve ye the Lord with gladness.

Sixty 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!

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

“

Elaine Mitchell, OP

75 years

This is truly a blessed and happy milestone in my life as a daughter of Dominic!The years in service as teacher, receptionist, housekeeper, seamstress and “you name it” have been very fulfilling. God has blessed all these 75 years for me as a person from one big family! There are no words to describe these years. I just pray all the rest of my years will continue to be happy, blessed and holy.

I was born in the little town of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, on March 25, 1920, the third of sixteen children to Edmond and Mary

Magdaline Mitchell. When we moved to Marinette, Wisconsin, I became acquainted with the Dominican Sisters, many of whom I would later have as high school teachers in Muskegon, Michigan. But not until my tomboy years in the public grade school and after a bout with polio would I walk the nine miles to St. Mary’s, Muskegon. There were fifteen in my entrance class, and Mother Euphrasia received us in 1938. I have served in many community ministries including the classroom, food service, housekeeping and as a receptionist. I now reside at Aquinata Hall continuing with a ministry of contemplative prayer.

Catherine Anderson, OP

60 years

I was born in Elberta, MI on October 22, 1934 of parents Charles and

Rose (Pawloski) Anderson. Our family moved to Traverse City, MI. where I attended St. Francis Grade and High School. There were two older siblings, Al and Betty (their mother had died), and later five younger brothers, Phil, Bill, Tom, Pete and Bob. Growing up near Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding beauty was a great blessing.

I entered the Grand Rapids Dominicans on September 8, 1953. The next 60 years were spent teaching mostly first graders, serving as Director of Religious Education for Handicapped Persons for the Gaylord Diocese, Religious Ed. and Pastoral ministry in parishes including my home parish of St. Francis, Traverse City. I am so grateful for all the wonderful people who have been in my life who helped me grow in the love of God, neighbor and all creation.

“I have come that you may have life and have it to the full” (Jn. 10:10).I praise and thank God for my “wonder” “ful” life beginning with my faith filled loving parents, my sister and six brothers, and my Dominican family. I have been so blessed to be called to teach, be in pastoral ministry, religious education and spiritual direction. I am now blessed to be living here at Marywood. These 60 years have been an awesome and challenging journey to fullness of life.

Sister Catherine and junior high girls from All Saints in Alpena, MI.

Karen Thoreson, OP

75 years

Iwas born on August 28, 1919 in Port Oneida (Maple City), Leelanau County, to Ole and

Louise (Richard) Thoreson, the third of seven children.

My grade school was a one-room country schoolhouse two miles from my home. High school was at St. Mary’s Lake Leelanau, eighteen miles from home.

After graduation in 1938, I entered the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids with my class friend, Eileen Popp. I attended Aquinas College before embarking on my teaching ministry in primary grades.

In 1966 I was assigned as Novice Mistress. These were the years following Vatican Council II. Interestingly, in my first class there were 21 novices. Six years later, in my last class there were two.

From 1971-1989, I ministered as Parish Coordinator of Catechetics. During this time I visited my brother and family in Australia and went on a pilgrimage to Medjugorie. My faith and prayer have significantly deepened with this experience.

“My being proclaims the greatness of God; my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-55Glory and praise to God for 75 years of religious life, and love and gratitude to my Dominican Sisters, family and friends whose love and support have accompanied me along the way!

Rita Wenzlick, OP

60 years

I was born on November 27, 1935, the seventh child of John and Anna Wenzlick. I grew up on a farm in New Lothrop, Michigan, and

entered the Dominican Sisters at Marywood in 1953.

During my 35 years as an educator, my travels took me to Saint Mary High School, Gaylord, Beaver Island Community Schools, Saint James, Saints Peter and Paul Area High School, Saginaw, Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, Benton Harbor, and Sacred Heart School, Mount Pleasant. Summers were spent on completing my MA at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. In 1991, I came to the Diocese of Lansing where I have served the diocese in a number of different capacities. In my present ministry, I serve as Special Assistant to Bishop Boyea and Delegate for Consecrated Life.

I enjoy good music, theater, gardening, sewing and needlework. This has been and is a life worth living and after 60 years of living it, I have not looked back!

“Blessed be God and His gifts” is a favorite mantra of mine. In this 60th year of jubilee, I am deeply aware of the many who have been instrumental in bringing me to this point of my life. I acknowledge my family, my community, and the many friends and colleagues with whom I have worked and met along the way. For all of these, I am simply grateful.”

Eileen Popp, OP

75 years

“I know what plans I have in mind for you – it is God who speaks – plans for your peace and not adversity, renewing a future full of hope for you.” Jeremiah 29:11

My 75 years in religious life have proven this passage to be true!

