God makes us ask ourselves questions most often when he ...

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June 2015

"God makes us ask ourselves questions
most often when he intends to resolve them."

- Thomas Merton

A webcast concerning vowed life and Associate Life was held in the Weber
Center auditorium on May 10. On the panel with me were Sister Maribeth
Howell, OP, Director of Formation; Sister Anneliese Sinnott, OP, wisdom Sister;
Sister Carolyn Roeber, OP, civil lawyer and canonist; and Sister Lynn Jarrell,
OSU, Ursuline Sister and canonist. Sister Elise Garcia, OP, assisted in
technology and Sister Tarianne DeYonker, OP, answered emails and phone and
guided our work before the webcast. This webcast is available to Associates
and Sisters on the member's' website, under GC2016 and Videos. Other
interesting webcasts are also available for your study and contemplation.

The purpose of the webcast was to respond to issues raised and to answer specific questions
asked at the fall Chapter Assemblies. Each Chapter (with the exception of the Sisters of Our Lady
of Remedies in the Philippines) had several comments about Associate Life and the possibilities
of Associates in the future. Implied in the questions was the very nature of the relationship
between the Professed (vowed Sisters) and the Associates.

I do believe it was our intention to clear up a few issues that arose about Associates, the first one
being whether or not Associates can serve as delegates in the Mission Groups they participate in.

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2 of 9 Taking part in the May 10 panel discussion on Vowed and Associate Life were, from left:
Associate Mary Lach; Sister Lynn Jarrell, OSU; Sister Carolyn Roeber, OP;
Sister Anneliese Sinnott, OP; and Sister Maribeth Howell, OP.

The webcast presentations and discussions made it clear that there must be more conversation
about who we are as Associates and what God is asking of us at this time. The two canonists
shared some insights about the boundaries that exist between Professed and Associates.
Although we share prayer and study and are in relationship with each other, the differences in our
chosen lifestyles make natural boundaries between Professed and Associates, which need to be
respected.

Many of us chose Associate Life because of friendships with the Sisters. That is what brings us
here, and as the Congregation continues General Chapter, all Associates will be asked, as is our
custom, to decide whether or not to continue with Associate Life. So, the upcoming year will bring
many opportunities for conversation and discernment.

I encourage you to watch the webcast, as we will hold discussions on what was shared and who
we are as Associates. This will also be part of the discussion at Partners III in August.

What is God asking of us? How is the Dominican charism, which we all share, being reflected in
our ministries, our families and our relationships? Nothing remains the same, and sometimes grief
comes with the changes in our families, friendships, parishes, and within our Adrian Dominican
family. This was embarrassingly illustrated in my own family a few weeks ago, when I thought we
were celebrating my son Andrew's 25th birthday. It was actually his 26th. Perhaps I had a mental
math mistake, or, more likely, it is difficult to let him go.

However, we know that the Holy Spirit is guiding us, just as it did those who set out and
established the Adrian Dominicans as well as the Edmonds Dominicans. What are our spiritual
ancestors telling us? How can we become the "best versions of ourselves"? What questions are
being raised so that God can resolve them?

The Apple Orchard

Come let us watch the sun go down
and walk in twilight through the orchard's green.

Does it not seem as if we had for long
collected, saved and harbored within us

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old memories? To find releases and seek
new hopes, remembering half-forgotten joys,

mingled with darkness coming from within,
as we randomly voice our thoughts aloud
wandering beneath these harvest-laden trees
reminiscent of Durer woodcuts, branches
which, bent under the fully ripened fruit,

wait patiently, trying to outlast, to
serve another season's hundred days of toil,

straining, uncomplaining, by not breaking
but succeeding, even though the burden
should at times seem almost past endurance.

Not to falter! Not to be found wanting!

Thus must it be, when willingly you strive
throughout a long and uncomplaining life,
committed to one goal: to give yourself!

And silently to grow and to bear fruit.

- Rainer Maria Rilke

Associate Virginia Michael
Dominican Midwest Chapter

On May 2, 2015, Associate Virginia Michael died, and, 15 hours after her death, her son Bill
Becker died as well. This is an article on Virginia that Sister Noni Burns had written for this
month's newsletter:

The Adrian Dominican Associate Life Hand Book of Policies and Procedures
states that the primary purpose of Associate Life is to respond to a call to live
the Dominican charism within a chosen lifestyle. Virginia Michael responded to
this call long before official acceptance into Associate Life in 1980. Her chosen
lifestyle was that of motherhood and family life. She and her husband raised 15
children. Fourteen are still living and have blessed her with 32 grandchildren
and numerous great-grandchildren to carry on her spirit.

While living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Virginia became acquainted with
Sisters Eileen Hussey (RIP), Kay Muzzy, and Ann Rozalia Szabo. She felt inspired by their
kindness and compassion and found solace and strength from their presence while she was
caring for her ill husband.

After her husband's death, Virginia wanted to continue her association with these Sisters and
other like-minded women in Albuquerque. As a widow and mother, she was warmly welcomed into
the first group of Associates. She spent years as an active Associate in the Southwest before
moving to the Dominican Midwest Chapter in 2009.

