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May 2024

Reflections of the Director

The Pearl of Great Price: Our Dominican Charism

By Nancy Mason Bordley

Director, Office of Dominican Charism

“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Mt 13:46). 

Pearls had a greater value in biblical times than they do today. A pearl was a rare find. It was a beautiful, single entity formed through suffering in the heart of the oyster. Unlike precious stones that need to be cut and polished, the pearl is perfect as it comes from the oyster. Yet, pearls need to be mined and excavated. They are buried or hidden in a shell. Not seen at first, they are discovered and uncovered.

Our Dominican Charism is a Pearl of Great Price, discovered and uncovered across centuries of Dominican history. And as we hold and cherish that pearl, we are mindful that as contemplative preachers, we’re invited to engage with the world, sharing the fruits of our contemplation with others.

At this time in our history, we are also mindful of how we can help preserve this beautiful pearl of the Charism in the future. The continued existence and relevance of the Dominican Family in the future will depend on several key factors:



•  Faithful Living of the Dominican Charism: The core values of contemplation, study, active engagement, and community life are central to the Dominican Charism. Ensuring that members of the Dominican Family integrate these values into their daily lives is essential for the growth and flourishing of the Charism. We see the Charism alive and vibrant in our Sisters, Associates, and Co-workers – those on the Adrian campus, those working throughout the United States, those in the Dominican Republic, and those in the Philippines.

In this Issue

News

- Advisory Committee Formed

- Transforming Grace Bridges Divides

- Water Card Project

Living the

Dominican Charism

- Partners in Mission

Reflection

- Sojourner Group Reflections

- An Associate Candidate Reflects

• Prayer and Contemplation: We must remain rooted in prayer and contemplation, drawing strength and inspiration from the source of all life and mission. By cultivating a deep and vibrant spiritual life, we Dominicans can sustain our commitment to preaching the Gospel and bearing witness to the love of God in the world. Thanks to the work of our Congregation, the Spirituality Enactment Committee, and the Associate Life Spirituality Circle, we are strengthening our spiritual growth and development.

• Adaptation to Contemporary Challenges: As Dominicans, we seek to adapt to the changing needs and realities of the contemporary world while remaining faithful to its traditions. We engage with emerging social, cultural, and technological trends, and address issues such as globalization, secularization, and climate concerns. From diversity, equity, and inclusion to immigration assistance and permaculture, our Sisters, Associates, and Co-workers invite others to join us in working toward a more just and peaceful world.

• Promotion of Intellectual Inquiry: As heirs of the Dominican intellectual tradition, we continue to promote scholarship, research, and intellectual inquiry in various fields of study. By engaging with contemporary issues and contributing to the dialogue between faith and reason, we Dominicans uphold the tradition of seeking truth and fostering understanding. Students and Co-workers at Barry University and Siena Heights University are focused on study, research, and advanced education.

• Effective Formation Programs: Comprehensive and holistic formation programs are essential for preparing future generations of Dominicans for life and ministry within the family. This includes theological education, spiritual formation, practical training, and ongoing intellectual and pastoral development. Weber Retreat and Conference Center promotes ongoing theological development with regular speakers and seminars. The Congregation’s sponsored literacy centers and Dominican Veritas Ministries (DVM) provide education and practical training for current and future generations. DVM is the canonical sponsor of the elementary schools and high schools of the Adrian Dominican Sisters and four other U.S.-based Dominican congregations of Sisters.

• Vocational Discernment and Recruitment: We provide opportunities for vocational discernment to attract new members called to the Dominican life. We foster a culture of vocations within Dominican communities, providing opportunities for discernment and spiritual growth, and offering mentorship and support to those considering a Dominican vocation. Our Congregation’s Vocation Committee and the Office of Dominican Charism Formation Committee work collaboratively to invite and encourage seekers to consider both vowed and Associate life.

