Impact of Vatican II on Rising SpiritAdrian Dominican Sisters Transforming Power of the Spirit Sometime prior to the 1968 General Although written by the same author Chapter of Renewal we began a in a fairly stilted style, the books study and discussion of what we provoked a first attempt among us Saffectionately (or not so) called to begin sharing with one another “The Blue Books.” Written by J.M.R. profound questions about our role Tillard, OP, the four books explored in Church and society. We had never the purpose and significance of before engaged in these kinds of religious life. serious discussions—and have not ceased doing so since! Were religious to be nothing more than auxiliaries for specialized The reflections contained in this tasks, such as preaching, teaching publication celebrate the far-reaching or certain works of charity? No, but impact of Vatican II on the Adrian neither were we to be part of an Dominican Sisters in the 50 years aristocracy with respect to other since Pope John XXIII summoned modes of life. Religious were to the Ecumenical Council in 1961, adapt to the needs of the day, even convening it the following October. at the price of great sacrifice. We Every woman in our Congregation were to witness the presence of God who went through these times to all we encountered, and to seek undoubtedly has her own story of the voice of God in all things, as God transformation to tell. speaks in the events of daily life. Those I believe we are at another Many seem to have lost their way History tells us that when we are who have crossroads today, perhaps the and are looking for inspiration and called, we find extraordinary ways entered or most pivotal in my lifetime. Our reassurance. to respond. Our response today associated planet is imperiled by unsustainable may not be as measurable as in We know our resources are limited— with us since consumption and potentially days past, but it will speak no less those of our planet, our world and renewal give catastrophic climate change. faithfully. We still hold the power to our Congregation. We ourselves are witness, as Enormous wealth is held by a bring the Spirit of God, movement older now, and fewer in number. Yet the authors powerful few nations and individuals toward a transformed world, to those we have within us wonderful powers in this issue while the middle class shrinks and who need it most. of the Spirit. In vowed commitment, convey, to a clear understanding that millions around the world suffer our hearts are oriented beyond Attracta Kelly, OP the joys and the hopes, the griefs and poverty and disease. Many others ourselves; we remain free, available Prioress the anxieties of our world, especially are caught in the crosshairs of war to serve the common good of all among the poor and afflicted, are and violence provoked by greed, God’s creation. As vowed women ours as followers of Christ. hatred or fear of the “other.” and Associates, we must constantly Attracta Kelly, OP entered in 1958. Prior to her 1 election as Prioress of the Congregation at the As Church and members of a religious Vatican II gave rise to enormous be in dialogue with “the signs of the General Chapter of 2010, she served as supervising congregation, we crossed a major hope, which carried us through times,” as Vatican II reminded us, in attorney and project director at the North Carolina threshold through Vatican II during a the difficult challenges of the ‘60s order to determine to what we are Justice Center. very challenging and transformative and ‘70s. Today, however, I see a being called. time in our world. great lack of hope in our world. Our First Steps

Four months after Mother Mary The following summer, Pope The Congregation numbered Genevieve Weber was elected Paul VI issued a Motu Proprio, approximately 2,200 members at Mother General of the Adrian which contained the process for the time that Mother Genevieve Dominican Sisters in the summer of implementing the Decree on took office. It was no small task to F Mother Genevieve Weber (left) and Sister John 1962, the historic Vatican Council II, Religious Life. Directed to the provide a way in which every Sister Joseph (Anne) O’Connor called by Pope John XXIII, opened superiors general of all religious could be consulted in preparation in Rome. For Pope John it was to be institutes throughout the world, men for the General Chapter, which was of issues proved trivial compared to an event of aggiornamento, updating, and women alike, its contents were set for the summer of 1968. On July what came forth in preparation for opening of the windows to let in to consume the time and energy of 11, 1966, Mother Genevieve issued the Renewal Chapter that began in fresh air. For the Adrian Dominican Mother Genevieve for the remainder a long-range plan preparatory for 1966. Sisters, it was to initiate through of her term in office. the required General Chapter. It The plan that Mother Genevieve sent Mother Genevieve’s six-year term the was particularly sensitive to the There were three significant out involved three phases: most transformative period in the stipulation that all Sisters of the directives for implementation of the 1. Study and discussion of materials history of the Congregation. As each Congregation should be consulted. 2 Decree on Religious Life: there was related to the renewal of religious of the documents of the Council was to be a General Chapter of Renewal This provision was new to the life. These materials were made issued, Sisters of the Congregation within three years; all members of members of the Congregation. available to all the Sisters. read them avidly. They eagerly the institute were to be consulted Earlier General Chapters had focused waited for the one on religious life. 2. The division of the Congregation in preparation for the Chapter; and on the election of the Congregation Perfectae Caritatis, the Decree on into 13 geographical regions. Each certain norms of the Constitution leaders with relatively few other the Renewal of Religious Life was region was to elect a chairperson could be altered “provided that the issues. Some will remember that issued by Pope Paul VI on October and two other members. The purpose, nature and character of among the decisions of the General 28, 1965, shortly before the Council chairpersons of the regions the institute were preserved.” With Chapters were: the Sisters could adjourned on December 8, 1965. were to constitute a Central due diligence, Mother Genevieve set have wristwatches; on home visits Most of those who read it did not Committee for the Congregation these directives in motion. they could extend daily visits from find it particularly stimulating. in preparation for the General 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. These kinds Chapter of Renewal. 3. Suggestions, summaries and discussion, and to stimulate the effect what was then called Maria Hall … I see a very great desire that each one recommendations from the of intensive research on all phases of to replace the aging St. Clement of us will be able to live that [religious regions were to be sent to the our Dominican religious life has made Infirmary. It was dedicated in 1969. life] without someone having legislation Motherhouse for tabulation. a tremendous contribution to our first She had similar care for the young for it. I appreciate that. But I do beg that steps of renewal. We realize that renewal Sisters in formation in razing the each and every one of us will support There was one additional important is not something that happens today old North Building which had those who do not understand or quite responsibility that Mother Genevieve and then stops abruptly, but rather it is a served as a novitiate and building a comprehend the obligation that each of gave to the Central Committee. As continuous process. new facility that came to be called us is taking upon herself; that we see their part of the renewal process, each Weber Center. It was completed and weakness and we will not leave them congregation was to write a new Mother Genevieve also devised a opened to receive the delegates unaided…. We can talk about maturity constitution. In May of 1967 she plan for the election of delegates to the General Chapter of Renewal but there are degrees of maturity, so wrote to the regional chairpersons to the General Chapter which she in 1968. She followed up on some that each one of us who has had this assigning them to spend the summer revised after receiving responses projects initiated by her predecessor, experience of the Chapter must be a at St. Paul Convent in Grosse Pointe, from the Sisters. The Chapter Mother Mary Gerald Barry. One was support for those who need our support. Michigan, where they were to work convened with 135 delegates, 3 the building of St. Dominic College on a draft of a new constitution for an unprecedented number by A number of times Mother Genevieve in St. Charles, Illinois, completed in the Congregation. comparison to earlier General reminded the Sisters that renewal was 1964. The two hospitals in California Chapters. The General Chapter of not something that terminated with In a letter of May 30, 1967, Mother were consolidated into Dominican 1962 had 42 delegates, half of the Chapter of Renewal. Renewal was Genevieve wrote in appreciation of Santa Cruz Hospital, a new facility, whom were local superiors. an ongoing project. the work of the Central Committee. dedicated in 1967. She expanded the She said, in part: Mother Genevieve was a very Congregation’s ministry overseas by In that conviction she was prophetic. compassionate woman who had sending Sisters to Peru. It would be difficult to truly evaluate the special concern for the frail and tremendous work that has been done At the end of the General Chapter of Nadine Foley, OP entered in 1945. A former elderly of the Congregation. She Prioress, Nadine has served as the Congregation by the area committees throughout Renewal Mother Genevieve reflected addressed the need for improved historian for the past 16 years and is the author of the country. Their effort to solicit the upon what it had accomplished. She the second volume of Adrian Dominican history, healthcare facilities by building thinking, to encourage study and said in part, Seeds Scattered and Sown (2006). A Thousand Proposals

