Dominican Veritas Ministries

Meets With Vatican Dicastery

^{From left to right: Srs. Annunziata Remossi, OMVF (Head of the Office of Economy and Governance, Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life), Rosemary Rese, LSP, (Aid for Language Interpretation, Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life), Kathleen Tait, OP, (DVM Trustee), Mary Margaret Pachucki, OP (DVM President), Donna Pollard, OP, (DVM Member), Colleen Settles (DVM Vice-President), Tiziana Merletti, FSP, (Secretary, Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life), M. Paul McCaughey, OP (DVM Secretary), and Kristin Barstow Melley, PhD (DVM Executive Director).}

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, six members of Dominican Veritas Ministries (DVM) met with leaders of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, a division of the Roman curia. The Dicastery’s purpose is “to promote, encourage, and regulate the practice of the evangelical counsels, how they are lived out in the approved forms of consecrated life and all matters concerning the life and activity of Societies of Apostolic Life throughout the Latin Church” (vatican.va). In December 2022, the Dicastery approved the Sisters’ application to create Dominican Veritas Ministries and the transfer of an initial 9 schools sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Houston, and Sinsinawa. In July 2024, the Dicastery approved an application by the Dominican Sisters of Peace to transfer four of their sponsored schools to DVM.

The October 16 gathering was DVM’s first meeting with the Dicastery. Representing DVM were Srs. Mary Margaret Pachucki, OP (President), Colleen Settles, OP (Vice-President), M. Paul McCaughey, OP (Secretary), Donna Pollard, OP, and Kathleen Tait, OP, and Kristin Barstow Melley, PhD (Executive Director).

The meeting opened with a prayer prepared by Sr. M. Paul McCaughey. Sr. Mary Margaret led DVM’s presentation, highlighting the factors that have contributed to DVM’s successful start. The meeting’s discussion centered on the work and progress of DVM’s first year and half as the canonical sponsor of 13 educational ministries, outlined in DVM’s Foundational Report. The Dicastery representatives stated that this was the first meeting they have had with a new educational pontifical public juridic person (PJP). They expressed great satisfaction with DVM’s development and innovative approaches to formation and collaboration across and among the various ministries. Together, participants discussed the challenges facing Catholic schools in the United States and the need for continuous formation experiences for all members of a school community. Going forward, the Dicastery encouraged DVM to continue to promote Dominican, Catholic formation opportunities and invited DVM to urge its schools to reflect on and deepen their ways to support the poor and marginalized. The meeting concluded with a brief walk to a balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square and Cathedral, captured above.

Dominican Academy Student Reflects on Sponsorship Transfer to DVM

by Dominican Academy Student Alice Morrison ‘28

“I see the future of D.A. to continue to be strongly Dominican in its understanding of who we are as students, who we are as faculty, staff, and families.”

— Dr. Alexandria Egler, President, Dominican Academy

On Friday, September 26, the Dominican Sisters of Peace and Dominican Veritas Ministries (DVM) lit their candles in a Transfer Ceremony that paved the way for DVM to come into our DA community.

Dominican Academy was founded in 1897 by the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs who later became the Dominican Sisters of Peace. They created a school full of intelligent, creative, and selfless girls that reflect the Dominican pillars. Now in 2025, the Dominican Sisters have decided it is time to join our school to a wider Dominican community that will uphold their legacy for years to come. There are many questions that have been circulating around school the past few weeks as we prepared for the Transfer Ceremony: What is a Transfer Ceremony? What is Dominican Veritas Ministries? What does this mean for the D.A. community? I had the opportunity to meet with Sister Joan Franks, Sister Margaret Mary Kennedy, Sister Valerie Shaul, Dr. Egler, and Dr. Kristin Melley to discuss the Transfer Ceremony and what it will mean for our community.

Sister Margaret Mary Kennedy, Sister Valerie Shaul, and Sister Joan had a wealth of knowledge on all questions regarding the Dominican Sisters of Peace and their union with DVM. They explained that to be considered a Catholic school one must be sponsored by a “public juridic person (PJP).” A PJP is an entity that is approved to pass on the Catholic faith and charism of the religious order to their schools. D.A. was founded in 1897 by the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs who later became the Dominican Sisters of Peace and sponsored D.A. However, in recent years it has become increasingly difficult for the Sisters to sponsor schools on their own and with fewer women joining orders, sisters have come together to discuss how to keep their schools alive. The solution was Dominican Veritas Ministries—a new organization founded by several orders of Dominican Sisters to ensure a stable continuation of Dominican education. Over the past 3 years, Dominican Veritas Ministries has welcomed 13 schools into its community (including Dominican Academy) and expects more to come. DVM intends to be a guiding hand to every school it sponsors and to help schools reach their full potential.