• Collaboration and Networking: Collaboration with other religious orders, lay movements, and ecclesial organizations enriches the life and ministry of our Dominican Family. By fostering partnerships and networking with like-minded individuals and groups, we Dominicans amplify our impact in preaching the Gospel and promoting the common good. For many years the Congregation has been collaborating and networking with other Dominican communities. Just recently, our Associates have begun to collaborate with other Dominican congregations to provide Associate formation, spirituality programs, retreats, and enrichment programs.

• Missionary Outreach: Continuing the tradition of itinerant preaching and missionary work, we are active in evangelization and pastoral ministry both within and beyond our traditional geographic boundaries. This includes serving in underserved or marginalized communities, engaging in interfaith dialogue, and responding to the needs of the global church. It also includes our partners in legacy hospitals who bring the Dominican tradition to health care. Sisters and Associates have been quick to answer the call to engage in missionary outreach, whether it means helping immigrants at the border or traveling to Africa or Latin America. 

• Strengthening Community Life: Building and nurturing vibrant Dominican communities is essential for the spiritual vitality and cohesion of the Dominican Family. This involves fostering a sense of belonging, fostering communal prayer and worship, supporting one another in times of need, and living out the values of communion and solidarity. Dominicans love to be together, although changing demographics can make it more difficult for some. But new ways of meeting and celebrating are emerging. The Congregation is always finding new ways to be in community by sharing life together through feasts, special events, assemblies, etc. The Associate Life Community Circle is also forming new Sojourner Groups. Thanks to Zoom technology, no one is left out.

• Extend Invitations: As we look toward an unknown future, we are mindful of the many cultures and diverse lifestyles in our global community. We must always make sure that there is a place at the Dominican Table for new seekers and those with diverse lifestyles. By using social media, regular invitations are extended to those who want to journey with us as Dominicans. There is always room at the Table.

By embracing and promoting these principles and practices, our Dominican Family will help to preserve the most beautiful of pearls, our Dominican Charism, and share that Pearl by preaching the Gospel and promoting the Kindom of God in our world.



News from the Dominican Family

We are delighted to introduce the newly appointed members of the Office of Dominican Charism Advisory Committee. These individuals have stepped up to serve on the inaugural committee, agreeing to pave the way into the future, with so much unknown. We are confident that through their guidance we will continue to learn how to keep the Dominican Charism alive and relevant throughout the Dominican partners. The committee will first meet virtually later this summer and in person in the fall. Please feel free to thank your respective representative for their commitment. 

Alison Altmeyer

Alison is the Executive Director of Aquinas Literacy Center, Chicago, one of the seven literacy centers sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, and an Adrian Dominican Associate. She is active in her parish, St. Edna in Arlington Heights, Illinois. In addition to serving as the Parish Liaison, Alison provides support to the English-language literacy program at the Viator House of Hospitality, an interfaith program that provides hope, healing, and opportunity to young men with nowhere to live while pursuing asylum claims in the U.S. immigration system. 

Alison first encountered the Adrian Dominican Sisters at Maria High School, where she worked with Sister Noreen Burke, OP. She has been in ministry with the Adrian Dominican Sisters for more than 20 years. She has agreed to serve on the Office of Dominican Charism Advisory Committee because of her respect and admiration for the Sisters, and the importance of continuing their legacy within sponsored institutions. Alison resides in Buffalo Grove, a northwestern suburb of Chicago, with her husband Peter. 

Courtney Berrien

Courtney is the Director of the Adrian Dominican Institute for Mission and Leadership at Barry University. She oversees the Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), as well as mission integration, mission-focused professional development for faculty and staff, and the coordination of mission-centered community partnerships. Courtney also chairs the Adrian Dominican Institute Roundtable, the Adrian Dominican Mission Circle, the JEDI Coalition, and Barry’s Laudato Si’ Committee.

