Charism, Courage, and Hope:

DVM Leaders Gather on Retreat

^{2026 Dominican Sisters of Houston Leadership Formation Retreat — Featuring DVM Members, Trustees, School Leaders, Board Chairs, and Staff.}

“Our constellation will not only shine, but it will also guide us: towards the truth that sets us free, towards the fraternity that consolidates justices, towards the hope that does not disappoint.” - Pope Leo XIV

Leaders of DVM’s thirteen sponsored schools gathered January 13-15 at the Spirituality Center and Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Houston for the biennial Leadership Formation Retreat. Joined by DVM Members, Trustees, and sponsorship staff, participants shared time in prayer, study, conversation, and thoughtful reflection of the Sisters’ preaching.

The retreat, titled Charism, Courage, and Hope: Stewarding Dominican Catholic Education, was animated with prayer, reflection, and preaching led by Dominican Sisters: DVM Members, Donna Pollard, OP, (Houston), Therese Leckert, OP (Peace) and Colleen Settles, OP (Sinsinawa) M. Paul McCaughey, OP (Springfield), and Mary Margaret Pachucki, OP (Adrian); and Carol Mayes, OP (Houston). Their preaching grounded participants in the Dominican call to praise, to bless, and to preach, and encouraged reflection on the graces and responsibility of our collective beginnings.

Retreat sessions were inspired by the writings of Pope Leo XIV and informed by DVM’s October 2025 meeting at the Vatican. The sessions invited leaders to reflect on a two-fold image: each school shining brightly in its local context, and together, forming a constellation of Dominican Catholic education that illuminates the wider world.

Participants were challenged to consider how their ministry might respond more directly to the needs of the poor and vulnerable. Sessions led by DVM President Sr. Mary Margaret Pachucki, OP (Adrian), DVM’s Executive Director Dr. Kristin Melley, and Director of Formation Nate Friday, wove together scripture, insights from the writings of Pope Leo, shared study, and contemplative practices. Together, these moments invited leaders to imagine new pathways and practices of Dominican school leadership rooted in hope, collaboration, and purpose.

The final day explored the ways in which school board members are formed in the Dominican charism as they engage in the shared stewardship of the mission. In her preaching, DVM Member and Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield,

Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, OP, reminded participants that Dominican leadership is not about perfection, but truth, integrity, and trust in the Holy Spirit.

DVM is grateful to the Dominican Sisters of Houston for their generous hospitality and to all who contributed to this meaningful experience. The next DVM Leadership Formation Retreat is planned for the winter of 2028.

^{From left to right: Sharon Morris‑Lencheski, JD, Rosarian Academy (West Palm Beach, Fla.); Tina Taylor‑Ritzler, PhD, Trinity High School (River Forest, Ill.); Krista Gallagher, Regina Dominican High School (Wilmette, Ill.); and Sr. Mary Margaret Pachucki, OP, DVM Member, President, Dominican Sisters of Adrian.}

^{From Left to Right: Anne Clark, Chair, Board of Directors, Our Lady of the Elms School; Kathy Taylor, Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Our Lady of the Elms School; and Sr. Therese Leckert, OP, DVM Member, Dominican Sisters of Peace, during a discussion session at the 2026 Leadership Formation Retreat.}

^{Sr. Carol Mayes, OP, Dominican Sisters of Houston, preaching at the 2026 Leadership Formation Retreat.}

DVM Schools

St. Agnes Academy, (Memphis, Tenn.)

Celebrates its 175th Anniversary

“My shepherd is the Lord; there is nothing I shall want.” - Psalm 23

This scriptural passage inspired the joyful Eucharistic Liturgy that marked the beginning of St. Agnes Academy’s 175th anniversary year. Joining the January 21st celebration were Bishop Emeritus the Most Reverend Terry Steib, Dominican Sisters of Peace, Dominican friars, diocesan priests and deacons, representatives of Dominican Veritas Ministries, School Board Trustees, students, faculty, and staff from

St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School, and countless alumni and community members.

Psalm 23 served as both prayer and preaching as the Most Reverend David Talley, Bishop of Memphis, invited the congregation to follow the choir’s lead in singing these words throughout his homily. Bishop Talley reflected on the enduring faith and relentless trust of the Sisters in Christ the Shepherd that has sustained the school since its founding.

During a closing reflection, school President Tom Hood, OPA, reminded those gathered that the founding Sisters trusted deeply in God’s providence, even amid uncertainty, hardship, pandemics, and countless other trials. He gave thanks to the Sisters who live this legacy today and recognized the Dominican Sisters of Peace who were in attendance, Joye Gros, OP, and Kathy Galaskiewicz, OP, for their faithful witness and dedication to St. Agnes Academy.

