Associates

Associates in procession

Adrian Dominican Associates are women and men, at least 18 years of age—married, single, widowed or divorced—who make a non-vowed commitment to partner with the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Associates live in many parts of the United States and in the Dominican Republic, come from various ethnic and educational backgrounds, and have a variety of interests. While maintaining their own lifestyle and remaining financially independent, Associates participate in various spiritual, social, and ministerial experiences with the Sisters, as well as attending Congregational events.

Associate Life

For nearly 30 years, women and men who seek spiritual enrichment, a dynamic faith community, and a way to help bring about change in the world have joined the Adrian Dominican Sisters as Associates. It is a way to live out the Dominican charism of seeking truth and preaching the Good News in a non-vowed commitment.

Candidates for Associate Life undergo a period of formation, during which they study Dominican history and spirituality and come to know the Mission and Vision of the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Frequently Asked Questions about Associate Life (PDF)
Preguntas Frecuentes sobre la Vida Asociada (PDF)

For information about joining Associate Life, contact
Nancy Mason Bordley, D.Min., Director
Office of Dominican Charism
517-266-3534
Email:

See issues of The Dominican Table newsletter on our Publications webpage.

Judi Engel

“You are God’s Work of Art” By Judi Engel Adrian Dominican Associate Each year, the Dominican Youth Movement USA sponsors two preaching conferences for young people: college/university students and high school students. Both are directed toward introducing young people to Dominican life and traditions, including the Dominican Charism of preaching. The purpose statement ...

Roberta Clemak

By Associate Melinda Mullin Born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Associate Roberta Clemak first met the Adrian Dominican Sisters when she attended their school from fourth through eighth grades. She spent one year in high school with the Sisters of Loretto before deciding to become an Adrian Dominican Sister ...

Faye Jahnigen

By Associate Melinda Mullin What one notices most about Associate Faye Jahnigen during Adrian Dominican Associate Zoom meetings are her highly articulate contributions to discussions, her careful listening when others speak, and her ready laugh attesting to her sense of humor. What is less obvious, but at the heart of ...

Kathy Woods

By Associate Melinda Mullin (Spanish version below) Associate Kathy Woods was a vowed Adrian Dominican Sister from 1962 to 1977. The values that attract Kathy to the Adrian Dominicans, then and now, are expressed in the Mission of the Congregation. Kathy believes “Mission is a driving force” that facilitates “a ...

Shauna Walch

(Spanish version below) By Associate Melinda Mullin   Associate Shauna Walch grew up in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area, one of five children. Shauna says there are two factors that are important in shaping her spiritual and religious life. First are her early religious experiences, which include attending first through third grades ...

Jacob Boor

(English version below) Escrito por la asociada Melinda Mullin El carisma Dominicano se manifiesta de maneras sorprendentes, como puede atestiguar el Asociado Dominicano Adrián Jacob Boor. Cuando se le pregunta cuánto tiempo ha sido asociado, dice, riendo: “No puedo recordar. Ser dominicano es lo que soy. Puedo cuestionar otras cosas en ...