The Letter! It was in early January the conversation was emerging directly in expressing their ideas Early on a major challenge emerged of 1968 when I arrived in Adrian from an exploratory conversation and concerns. A proposal process for the need to provide education from Rosarian Academy in West to a charge. Sister Mary Paul and I was devised and simple forms sent regarding the purpose of the TPalm Beach, to attend a superiors’ had been serving on the Chapter to the Sisters. Over five months, Renewal Chapter and the function of meeting. Upon arrival, I was asked if Planning Central Committee. Now 1,046 proposals were received in the Pre-Chapter Commission. Among I had received the letter from Mother we were being asked to engage in the following categories: Dominican some of the Sisters there was a level Genevieve. No, I hadn’t. I had this task full-time. Although stunned Life and Apostolate, Government, of anxiety and misunderstanding. evidently left Florida before the letter and a bit confused, I accepted the Works of the Congregation, Sister Mary Paul went cross-country arrived. I was brought into Mother appointment. Formation, Economics, Constitution and made 25 presentations with Q/A Genevieve’s office and engaged and Communication. I did not realize sessions. Her presentations, presence Sister Mary Paul and I, along with in a conversation about staying how significant these categories and credibility helped to diminish the other 11 elected regional leaders, in Adrian to co-chair with Sister were; they became the major some of the fear and concern. Timely formed what was now called the Mary Paul (Noreen) McKeough, the agenda topics for the Chapter of communication was important and Pre-Chapter Commission. The group coordination of preparations for the Renewal. periodic bulletins were sent to keep 4 determined that the first action General Chapter of Renewal, which the members informed. needed was to involve our Sisters would begin that summer. I realized

Change was in the air. There was excitement about “fresh air.” We studied the documents of Vatican II, even as we read Thomas the future but some real disconnects as We sensed Aquinas and wrote papers on his works. A year after I made first well. Our religious life class was based and breathed profession, the Chapter of 1968 opened the door. The next Chapter on a circumscribed view of the world Pope John XXIII’s permitted observers. “Chapter of the whole” followed—all Sisters in and women’s place in it. Theology “fresh air.” the community would have a voice in shaping our common future. classes told us a whole new world was emerging. We sensed and breathed Pope John XXIII’s Janice Holkup, OP entered the Dominican Sisters of Edmonds in 1964. An artist, she has served as an art teacher for most of her religious life. The months of intense preparation enactments resulted. One month preserved in writing passed quickly as materials were later, on July 22, the election of the is what happened prepared and coordination of General Council took place, bringing and is happening campus services was finalized. Sister in new leaders who immediately took to the hearts, Mary Paul and I felt a sense of relief office and would be responsible for minds and spirits that our task was completed. implementing the Chapter mandates. of our Sisters. Sister I experienced a certain freedom and During the final week, the delegates Laurence Edward Sisters Thomas Raymond (Jeanne) Burns, Rose Elena (Rose Ann) Schlitt and Agnes Martin (Madeline) Dervin in pre-Chapter discussion. excitement in my role as delegate completed and voted on the “Interim (Rosemary) Ferguson, to this Chapter that was to be a Official Acts of Session I” and the first who was elected transformation, to a conversion, that General Chapter like no other in of three sessions officially closed on Prioress General at none of us at that time could have our history. July 28, 1968. that pivotal Chapter, captured this envisioned. in the Prologue of the Report to the The General Chapter of Renewal After 50 years, history has preserved Congregation (1968-1973): commenced on June 21, 1968. the documents of Vatican II and the Jeanne Burns, OP entered in 1947 and was Committees formed quickly. results of the General Chapter of The 1968 General Chapter of Renewal, elected Vicaress at the General Chapter of 1968; 5 currently retired, she was involved in education Position papers were written, Renewal of the Adrian Dominican following Vatican II, most radically as a teacher and administrator and in hospital actions discussed and official Congregation. What we do not have changed our lives and called us to a ministry as chaplain and vice president.

As novices preparing for first profession in The Church I ministered in in which I grew up. Changes would come in clothes, ministry 1966, we asked our families for a copy of the would be different from the one opportunities and especially in our freedom to be with “the people new missal. We would soon celebrate Mass in in which I grew up. of God,” leading me eventually to my present ministry: helping Holy Rosary Chapel in English! I remember our First Nations people take their rightful place in Church. excited preparations, especially learning new songs. It was like anticipating a big feast day. The Church I ministered in would be different from the one Susan Gardner, OP entered in 1964 and is a minister of lay formation at the Nelson House Catholic Community in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas in Manitoba, Canada. Roots Up