My years in ministry consisted of teaching, being a Religious Education Director and Pastoral Associate, and initiating the Prayer and Listening Line here at Marywood. Each one of these ministries has been enriching and fulfilling.

I have experienced challenges along the way as well as joy, happiness, the love of my Sisters and the abiding Presence of God.

It is with a grateful heart that I look back over my seventy-five years as a Grand Rapids Dominican Sister.

Elizabeth Bishop, OP

60 years

March 20, 1935 I came into a loving family of ten children. My parents, Alphonse and Mary Bishop, were my role models and

taught me to love others with a compassionate spirit. I was educated by our Dominican Sisters at Maple Grove, who also inspired me along the way. How little did I realize when I entered our Dominican Congregation, that I was destined to be a nurse to serve the sick forever.

Nursing was a new adventure for our Dominican Congregation at this time, and I was chosen to follow in this profession. New Mexico and Michigan were places where I served in hospitals. Then our hospitals closed and I was sent to work in the public sector. What a privilege it has been all these years to be a part of God’s Healing Team. Prayer and quiet time alone with God have energized me to continue the plans He had in mind for me.

“For I know well the plans I have for you, says the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:11

Antonita Vigil, OP

75 years

Iwas born in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico on December 17, 1922. My parents, Antonio and Maria Vigil, gave me the name Adelina Maria. I was

the sixth of nine children.

I attened St. Francis elementary school in Ranchos de Taos. I continued my education with the Sisters when I entered the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids in 1938. At my reception on August 16, 1939, I received the habit and the name Sister Antonita.

During my 75 years I served in Michigan and New Mexico. My ministries included food service with our Sisters, visiting nursing homes and hospitals where I was pirvileged to take Holy Communion to the patients. I enjoy crocheting, knitting and puzzles.

At present I live at Aquinata Hall. I have more time for prayer and help wherever I can and participate in the various activities.

With a grateful heart I thank God for my Dominican vocation. This journey has enriched my life through various ministries, daily prayer, and opportunities for travel, especially to the Lands of Dominic, the highlight of my dreams. I thank my family and all who have supported me through the years.

Robert Ann Erno, OP

60 years

Psalm 105.... “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.” These words from Psalmist echo my sentiments of gratitude for these 60 years of many blessings.

Iwas born the youngest of four children to Clara and Clarence Erno. We were

raised on a farm in New Lothrop where we all shared the chores of caring for the animals and harvesting crops. We remain a very close-knit family, and I am grateful for their life-long support.

I attended St. Michael’s school at Maple Grove from sixth grade on where I was taught by our Sisters. They definitely were an inspiration to me and started me on the road to following in their footsteps as a Sister and teacher. After graduation from high school I entered Marywood, finding it hard to leave behind the family; even though I was only 100 miles away, it felt like I was across the ocean in another country.

Upon graduation from Aquinas College, I started my teaching career at St. Mary’s in Hannah, followed by St. Boniface and Holy Rosary in Bay City, St. Mary Magdalen in Melvindale, St. Francis in Traverse City and lastly Catholic Central in Grand Rapids. Math has been the focus of most of my teaching career and it gives me the greatest pleasure. During all these years the wonderful experiences and lasting memories of working with so many students, teachers, administrators and parents have been truly a blessing.

Sister Antonita visiting patients at St. Joseph Hospital, Albuquerque,

New Mexico.

Adrienne Adelman, OP

70 years

I was born on November 25, 1919 in Chesaning, MI. While attending Catholic School there, Sister Victor Flannery, my

teacher, asked if I had ever thought of becoming a Sister. I mulled over my response for a number of years, while earning a Bachelor’s degree and beginning a teaching career near Battle Creek.

After visiting Marywood in 1943, I entered the convent and continued teaching: kindergarden teacher for 22 years, Montesori School teacher for 13 years. From 1986 onward, tutoring and assisting in the Finance Office were balanced by my love of gardening. Roses and plants bloomed under my care, so did students. I continued to use the Montessori techniques at every opportunity “to help students better develop their gifts in order to enrich their own life and the lives of others.”

Called to Praise, Bless, PreachIn common prayer, daily Eucharist and embracing nature in all it beauty, I PRAISE.

Jubilee time is a time to give thanks to God for family, Community, and friends who have supported and encouraged me, I BLESS.

Throughout my teaching career, I was attracted and challenged by assisting children to discover and develop their talents. I found joy in providing the best environment that a child can experience, I PREACHED.

Phyllis Lopez, OP

60 years

Jubilee is a special time to celebrate and reflect on how well we have done justice to the poor, sick, and those on the fringe of society. This is supported by Jesus’ statement, “Whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me.” Amen, Jesus.

