Sister Maureen Geary, OP

My favorite discernment scripture passage commanded “put out into deeper waters, bigger fish are swimming there; fill your nets to breaking and your boats to overflowing.”

This describes vowed religious life: we venture where we did not think we could go, and we experience blessings in super-abundance! I am glad I got into this boat, and grateful for all who have journeyed with me.

Join the Dominicans and see the world! Many have made this observation, and it fits – in the sense of both geography and expanded vision. A native Grand Rapidian, I was educated by the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids at Immaculate Heart of Mary and Catholic Central. Further studies in accounting, law and theology built upon this fine foundation. My parents and five siblings shared DS~GR formation through education, too! All of this has borne fruit through challenging ministries in teaching, administration and advocacy, enriched by travel and study. Favorite leisure activities include lifelong love for reading and sports, especially baseball and softball. Gaining many beloved sisters and brothers in the expanded Dominican Family is a highlight of my vocational story. We are more when we’re together than we are when we’re apart!

More about Sister Maureen’s Life in Vocation

Sister Maureen completed her third six-year term on the Leadership Team for the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids in 2024. From 2006-2012, she served as vicaress, treasurer and councilor for finance. She served as prioress from 2012-2018, and served as a councilor from 2018-2024.

She is faithful presence to the alumni, faculty, staff, and students of Aquinas College, representing the Congregation of Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids which established Aquinas College in 1886. Sister Maureen has served on the Aquinas College Board of Trustees for 12 years, first in her role as treasurer of the Dominican Sisters and for the last six years in her role as prioress of the Congregation. In addition, she has served on the Finance, Investments, Benefits and Dominican Heritage Committees of the Board, and previously served on the Aquinas College Foundation Board.

The Grand Rapids native graduated from Catholic Central High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Michigan. She served the College from 1987-1997 in roles as Assistant Professor of Business, Controller, and Vice President for Finance. She has also worked as a certified public accountant and as an attorney, and served in ministries with the Diocese of Grand Rapids Secretariat for Social Justice and the Kent County Coalition to End Homelessness.

Service on more than a dozen non-profit boards in the areas of housing, education, health care and social service has deepened Sister Maureen’s understanding of the dignity of the human person and shaped her vocation as a vowed Dominican Sister who lives the values of study, prayer, common life and ministry.