The 1968 General Chapter of on weekends from Detroit, Chicago making about how to live a vowed Sister Laurence Edward (Rosemary) Renewal of the Adrian Dominican and beyond to take advantage of communal life of prayer and loving Ferguson as Prioress General of the Sisters began on June 21 with the observer privilege. This large service into the future. Congregation, with Sisters Thomas perceptible openness, inclusiveness group of eyewitnesses returned Raymond (Jeanne) Burns, Mary T A pivotal enactment that first and momentum. On its first day, with first-hand experience and Paul (Noreen) McKeough, Margaret summer called for monthly motions were made and passed greater understanding of the Michaella (Dorothy) Folliard, and “Community Chapters” to be held by to waive the accustomed session- issues under deliberation. They Mary Julita (Mary Therese) McCarthy members at the local level between secrecy mandate on delegates, as transmitted the spirit and life of as General Council. Sisters elected Chapter sessions. The Community well as the tradition of voting by the Renewal Chapter beyond the as Congregation officers: John Bride Chapters followed a basic structure age in religion. Another motion accounts reaching members by daily (Mary Catherine) Jordan, Secretary, shaped by a pertinent theme, was made and passed to admit telephone messages and periodic and Mary Christopher (Kathryn) Scripture-based prayer, reflective two temporary professed Sisters news bulletins. Noonan, Treasurer. discussion and collegial decision- to full delegate status, making Whereas earlier General Chapters making about local policies and During the ensuing year, the a total delegation of 135 voting 6 had been completed in around practices. The Chapter delegates General Councilors and Chapter capitulars, representing designated three days, the Renewal Chapter also mandated a congregational delegates visited members age and regional populations from was held from 1968 to 1970, in self-study to facilitate responsible around the country and at their across the United States and Latin three summer sessions of varied decision-making about corporate provincial assemblies, sharing America. Yet another motion made lengths. The breadth and depth allocations of resources and their understanding of the Chapter and passed on the first day allowed of communal study and reflective ministerial placements. Enactments that had emerged six non-delegate observers to be dialogue across the Congregation to date, and the need for every present in selected Chapter sessions. While working together through in preparation for the Chapter member to participate in the hundreds of issues raised by the In the course of the first month, brought a host of issues to the unfolding transitions in communal membership, the delegates were the number of observers was table. The demands of the resulting life and apostolic service. The recognizing, embodied among increased from six to 24, to 30, “roots-up” agenda necessitated mandated self-study also involved themselves, leadership qualities then to 54. Hundreds of non- the additional Chapter time for every member in an in-depth needed in transitional times. On delegate Sisters traveled to Adrian adequate deliberation and decision- examination of all aspects of July 22, they accordingly elected communal life and work through for local and collegial decision- “social teachings of the Church,” questionnaires, meetings and making. It would now be up to the “political, social and economic interviews. the members of the Congregation systems in relation to the Gospel,” to implement this foundational the “ways in which each of us Meanwhile, during their monthly legislation. is oppressor and oppressed.” Community Chapters, Sisters across The reflection/discussion group the country chose themes from the Many Sisters looking back on this composition was to be self- 1968 Chapter Report/Enactments as initial renewal period identify the organizing, without geographic topics for reflection and discussion. “Community Chapter” structure strictures, to encourage informal These monthly meetings led to as one of the principal ways they linking of groups for further growth in experience of collegial began to “interiorize new concepts exchange of knowledge and decision-making. and ideas, and to become more perspective. Faithful implementation at ease in sharing thoughts,” as By the summer of 1969, the of these directives by the members Chapter minutes note. When the reconvened delegates were ready to promoted a deeper consciousness 1974 General Chapter mandated approve unanimously a statement of the Congregation’s identity and studies on justice, Community of identity and purpose linking purpose “in the mission of Jesus.” Chapters were adapted to facilitate vowed life to loving service. Seven the education. The 1974 Chapter The 1978 Chapter delegation used accompanying policy statements published seven goals, each this mission concept to vitalize presented this renewed framework emphasizing pertinent aspects of co-responsible decision-making in as a basis for co-responsible Gospel justice, together providing all areas of Congregation life and decision-making about life and criteria for co-responsible decision- ministry. The Chapter adopted a work. At the regional assemblies 7 making in all areas of Congregation renewal Mission Statement: held during the ensuing year, “life and ministry.” The vocabulary intermediate governance structures In the mission of Jesus we Adrian choice evident in the word ministry emerged, adapting this renewed Dominican Sisters discover and identify (not apostolate) reflected some of framework to suit regional needs. ourselves as women called together to the mutual growth in new concepts share faith and life with one another In the summer of 1970, during and ideas. and sent into our world to be with the final session of the General The recommended prayer/ others bearers and recipients of his love, Chapter of Renewal, the delegates study themes for pursuing justice co-creators of his justice and peace. approved 90 Chapter Enactments education under the adapted encompassing all aspects of Community Chapter structure Jeanne Lefebvre, OP entered in 1956 and has renewing communal life and work. suggested broad topics like the served on the faculty of Siena Heights University These ranged from “wearing what for the past 30 years, teaching history and religious “Gospel meaning of justice,” the is appropriate” to creating structures studies. Colombia: the contradictions inherent normal life. We Sisters similarly were in the outmoded political and social sensitized. When the girls started to structures of our countries constituted decline elaborate birthday parties, Educación Liberadora a form of institutionalized violence. luxurious clothing and visits abroad, I their parents began to complain. We We awakened to the reality of were called communists and accused poverty—something we Sisters could of brainwashing their daughters. not comprehend from within our Vatican II came to be the response with communism and deposed in enclosed convents. We re-thought It soon became clear that we would to the signs of the times in Latin 1963 after only seven months in the curriculum at our Congregation- not be able to continue with this America and the Caribbean. Its office. A popular uprising in 1965 sponsored Colegio Santo Domingo, kind of liberation education among Vopening to ecumenism and the was defeated within days when creating a “liberation education” the children of the wealthy. At modern world impelled not only 42,000 U.S. Marines landed in Santo intended to ground our students in our Mission Congress in 1973, we courageous decisions in the lives Domingo to “avoid another Cuba.” an understanding of the realities of Adrian Dominican Sisters formally of countless Christians but also an The Council’s documents our country. A number of us Adrian articulated an option for the poor. It explosion of creativity. It signaled a underscoring the dignity of the Dominican Sisters went into the was expressed the following year in time of awakening consciousness, human person and primacy of barrios accompanied by girls from the Congregation’s decision to hand which we experienced in the conscience opened the door for the Colegio to engage with the poor. over the Colegio to the Archdiocese of Dominican Republic in the form us to study diverse philosophies We obtained accreditation so that Santo Domingo—and would continue of social uprisings following years and critical theories, including our students could earn credit hours to shape us to the present day. of brutal dictatorship. In 1965, for their work to increase literacy Marxism. This study, in turn, set We had adopted the position that the people sought a return of among adults, record people’s living 8 us on a new path. We recognized we would make no decision without democratically elected President conditions, examine public hospitals, ourselves as adults with a right to considering its impact on the poor, Juan Bosch, who had been identified and offer messages of hope by self-determination. We knew we our sisters and brothers in Christ. staging plays, music and dance. could not accept leftist allegations Throughout Latin America and the against Christians that we were Our students began to understand Caribbean, others made a similar cruel and unjust; Christianity’s that they could not turn their backs commitment to be in solidarity with call is to love one’s neighbor. on the harsh reality lived by the the poor. The spirit of this shared ideal But through critical analysis, we great majority of our people, and soon caught fire around the world. came to understand what the developed greater sensitivity. A Latin American bishops would number were ready to dispossess Margarita Ruíz, OP entered in 1953. She now recognize a few years later during themselves of things they had teaches at the Dominican Institute of Theology and their 1968 conference in Medellín, at the Inter-Congregation Center of Religious Studies previously considered a part of their in the Dominican Republic. In the years following the Second without outside distractions (even Vatican Council, I was teaching though this was well before cell elementary school in Chicago phones and laptops!). Sisters Nadine Iand would have labeled myself as Foley, Miriam Mullins and Teresa A Constitution being “dragged along” in terms of Disch were all living in Adrian, which the changes that resulted from the we agreed would never provide us Council. I was not an early enthusiast with the space and quiet we needed. Shaped by Our Story of change! However, all that shifted We finally settled on the seminary in when, in 1974, I was invited by the Ogdensburg, New York, where Sister General Council to consider going Mary Tardiff was a faculty member. while a prose style would be used for heart of economically devastated to seminary. It was in the midst of We soon discovered that there statute material. The first draft was Detroit. In order to respect the my studies that my whole worldview were no distractions in Ogdensburg, distributed to the Congregation in theology of other religious traditions was altered. Toward the end of my except perhaps the ships moving January of 1981. We held “listening” and cultures, I had to know my own study, I was asked to serve on the down the St. Lawrence Seaway! We sessions around the Congregation, very well, and then try to adapt my committee to revise our Constitution spent two weeks together over each and met the following January to “Catholic language” to the language and Statutes. of the next three summers, doing prepare the second draft for the that articulates other theologies. preparatory study and drawing up a General Chapter of 1982, when the These theologies have been At our first meeting in the spring of draft document. Constitution was approved. (Other indispensable as I teach students 1978, we realized that we had to start revisions had to be made after the who will minister in a global world. from scratch. Our old Constitution To develop the Constitution, we document was reviewed in Rome.) (1944, revised in 1962) and even the needed to know Dominican Anneliese Sinnott, OP entered in 1955 and is a beautiful interim document written by history, our own and the Order’s; The opportunity to serve in this professor of systematic theology at the Ecumenical 9 Sister Patrick Jerome (Mary) Mullins we had to become well acquainted capacity with such wise and Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. were not of much help. We knew with Church teaching; we had to wonderful women was extremely that our new Constitution needed immerse ourselves in the Vatican II rewarding and to flow out of our Dominican story documents; and we had to reread enriching. The and history (Vatican II mandate) and the many documents from our work helped me had to incorporate attention both Chapter of Renewal and subsequent to prepare for the to concern for the individual Sister Chapters. These documents, ministry in which I and to our reconfigured government especially The Church in the Modern would eventually structure. World, suggested to us a language engage—teaching that would focus on mission. We also theology in an To do this work adequately, we decided that a poetic style was more ecumenical needed an environment where we appropriate for the Constitution, environment in the Sisters Miriam Mullins, Nadine Foley, Mary Tardiff, Teresa Disch and could spend quality time together Anneliese Sinnott enjoy a light moment. Art Lifts

It was in the air before it happened. to be opened to let in the Spirit. A spatial difference—no longer to artists, not as makers of things, but In the spirit of things stirring to A whole realm of possibility opened pray “up” to God, but God is here, in as vehicles of transformation of fruition. in what it is to be Christian, to be one the midst of who we are. consciousness. To awaken ourselves I people, to be in and for the world. and others to this miracle of In the Liturgical Art conferences that Exciting, because we ourselves now Incarnation. changed environments with each We worshiped with students become a part of unfolding this great session, that gathered enormous in storefront Catholic Worker good news among us. So many And so we began a ministry of crowds for Eucharist with Father Eucharists. We knew ourselves to ways to do it, to live it. Out of each space installations—meditative Clarence Rivers leading a chant as an be on a creative edge. It broke in person’s singular perception comes a circumstances that invited persons empowered assembly came to life. In upon us that our God, in Jesus, is new way of unfolding this realization entering them to re-experience the Pope John XXIII’s call for a window incarnate, in this world, among us. to others. To see ourselves as world. To ask, “Does McDonald’s do it

