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January 27, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – The late Sister Jamie Phelps, OP, longtime theologian, advocate for racial and social equality, and supporter of Black Catholic education, was awarded with a Certificate of Appreciation during the 38th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Lenawee County, Michigan.
The January 19, 2026, luncheon at the Tobias Center of Adrian College centered on a . theme from a quote by Dr. King: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
The Certificate of Appreciation honors Sister Jamie for “leading and performing her faith while being a blessing to others. We have been blessed by her presence while she lived and served in our community, making the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a reality for those around her.” The certificate, signed by Andre’a Benard, president of the celebration planning committee, also acclaimed Sister Jamie as “one of our giants.”
“We Adrian Dominican Sisters have been deeply blessed by Sister Jamie’s joyful, challenging, and transformative presence among us, calling us always to fully live Gospel imperatives in our Dominican sisterhood,” said Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Congregation, in accepting the certificate. “She was a Dominican preacher through and through who played an indelible national leadership role in raising up Black Catholic Studies as an essential field of study for all Catholics. Her love and passion for the common good of all God’s people are an enduring legacy – calling us all to keep carrying on.”
Sister Jamie was born on October 24, 1941, in Mobile, Alabama, and, after her family moved to Chicago, was educated by the Adrian Dominican Sisters in elementary school. “When Jamie professed her first vows as a member of our Congregation, she became the first Black Sister in our Congregation,” Sister Elise said. “We all know too well what our nation was like in the 1960s and the painful struggle for justice and equality that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led – and that he and so many Black folk gave their lives to attain. Sister Jamie gave her life to that struggle in our nation, religious life, and the U.S. Catholic Church, where she also found prejudice.”
Sister Jamie died on November 22, 2025. More about her life and legacy can be found in the news section of the Adrian Dominican Sisters website.
The Martin Luther King Jr. celebration also included a welcome by Dr. Cheri Betz, President of Siena Heights University; expressions by Angela Sword Heath, Mayor of Adrian; keynote address by Dr. Leland Harper, Associate Professor of Race, Justice, and Equity Studies at Siena Heights University; and presentation of several awards:
Caption for above feature photo: Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Congregation, accepts the Certificate of Appreciation Award on behalf of the late Sister Jamie Phelps, OP, during the Lenawee County, Michigan, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Community Celebration on January 19, 2026.
November 26, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – The Adrian Dominican Sisters received the Catherine Cobb Everyday Heroes Award in the category of Justice/Court during a ceremony that recognized heroes in 11 categories. The 10th Annual Everyday Heroes Celebration, sponsored by Catherine Cobb Safe House, took place on the evening of November 6, 2025, in the Adrian Armory Event Center.
In addition to Justice/Court Hero, recipients were recognized as Animal Rescue Hero (for people or animals), Community Hero, Human Services Hero, Youth Good Samaritan Hero, Adult Good Samaritan Hero, Educator Hero, Law Enforcement Hero for paid staff or volunteers, Faith-Based Hero, and Military Hero.
“There are many people in Lenawee County who provide help and hope to others every day, and we’re sure that every day someone in Lenawee County takes some action that rises to the level of heroism,” Jill Hicks, Executive Director of Catherine Cobb, noted in an acknowledgement printed in the program. “We may not be aware of all these everyday heroes – these wonderful, caring people who sometimes risk their own safety to help others or give of their time so generously to lend a hand when needed – but we are proud to honor some of those very special people tonight.”
The Congregation received the Justice/Court Hero award for years of work for local people who are unhoused; immigration services; and advocacy and work against the death penalty and human trafficking.
“For decades, the Adrian Dominican Sisters have embodied compassion, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to justice,” James E. Van Doren, Chair of the Lenawee County Board of Commissioners, wrote in a tribute to the Congregation. “Through your advocacy, education, and outreach, you have supported fairness and dignity for all individuals in our community. Your tireless efforts to promote peace, equity, and understanding have strengthened the very foundation of Lenawee County.”
Sister Frances Nadolny, OP, General Councilor, accepted the award on behalf of Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Congregation, and the Adrian Dominican Sisters. She specifically thanked Jill Hicks, Executive Director of Catherine Cobb, and members of the Board of Directors.
“For 47 years the people of Catherine Cobb have been heroes to everyday victims of domestic violence,” Sister Fran said. “We salute you, too, as we proudly accept this award for our work in social justice.”
Catherine Cobb Safe House offers a variety of services to the survivors of domestic and sexual violence. These include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency housing, basic needs, individual and group therapy, personal and legal services, education, and transitional supportive housing.
The Adrian Dominican Sisters are long-time partners with Catherine Cobb Safe House, with Sisters serving as members of its Board of Directors. Catherine Cobb has also received support from the Congregation through Ministry Trust grants, given to nonprofit organizations in which Adrian Dominican Sisters minister, volunteer, or serve on Boards.
Attending the celebration with Sister Fran were Adrian Dominican Sisters Patricia Leonard, OP, a recent Catherine Cobb Board member; Nancy Murray, OP, current Board member; Attracta Kelly, OP; Tarianne DeYonker, OP; Durstyne Farnan, OP; Theresa Mayrand, OP; and Mary Jane Lubinski, OP.
Sister Fran said the Everyday Heroes Celebration was attended by current honorees and their guests, past honorees, people who had been nominated, and people involved in Catherine Cobb. She was especially inspired by hearing the stories of other award recipients. “I was moved by the generosity of people and the fact that everyday folks were being recognized for the good things that they do,” she said. “It made me feel good to know that people are so caring and look out for each other.”
Caption for above feature photo: Sister Frances Nadolny, OP, General Councilor, displays the Everyday Heroes Award.