As a doctoral student at the University of Miami, Courtney studies community psychology. Her research focuses on truth and reconciliation processes that address issues of race and racism in the United States. She has presented at numerous academic conferences, published in the field of Engaged Scholarship, and served as the Managing Editor of Collaborations: A Journal of Community-Based Research and Practice. She holds a master’s degree in teaching and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Puget Sound, and has taught at the graduate, undergraduate, high school, and middle school levels.

Courtney serves on the boards of several community organizations, including the Miami Center for Racial Justice and the Miami-Port-de-Paix, Haiti Global Solidarity Project. She is the founder and co-chair of the Miami-Dade Truth, Education, and Reconciliation (TEAR) Initiative, which brings to light historic incidences of racial violence in South Florida through the Equal Justice Initiative’s Community Remembrance Project.

She formerly served as the Associate Director for Barry’s Center for Community Service Initiatives, and she was the founding Program Director of Mosaic Miami. Before residing in Miami, Courtney lived in the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe while working in International Baccalaureate Schools, teaching history and facilitating engaged learning experiences with refugee communities.

Erin Dress

For the past 13 years, Erin has worked for the Adrian Dominican Sisters, first as a Human Resources Generalist, then beginning in 2012 as the Director of Human Resources. In this role, she is responsible for all human resource services for the Co-workers of the Congregation. 

Erin is also the co-chair of the Campus Safety Committee and chair of ADSgives!, which raises funds for various local non-profit organizations whose missions are in line with the mission of the Congregation.

A graduate of Siena Heights University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Erin is certified through the Human Resource Certification Institute as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. Before working with the Sisters, she was the HR manager in both retail and manufacturing settings.  

Born and raised in Monroe, Michigan, Erin lives in Toledo, Ohio, with her husband Phil. They have two grown children, David and Deanna.

Erin said she looks forward to serving on this Advisory Committee because she sees it as an opportunity to help spread awareness of the mission and ministry of the Congregation that has given and taught her so much. 

James Mallare

James, a community health practitioner in the Metro Detroit area, has been an Adrian Dominican Associate for two years. He brings with him experiences working with community members in historically excluded neighborhoods, and with religious congregations and parishes seeking to reach out to youth. 

For James, Associate Life has been nothing short of an adventure. He has found the creating God, life-giving Spirit, and healing Redeemer present among the community of Sisters and Associates. His choice to accept the call to be a partner in mission with the Adrian Dominican Sisters is a response to the tremendous love of the creating God, the workings of the Spirit in his life, and the desire to be an authentic witness to truth. He has come to love God first and foremost as his best friend.

Mentored spiritually by Sister Carol Jean Kesterke, OP, and academically by Sister Mariane Fahlman, OP, James is committed to addressing the contemporary issues faced by society. He constantly searches for ways in which the Dominican Charism as lived out by the Adrian Dominicans can be a beacon of hope for people. Seeking Truth, Making Peace, and Reverencing Life is a way of life for James. 

Mary Margaret Pachucki, OP

Born and raised in Detroit, Sister Mary Margaret met the Adrian Dominican Sisters while attending St. Alphonsus High School in Dearborn. After graduating in 1963, she entered the Congregation and this year celebrates her 60th Jubilee as an Adrian Dominican Sister.  

Since her first profession in 1965, Sister Mary Margaret has ministered in education as a teacher in Ohio, Arizona, and Michigan. She then served as principal in Brighton, Michigan, and at St. Joseph Academy in Adrian.  



In 1993, Sister Mary Margaret began a 10-year ministry in South Africa as a teacher at St. Anne’s High School and then as the National Coordinator for Literacy and Numeracy at the Catholic Institute of Education. Upon returning to the United States, she ministered as a School and Curriculum Consultant in the Diocese of Toledo and then as President of Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, Illinois. She served on the General Council from 2016 to 2022.  