When I was a child I used to draw on the walls in my closet. Later, as a taken by them, I created a scroll, illustrating the statements in calligraphy: 10 calligrapher, I was fascinated by and studied illuminated manuscripts. “We stand in communion with the women in our world… We break our In 1992, I was silence of complicity… We claim our freedom to liberate the creative-woman working at spirit.” Three years later, I entered the Congregation, falling in love with our Dominican Hospital rich history and that of the Dominican family. It is my passion to tell our story, in Santa Cruz in beautiful form and function, and I was privileged recently to collaborate when I read the with our Iraqi Dominican Sisters in publishing their history, Drawn by Love. Vision Statements Creating the page for words, drop caps, in English and Arabic, reminded me of that emerged the monks who labored in the monasteries, a much different process, but with from the General the same passion and desire to share the written word today—beautifully. Chapter of the Adrian Dominican Aneesah McNamee, OP entered in 1995 and is dedicated to applying her craft to telling the Sisters. I was so unfolding story of Dominican life. all for you?” To enter “City of Surfeit,“ renewal and outreach. To envision a burial chamber of containers/ spaces—Sanctuary of Hope for the bottles/stuff that all of us generated, homeless in Chicago, or a spiritual and have the poor looking out from center that gathered Muslim/Jewish/ within them, at us. Christians toward each other within the environment of a garden. Asked by women religious to bring Vatican II sensibility into their To discover from Vatican II, that each institutional worship spaces, so that dimension of being can awaken altering a space might transform awareness. That space is a gift with the community. We asked the profound potential of opening us community, “What do you desire to to life. That art can transport us, lift become?” and endeavored to bring what is ordinary to a new plane, that about a space that would call them of the experience of God. to that. 11 Rita Schiltz, OP entered in 1943; Barbara Called by young parishes in Maine, Chenicek, OP in 1953; they founded INAI Studio, St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Lewisville, Texas, designed by INAI Studio in Texas, in Illinois to help each Adrian, Michigan, whose thrust since 1973 has group step into a circumstance of been design of contemporary sacred space. God, Extravagantly Good The God image I brought with me as As Vatican II opened and its emphasis upon my obligations, my out to proclaim the message, and I entered religious life was of a God documents were promulgated, responsibilities, my working toward to cast out demons [i.e., to confront who was loving, good and merciful. I experienced vast shifts in my perfection was wrong. Life wasn’t injustice when it arises].” understanding of God, religious life D God did, however, have fairly high about me, what I should do, what I T The ministry to which I’ve been expectations; as a woman given and myself. John XXIII called Vatican II should be; it was about God, God’s called for the greater part of my adult the gift of a religious vocation, I was a Council not of reform but of renewal. working within me, calling me to life has involved facilitating in other to strive for perfection, to live the Some religious observances that greater life and love, peace and people an understanding of and a “perfection of charity.” constituted our daily practices were happiness. mature and confident relationship actually accretions of piety from other Striving for perfection demanded The notion of separation from with the God we met in Vatican II. cultures and centuries. These were separation from the world, adhering the world gave way to reclaiming The gratitude, the joy, and the sense pared away so that the essence of to a daily horarium with every Dominic’s missionary vocation, of fulfillment this work has brought Dominican religious life could emerge segment of the day spoken for and becoming sensitized to the world’s me has never deserted me to this more fully. a strong emphasis upon obedience deep hunger to hear, understand very day. as conformity to external norms. I I learned that God is not only good and live the good news of the embraced all of this because I was and merciful but extravagantly so. I Gospel. I became aware of a new Carol Johannes, OP entered in 1950. A former taught and believed that this was learned that the only purpose for my consciousness of the immense Prioress of the Congregation, she has been 12 engaged in spiritual direction and retreat work for God’s will for me, a secure way to existence is that God could be self- privilege of discipleship, called, as 30 years. serve others and save my own soul. gift to me. I learned that much of the Mark says, “to be with him, to be sent

I entered religious life during a time of creative tension. Spirit was As the years unfolded, I learned the story of our evolutionary Universe. Spirit Few Sisters were entering the Congregation; many were “a-movin.” continued to move within me. I no longer saw the face of God reflected in leaving. Still, I was at peace, having a feeling that the humans alone; all parts of creation communicate an aspect of the divine. We Spirit was “a-movin.” We gathered often to explore the initial are members of the whole of our Earth community. This informs the way I move in vision and energy of our founder, as well as topics in social my life and gives me the energy to serve, with others, the deepest needs of our day. justice and feminism. During the novitiate, Mother Benedicta Bauer’s words—”travel constantly!”—became a reality, as we Mary Ellen Leciejewski, OP entered in 1972; since 1996 she has served as the Ecology Program hit the road, connecting with our Sisters across the country. Coordinator for Catholic Healthcare West, a 40-hospital system in California, Arizona and Nevada. Roles in Church During Vatican II, I was teaching The horizons for our areas of ministry were canonical widows, who served Our Adrian Dominican Constitution in Detroit. Our own Cardinal John began to expand. In small groups we as elders and leaders of women; refers to Mary as “a woman of Dearden was an important voice explored the question, “How is my ordained deaconesses, who assisted strength who experienced poverty Dat the Council and we were well ministry part of the mission of the the bishop; and consecrated virgins, and suffering. She witnessed through informed about the proceedings, Church, which carries on the mission who had a ministry of prayer. Later, her life and her Magnificat the reading and discussing the documents of Christ in the world?” This led us to abbesses held strong leadership roles. qualities of justice, peace, mercy and when they were published. examine the role of women in the love.” I have always had a special In 1974 I was invited to join Sisters Church. I took part in devotion to Mary; it has been a As we began the process of renewal, Joan Delaplane, Mary Tardiff and an historical study of privilege to preach retreats and the move to update our theology was Anneliese Sinnott in studying in the ministry of women write on Mary’s Song. I now am significant. Well-known theologians, seminary for four years. We enjoyed in the first six centuries endeavoring to understand Mary in such as Piet Schoonenberg, were the same fine education as the young of Christianity, an ecumenical perspective, exploring invited to Adrian to assist us. Liturgical men studying for the priesthood. After undertaken by her role as a highly respected figure renewal enhanced our prayer life with seminary, I began the work most Patrologist Father Jean LaPorte of the in Islam, with the Qur’an making 34 meaningful English translations of the dear to my Dominican heart, teaching University of Notre Dame. The work references to her. prayers and readings. It took a while theology; it was my way of entering of dedicated women in the early for beautiful liturgical music to develop into the mission of Christ. After a few missionary endeavors of the Church Mary Catherine Nolan, OP entered the in English but it happened and new years of teaching, I was able to pursue 13 was impressive. Among women with Congregation in 1951. A theologian and hymns took their place alongside our a Doctorate in Sacred Theology with a mariologist, she is now retired from full-time specific roles in Church communities beloved Latin ones. concentration in Mariology. teaching but continues to write and lecture, with a special interest in ecumenical dialogue.

I entered after working as an attorney, primarily representing large I was provide within the Church. My recent work in ethics focuses on minimal, corporate clients. I had resisted the call to religious life because I feared encouraged universal standards of justice, informed by a theology of wonder and losing opportunities open to lay women. When I met the Dominicans I to use wisdom. My Dominican Sisters continue to challenge me to contribute to fell in love with the charism, especially the search for truth and my gifts. the myriad ministries, common life, and shared wisdom through which we St. Dominic’s nine ways of prayer. The opportunity to pursue these in together seek and speak truth in Church and society. community with others who shared my passion was irresistible. I was encouraged to use my gifts, converting them to serve the Church and the Gospel. My ministry Carolyn A. Roeber, OP entered the Dominican Sisters of Edmonds in 1983; she serves as Collegial in canon law has been aimed at making available to people the freedom law can Judge/Auditor in the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Seattle and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in ethics. Expanding Justice

In 1961, I was back in the States At the time, John F. Kennedy was I responded to the call to renewal The feminist movement was in after three years in Puerto Rico and president and our pope was a jolly with enthusiasm, having become full force, influencing NETWORK’s the Dominican Republic, where my Italian overflowing with love and deeply involved in the social values: mutuality in relationships, Iexperiences of living and working a fresh approach to “opening the movements of the late 1960s. This participation in decisions, with our Latina Sisters instilled in me windows” of a stuffy Church. The engagement opened more than cooperation in justice work. Feminist a deep appreciation for their cultures. press corps nicknamed him “Johnny windows; new doorways beckoned. analysis helped us detect and As Vatican II began, I was teaching Walker” because he would slip out of denounce domination in all its forms. In 1972, with the Congregation’s in Miami Beach where half of my the Vatican compound and wander As a balm soothing the intensity encouragement, I helped start students were recently arrived from around Rome. It was a fun time to be of political engagement, I took up NETWORK, a Catholic social justice Cuba, experiencing great emotional a Catholic. organic gardening. lobby founded by Catholic Sisters. difficulty.

