Sister Ministry & Stories

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  Sr. Mary Courtade: Jubilarian 2023 – 75 Years a Sister

  July 28, 2023

  I praise and thank God for these seventy-five years as a Grand Rapids Dominican. Most of these years I taught elementary students who were a source of energy and joy, and who challenged and enriched me in many ways. I also enjoyed other opportunities to serve in varied ways as being a Eucharistic Minister, visiting […]

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  Savoring Daily Discoveries of God’s Presence

  July 17, 2023

  In the fullness of life, there is no shortage of retreat opportunities; we attend professional, marriage, writing and silent retreats. While retreats differ in purpose and practices, participants are generally expected to intentionally step away from life’s regular rhythms for 1-7 days and immerse in a particularly focused topic or activity. Last fall, desiring a […]

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  Sr. Joellen Barkwell: Jubilarian 2023 – 60 Years a Sister

  July 15, 2023

  Hello and goodbyes have often been difficult. On my 20th birthday of September 8, 1962, I said goodbye to my boyfriend at my front door and left for Marywood by the back door. When my parents dropped me off, they were in tears, and I was in fear. What was going to happen to me […]

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  Sr. Emma Kulhanek: Jubilarian 2023 – 75 Years a Sister

  July 1, 2023

  Seventy-five years as a Grand Rapids Dominican has been a very exciting and rewarding experience for me. I am the second oldest in my family of three boys and three girls. My parents, Wenz and Emma Nietling Kulhanek, chose Chesaning, Michigan as our home, and there at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School is where […]

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  Sr. Jean Karen Woloszyk: Jubilarian 2023 – 60 Years a Sister

  June 23, 2023

  I am truly grateful for the many opportunities and blessings bestowed throughout my years as a Dominican Sister. I was born on October 27, 1944 to Felix and Emily Woloszyk and given the name Karen Jean. I grew up in a Catholic family atmosphere with siblings, Donald, Judith, and my twin Kenneth and was instructed […]

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  Foundation Established to Further Our Legacy of Ministry

  June 22, 2023

  “The Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids announce the new Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Foundation,” says Sandra Delgado, OP, prioress of the congregation of vowed women religious. Since 1877 when Dominican Sisters arrived in Michigan, the Word of God has inspired and called us to respond to the needs of the world through ministry. To further […]

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  Sr. Verona Wangler: Jubilarian 2023 – 80 Years a Sister

  June 16, 2023

  After almost 100 years of life and 80 years as a Dominican, I have learned to be silent and make space for God to speak. God speaks to me as I visit the chapel but also in many other ways. Nature reflects God’s beauty in a snowfall, changing colors with the seasons, flowers springing up […]

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  Introducing: Interlocking Goals Laudato Si’ Video Series

  May 23, 2023

  “I am passionate about sharing transformative study and reflection opportunities with people who are interested in and concerned about the health of our planet and people,” says Sr. Mary Catherine. “Today, during Laudato Si’ Celebration Week, I’m introducing a new video series about the seven closely related goals of the Laudato Si Action Platform.” Seven […]

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  Dominican Sisters Supporting New West Michigan Nonprofit: The StoreHouse

  May 8, 2023

  Let’s support our community by connecting millions of dollars worth of BRAND NEW, DONATED household and school related products to our nonprofit and school partner members. Working together we can reduce poverty and create a more sustainable future for all in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Carmen Rostar, Joellen Barkwell, Doris Faber, and Jarrett […]

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  Appreciating Teachers Then and Now

  May 5, 2023

  They teach reading, spelling, writing, and arithmetic, giving children and adults tools to improve their lives and livelihoods. They open eyes through history, science, speech, logic, and languages. They share their passion for professions of: nursing, education, and more. They introduce faith and hope through rich spiritual experiences. Their day-to-day presence assures each child of […]