Sister Mary Ann Barrett

Learn to do good, search for justice, help the oppressed, be just to the orphan, plead for the widow.

I reflect on the many blessings and challenges, the many relationships and ministries that have shaped my life as a woman religious. I’ve received gifts from learning and leaving, from listening and leading, from laughing and loving. I’m grateful to all who have been models and mentors on my Dominican journey. What a great Family of Preachers we have.

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.

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.

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Sister Mary Ann was Councilor on the Congregation Leadership Team 2012-2018.