14 My first impression of Bible study, we were told at Rosary High School to hold a memorial service Vatican II was that it teachings on social justice, outside because it wasn’t allowed inside. I was 17 that year didn’t change the Church liturgies in English that when I decided to leave the Church; it seemed a bastion of enough! True, the altar relate, challenge irrelevance. The next 10 years I spent working in factories and was turned around, the and inspire obtaining a degree in fine arts. By 1977, I found myself back in Mass was in English and Church and three years after that, entering religious life. Why? the nuns’ habits were modernized. And Bible study, teachings on social justice, liturgies in English that relate, challenge and true, some anti-war and pro-civil rights talk inspire—all the things missing in the ‘50s Church of my early youth ended up, by and action was emanating from Church the late 1970s, emerging and changing a people, a Church and my life! circles and from a few nuns at my school, but this was not enough in my view. When Cheryl Liske, OP entered in 1980 and again in 1986 and is a community organizer with the Gamaliel Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, Network, where she has ministered for 20 years with the interfaith community in urban areas of Michigan.

Photo: Don Burton, Gamaliel Foundation In 1975 I was invited to be on a The next doorway opened Santuario commitment “to live simply and and deeper vistas; from local justice board to examine congregational Sisterfarm, an ecology center near sustainably for the sake of the whole work to national public policy, from investments from a justice San Antonio, Texas, that I co-founded Earth community” more visible in international corporate responsibility perspective. We developed criteria with Sister Elise García and Latinas of Lenawee County, Michigan, and to to planetary concern, from seeing for socially responsible investing. the Borderlands. On seven acres, we make our Motherhouse land more God in our human neighbor to This evolved into proactive created a model of living lightly on accessible to diverse communities, encountering Divine Mystery in alternative investing. Using these Earth using organic practices and the especially those struggling all life, embraced in an expanding experiences, I designed and directed values of permaculture: Earth Care, economically. Universe. a similar fund for the Christian People Care, and Fair Share. The various doorways I chose to walk Brothers Investment Services, called I am now invited to help coordinate through over the past 50 years have Carol Coston, OP entered in 1955 and for the past Partners for the Common Good efforts to make our Chapter 2010 each led to the next, offering wider 10 years has served as co-director of Santuario Loan Fund. Sisterfarm, a sanctuary in the Texas Hill Country, cultivating biodiversity and cultural diversity. 15

Adrian Dominicans celebrate NETWORK’s 15th anniversary (1986). Healing Ministry

In the mid-1960s, the Congregation Genevieve said she would think to earn my Bachelor of Science in gatherings exploring the spirit and was seriously taking to heart the about it, but I never heard back. Nursing degree. philosophy of Vatican II. mandates of Vatican II to renew The next year, I was sent to teach As an “older student” in my late 20s, In the spring of 1971, I received a Iourselves through community and in Harvey, Illinois. While there, I nursing studies were difficult, but call from Sister Carolyn Harrison ministry. I was teaching in Sault responded to a Congregation survey, I felt a connection with my father, (now deceased), administrator Sainte Marie, Michigan, when Mother asking how each Sister envisioned enjoying my clinical rotations at of Dominican Hospital in Santa Genevieve Weber came to visit. her ministry in the next five years. Mercy Hospital where he practiced Cruz, California. She invited me I told her of my interest in nursing, I again expressed my desire to go for many years. Living at Ascension to minister at Dominican. As a which probably runs in my genes; into nursing; this time I was assigned Convent, I was able to attend parish die-hard Chicagoan, I didn’t know my father was a surgeon. Mother to St. Xavier University in Chicago

I am a “hybrid Christian.” I was raised I witnessed the discovery of “new identities” as Sisters changed from the habit 16 Presbyterian in a small Kansas farm town and to “regular” clothes and as shared decision-making became a new expression became Catholic in 1968, during my senior of obedience. In my early upbringing, personal prayer was not part of my year of college. My first Catholic experience. However, as a post-Vatican II Adrian Dominican, personal There was experiences occurred in the early and communal prayer has become an essential part of my life. My a sense post-Vatican II period, primarily in journey as an Adrian Dominican for the last 40 years fills me with a of new life. student centers where the Mass was strong sense of identity, community and service. My several personal celebrated in folk liturgies. There “theophanies” have convinced me that: God is; I was compelled to was a sense of new life. The year prior to my become a Catholic; I am called to be a healer; and I am an Adrian Dominican entering, I lived with our Sisters in East Lansing, for life. Michigan. I experienced the struggles as Sisters in the multi-age group worked to pray Melba J. Beine, OP entered in 1971 and graduated from medical school in 1986. As a Sister Doc in more spontaneous forms than the Office. practicing internal medicine in San Antonio, Texas, Melba has a special dedication to caring for people in hospice, as they make their final journey home. anything about the hospital, but her chaplain department and our invitation was a pivotal point in my volunteer Eucharistic ministers. I ministry and community life. know of two patients who returned to the Church because of these During my first 20 years as an compassionate, caring ministers. obstetrical nurse at Dominican, I I also coordinate the critical care was inspired by my patients’ calm and surgery volunteers, who serve acceptance of difficult situations. families stressed by the severity I especially remember one of the patients’ illness or surgical patient whose son was stillborn. procedure. They are aware of the I prepared the baby and laid him special privilege of ministering in his mother’s arms. She held to people who are facing critical him, saying, “His name is John.” I moments in their lives. It is a sat with her, listening to her now privilege I have enjoyed for 40 lost dreams. Before leaving that 17 years, thanks to our embrace of day, hearing she wanted to see renewal, which opened the door to me, I stopped in her room. She my nursing profession. simply asked, “Are you alright?” Her concern for me, at such a sad time in her own life, moved me. Veronica Kelley, OP entered in 1958. Currently serving as Chaplain Services Coordinator, she has After 13 years as patient relations ministered at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, manager, I now coordinate the California, for the past 40 years. Sister Philomena Perreault tends to a patient in Haiti. Woman-Spirit Rising

From a perspective of 50 years, Movement. It was a heady and and in a patriarchal, hierarchical Church was critical to its integrity the decade of the 1960s stands often confusing time. It set me on a Church. “Woman-spirit rising” spoke and mission. Not surprisingly, my out as the most disruptive and path in search of a more just world to my spirit’s dormant thirst for empowered woman-spirit brought Fliberating years of my life. My and a more just Church. liberation from the patriarchy that me into conflict with many in my comfortable, white, middle-class, had shaped my life. The definition family, my community, my Church Two compelling images shaped my Catholic religious Americanism of Church as “people of God,” and society. emerging consciousness in those was challenged by the Civil which emerged from the Second years: “woman-spirit rising” and the These two instincts brought many Rights Movement, the Women’s Vatican Council, empowered me Church as “people of God.” Those new challenges and experiences. Movement, the Second Vatican to act out of that identity with a images contradicted my lived reality In the renewed Church world, Council and the Anti-Vietnam War new confidence that my role in the as a woman in a patriarchal world I worked for the 1976 U.S.

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Adrian Dominicans and friends march for the Equal Rights Amendment in Washington. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ in a small women’s ritual group government-sponsored conference At our last General Chapter that self- gathering in Detroit, moving the called SAS (Sisters Against Sexism) for women in Houston, to attending realization had come to full maturity event to a process of open and and then in Women Church Speaks. my first U.N. Conference on as we committed ourselves “to claim equal consultation. The women’s It was a wonderful time of growth. Women in Copenhagen in 1980. our moral authority to speak our issue was openly and positively In the community, I served on truth in Church and society in the In the larger society, the women’s/ debated. Two women’s ordination the Women’s Commission as we spirit of Catherine of Siena.” feminist movement opened conferences continued to energize grew in our understanding and new horizons for growth and me to seek for changes toward participation in the whole dynamic engagement, from lobbying for the Maria Riley, OP entered in 1952; now Senior inclusive language and images of of women moving into a new self- Equal Rights Amendment (it failed), Advisor, she directed the Global Women’s Project God and ever-widening roles for realization in Church and society. at the Center of Concern in Washington, D.C., for to attending the first and only women in the Church. I participated 28 years.