As expressed in the worship aid for the celebration, “SAA-SDS is rooted in the Four Pillars of Dominican Life: Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching. The Academy honors 175 years of history while looking ahead with hope, preparing generations of Stars and Suns to lead, serve, and make a difference in the world.” St. Agnes Academy was founded on New Year’s Day in 1851, when Six Dominican Sisters traveled from Kentucky to Memphis to open the school. The liturgy marked the beginning of a year-long celebration for the SAA-SDS community.

^{From left to right: Tom Hood, OPA, President, SAA-SDS; Beth Odom, Director of Dominican Catholic Identity, SAA-SDS; Mark Butler, OPA, DVM, Inc. Board of Trustees; Claire Crane, Assistant Director of Founded Ministries, Dominican Sisters of Peace; and Nate Friday, Director of Formation, DVM.}

Two Dominican Sisters of Peace were special guests at the 175th Anniversary Feast of St. Agnes celebration. From left to right: Sr. Cathy Galaskiewicz, OP, former trustee and Director of Religious Education; Tom Hood, OPA, President, SAA-SDS; and Sr. Joye Gros, OP, St. Agnes Academy alumna and former trustee.

Dominican Connections at SEEK Conference

Dominican High School (Whitefish Bay, Wisc.) alumni Margo Meyer ‘25, Gavin Olen’25, (both Marquette University Freshmen), and Mia Holl ‘25 (University of St. Thomas Freshmen), recently attended the SEEK conference, a five-day experience that brings together thousands of Catholic students for prayer, fellowship, and inspiration in faith across three different locations: Denver, Colorado; Fort Worth, Texas; and Columbus, Ohio. During the conference the young

alumni connected with several Dominican Sisters, including Sr. Nancy Jurecki, OP (Adrian), Sr. Denise Glazik, OP (Springfield), Sr. Christin Tomy, OP (Sinsinawa), and Katherine Frazier, OP (Adrian), Executive Director of Dominican Youth Movement, USA. As students of Dominican High School, they attended the High School Preaching Conference (a program of DYM USA) and were active leaders of the Veritas preaching team and campus ministry. Reflecting on his experience of SEEK, Gavin shared, “SEEK was amazing! Going to SEEK opened my eyes to how I can find peace as a young Catholic adult.” He further described the experiences, “it was so moving to be part of the 17,000 plus young Catholics together, caring about their faith.” The SEEK Conference is a ministry of Focus and the next SEEK conferences take place January 1-5, 2027 in Columbus, Ohio and San Antonio, Texas.

^{Left to Right: Sr. Nancy Jurecki, OP (Adrian), Sr. Denise Glazik, OP (Springfield), Sr. Christin Tomy, OP (Sinsinawa), Margo Meyer, Mia Holl, Sr. Katherine Frazier, OP (Adrian).}

^{Left to Right: Gavin Olen, Sr. Katherine Frazier, OP (Adrian), and Mia Holl.}

Students from Bethlehem Academy Visit the Vatican Unveiled Exhibit

at Mall of America

^{Bethlehem Academy (Faribault, Minn.) Campus Ministry students tour the "Vatican Unveiled" exhibit at the Mall of America, gaining a closer look at papal artifacts and Church history.}

This month, twenty-two Bethlehem Academy (Faribault, Minn.) students made a pilgrimage to Vatican Unveiled, an extraordinary collection showcasing the largest display of papal artifacts outside of Rome. The exhibit, housed at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, offered students the opportunity to view up close centuries-old treasures of the Catholic Church while deepening their understanding of Church history and tradition.

Among the most memorable items for students were, papal zucchettos representing the last six popes, a relic of the True Cross, the full regalia of a Swiss Guardsman, a papal mace bearer, and an extensive collection of red papal slippers. The exhibit also featured more than 350 artifacts, including papal documents over 1,000 years old and relics from both well- and lesser-known saints.

“Getting to see the Vatican Unveiled Exhibit was truly an incredible experience,” shared Luke McCrae ’26. “From relics of the True Cross to vestments worn by popes, we were given the opportunity to see many one-of-a-kind, priceless pieces that are not regularly on display. This exhibit provided us with a window into the history of our Church and the lives of the saints that we will not forget.”

In addition to exploring the exhibit, students embraced the opportunity to live out their faith publicly. During free time at the Mall of America, students led a rosary in the food court, inviting people to join in prayer.