The Valiant Women Mission Group was delighted to welcome Virginia as a member. She brought
a joyful spirit and the wisdom of many years. She loved being in "her" Mission Group, attended
regularly, took great delight in preparing the prayer, and generously hosted meetings.

While living at the Franciscan Village Retirement Community, Virginia was active in encouraging
prayer groups and in helping bring speakers in for the residents. Recently she moved into the
Mayslake Retirement Community.

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At the age of 93, this amazing woman continued answering the call to Associate Life as a mother,
grandmother, great-grandmother, mission group member, mentor, prayer supporter and so many
others ways. Although she was small of stature, she stood mighty tall in the witness her life brings
to living out the charism of Associate Life. Thank you, Virginia!

Thank you to Associates Karen Hagen, Joyce Fruge, and Marti Rozmys, who prepared the
mailing you received in early May.

Congratulations to Mary and Thierry Lach, who have been married 35 years on June 7.

Congratulations to Associate Robin Aldrich, who has a new position as IT Director at South
Central Michigan Works! Here is a link to her website in case anyone would like more information
about their programs: http://www.scmw.org/

Kudos to Deb Carter, of Saint Joseph, Michigan:
On April 15, 2015, Deb received the "Adult Champion Award" from
the Capital Area Higher Education Network (CAHEN) in Lansing;
and on May 8, 2015, she received the "Pacesetter Award" from the
Michigan Academic Advising Association (MIACADA) at Oakland
University. The MIACADA website states that the Pacesetter Award
"recognizes Executive Officers, Provosts and Academic or Student
Affairs Officers (i.e., Vice Provosts, Vice Presidents, Deans, etc.)
who exemplify a commitment to academic advising and are true
advocates for advising, students, and advisors across the
institution."

Associate Deb Carter enjoys She will also receive the "Honorary Alumna Award" by Siena Heights
a special moment with her University at Homecoming on October 16, 2015. Deb will be
grandchildren, Caroline retiring/transitioning to a new ministry on September 15, 2015.
and Patrick.

4 of 9 St. Dominic's Eighth Way of Prayer

Dominic's Eighth Way of Prayer was dedicated to reading either the Bible, especially the Gospels,
or other spiritual reading. Dominic practiced lectio divina, and he usually did his spiritual reading
alone. At times it would appear that he was conversing with God. Sometimes he would weep or
laugh. He applied the Trinitarian Model of Prayer which consists of the following:

1. Meditation -- a single idea from a reading is selected and concentrated on.
2. Prayer -- allow a prayer to spring from the meditation.
3. Contemplation -- Let the Holy Spirit silence your thoughts and still your soul. Simply be.

In his Eighth Way of Prayer, St. Dominic would go off by himself after Common prayer and place

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himself in God's presence. He would meditate, pray, and contemplate over what he was reading.

My quiet time is early in the morning when there are no distractions. I found that
reading the day's Scripture and thinking it over leads to meditation. The booklet
The Word among Us has helped me considerably. It gives me a special
practice for my day, as well as practical ways that I can use contemplation. The
meditation is followed by a prayer that I can use and further develop on my
own. I strive to listen to what God is saying to me, as did St. Dominic.

Associate Jan Huvaere, Harrison Township, Michigan

I am reading Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton. Here is a passage that speaks to me of St.
Dominic's Eighth Way of Prayer:

"To keep ourselves spiritually alive we must constantly renew our faith. We are like pilots of
fog-bound steamers, peering into the gloom in front of us, listening for the sounds of other
ships, and we can only reach our harbor if we keep alert. The spiritual life is, then, first of all a
matter of keeping awake. We must not lose our sensitivity to spiritual inspirations. We must
always be able to respond to the slightest warnings that speak, as though by a hidden
instinct, in the depth of the soul that is spiritually alive."

I think this goes hand in hand with Dominic's insight of meditation -- prayer and
contemplation. What struck me was the sentence, "We must not lose our sensitivity to spiritual
inspirations." That is where the importance of meditation, prayer, and contemplation comes in and
that is where the challenge lies. Without regular prayer/meditation and silence, we end up on an
endless merry-go-round that seems to be speeding up. We miss the "spiritual inspirations."

Associate Sharon Pikula, Roseville, Minnesota

Someone told me long ago that prayer is talking to God and meditation is listening to God.
Simplistic as that is, I have found it to be very true. I used to struggle with meditation because
once I slowed down and entered the silence, my mind would start bringing up items such as,
"What am I going to do to fix the washing machine?" or, "Wonder what will happen at the family
reunion." The minutiae of my life would arise and any chance of listening to God was gone. I
attended a meditation class in which the instructor told me that when that happens -- the ordinary
things start to enter my mind -- then I should let these distractions enter but watch them walk by
as if I was watching a parade. He told me to just sit there and let those thoughts march through.
Once I began to do this, meditation did come much easier. I can now sit in the silence and let the
"stuff" parade by and then just be.

