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Sister Dolorita Martinez

...for I know well the plans I have for you, says the Lord. - Jeremiah 29:11

As I ponder in gratitude the many graces and blessings that have been showered upon me, I have come to discover God’s loving Mercy and an unfolding plan for my life.

I was born in a small mountain village in northern New Mexico, named Truchas. I am the youngest of nine children. I was born into a loving and religious family, and can now look back and see that my vocation was nurtured from the beginning within this family. My parents, Victor and Agueda, never dreamt I would choose religious life, and were as surprised as I was by my calling. After a year of college, at age 19, I joined the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters. I am ever grateful for my Dominican vocation, my loving and supportive family and the privilege of sharing my life with my Dominican Sisters.

I am especially grateful for the many and varied opportunites for ministry that have allowed me to share my personal gifts inmany diverse communities and locations.

I started first as a teacher in Junior High and High School. Early on I was called into Hispanic Ministry. I served on a diocesan and parish level as pastoral life coordinator, evangelizer/preacher, and spiritual director. I have served primarily in immigrant, marginalized Spanish speaking communities, and have been greatly enriched by these experiences.

I am most grateful for the opportunity for study and travel. I have lived a very full life, and have always been sustained by God’s grace and by the many friends with whom I have lived and/or ministered over these sixty years of religious life. I praise God for all these blessings.

Read Sister Dolorita’s vocation story.

2022 – 66 Years a Sister

Prayer Ministry

Pray for immigration reform and undocumented women

Women of Grace, Mujer en Gracia, is a program where women stand in solidarity with women, recognizing holiness in one another by sharing Scripture and personal lives. Sister Dolorita walked with them in Spiritual Direction.

Sister Dolorita Martinez ministered on the WORD ESL team helping women and men in Grand Rapids improve English speaking and literacy skills.

Sister Dolorita Martinez sings out joyfully.

In ministry with Sister Dolorita Martinez, OP

A Dream and Courage Lead to Citizenship for WORD ESL Student

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Dominican Sisters Grand Rapids 2016 Jubilarians

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Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids Doll Project for Bethany Christian Services

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Crossing Cultures: From the Grand River to the Rio Grande

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A Ministry of Presence with Dominican Sisters in New Mexico

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Sister Inspiration: Dolorita Martinez, OP

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Going Where Help is Needed: Support at the U.S. Border and Beyond

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Sisters Celebrate 75, 70, 60, 50 Year Jubilees as Vowed Religious

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Creation Canticle ~ Bear Heart’s Prayer of Praise, Lamentation, and Hope

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