Sister Dorothy “Dort” Ederer, OP

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire!” ~ St. Catherine of Siena

If it wasn’t for my sister Jeanne, who inspired me to enter religious life, I would not be celebrating more than 50 years of religious life. I will always be grateful to her for seeing in me things I was not aware of. My life has been one wonderful adventure after another. I am thankful for all the people who have supported me and challenged me to use my gifts and talents. I am who I am today because people believed in me and encouraged me to become all that God has called me to be.

I was born in Saginaw, Michigan. There are seven children in our family, five girls and two boys. I have a brother who is a priest.

My ministry began in St. Charles, Michigan as a 5th and 6th grade teacher and then principal for the second year, while teaching. My third year I went to Our Lady of Grace in Dearborn Heights, Michigan to teach 8th graders, was a Cheerleading coach and liturgist. Seven years later I went on to Chesaning, Michigan to be a liturgist and teach 8th graders.

A phone call one morning after prayers led me to move to St. Thomas More Student Parish in Kalamazoo, Michigan to work as a campus minister with Fr. John Grathwohl for 13 years! It was one of my greatest times in campus ministry.

I received a phone call from Fr. Joseph F. Girzone, the author of the “Joshua” books, to work for the Joshua Foundation in New York preaching Jesus’ message all over the world. I met people and accomplished things I never dreamt I could. After nine years I was offered a position as campus minister at St. Mary’s student parish in Ann Arbor, for the University of Michigan. After eight years, I was invited to be the Director of campus ministry at St. John Student parish serving Michigan State University. My 24 years as a campus minister has been most fulfilling!

Currently I am writing books, counseling, giving talks and retreats. As I reflect on my life as a Dominican, these 50 years of serving Jesus have brought forth gifts in me I never knew I had. For this I will always be grateful.

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