Associate Mary Lach, Clinton Township, Michigan

The Ninth Way of Prayer - Praying on a Journey

Often when traveling in a group, Dominic would separate himself from the group and walk alone.
Walking in solitude was part of Dominic's preparation for holy preaching. About this sacred time
Dominic would quote Scripture to his companions:

"I will lead her (my spouse) into the wilderness and I will speak to her" (Hosea 2:14).

Many people find walking mindfully and meditating during walking to be beneficial.

1. How do you find serenity?

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2. What is your experience of walking meditatively?
3. How do you prepare for the Holy Preaching?

Please submit your reflections to me by Monday, June 15.

I would like to recommend a marvelous book, All the Light we Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr.

Associate Sharon Carelli Potter, Henderson, Nevada
(Mary Lach recommends this book as well.)

A recommendation for anyone who likes to read mysteries: Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache
series. The inspector is a thoughtful, spiritual man, and the characters involved are complex and
engaging.

Trish Layden, Seatac, Washington

Jane Doe, a Special Associate

Submitted by Associates Jacci Brown and Roberta Clemak

6 of 9 Our Jane Doe was born on March 5, 1957 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the third of four children,
having two older brothers and a younger sister. She attended Holy Name School until eighth
grade and then went to Rogers High School, a public school. She was considered to be an above
average student, excelling in English, social studies, and language.

The happy times of her childhood included family vacations, to almost every state; big holiday
celebrations; camping; and having a home full of books and music. Jane enjoyed numerous quiet
activities: reading, sewing, music, and daydreaming. She was a National Merit Scholar and
graduated from Aquinas College in three years. She spent her fourth year of college life studying
in what was then West Germany and traveling throughout Europe.

Jane still enjoys reading -- usually completing one book per week -- and she also takes time to
enjoy playing games with family members, since they are all very close and love to do things
together. She and her husband have a happy marriage and are truly grateful for that. They enjoy
traveling and movies -- and just plain being together. Their daughter married in 2008 and their
son-in-law is like an actual son to them.

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Jane began her career as a librarian and earned the proper certification. During this time, her
relationship with her soon-to-be husband became serious; they were married on June 7, 1980.
Since her husband's computer programming job was in Warren, Michigan, they moved to Sterling
Heights, but now reside in Clinton Township.

Jane had many miscarriages in the early years of marriage and was diagnosed with lupus.
However, the couple was blessed and extremely lucky to have two children. While staying home
to raise them, Jane worked part-time in parish ministry, including religious education. She also
found time to work for a high school band director and supervised six major trips for the band,
including three trips to Hawaii. She was the sacramental coordinator for several years at St. Paul
of Tarsus Parish and currently helps with RCIA at her new parish, St. Michael in Sterling Heights.

Jane Doe has been under spiritual direction with an Adrian Dominican Sister for about 20 years. It
was through her and an Adrian Dominican Associate at St. Paul's that she learned of the
Associate Program. That Associate became her mentor and she began to attend Mission Group
meetings with her. After becoming an associate in 1999, Jane became an active member of The
Peacemakers Mission Group.

Our Jane Doe, Mary Lach, became Director of Associate Life in 2009. We Associates are so
fortunate to have her in this position. Associate Life has flourished since 2009. Being extremely
busy is a "normal" for her, but as she says, "I have much to do but enjoy it and have many plans
for enriching Associate Life."

for Mary Lach, Director of Associate Life

Working from Home Office in Clinton Township
Monday to Wednesday, June 8-10, 2015
Monday to Wednesday, June 15-17, 2015
Monday and Tuesday, June 29-30, 2015

Working from Adrian
Monday to Wednesday, June 1-3, 2015
Monday and Tuesday, June 22-23, 2015

7 of 9 Please pray for Associates Patty Seckel and Elvera Paul, both of Clinton Township, Michigan;
Caroline Chavez, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Evelyn Rodgers, of Lynwood, Illinois.
Associate Jacob Boor, of Clinton Township: for his mother, Pamela Boor.

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Associates Trish and Tom Layden, of Seatac, Washington: for their granddaughter, Theresa, and
for Trish, who tripped and was injured.

Associate Janet Huvaere, of Harrison Township, Michigan: awaiting surgery in July.

Associate Patty Gillis, of Southfield, Michigan: for her dear goddaughter, Victoria.

Associate Lois Morris, of Adrian: recovering from surgery.

Associate Robin Aldrich, of Adrian: Please pray for all the work currently underway and the work
still to come for General Chapter 2016. Many important decisions will come from this General
Chapter that will affect the Congregation and Associate Life in the future.

Great Lakes Dominican Associates Gathering

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2015
St. Basil, Roseville, Michigan

Book Club

11:30 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2015
Madden Hall Dining Room

Partners III

Friday to Sunday, August 14-16, 2015 in Adrian
Scholarships are available.

All of you should have received a packet of information,
including a registration form for Partners III and a bookmark,
designed by Melinda Ziegler. If you have not received this,

let Mary Lach know ASAP.

All Associates need to complete Annals and submit them to Mary.
A copy of the annals form was in the packet.

Registration materials available from Associate Life
or from the Dominican Sisters Conference:

http://dominicansistersconference.org/events/

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