“Dominican Days was a marvelous, energizing, and prayerful celebration of our shared Dominican Life! It truly was a lived experience flowing from Chapter 2024 in March.
Megan McElroy, OP, Prioress
We want to thank everyone who played a role; it would not have been so successful without everyone’s willingness to help.
Continue to celebrate all that God has given us!
Dominican Days is an annual gathering of Sisters and Associates. We gather for Prayer, Study, Community, and Service, the pillars of Dominican life and spirituality.
We gathered in community in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Aquinas College, Marywood, and Aquinata Hall; and virtually, from around the country.
Refreshed and Nourished by (W)Holiness
Father Joe Amar led us in historic study of the Eucharist and insistence that every person is loved by God, worthy of being loved by God.
He reminded us that Jesus `came to us out of love, This Blessed Tree.’
`He came out of love to feed us, This Blessed Tree.’
Study: Conversation and Companionship
Dominican Associate Ann Karasinski and Sr. Chela Gonzalez
Synodality and the Catholic Church: Experiences
A panel of Sisters and Associates recalled their earliest memories of reception into the Catholic Church. (l to r) Michael Ellen Carling, OP, Donna Jean Thelen, OP, Associate Ann Karasinski, Associate Brian Plachta,, Justine Kane, OP, Associate Nancy Woodcock
Missioned to Serve
The Leadership Team of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids missioned those in the room to respond to the call to live our commitment made in baptism: to grow in the love of God.
On Friday, August 2, Sisters, Associates, and Colleagues were missioned to serve.
We respond to a call to live our commitment made in baptism: to grow in the love of God.
Through ministry, community, study, and prayer we share Christ’s message — redemptive love that reflects God’s desire for a just world. Our hope is to continue opening ourselves to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit — and to be a flame of truth, love, hope, and mercy.
“Today, each of us commit to seek and speak Truth, to deepen the union with one another and with our Dominican Family to model inclusive compassion and to advocate for justice and peace in our challenging world,” preached Megan McElroy, prioress of this Congregation.
“We rejoice in your desire to serve the Gospel along side us. Know that we are grateful…” preached Kathi Sleziak, OP, councilor.
Councilor Mary Donnelly, OP, reminded those gathered of Father Dominic’s words: “God in confidence. God will give you the gift of preaching. You will lack for nothing.”
“We will lack for nothing as we carry the flame of COMMON PRAYER. In its light, we take a long loving look at the world’s joys and sorrows and share God’s abundant love, mercy, and joy,” preached Sr. Megan McElroy.
“We will lack for nothing for we carry the flame of COMMON LIFE. In a world crying for a sense of community, we will feed that hunger as we walk together in kinship,” preached Diane Zerfas, OP, and vicaress.
“We will lack for nothing for we carry the flame of COMMON STUDY. In it light, we stand and search for the Truth of the Gospel in our world.. So that all creation may thrive and peace prevail,
preached Sister Kathi.
“We will lack for nothing for we carry the flame of COMMON SERVICE. As we stand with women and children, those who are materially poor, and in relationship with Earth, we strive to birth a world of health and hope, compassion, and justice,” preached Sister Mary Donnelly,
Together, let us pray:
As Dominican Sisters and Associates of Grand Rapids, we are called to participate in the mission of Jesus Christ to bring fulness of life to others. With hearts enflamed, each of us is called and sent to live the Gospel and serve in a variety of ways, in a variety of places. We ask you, O God, to bless us us as we stand ready to share the Mission of Christ. As we walk together preaching justice, help us to be steadfast in serving your people. We make this prayer in the name of Your Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Enjoy this Gallery of Our Time Together
