Future Hopes Discussed at Federation Meeting
The Federation of Dominican Sisters USA Coordinating Council, from left: Srs. Marie Michelle Hackett, Margaret Mary Kennedy, Rose Celeste O’Connell, Jo Ann Timmerman, and Francine Schwarzenberger. by Jo Ann Timmerman, OP
On March 20, Mary Ellen O’Dea, OP, Mary Ellen O’Grady, OP, and I journeyed through Indiana, Ohio, and on to Adrian, MI, for our annual meeting of the Federation of Dominican Sisters USA. At the opening gathering, Michaela Connolly, OP [Blauvelt], provided us with a brief history of the Federation from May 1999 to the present. Throughout the weekend, we discussed the history and the hopes of the Federation.
As of this meeting, there were 24 congregations throughout the United States, with over 8,000 members that were a part of the Federation. But, as of April 14, with the Chapter of the newly formed Dominican Sisters of Peace, there are currently 17 congregations. Across our country, various geographical groupings have formed. In the East, there are now five congregations called the Northeast 5. This group of Amityville, Blauvelt, Caldwell, Hope, and Sparkill Dominicans have decided to pursue a “committed collaboration.” Three members from each of these congregations form a team to define and set the direction for this venture. In the Midwest, the Alliance forms a collection of seven congregations, including Sinsinawa. And in the West, the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma, San Rafael, and Adrian (including members of the former Dominican Sisters of Edmonds) gather in what is known as the Ocean Pacific OPs. As can be observed by these gatherings, the Federation has launched various gatherings, thus creating a conversation that gives life to the Dominican mission as lived by these apostolic communities.
Donna Markham, OP [Adrian], challenged us to address the “Winds of Change.” In using the post-Resurrection Gospel of John, where the disciples are locked in the upper room and are afraid, Donna asked how we are “locked in” today. Both personally and as congregations, we are on a journey to move out from what has been safe and secure. But, the closer we move into the heart of mission, the more likely we are to experience resistance, individually and as a community. Yet, not leaving us orphaned, Jesus missions us in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is in our communal life that we practice reconciliation, forgiveness, and courage; for only together can we embody the reign of God.
With this challenge, the membership of the Federation resolved to explore working with the Dominican Leadership Conference to jointly plan the next convocation for members and Associates of these congregations.
At the conclusion of our Liturgy Saturday evening, the Federation proclaimed the following joint corporate stance:
The Federation of Dominican Sisters USA calls upon the United States government to lead the way for the global abolition of nuclear and all weapons of mass destruction by adopting a plan to lock down, dismantle, reduce, and eliminate nuclear and all weapons of mass destruction.
We call for immediate development, adoption, and implementation of a plan that will ensure that there will be no new nuclear weapons, no new materials for nuclear weapons, and no testing of nuclear weapons.
We will work with all people of goodwill until there is no chance that a nuclear weapon or other weapon of mass destruction can come into the hands of anyone wishing to do harm.
Two new members were elected to the Federation’s coordinating committee for a three-year term. Marie Michelle Hackett, OP [Springfield], and Jo Ann Timmerman, OP [Sinsinawa], joined Rose Celeste O’Connell, OP [Adrian], Margaret Mary Kennedy, OP [Peace], and Francine Schwarzenberger, OP [Peace], as the Coordinating Council. Be sure to visit the updated web site at www.dominicans.us. It includes a directory of Dominican Sisters in the congregations of the Federation. Each congregation is responsible for updating its directory listings. Anyone out there willing to work with me on that? J If so, please contact me!