Sister Mary Margaret now serves as the President of the Members of Dominican Veritas Ministries, a canonical entity of the Roman Catholic Church charged with the mission to perpetuate the Catholic identity and Dominican Charism of the schools it sponsors. She accepted the invitation to serve on the Advisory Committee for the Office of Dominican Charism to support its mission to animate and support women and men in their commitment to Dominican life and spirituality. 

Amy Palmer

Born and raised in Lenawee County, Michigan, Amy lives in Britton with her husband Jeremy. She graduated from Siena Heights University and has been the Director of Development for the Adrian Dominican Sisters since May 2015, but she first met the Sisters when she started working at Weber Retreat and Conference Center in 1998. She serves as Board Chair for the Lenawee Community Mental Health Authority. 

Amy is excited about joining the Dominican Charism Advisory Committee because she is passionate about continuing the legacy of the Sisters. She enjoys reading and spending time with her golden retrievers, Dutch and Ellie. 

Meaghan Toomey

Meaghan Toomey is the Director of Mission and Ministry at Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, Illinois. She lives in Chicago with her family and came to know the Adrian Dominican Sisters through her position at Regina Dominican.

Meaghan accepted the appointment to serve on the Advisory Committee because she cares a great deal about the Dominican Charism and feels inspired by the work of the Dominican Sisters and Dominican Veritas Ministries. 



Last November, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) announced a new initiative designed to help bridge the divides that exist in our country. In the words of LCWR leadership, this is an effort to move from an “us versus them” to a “we” mentality. As a member of the LCWR – a national organization that brings together leaders from many congregations of women religious to work collaboratively for the common good – the Adrian Dominican Congregation is heeding the call to be a part of this Transforming Grace effort.

LCWR leadership reminds us that women religious have always followed the movements of the Spirit. Early in our country’s history, women religious responded to the needs of the time by providing direct service in schools, religious education programs, and hospitals, along with other ministries. From there, religious Sisters began addressing the systems that had resulted in inequities, and eventually moved to political advocacy, in particular supporting organizations such as NETWORK. Today, LCWR leaders believe that a transformation of consciousness through dialogue will inform the work of Gospel justice and Catholic social teaching.

Transforming Grace is designed for groups of four to eight people who meet regularly using reflection materials produced by LCWR. The program creates a space for contemplative listening and reflection from a spiritual foundation. Each session includes song, prayer, and reflection and is intended to last about an hour.

The context of the practice is wrapped around current events, which may include political topics among other social issues, but the program is not intended to convince anyone to change their views. Rather, it is meant to be one way that we may open our hearts and minds to listen to one another and begin to build bridges.

While the Transforming Grace initiative began in November 2023, it’s never too late to join the movement of the Spirit. Transforming Grace was introduced to Adrian Dominican Sisters, Associates, and Co-workers in February, and since then several groups have been meeting regularly on the Motherhouse Campus. Group facilitators and members have found the program to be beneficial and look forward to the reflections. 

This opportunity is open to anyone who has a desire to help address the polarization that exists in our country. Those who want to form a group – at a parish, in a neighborhood, at a workplace, or with family and friends – can access all of the reflection materials from the LCWR website. Note that the guides themselves include links to other resources used in that week’s reflection.

There is no right or wrong way to work through the reflections. At the Motherhouse, most groups began using the materials from the current week and continued in chronological order, while others did not follow a particular order. Those who now have “caught up” with postings are returning to reflections previously posted. Likewise, groups are choosing their meeting schedule. 

Those who feel the call of the Spirit to join this movement can find details of the program, including a video recording providing an overview of the program and all of the reflections, at https://www.lcwr.org/transforming-grace.



When you visit restaurants, notice the tall glasses of water left on tables and later thrown out. Our country holds more than 20% of the world’s fresh surface water, mostly in the Great Lakes region. Because this precious resource is becoming an increasingly scarce commodity in the world, the Social Justice Circle is promoting the Water Card Project.  

