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Sister Mary Ann Barrett

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” ~ Isaiah 52:7

Jubilarian 2023 – 60 Years a Sister

I embark on my 60th Jubilee celebration with Great Thanksgiving. It is my family, my Community members, my friends – even students and strangers – who have been “sent” into my life to deepen in me a love of God and the Word of God. Happily, I listened to most of their wisdom and heard God’s call to contribute my unique gifts to the Dominican Family, living the Motto: To Praise, To Bless, and To Preach Jesus Christ.

Since 2nd grade at St. Bernard’s in Alpena, I wanted to be a Sister, sometimes secretly, sometimes openly. My Irish father had no chance for a “priest,” not with 4 girls, and I felt I was the most “promising” to become a Sister. At an early age I played at being a teacher and entered into classroom teaching upon graduation from Aquinas College in ’66. Teaching prepared me for vocation ministry and campus ministry and retreat ministry, for parish ministry and then a call to leadership in the congregation. Today, I serve as alumnae engagement officer at Aquinas College.

“The Word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.” ~ Romans 10:5

God has used me as an instrument of Faith through my ministries as a Teacher, a Campus Minister, a Vocation Director, a Retreat director, a Congregational Leader, and a friend.

Spurred on by others’ invitations over the past 8 years, I’ve taken to writing Reflections, Poems, and Blessings for different occasions. I try to capture what’s weighing on my heart and transpiring in the world and then write.

I strive to live the Word faithfully within community life: “Learn to do good, search for justice, help the oppressed, be just to the orphan, plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:17. My mother taught me much about hospitality to widows.

I feel blessed to be living in this challenging time of Environmental consciousness, Justice probing, Reparation-seeking and Global interdependence. I applaud Pope Francis’ Leadership in calling
all of us to Spiritual renewal where conversion of heart and lifestyle are essential; where the wonder and awe of God’s Presence in Creation leads us to reverence all life.

“Bless God, my soul, and all that is in me; remember all God’s kindnesses.” ~ Psalm 103:1-2

2023 – 60 Years a Sister

Prayer Ministry

Pray for those on probation and parole

Since 1965 Sister Mary Ann has enjoyed playing the String Bass for liturgies and concerts.

Sister Mary Ann Barrett served as Councilor on the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids Leadership Team 2012-2018. She shares her presence with Sisters at Aquinata Hall. Always, her wit and warmth light up a room.

Sister Mary Ann Barrett visits with students at St. Stephen Catholic School and many other schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids throughout the year.

Sister Mary Ann Barrett and Sister Therese Rodriguez love spending time with young adults. Thank you Aquinas College students for visiting the Dominican Sisters Grand Rapids at Marywood.

Sister Mary Ann Barrett OP was elected Councilor to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Leadership Team for the 2012-2018 term. Pictured are Sister Sandra Delgado OP (Vicaress), Sr. Maureen Geary OP (Prioress), Sr. Lucianne Siers OP (Councilor), Sr. Mary Ann Barrett OP (Councilor)

In ministry with Sister Mary Ann Barrett, OP

Chapter 2018 In Session March 2 – March 11

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Christ-Light, An Advent Poem by Sister Mary Ann Barrett OP

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Sister Inspiration: Contemplating God’s Blessings

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Sister Inspiration: Advent is my favorite season

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Dominican Sisters Grand Rapids 2023 Jubilarians

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A New Year to Renew my Life

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A Prayer for Epiphany

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“LCWR Leader: End of Vatican mandate result of growth in understanding”

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Following Jesus Through Lent

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Dominican Associate Advisory Board

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A Thanksgiving Prayer

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A Good Friday Blessing

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A Prayer for Advent 2020: Christ-Light

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Advent 2022

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Appreciating Teachers Then and Now

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2012-2018 Leadership Team Appreciation Prayer and Celebration Photo Gallery

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Sister Inspiration: A New Year Prayer

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Dominicans Support “March for Our Lives” Call for Gun Control

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A Blessing for You on this Saturday After Thanksgiving

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A Lenten Journey to Love

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Sister Inspiration: A Prayer That We May All Be Thanks-Giving People

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Saturday Inspiration: Walk Just as Jesus Walked

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