The Dominican Sisters of Adrian arrived in my When I applied to study industrial arts, my request was denied because “women 19 pueblo in 1976, when I was in high school. aren’t good in mathematics.” I had earned top honors in every senior-level They rode up and down math class that year! Each week I gathered with a youth the mountains on mules, ... fresh winds of change were group the Sisters had formed to explore, with “one hand donkeys, horses and cars reaching the central mountains on the Bible and the other in reality,” the connection that dated to the 1940s, each of the Dominican Republic! between faith and life. These Dominican Sisters offered loaded not only with all kinds a new model for living and celebrating faith as Christian of people but also with chickens, goats and other women, engaged in the struggles and hopes of the people of God. “I want to be cargo. People said, “Those women look like men.” like them,” I said to myself one day. The fresh winds of change from Vatican II were reaching the central mountains of the Dominican Rosa Reyes, OP entered in 1988 and has spent the past five years working in the Dominican Republic Republic! But some things remained the same. with economically poor communities of faith, especially women and immigrant workers. She is now studying social work at Barry University. A View from the Pew

Ah yes, October 11, 1962, was a With hindsight comes gratitude. St. Margaret Mary Church in Winter very significant day for me, but Having entered in 1964, my Park, Florida. Since then, I have not because it happened to be the formation years were steeped in had firsthand experience of how Aopening day of the Second Vatican learning about the documents of Vatican II is implemented at the Council. That morning my mother Vatican II that were rolling off the local level. In our parish, great care had given birth to my brother Brian, presses. Our daily “instructions” from is taken to celebrate the liturgy well, who took his place as the youngest our Novice Mistress, Sister Laurence to empower lay leadership, and of 10 children. He was born after a Edward (Rosemary) Ferguson, were to create ministries that serve the string of six sisters, so we were all rich with new ideas; language; and people’s needs, especially the poor delighting in this great event, and I images of God, the Church and who are given precedence. couldn’t wait to get to school to tell its mission. Most importantly, we The freedom Vatican II offered to everyone. were given a new way of looking explore new ways to live out our at Church and learning how the However, when I got to Visitation faith life also brought challenges. people of God were called to varied 20 High School in Chicago, all that the Questions emerged that touched roles and responsibilities in living wonderful Sinsinawa Dominican the essence of what constitutes the out their baptismal commitment. Sisters could talk about was this heart of a faith community. How It was a new day for the laity; no historic occasion called Vatican II, do we re-engage the thousands more were they just expected to which had just begun in Rome. who have left the Church because “pay, pray, and obey.” “Who cares?” I thought, “I have a of the reforms of Vatican II? Are new brother!” Little did I know then Twenty years later, in 1987, I found we in loving dialogue with those how that far-away ecclesial meeting myself beginning parish ministry at who feel alienated from the Church, would impact my life. especially gay people, women and those hurt by the hierarchical these differences in ways that are As St. Paul reminds us, structure? With fewer clergy and respectful and conciliatory, yet and upon which we religious, what are we doing to driven by the biblical vision of the place our faith and ensure the continued celebration of Council that witnesses we are one hope, “Jesus Christ is the Eucharist and sacraments in the Body in Christ coming together the same yesterday and years ahead? weekly to worship our Creator. today and forever.”

In addition to these challenges, Vatican II began as an event and there has developed a mindset has become a movement that Rosemary Finnegan, OP entered in 1964. She ministers among some parishioners that continues to be energized by the as the adult faith formation calls into question the Vatican Holy Spirit. Despite the challenges director at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Winter Park, Florida, reforms. There seems to be a and tensions, Christ’s Church will which is actively engaged in church within a church, and it is up endure throughout the ages. relief work in Haiti. to the parish leadership to handle 21

When I entered as a new college graduate, I didn’t know much about the Excitement and energy were building as we reviewed the various drafts of Adrian Dominicans other than what I had learned at a a new Constitution, trying to articulate how we were called “Come and See” weekend. Nor did I know much about their ...the focus was on to live out our charism. I carry this forward today as a parish “renewal” other than the outward signs. What impressed and the present and future minister, sharing with parishioners how we are called to read –on the mission attracted me was how hospitable and genuine the Sisters the signs of the times now—how we can discern and respond were, their emphasis on “reading the signs of the times” and to God’s distinct call to each of us. developing a personal relationship with God when it came to discerning one’s vocation and ministry. While it was evident the Sisters had a deep love and Jeanne Wiest, OP entered in 1980; she has been the pastoral associate and liturgist at St. Peter the Fisherman Parish in Eagle River, Wisconsin, for the past 10 years. respect for the past, the focus was on the present and future—on the mission. Re-Thinking Teaching

Pope John XXIII’s metaphor for changing from Caucasian to African most of us, who had previously searching and a resolve to become Vatican II was potent! “Open the American. taught only middle class, Caucasian educational missionaries in the windows! Let the fresh air in!” It students, were now uneasy as to deepest sense of the phrase. We I was mindful that Vatican II Psang in the hearts of the Adrian how we could effectively teach wanted to genuinely welcome acknowledged the Universal Right to Dominican Sisters as we reflected young African-American women differences that were initially an Education. “All men [and women] anew on our lives in mission at our whose backgrounds and culture upsetting and often discouraging. of every race, condition and age, transformative Chapter in 1968. were so unlike our own. since they enjoy the dignity of a Workshops and communal It rang in my heart as I pondered human being, have an inalienable We did understand that superficial reflection prepared us. Our hearts my mission as principal of our right to an education…” This adaptations would not work. The opened as school doors opened school in South Chicago where reminder was most pertinent since changes we faced required heart to welcome these eager young the neighborhood was rapidly

22 I entered religious life, and began my two hours southwest of Santo Domingo. We educate more than 1,700 students, ministry in education, after the most from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, whose families are impoverished. exciting changes of Many settled in shacks in this desert-like area when they were Vatican II had already been In educating others, dispossessed from their mountain homes in the 1990s because implemented, including I have learned of the construction of a hydroelectric dam. In educating others, the greater participation to value and respect I have learned to value and respect the beliefs of others. At the of women. My role as an the beliefs of others. same time, I welcome the challenges of these young people. educator is focused on Daily I have the opportunity to confirm the significance of personal development and religious religious life today and to affirm my identity as a Catholic woman in service to the formation, providing me with wonderful most vulnerable in society—and in fidelity to the Teacher of teachers. opportunities each day to develop close relationships with the beautiful students Basilia De la Cruz, OP entered the Congregation in 1997 and serves as the high school principal of the Espíritu Santo Fe y Alegría School, founded in 1994 by Adrian Dominican Sisters and the people of enrolled in our rural school, about Sección San José Bani, Dominican Republic. women. The fresh air they brought interests. As a result, instruction happy that her toes danced! Their from one another. This experience challenged our habitual ways of became more interactive and thus customs and preferences gradually brought both students and faculty thinking and teaching. Among other livelier. transformed school activities and to an appreciation of all people as things, we re-designed curricula, celebrations so that they were God’s children, as our sisters and We learned from our students. including history, literature and indeed multicultural. brothers. They taught us that hardship and music our students would recognize; pain are eased with laughter; Vatican II set forth the principle; we re-thought our approach to that their language, though not students and faculty verified its truth Jean Denomme, OP entered in 1949. In religion to include their experiences; retirement, she continues her mission of teaching always grammatically correct, was that we are better people when we adapted teaching methodologies through writing, including a new book titled, sprinkled with vivid expressions. we move out of our cultural safety Where Is This God of Yours? (2010). to better address their skills and One freshman told me she was so zones to mingle with and learn

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1974 Aquinas Dominican High School graduating class, Chicago In Solidarity

When I received my assignment who served south of our country Throughout the 1970s, thousands more called to embrace discipleship in 1969 to teach at a parish grade were surprised to discover how the of us in pastoral ministry attended with greater integrity. I learned school in Callao, Peru, I entered Medellín documents provided a summer schools of theology at to interpret the Gospel from the Winto an effervescent ecclesial framework and impetus for life and the Catholic University in Lima underside of society. environment. The people of Peru mission with the people of God and participated in workshops — My teaching expanded into several with their rich ancient civilization our pueblo, the vast majorities of on forming Base Christian forms of pastoral work. The rapidly captured my heart. The Latin whom were poor and downtrodden. Communities. We pondered the bishop charged me with fostering American response to the Second We felt challenged to strive for context of our realities and sought the formation of Base Christian Vatican Council had come into focus human dignity for all, and to ways to engage as Church in Communities throughout the in 1968 at the Bishops Conference alleviate situations of injustice. respectful dialogue, sharing life with diocese. I provided guidance and in Medellín, Colombia. Many of us our people. Never before had I felt