The goal of this project is to reduce water waste by asking restaurants to serve water on request rather than automatically placing full glasses on tables. Will you help us to spread the word? When you are dining out, provide the restaurant with water cards (4” x 5” in size). Ask to speak to the manager about placing the cards by the host stand or cash register or on each table. Emphasize the goal, to reduce the amount of water wasted.  

This is a huge change in protocol for some restaurants. It will take time and effort to help patrons become more fully aware of the scarcity of water, the importance of using it wisely, and the restaurants' commitment to help address a key environmental issue. 

Please contact Associate Carol Hofer at carolhofer@aol.com or 586-774-3144 for more information about this project and to request printed cards. Thank you for helping to raise consciousness of the sacred role of water in our lives and the need for caretaking this precious resource.



Living the Dominican Charism ...

In each issue of this newsletter, we introduce you to ways that the various partners are living and embodying the Dominican Charism in their work and lives. In this edition, we feature Erin Dress, Director of Human Resources for the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Enjoy reading about Erin and her passion for service.

When I am speaking with prospective Co-workers or other people in the larger community, I often find myself saying, “It’s hard to explain, but working for the Adrian Dominican Sisters is just … different. I don’t know exactly how to put it into words, but once you are here for a while, you’ll get it!”

Four times a year we have new Co-worker orientation sessions, in which we bring the newest Co-workers together for a day of sharing, listening, touring, and, of course, eating! At the beginning of the day, I introduce members of our campus leadership team and invite them to discuss their interpretation of what it means to be a “Partner in Mission.” 

I always begin the conversation with that same thought: “It’s hard to explain, but working here is just … different.” This time, when I say it, heads always nod and I see so many knowing smiles from the newest partners, whether they have been here one week or several months.

Although it is difficult to put into words the often intangible idea of living the Dominican Charism, the campus Human Resources team works hard to make it a reality for all of our Co-workers and Sisters on campus. 

Heather Wanshon, Recruiter, spends countless hours talking with applicants to give them a realistic view of the job to which they applied. She works tirelessly to make sure every new Co-worker has the best experience possible as they join the team. She helps our newest partners to realize that they accepted not merely a job, but a ministry. 

Cathy Fox, HR Generalist, spends time carefully explaining our comprehensive benefits package to make sure everyone gets the best return on their investment. She walks with our Co-workers through some of the happiest and the most difficult times of their lives. She helps us welcome new family members and celebrate milestone achievements such as graduations and years of service. She also lovingly guides Co-workers through times of uncertainty and sometimes frightening medical issues or personal and family tragedy, and she helps them navigate the frustrating world of insurance – all with a smile. 

We could not serve the Sisters as they deserve to be served without every one of our amazing Co-workers. I am proud to be a part of the team that helps support the mission and bring people to the ADS table, where all are welcome. I am blessed to call myself a Partner in Mission and I can’t image doing this work anywhere else. 



Reflection from Our Community

As Dominican Associates, we are called to be together in community. Together, we strive to grow in, live out, and share the Dominican Charism, and to live into the Congregation’s General Chapter Enactments. 

Opportunities to form community with other Associates and Sisters have been through participation in Mission and Sojourner Groups. The Sojourner Group is a viable model for future involvement for increasing numbers of Associates. As in a Mission Group, Sojourner Groups can be comprised of both Associates and Sisters. 

Unlike Mission Groups, however, Sojourner Groups are not part of the Congregation governance structure. Group members share responsibilities for leading prayer, study, faith-sharing, and sometimes ministry. Focusing on these pillars of Dominican Life and aligning activities with the values and priorities of the Congregation embolden and enable members to carry the Dominican Charism forward into the emerging future of Associate Life.

Associates are experiencing membership in Sojourner Groups in various ways. Some have previously been part of a Mission Group, while others are newly accepted Associates in their first group experience. Recently, some have been moving between established or newly merging groups. 

Two of our fellow Associates share their experiences of being part of Sojourner groups.

