Sister Ministry & Stories

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  Sister Margaret Thomas OP Honored

  December 5, 2023

  Recently, Sterling Smith was honored as an Eagle Scout, and he in turn honored Sister Margaret Thomas OP as one of his mentors. Sister Margaret is a Grand Rapids Dominican Sister living in Colorado. Here is an excerpt from Sterling’s speech: “The third person I would like to award a pin to is Sister Margaret. […]

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  Sr. Orlanda Leyba Jubilarian 2023 – 60 Years a Sister

  November 10, 2023

  Mystery envelops my mind as I ponder my abundantly graced life journey. Mystery at being born in a valley (Penasco, NM) where I was blessed with an extensive, loving family, a grounding in a faith that carries and guides me to this day, and a love of nature that infuses my prayer and provides nourishment […]

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  Sr. Mary Ann Barrett Jubilarian 2023 – 60 Years a Sister

  November 3, 2023

  I embark on my 60th Jubilee celebration with Great Thanksgiving. It is my family, my Community members, my friends – even students and strangers – who have been “sent” into my life to deepen in me a love of God and the Word of God. Happily, I listened to most of their wisdom and heard […]

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  My Journey with Parkinson’s

  October 21, 2023

  Life was filled with life! Professionally, I worked in the field of education. I belong to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters whose mission was primarily education. As a member, I enjoyed many opportunities teaching, as an administrator, and as a listening and challenging role with adults. I am grateful that Sisters and Associates are with […]

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  Sr. Donna Jean Thelen Jubilarian 2023 – 70 Years a Sister

  October 13, 2023

  Seventy years seems like a long time to be committed to a ministry of service to others, but that is what I have been privileged as a Grand Rapids Dominican to do. My mother was a teacher and used to tell interesting stories of her years as a teacher; and my own experience of having […]

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  Sr. Marie Carla Moeggenborg Jubilarian 2023 – 60 Years a Sister

  October 6, 2023

  As I reflect on 60 years of Dominican life, I am amazed how these six words have guided me… I was born in Bay City, the daughter of Carl and Agnes Moeggenborg. The family eventually moved to rural Shepherd. There we lived among aunts, uncles, and cousins. In due time, our family welcomed additional children […]

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  Bishop Walkowiak Visits with Dominican Sisters~ Grand Rapids

  October 3, 2023

  It was so good to be able to welcome Bishop Walkowiak to campus for the first time since before the COVID pandemic shutdown. On Monday, October 2, we began the day with Mass in St. Catherine of Siena Chapel at Aquinata Hall, followed by the Bishop visiting with the Sisters in the first floor community […]

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  Sr. Michael Ellen Carling: Jubilarian 2023 – 70 Years a Sister

  August 25, 2023

  Three Promises to Keep I dreamt a vow last night and its name was Poverty –  frightening in its austerity until I woke to Plenitude I dreamt a vow last night and its name was Chastity – frightening in its solitude until I awoke to Love I dreamt a vow last night and its name […]

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  Sr. Anne Breitag: Jubilarian 2023 – 60 Years a Sister

  August 10, 2023

  Blessed in a beautiful family. Blessed to have been educated by Grand Rapids Dominicans at SS Peter and Paul School in Saginaw. Blessed to have joined the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids in 1962. Blessed with education from Aquinas, Central Michigan University, and St. Mary’s and Covenant HealthCare. Blessed to have served as a teacher […]

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  Funeral Services for Sister Josine Schafer OP

  July 31, 2023

  Sister Josine Schafer OP entered eternal life on July 31, 2023 at the age of 91 after 71 years of religious life.  We commend Sister Josine to your prayers. Evening Prayer with Remembering Service Tuesday, August 1, 7:00 pm Chapel of the Word/Marywood Funeral Mass Wednesday, August 2, 10:00 am Chapel of the Word/Marywood Quiet […]