^{Dominican Academy’s Opening Procession, Mass of the Holy Spirit, St. Vincent Ferrer Church, New York, New York, September 26, 2025.}

^{Sr. Colleen Settles, OP, Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, DVM Member and Sr. Therese Leckert, OP, Dominican Sisters of Peace light a candle during the ritual marking the transfer of sponsorship.}

^{Dr. Kristin Melley, Executive Director of DVM,}^{welcomes Dominican Academy to the DVM family.}

Dr. Kristin Melley, the Executive Director of DVM, explained that “the organization needs to say to each school ‘How do we help you accomplish your best?’” Dominican Veritas Ministries is here to keep the teachings of the Dominican Order present in every school and to connect a national Dominican community. As Dr. Melley said, “We try to connect students, we try to connect faculty, and we try to connect congregations in new and exciting ways.” This summer, students from several schools had an opportunity to come together for a preaching conference. It is only the start of more programs DVM and Dr. Egler hope to initiate with our new community. These opportunities may include pilgrimages and other activities that help enlighten students.

DVM is a new chapter in D.A. history that will help keep our school active and prospering for future generations to learn, grow, and make changes in the world. Dr. Egler perfectly explained why our school’s sponsorship changed: “This school would not be what it is if it had not been for the Dominican Sisters, and their continual vision for the future.” Dominican Academy was created by Dominican Sisters who wanted to help shape future generations and who have steered this school forward. The decision of the Dominican Sisters of Peace to join DVM and hand over our school’s sponsorship is just another decision that will help continue D.A.’s legacy for years to come. As Dr. Melley responded when asked how she envisions Dominican Veritas Ministries years in the future, she said, “I think they’ll find a community of people who heard the Sisters, were inspired by the Sisters, and said yes ‘We’ve got you!’”

DVM Schools

St. Agnes Academy Student Wins NPR Student Podcast Challenge

When St. Agnes Academy (Houston, Texas) senior Avani Yelto sat down to record her grandmother’s memories, she didn’t imagine it would gain national attention. What began as a family project turned into winning the National Public Radio Student Podcast Challenge.

Avani’s inspiration came from simple, everyday conversations. “I remember going on a walk with my grandmother; she pointed at a tree and said, ‘We have those in India.’” That moment opened up a whole world of stories about her childhood, her friends, and her journey from a small village in Kerala, in southern India, to America.

Those conversations sparked something in Avani. She realized that her family’s history, like many immigrant stories, could easily disappear if not preserved. What began as one interview turned into hours of storytelling. “We all sat together one Saturday, my grandparents, my mom, and me,” she said. “I clipped $20 microphones on my grandparents and we talked for three hours straight.” From those hours of laughter and tears, Avani crafted a seven-minute podcast exploring immigration, identity, and the beauty of family traditions.

Her podcast beautifully paints a picture of what is lost and gained across generations of immigrants. Avani, says “When I grew up, I didn’t get much of the Indian experience, I don’t eat Indian food unless I go to my grandparents’ house,” she shared. “It’s interesting how there are three versions of the same story within one family.”

^{St. Agnes Academy student Avani Yelto '26 holding her certificate as the NPR Student Podcast Challenge winner.}

^{St. Agnes Academy student Avani Yelto '26 with}

^{DVM’s Assistant Director of Communications}

^{and Events, Giuliana Capuano (Houston, Texas).}

When Avani learned she had won the NPR challenge, she could hardly believe it. Her English teacher, Mr. Tim Nesser, surprised her with the news, and moments later she was on a call with NPR producers. “They told me I was the winner, and I thought they were joking,” she laughed. “Then I told my grandmother, and she started crying.”

NPR later featured Avani’s story on All Things Considered, one of the radio station’s most listened-to programs. The experience, she says, has brought unimaginable joy and celebration in her family. Listen to the full podcast here.

Though she plans to study biology in college, Avani continues to nurture her love for storytelling. She revived her school’s literary magazine before winning NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge and now hopes to participate in the NPR College Podcast Challenge next year.

Rosarian Academy Celebrates Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope

^{Rosarian Academy 8th grade students during their retreat at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.}

Earlier this fall, 8th grade students at Rosarian Academy (West Palm Beach, Florida) began their school year with a beautiful retreat.

In honor of the Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope, the retreat was held at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where they received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, celebrated Eucharistic liturgy, and visited the Cathedral’s Holy Door.