I was born in San Marcos, Texas on August 22, 1933. My parents and two of my older sisters did field work. At that time we were six

children in the family. As time went on, our family moved to look for more work in states such as Mississippi, Wisconsin and Michigan. A few years later we moved to Saginaw. As we grew up, we joined in picking crops such as cherries, cucumbers and tomatoes. By this time there were three more children – nine altogether. My dad saw that we had enough to buy a house, so he did. It was a few blocks from St. Joseph’s School. It was then that I thought of a religious vocation. On September 7, 1953, I left Saginaw for the ride to Marywood in Grand Rapids.

Thanks to my Lopez family, friends and the Dominican Sisters for all these years of love, care and concern. I have learned what really matters in life.

Jean Reimer, OP

60 years

As I think of Jubilee, songs and psalms fill my heart – “We give you thanks...with faith and hope and love, we give you thanks.” This expresses well what these past sixty years have been and I trust God with the future.

This journey in the Dominican family began when my parents, Alex and Esther, fell in love,

married and raised seven children. I am second oldest. The seed of religious life was nourished by my Catholic School education. Although

unaware, I was “founded” on the Dominican Pillars: study – including Latin; prayer – school began in Church; service – projects of every sort; community – getting along day by day. While in high school I came to Marywood for a Reception Ceremony and returned home ready to “leave all and follow.” My parents thought otherwise for one so young. At age 23 I “left all” believing God was calling and I must “Come and See.”

I have been bountifully blessed with calls to minister in a variety of places, peoples and languages: Health Care in California (Brawley and El Centro), New Mexico, Saginaw, Texas and Grand Rapids; Pastoral Care in Mexico (Mexicali and Juarez), Guatemala, Saginaw, Russia and France (Prouilhe and Fanjeaux). Each holds a blessing and a story.

I am grateful for this itinerant journey inspired by the Spirit through the giftedness of Congregational Leadership and the sacred sisterhood each in turn gift to world and church.

Angelina Abeyta, OP

70 years

Thank you God for your unconditional love! Each day I become more aware of God’s boundless love for me. The gifts of health, family, community and friends are there for me to embrace. I am truly blessed!

In a small village in New Mexico called Abeytas, named after my

great grandfather, I was born the oldest of nine siblings. We were surrounded by the extended family feeling secure and well taken care of.

After graduation from high school I joined the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids and traveled to an unknown land, Michigan. There I studied at Aquinas College and got a degree in teaching. For 20 years I taught in different Catholic schools in Michigan.

During the Vatican II changes I had the opportunity to teach in San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico. After four years I became Director of the Evangelization office for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Three years after, I coordinated Basic Communities in Albuquerque. After a few years I became director of the southwest office for Ministry Resource Center, a collaborative venture of LCWR. This collaboration brought about the opening of Centro Mujeres, a center that ministers to women and children at the border of El Paso and Mexico. I was coordinator of this project for five years before I retired in 2005.Sister Jean during an immigration prayer vigil.

Evelyn Schoenborn, OP

70 years

The past 70 years have gone by very fast. These years as a Dominican Sister have been very meaningful to me because of the various ministries in which I was privileged to serve. I am grateful to my family and all who have supported me along the way.

On September 8, 1943 I celebrated my 19th birthday by entering the community. I had left the farm and was working in Grand

Rapids when I decided to become a Dominican Sister. Following profession, I was assigned to various missions and studied to earn a high school diploma, Bachelor of Arts and Master’s in Religious Education degrees from Aquinas College.

Variety is the spice of life and there was variety in the range of ministries I engaged in over the years. In addition to teaching in several elementary schools in Michigan, I ministered as receptionist, activity coordinator, home care assistant, seamstress and pastoral minister. My most exciting and fulfilling assignment was the three and a half years I ministered in the poverty areas of Northeastern Kentucky. To experience a culture so different from my own where the Catholic Church is almost non-existent has made a lasting impression on me.

Mary Ann Ferguson, OP

60 years

For God has done marvelous deeds, break into song, sing praise!Indeed, God has blest me in so many ways. I truly have much for which to be thankful – family, friends, community, all who have helped me break into song.

Sister Mary Ann working at the Dominican Center Bookstore.

I was born on June 29, 1936 to Francis and Evangeline Ferguson in Alpena, Michigan. I am the second oldest and only girl of five siblings.

I was taught by the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids throughout my elementary and high school years. It was during my junior year that I felt the call to religious life. After much prayer, I entered Marywood in 1953. Our class was one of the first to stay at Marywood and study at Aquinas, where I majored in Music Education.

In 1957 I was assigned to my first mission – Holy Family, Saginaw. Other places where I have served were Bay City, Traverse City, Muskegon and Grand Rapids.

Upon retiring from teaching I had a sabbatical year – part of which was spent at Springbank, South Carolina. After that I was involved in the WORD Project. At present, I work part-time in the Dominican Center Bookstore and play for Mass and prayers.

