Sister Carmelita Switzer, OP

“Make a joyful sound all the earth, Sing out and rejoice in songs of praise.”

~ Psalm 98:4

Born in the cold and snow of January 1942, the oldest of three and later four children, my early years were shaped by the environment of rural Michigan farm life. There were many hours of exploring woods and fields, discovering secrets of nature, and experiencing solitude, but also enjoyment of a warm family and good neighbors. School and study were always a great love. A public school environment of mixed faith traditions contributed to my sensitivity for people of diverse background.

In 1961 I joined the Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids; and equipped with degrees from Aquinas College and later Providence College with additional study at Aquinas Institute, I moved into ministry in education and later in pastoral ministry. Ministries took me to Alpena, Saginaw, Gaylord, and Herron, Michigan. Later years have brought me back to Grand Rapids and Marywood. Most recently I have ministered at Dominican Center Marywood as facilitator and presenter in Dominican Center Spiritual Formation Programs and as spiritual director.

The years bring a blossoming of the seeds of early life roaming the fields, the woods, and the lakeshore of our Mid-Michigan farm. Love for all of Creation grows as I develop the gardens around our Annchester home and experience good local neighbors as well as our global world of neighbors. As I watch new life spring forth each year, awareness of an overflowing and ever flowing fountain of God’s Love invites response to become a conduit of love for God’s People and all of Creation. In the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “The Earth is crammed with heaven and every common bush afire with God.” For all of this and for 60 years as a Grand Rapids Dominican Sister, I am filled with gratitude.