With a focus on the Dominican Pillar of Prayer, students contemplated the lives of different prominent Dominican saints and imagined how their own prayer would lead to preaching in the modern world. Students discussed and planned how they can be intentional about making time for prayer, while also having the opportunity to ask a panel of religion teachers and Fr. Brian King, Episcopal Secretary for the Diocese of Palm Beach, questions about their prayer devotions and faith journeys. As Pilgrims of Hope and in coordination with many other Catholic schools around the country, the 8th graders prayed the Rosary for the students and community of Annunciation Catholic School and Parish in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Regina Dominican High School Named 2025 National and State Blue Ribbon School

^{From left to right: Regina Dominican High School President Krista Gallagher, Illinois State Board of Education leader, Governor JB Pritzker, and Principal Dr. Kassie Porreca.}

Regina Dominican High School is proud to announce it has received two recognitions. The school was recognized as a 2025 Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon School, one of 28 schools statewide to receive this honor for exemplary academic performance. At the national level, Regina Dominican High School has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, one of ten schools from the Archdiocese of Chicago to receive this recognition.

The state recognition was announced at a press conference in Hickory Hills, with Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Board of Education leaders, and local educators in attendance. Regina Dominican High School was represented by President Krista Gallagher and Principal

Dr. Kassie Porreca.

“We are proud of the hard work and commitment of our faculty and the outstanding academic performance of our students, which led to our recognition with this award,” said Principal Dr. Kassie Porreca.

Blue Ribbon programs highlight schools that set high standards for academic excellence and student success.

St. Mary's Dominican High School Alumna Catherine Mansfield ’22 Makes LSU History

St. Mary’s Dominican High School alumna Catherine Mansfield ’22 has been named Drum Major for the 2025-26 season of Louisiana State University’s (LSU) Gold Band. Ms. Mansfield is the fourth woman to hold this prestigious position in the band’s history. For the two previous seasons, Mansfield served as the piccolo section leader. She looks forward to continuing her meaningful contributions to the band and the LSU community and hopes to inspire other women to pursue leadership roles in the marching band.

^{St. Mary’s Dominican High School (New Orleans, La.) alumna Catherine Mansfield ’22 in front of Louisiana State University Tiger Stadium. Photo courtesy of 225 Baton Rouge.}

Bethlehem Academy Students Commemorate St. Pier Giorgio Frassati's Canonization

^{Painting by Bethlehem Academy students Sylvia Velishek and Isabella Quittem ’28}

Bethlehem Academy (Faribault, Minn.) students Sylvia Velishek and Isabella Quittem ’28 created a beautiful collaborative painting of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, commemorating his canonization on September 7, under the direction of BA art teacher Jason Hillesheim.

As a Lay Dominican, St. Pier Giorgio Frassati embraced the Order’s spirit of prayer, study, community, and preaching while living an active life in the world. Rooted in the Dominican tradition, he developed a deep devotion to the Eucharist, a commitment to justice, and a joyful witness of the Gospel in everyday life.

Read his prayer

St. Pius X High School

Celebrates Founders’ Day

St. Pius X High School (Houston, Texas) recently celebrated Founders’ Day, honoring the Dominican Sisters of Houston who first brought their mission of education and faith to Texas on September 29, 1882. The school marked the occasion with a special commemorative video, reflecting on the remarkable journey that began over 140 years ago.

This celebration not only honored the courage and vision of those early Sisters but also highlighted the school’s dedication to carry forward the Dominican values of prayer, study, community, and preaching

for all students.

Attention School Presidents, Heads of Schools and Board Chairs:

We look forward to gathering for this time of reflection, prayer, and learning at the 2026 Leadership Formation Retreat, to be held in Houston, Texas, from January 13–15, 2026.

Please confirm your attendance by completing the form using the button below.

Confirm Attendance

Join fellow Dominican educators and leaders for the SPARK and IGNITE Webinar Series, exploring this year’s theme: The Dominican Call in Our Time

DVM debuts resources to Illuminate

Dominican Feast Days

Dominican Veritas Ministries is excited to introduce a new resource from the Dominican Educator Learning Community (DELC): Resources to Illuminate Dominican Feast Days. This series spotlights Dominican saints and significant anniversaries throughout the year, offering engaging materials to help your school communities celebrate these special days.

Past & Upcoming Feast Day Packets:

St. Dominic Solemnity – August 8
Canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati – September 7
(COMING SOON) Feast of St. Martin de Porres – November 3
Anniversary of the Founding of DVM – December 8

Dominican Veritas Ministries | www.dvmop.org | Middleborough, MA 02346 US

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