I am grateful to all who have walked this journey with me.

Mary Aquinas Weber, OP

70 years

“I give you thanks for this wondrous life” (Psalm 139). These words best express my experience as a Grand Rapids Dominican. God has given me a wondrous life, emboldened by faith and Church as I walk with community, family and friends. I will continue to serve with joy.

I was the 5th child of a family of 11 children; 9 boys and my sister, Marguerite.

I had wonderful, loving parents who provided a healthy, Christian environment for us. Catholic education was very important in the eyes of my parents. We had well prepared GR Dominican Sisters from grades 1-12 as teachers at St. Mary Hannah School. Learning was a joy for me. After I graduated from high school I went to Detroit for 2 ½ years to work at Park Davis, a pharmaceutical company. In February of 1944 I answered the call to religious life that had been growing in me and I am now in my 70th year of living out that call. They have been years of many blessings, joys, sorrows, successes and failures, all helping to strengthen my character. During those years I believe that I was able to put into action the 4 charisms of the Dominican Order in the ministries that I served as teacher and administrator. I have had many opportunities to study, travel and to serve on Church, civic and non-profit boards. These were a great learning experience for me as well as a service to the boards. I continue my ministry at Aquinas College working in the Advancement Department. I am grateful to God for my vocation to the GR Dominicans and being associated with wise women who have shared their lives with me in the service of the Church. I was privileged to have a biography of my life written by Gary Eberle called “Going Where We Are Needed” on the occasion of my 90th birthday. It documents my life as a Grand Rapids Dominican Sister.

Geraldine Czolgosz, OP

60 years

“Here I am Lord, I come to do your Will” As I ponder the past 60 years I am filled with gratitude to God for the many blessings received – my religious life as a Dominican, a loving family, friends and good health. Thank you, God, for the ability to love You and Serve You in Your people.

I was born November 1, 1926 the seventh of eleven children to John and Frances Jurek

Czolgosz in Saginaw, Michigan. Education was at a one room school for a year, Holy Rosary School, Saginaw, Central Junior High and Saginaw High where I graduated in 1945. During my senior year I worked part time at Lufkin Rule Shop on IBM Machines, then at Michigan Bell Telephone in the accounting department for seven years. Family daily prayers and my parents’ strong faith led to my vocation.

June, 1953 I joined the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids and received the name Sister Hyacinth of Our Lady of Confidence. I received a Bachelor’s Degree from Aquinas College and Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University. My teaching career was in schools at various places in Michigan. After retiring from school, my later years have been spent working with the finance department as bursar for the Sisters.

Sister Geraldine works as Bursar for the Sisters at Marywood.

Maurita Reynolds, OP

70 years

I am very grateful for the many kindly experiences of my home, my years in school (Grades K – 12) and in our Grand Rapids Dominican Community. All displayed great love of God, Neighbor and Self.

I was born on February 13, 1926. My parents are

Charles P. Reynolds and Helen Reynolds. I have two sisters, Mary and Pat. I appreciate both of them as well as my parents. Mary died eight years ago. My first experience as a teacher was in a Religious Education Program for Public School Students then called CCD. This was during my senior year at Catholic Central High School. My later teaching experience began in 1946 in various Catholic Schools. I taught in both elementary and high school. In two of the High Schools I was in charge of two social studies departments. I was Principal in one of the Elementary Schools. For five years I was in Office Work. It was very interesting. In this work, I experienced wholesome Spirituality from two Dominicans of our Community who were in charge at that time. Both were brilliant and exemplary examples of Christ in positive ways. Many thanks to our Sisters for so much in so many kindly ways.

Margaret Kienstra, OP

60 years

I am truly grateful for the grace of God leading me to the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids where I have received many blessings. I cherish the prayers, support, and companionship of the Sisters. They have given me strength in ministry and many joyous memories of fun times together.

Iwas born on August 8, 1927 in Wood River, Illinois, a small town across the Mississippi River from North St. Louis, Missouri. My

parents were William and Theresa Kienstra, and I grew up with an older and young sister and two younger brothers.

After graduation from the local high school, I attended Webster College for two years – a small college conducted by the Sisters of Loretto, and affiliated with St. Loius University. I then worked for my father and did some traveling. One trip was the 1950 Jubilee Pilgrimage to Rome, France and Switzerland. It was at this time I felt a vocation to religious life. Being attracted to the Dominicans who professed a life of contemplation and action, I wrote to the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids for information. After receiving several issues of “Come and See,” I made my application. I became Sister Mary Gretchen and received my Certificate of Theology and Masters Degree in Elementary School Administration. I ministered as a teacher and principal of elementary schools in Michigan.