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May 6, 2016, Wilmette, Illinois – Dominican Week at Regina Dominican High School culminated with a liturgy in honor of St. Catherine of Siena. The liturgy concluded with a reflection by Dominican preacher Diane Kraemer on women in the Church and the presentation of the Regina Dominican Veritas Award to Ms. Patricia McDonell, Assistant Principal and Academic Dean.

The award was established to commemorate the 800th Jubilee of the Order of Preachers. The faculty and staff nominated a colleague who, like St. Dominic and St. Catherine, exemplifies a commitment to preach the Gospel message boldly and with veracity embrace and encourage a life of service to others. 

Sister Jean Williams, OP, the Director of Mission Integration, shared comments from those who nominated Ms. McDonell. She was recommended her for her daily interaction with students, faculty, staff, and parents. As an outstanding role model for the students, she was acknowledged for demonstrating respect for others, showing compassion, and nurturing students, faculty, and staff in all her interactions. It was noted that her commitment and integrity add so much to the school community. 

Outside of her work at Regina Dominican, Ms. McDonell is a long-time volunteer at Misericordia, a Chicago-based residential care center that helps people with developmental disabilities to live as independently as they can. Ms. McDonell also assists a friend who is homebound, affirming her human dignity and making sure she feels valued. She truly embodies Veritas and Caritas.  

Sister Mary Margaret Pachucki, OP, President, and Ms. Meg Bigane, Principal, presented Ms. McDonell with the Veritas pin, a certificate, books on Saints Dominic and Catherine of Siena, and a school gift. Ms. Patricia McDonell will be the first name on the Regina Dominican Veritas Award Perpetual Plaque in the chapel. 

Feature photo: From left, Ms. Meg Bigane, Sister Mary Margaret Pachucki, Ms. Patricia McDonell, and Sister Jean Williams

Article Submitted by Regina Dominican High School

Detroit, May 6, 2016 – In their celebration of Earth Day, children from the Rosa Parks Youth and Children’s Program at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen pondered ways to care for both the Earth and their city, Detroit. Sister Nancyann Turner, OP, director of the program, writes of the results of their Earth project and of the slogans and posters that the children created. Read her blog.