SisterMary Ann Goch

Our gracious God continues to be with us as the journey goes on.

60th Jubilee Reflection

The invitation to do something special with my life was touched by an intersection of God’s call and at various times the presence of Grand Rapids Dominican women who were perceived as “very real persons”. The call, which was personal, took root in the faith environment of my family, my church, and the desire to continue a journey already begun but now to be supported and enriched by Dominican community life and prayer. Hidden also was the hope of satisfying a certain longing for an added dimension to what was already in process.

And so at Jubilee, I look back upon music education and religious education ministry at West Branch, Muskegon, BayCity/Essexville, Hemlock, and Merrill. So many blessings and struggles to reflect upon and always a grateful heart.

To my Sisters who know me because we have lived together or our paths have crossed often, to those who know of me, to those who still may say, “Is she one of ours?”, to my family and dear friends, I give thanks for your support, compassion, and the sharing of God’s peace.

Our gracious God continues to be with us as the journey goes on.

Life Story

Walter and Eleanor (Sniegowski) Goch came to Michigan to establish their livelihood, family and home. The family grew to include Norman and Mary Ann, born May 3, 1934. St. Henry parish in Lincoln Park was the faith community into which Mary Ann received all the sacraments of initiation as well as the years of elementary education. Secondary education was at St. Francis Xavier in neighboring Ecorse.

When the family moved to Allen Park, St. Frances Cabrini Parish was just beginning and it was as a weekday organist that she met the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids.

Mary Ann earned a BA from Marygrove College in Detroit in 1956 and began a teaching career in music education at Dossin School in Detroit. In 1961 she embraced Dominican life at Marywood and received the name Sr. Marie Ann – later returning to her baptismal name, Mary Ann. The years of formation as a Dominican were enriched by studies leading to an MA in Religious Studies from Aquinas College.

Mary Ann enjoyed teaching classroom music and piano at St. Joseph, West Branch; St. Mary Muskegon; St. Joseph and St. Boniface, Bay City and St. John, Essexville. In response to ministry needs in the church she became a team member in the role of Religious Education Coordinator at St. Joseph, Bay City and later at St. Mary, Hemlock.

Almost like coming full circle, Sacred Heart, Merrill became the place she ministers as music director, serves as a greeter and member of the worship commission. Along the way she has enjoyed travel, friends, concerts, some quilting, crocheting, playing cards and sharing hospitality.