24 My first memory of Church: I am a little girl, excited they weren’t signs of renewal—they were how I first came to the faith. This that my Dad is taking me to a “guitar Mass.” As a relational faith led me to a deeper love of God and a call to serve God’s people, six-year-old, I associated this music especially in different cultures. Before entering the Congregation, with a joyful experience of God. This relational I was a lay missionary in Bolivia, living in a barrio, teaching I vividly remember studying the faith led me to a literacy, working with a Christian women’s cooperative and Bible and experiencing Jesus as deeper love of God helping to coordinate the family catechism program, which led to a friend and a brother. The word and a call to serve the formation of a Base Christian Community. I am thrilled now to of God related directly to my life. I God’s people... use the Spanish I learned to share that love of God as I walk with later learned that worshipping with the immigrant Hispanic community in Anchorage. this music, reading Scripture, and focusing on a relationship with Jesus are signs of Lorraine Reaume, OP entered in 1997. A native of Canada, she currently serves as a pastoral the implementation of Vatican II. For me, however, associate at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Anchorage, Alaska. formation to students at a large Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico public high school. I lived in a new called this “an era of risk-taking, “young town” (a slum), worked in letting go, shadow and light.” a factory and engaged with the Indeed this was our experience at people in our barrio to address basic all levels! We have continued to needs, like water and electricity. minister in a more conservative Many agonies and ecstasies ecclesial and socio-political accompanied these experiences, but climate. We have dealt with the joy and satisfaction of solidarity polarization among our members, and new learning endure to this given different perspectives and day. This was a point of no return spiritualities. Although now fewer in for me. number, we strive to remain faithful At our 1973 Mission Congress, to the preaching of the Gospel, Sisters missioned in Latin America rooted in the lives and struggles of 25 gathered with our elected Vicaress the people. in the governmental unit then called Sister Rose Ann Schlitt with the Ortiz family in Nicaragua Adrian Dominican Latin American Rose Ann Schlitt, OP entered in 1954 and served Missions (ADLAM). Reviewing our for 42 years in Latin American missions, including Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic life in mission, we came to the and Mexico. After directing Dominican Volunteers pivotal decision of making an International in Rome, she is missioned to the option for the poor. Sisters in the Philippines. Realizing Deep Connections

Vatican II was one of many Senator Robert F. Kennedy were to appreciate how those courses recognition of the reality of death. waves of change that swept our assassinated, our cities burned, and strengthened my faith, enabling While intellectual sparring had world during the 1960s. The violent confrontations erupted on me to hold on while many of my served my faith when I dealt with Vcivil rights, women’s rights and the streets of Chicago and other generation turned away. broader questions during the late youth movements also created major cities. ‘60s, the “what kind of God” refrain A later test of it came, in part, as an environment in which change about my father’s illness and death Thanks to my undergrad years at a reaction to Vatican II liturgical seemed to be the only constant. echoed for a few years. It was finally Loyola University Chicago, my faith innovations. My father’s funeral “God is Dead,” proclaimed the silenced when I viewed Martin did not fail during these first rounds occurred during that brief period covers of Time and Newsweek. Sheen playing the challenged abbot of questioning. Eight semesters of when the Mass of the Resurrection Many of us started to wonder what in the televised version of Brian theology and six of philosophy was far too triumphal. With its kind of God was running the show Moore’s Catholics in 1973. Eyes of seemed excessive, but by the time white vestments and joyful music, when, in a matter of a few months, faith forced my heart to recognize I graduated just days after Robert it offered no comfort because it Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and that my lips still moved in prayer 26 Kennedy’s assassination, I had come moved straight to Easter with no

The openings of Vatican II were a grace of the religious for us were people with whom we could barely speak and then only Holy Spirit through which we could appreciate about things strictly related to education or religion. How wonderful when they God’s love, generosity, and could draw near, becoming our friends, confidantes and greatness. Parishioners in the Before Vatican II, counselors! One of the great benefits of the Second Vatican Dominican Republic who religious for us were Council was the creation of programs like the Hospital previously took part timidly in people with whom we Volunteers, which have helped bring about a social culture religious celebrations now had could barely speak... that is more sensitive to the suffering and marginated and to the opportunity to participate values of life and wellbeing. in workshops and Bible studies, learning more about the life of Jesus and his project Mary Morros is a native of the Dominican Republic and a longtime volunteer, serving the sick and to bring about the reign of God. Before Vatican II, needy of her country. She became an Adrian Dominican Associate in 2007. Associate Loretta Schweyer works with students at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Toledo, Ohio. while the abbot’s lips remained my brief time there, I became an paralyzed. Associate just a few years after beginning my teaching ministry at The postconciliar Church I Regina Dominican High School. reengaged with was much more welcoming than that of my youth. I Teaching literature through the lens became involved with the Chicago of faith for 40 years has been a Conference of the Laity, Call to joy—a joy renewed each morning Action and Chicago Catholic as I make my way up Chicago’s Women. Ultimately, my journey lakefront, the place of my soul’s “fair wound back to Adrian. As a result seed time.” of Vatican II, Adrian, like my parish, was much more open. Realizing Kathleen Burke, Ph.D. entered in 1964 and left six the deep connections forged during months later. She became an Associate in 1993, and has taught at Regina Dominican since 1985. 27

I was six years old when Pope John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Human rights are held sacred by the Dominicans; no one is expected to Council in 1962 and in the fourth grade at its closing by Pope Paul IV in 1965. accept conditions of oppression or violence. Even in the most overwhelmingly I grew up when many Americans and American Catholics hopeless of situations, the power of prayer and the were calling for peace and justice and an awareness of the American Catholics steadfastness of presence to suffering is the Dominican unequal rights of women. Now, a half-century later, many of were calling for charism, one that continues to inspire me to live a life the promises of Vatican II remain unfulfilled. I chose to be an peace and justice founded on Gospel values. Associate of the Dominican Sisters of Edmonds, and now of Adrian, because the community brings a spirit of veritas to the continuing Kathleen Shannon Dorcy, Ph.D. became an Associate of the Dominican Sisters of Edmonds in mission of seeking justice and advocating for peace in our world. 2000. She serves as a nurse scientist at Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and teaches at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Since the Chapter of Renewal in 1968, Unfolding Spirit the Adrian Dominican Sisters have held eight General Chapters to elect leadership and set the course for the coming years. These summaries of each of Renewal General Chapter and the enactments that emerged to further the mission and vision of the Congregation give a sense of the unfolding movement of the Spirit, sparked by renewal.

1974 The delegates established a process for the community to educate 28 itself on social justice as a Gospel mandate and to evaluate ministries, institutions and investments in light of that mandate. Sisters were called to “a new sense of mission, a new focus of our energies, to a thrust outward in responsive service to afflicted people.”

1978 The Chapter reorganized the Congregational government into an interim system. Delegates Delegates at General Chapter vote unanimously to adopt the 2004 Vision.

developed a Mission Statement, commissions were established to linking our mission with that of further the mission, including one on Jesus, to “share faith and life with women. In addition, the delegates one another” and to “be with others endorsed the sanctuary movement bearers and recipients of his love, and condemned Apartheid and co-creators of his justice and peace.” racism.