Associate Kathy Pimmel of St. Louis, Missouri:

As a new Dominican Associate, I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the St. Louis Sojourner Group. We had monthly meetings in person. Although I felt somewhat awkward at first, I quickly grew in love and respect for my fellow Associates and vowed Sisters and our shared commitment to the Dominican Charism.  

The onset of the pandemic changed the way we conducted our meetings. Early in the pandemic, we pivoted to virtual meetings. While it seemed a little strange at first, these monthly Zoom meetings proved to be like glue, holding us together. For me, personally, our monthly meetings were a lifeline to my faith journey during times that were challenging at best.  



Each month, one or two Associates in our group prepare the prayer and discussion topic. The sharing is deep and our trust in each other has grown in this safe place. We pray with and for each other, as we continue our faith journeys. I am so grateful for the companionship of my fellow sojourners. 

Associate Sue Slankard of Hudson, Ohio:

At a recent meeting, the members of a new Sojourner Group – Barb Henning, Jean Schlicklin-Tyler, June Racicot, OP, Mary Jones, OP, Sherry Goff, Jayne Yenko, and Suzanne Duquet – were asked by their mentor, Associate Judi Engel, to reflect on why this community experience is important to them. Their responses included:

• Without it we would not have the connection we have (given being widely scattered geographically). 
• Grateful to be part of a mix of Associates and Sisters and to keep up with what is going on. 
• Being affirmed in our life journey and rooted in the Charism.
• Don’t want to be an Associate in name only. The opportunity to get to know each other, the dialogue, the conversations are important. 
• Our gatherings are inspiring. Our time together encourages me to go deeper in my life.
• We can be very different, but we are joined.

I look forward to my Sojourner Group meetings every two months. I feel very close to the members of my group. I feel that the Dominican Charism is alive in our meeting. Our group is representative of many locales and many age groups, yet we are united by our Charism. Each month, our members faithfully contribute to the meeting. I feel so blessed to be a member of Hope Sojourner. 



I am a candidate for association with the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan. I have been associated with the Dominicans in many ways since first grade, and in recent years have felt drawn to a more formalized relationship with both the Dominican Sisters and with the Dominican Charism itself. 

Because of strong connections and a warm, hospitable welcome, I have been participating in a Sojourner Group even while I have been discerning commitment as an Associate. In addition to being an aid to my discernment, my participation in the Sojourner group has been meaningful and enriching in two primary ways: first, as a personal and structural support for discipleship as a Catholic at this time in the history of the church, and secondly, as a pathway to expand the impact of the Dominican Charism, which is critically needed now and for the future.

Divisive influences in the American church today have made fidelity to religious practice and participation in the church challenging for me. I have felt isolated, as if what I have learned, taught, and even defended in my life as a theologian, minister, and educator has evaporated in the wake of contemporary forces. These forces have, on the one hand, driven many to see religion as simply absurd, and on the other hand, driven many to devotional practices that come dangerously close to sectarianism and even superstition.  

Our Sojourner Group has been a source of community, a reminder of the communion in the Trinity that we all share no matter our views or practices, and a witness to the practical living of the truth of the Gospel in the diverse circumstances of our lives. The Associates have helped me to remain, to abide. 

Polarization in the church reflects polarization in society, which is accompanied around the world by oppression and violence, as well as greed which breeds further disparities and environmental devastation. Although these realities seem overwhelming, participation in our Sojourner Group is a source of hope as we witness how vital the Dominican Charism – with its distinctive features of study, contemplation, preaching, and community – is for the present and future of our world.  

As Sojourners, we hear the call to live and expand the impact of the Dominican Charism in fidelity to the identity of the community of Adrian Dominican Sisters and in ways unique to the identity and experience of Associates for a future that has, perhaps, not yet been imagined.  

As I continue to discern my commitment as an Associate, my experience of the Sojourner group is sustaining and hope-filled, encouraging, and compelling.