Dominican Academy Celebrates Its First Dominican Day

This month, Dominican Academy (New York City, N.Y.) launched Dominican Day, a student-led event based on the Four Pillars of Dominican Life. The January 23 celebration introduced several inspired and creative ideas. Four of the school’s six floors were designated as Dominican pillars. Faculty, staff, and students participated in group activities, community-building moments, and a service project. Dr. Michael Cagny (Theology Department Chair), Laura Oing (World Language Faculty Member), Rodney Frederick (Facilities Director), and Annie Sullivan (Athletic Director) offered preaching on the different pillars. Their reflections explored how the pillars of prayer, study, community, and preaching have shaped their daily lives and provided students with insight into the personal and professional ways these values are lived.

Watch the video below that highlights this special day.

Our Lady of the Elms School Introduces “Elms Eat”

Program for Middle School Students

^{Middle school students at Our Lady of the Elms School (Akron, Ohio) participate in a hands-on cooking activity as part of the new Elms Eat program.}

Middle school students at Our Lady of the Elms School (Akron, Ohio) are gaining valuable life skills through the new “Elms Eat” program. The course teaches practical cooking techniques alongside lessons in following recipes, measuring ingredients, and making thoughtful food choices. The program provides hands-on experience that empowers students to build confidence in the kitchen while developing skills they can apply beyond the classroom.

“Our class is not just about cooking, it’s about learning to follow instructions and the math skills needed to weigh and measure to follow recipes,” said teacher Kelli Hohenadel. “When students cook food that requires extended cooking time, we adjust their schedule so the girls can enjoy their creations before the end of the day. Additionally, it’s about being resourceful and being empowered to learn life skills that have been forgotten or overlooked.”

The curriculum focuses on foundational cooking techniques and basic recipes for breakfast and desserts, including eggs and French toast. Students also cultivate lettuce and herbs using a tower garden, allowing them to incorporate homegrown ingredients into their meals.

“Through Elms Eats, we have a meaningful opportunity to address a critical need in our community,” said Deborah Farquhar Jones, President of Our Lady of the Elms School. “Akron has been identified as a food desert, and many organizations across the city are working to ensure families have access to fresh fruits and vegetables through community gardens and local markets. By teaching our Middle School students safe food preparation, the value of fresh produce, and how to prepare nutritious meals using ingredients they’ve grown themselves, we are helping them develop skills that will benefit both their health and their community.”

Several months into the program, Hohenadel said Elms Eat has been well received, with students eager to learn and explore in the kitchen. She is particularly enthusiastic about how the program will continue to grow.

St. Pius X Shines at Houston Rockets Faith & Family Night

^{St. Pius X High School (Houston, Texas) cheerleaders perform during halftime of the Houston Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls game.}

Students of St. Pius X High School (Houston, Texas) had the exciting opportunity to take center court at the January 13 Houston Rockets game, marking the school’s second consecutive year performing during an NBA halftime show. The performance took place at the Toyota Center in Houston during the Houston Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls game as part of the “Rockets’ Faith and Family Night.”

The opportunity came through St. Pius X Cheer Coach Kimberly Phillips Holik, who performed with the Houston Rockets during the 2021–2022 season. After a successful performance last year, the St. Pius X High School team was invited to return and showcase its talent once again. Student Jazleen Palomino ‘28 said, “performing at the Houston Rockets halftime show was very fun, exciting, and unforgettable. I really enjoyed every moment, from being on the big stage to feeling the energy of the crowd. I felt so happy and proud to be part of it, and I am very grateful for the amazing chance to participate and make such special memories.”

St. Mary’s Dominican High School JV Dance Team Named State Champions in Pom

^{St. Mary’s Dominican High School (New Orleans, La.) JV Dance Team proudly celebrates its first place State Champion win in the Pom category at the American All‑Star Louisiana State Dance/Drill Team Competition.}

The St. Mary’s Dominican High School Dominican (New Orleans, La.) Junior Varsity Dance Team earned first place State Champion honors in the pom event at the American All-Star Louisiana State Dance/Drill Team Competition held January 17 in Lafayette, Louisiana. The team also placed third in the categories of “Jazz” and “Gameday.” Coach Kailyn Smith shared, “I am extremely proud of this team and all that they have accomplished. It is truly an honor to witness their talents and abilities as dancers and young women coming together as a team.”

The dance team will continue training and preparing for upcoming competitions later this season as they build on this outstanding achievement. DVM wishes the team continued success as they move forward this season.

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

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