19 82 19 92 The current government structure In an elaborate, three-part Chapter of Mission Chapters and Mission that began in 1990, the Adrian of our planet by fostering right that deny freedom and equality to Groups was established. Members Dominicans resolved to “preach and relationships, and by confronting the women. were called to the task of to help shape a community among destruction of life forms.” “scrutinizing the signs of the times” ourselves and in our world that 2010 and opening themselves to the witnesses to the healing, liberating 2004 Affirming the Vision of 2004, the perspective of Jesus. Specifically, and empowering truth of God’s In the first General Chapter of the 2010 delegates crafted four specific 29 they were to “confront and strive design.” The delegates set forth new millennium, all members were commitments for the Congregation to transform those systems that action directives for each of their able for the first time to nominate and individual members: to live dehumanize, exploit and destroy” Vision Statements on community/ themselves to serve as Chapter simply and sustainably; to study and devote themselves to serving Dominican charism, the poor, race, delegates. The delegates wrote emerging worldviews and theologies; the victims of those systems. and women. and approved a stirring Vision: “We to open our hearts and deepen Dominican Preachers of Adrian, understanding of diverse cultures 1986 1998 impelled by the Gospel and outraged and beliefs; and to claim the moral Personal and communal The General Chapter affirmed by the injustices of our day, seek authority to speak truth in Church transformation was the theme to the 1992 Vision Statements and truth; make peace; reverence and in society. allow Sisters to “release the energy added a fifth focus: ecology. “As life.” Members were further called among us for the sake of the gifted dwellers of the planet…we upon to confront racist attitudes Barbara Kelley, OP entered in 1996; she serves in mission.” Numerous committees and commit ourselves to the healing and practices, as well as systems the Communications and Technology Department of the Congregation, primarily as a writer and editor. Faithful in the Search

Vatican II, thank you for bringing us dialogue became the cornerstone of A sense of the dignity of the human that became part of our lives during the Good News in the most human, how we were to meet the changing person has been impressing itself more renewal. As women, we had support spiritual way! needs of our world and the new and more deeply in the consciousness from the documents as “human V culture that was upon us. of contemporary man [and woman], beings” but not specifically as Seemingly, from out of nowhere and the demand is increasingly made women. Rome’s 1965 language and came rather small volumes of We knew the bishops of the world that men [and women] should act on profound teachings were still spoken new teachings from Vatican II. were meeting in Rome, but did their own judgment, enjoying and through the masculine voice. These changed our lives. The new we really imagine that out of their making use of a responsible freedom…. understanding of Church and of deliberations would come such Our General Chapter of Renewal [in] the quest for the values proper to each of us in it as a people of God resounding energy and excitement? mandated a three-year summer the human spirit….in accord with truth was probed more deeply in its faith How would we have known or program in theology for our Sisters. and justice. and witness orientation. guessed that we, the people of God, had not alone the right but Thankfully, we were Sister Rosemary Ferguson speaks to newer and younger members The documents were written in the obligation of seeking truth and inundated with a mass about the sacred character of General Chapters (2009). a current language, setting forth 30 justice, and were, moreover, obliged of information books, a profound understanding that — in conscience to speak our truth in articles, speakers, the hopes and griefs of our times season and out of season? conferences, programs, were truly our own. Religious were learnings and dialogue asked to hold a special Chapter of All of a sudden we found — all based on “The Renewal. We spent three summers ourselves experiencing a deeper Documents.” Theologians in dialogue working toward a more understanding of what it meant and their writings came practical way of living out the truths to belong to and participate with to life from out of of our faith in a time when the heart, mind and voice as the people everywhere! Feminism, world and its needs were rapidly of God. Nowhere was our place, its truth and meaning changing. Though three years that call, stated more emphatically for us, was a movement seemed long, in retrospect, that than in the powerful assertions of Dignitatis Humanae: Siena Heights College brought and most likely will be a constant personal and communal depth of have imagined, but we are obliged theologians from Europe, together into our future. spirituality is as critical today—and to speak! We will hear. We will be with women and men with expertise shall remain so always. guided by our consciences and with In reflecting upon the significant in related fields to engage our trust in one another. We are graced changes we underwent, I am I believe that deep within the Sisters in this dialogue. We needed women and are comforted in being in awe of the unique way each Adrian Dominican charism, our to understand the Vatican II Church led by the limitless love of God in woman pursued the truth of her foremothers and the Spirit that for we were missioned throughout our hearts. Gerard Manley Hopkins, life: searching within herself as moved them to believe indomitably the United States, Latin America, in a former age, spoke our hearts’ an individual and as a member of in the women and our mission as the Caribbean and Africa, and desires just so: the Adrian Dominican community, Community, is the same call deep were the voice of Vatican II in our searching out her professional within each of us today—urging us Oh, morning, relationships with our people. choices and struggling toward to ask the new questions and to be at the brown brink During this time, American culture a spirituality that would be in faithful in that search. We know far eastward springs— was experiencing a chaotic change. harmony with herself and the less about the future and what we Because the Holy Ghost Those entering our Congregation Congregation. A renewed theology may be called to in the years ahead. over the bent 31 were coming out of that same brought about new pursuits Our Chapters since the renewal of World broods with warm breast culture and mind. The “regular in spirituality and that search Vatican II have called us to faithful and with ah! life” of the former more monastic is more alive today than ever. witness endlessly—to pursue truth bright wings. life style was giving way to new Attention to the new cosmology, and preach it with courage and practices, which created conflict Earth consciousness, changing love. In the year 2011, these are not Rosemary J. Ferguson, OP entered in 1943. She with some members of the worldviews, and human aspirations idle words or pious sentiments. led the Congregation through its renewal, serving community. We were not free from for the common good create as Prioress from 1968 to 1978. This commitment to speak truth the exigencies of change. Change new expressions of prayer and may come at a price we could not was the new normal of that time contemplation. Our search for a Caught by the Spirit Today

Sharing life with the Dominican The commitment of the Adrian What initially drew me to the Adrian I was not at all interested in Sisters of Adrian is a way for me to Dominican Sisters to follow in the Dominican Congregation was the religious life until I met the live my faith and relationship with mission of Jesus as co-creators of his compelling language of the Vision Dominican Sisters of Adrian. The God immersed in both prayer and justice and peace resonated with my to seek truth, make peace, and Sisters I knew seemed closed the reality of our world. It is a place desire to do the same. I value their reverence life. It both inspired and and never smiled. In the Adrian where I can grow spiritually and independence, immense courage and challenged me. I also was attracted Dominicans I saw Sisters who were personally. Becoming an Adrian authenticity; a group of women who to the fact that the Sisters are equally full of love and joy, women who Dominican for me is more than just give voice to their own challenging a strong, interdependent community worked for justice and peace—and an option; it is a blessing. questions as they build transparent and free to be themselves in the way who danced! When I started praying structures in the spirit of shared that God calls them as individuals. with them, I began to feel a call. decision-making. Joaquina Pacheco-Villar (Candidate) entered in 2010 from her home in the Dominican Republic Sister Erin Muldoon (Novice, left) entered in 2009 Sister Xiomara Méndez-Hernández (Novice) where she served as a psychologist. She was an from Nashville, Tennessee, where she worked as a entered in 2008 from her home in the Dominican Associate for five years prior to entering. Sister Adela Langa (Novice, right), a native of marine biologist. Republic where she had her own business in and 32 Romania, entered in 2010 from her adopted home taught fashion design. She was an Associate for of Bowling Green, Ohio, where she served as a three years prior to entering. university writing specialist. When I was in prayer about entering I entered the Congregation because religious life, I wondered how I I felt called to religious life, to would fit in. I was a woman who giving my entire life to Christ. I was believed in the mission of Jesus—all attracted to the Adrian Dominican were created equal and called to Sisters first of all by the spirit and work together for the betterment of warmth of the Sisters I met in all creation. As I researched different Albuquerque and during a three- religious congregations, I opened month “Adrian Experience.” The the Adrian Dominican website to our Dominican charism of preaching the Mission Statement. When I read it, Word of God draws me. I preach as a I knew I was home. nurse practitioner, always aware that healing was one of the primary ways Mary Jones, OP (Temporary Professed) entered in that Jesus demonstrated God’s love. 2004 from Dearborn, Michigan, where she served in the Material Planning and Logistics Department 33 of the Ford Company. Jacqueline Stoll, OP (Temporary Professed) entered in 2004 from Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she served as a nurse practitioner. Adrian Dominican Sisters 1257 East Siena Heights Drive Adrian, Michigan 49221-1793 www.adriandominicans.org

This is a special edition of Voices, a publication of the Adrian Dominican Credits Sisters highlighting the Congregation’s Mission and ministries. Executive Editor Staff Photographer Consultants General Council Liaisons Elise D. García, OP Ray Casey Rosemary Ferguson, OP Corinne Sanders, OP Reflecting our ecological concerns, Nadine Foley, OP Kathleen Schanz, OP this publication is printed with soy Staff Writer/Editor Additional Photography inks on 100% post-consumer recycled Barbara Chenicek, OP paper, processed chlorine-free. Barbara Kelley, OP Aneesah McNamee, OP Cover Art Rita Schiltz, OP Melinda P. Ziegler Detail of Ryo-An-Ji: Graphic Designer voices in mission and ministry Submitted Photos Archival Research Dawn by Barbara Melinda P. Ziegler Volume 12 / Number 2 Marilyn Francoeur, OP Cervenka, OP Adrian, Michigan