What's Happening

November 10, 2022, Henderson, Nevada – Three women were welcomed as new Adrian Dominican Associates on November 5, 2022, during a formal Ritual of Acceptance held in the chapel of the Rosa de Lima Campus, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals in Henderson, Nevada. The in-person event was shared on Zoom to Sisters and Associates from around the United States.

Associates make a non-vowed commitment to the Adrian Dominican Congregation, living out their unique vocation as Dominican women and men. While maintaining their own lifestyle and remaining financially independent, Associates participate in various spiritual, social, and ministerial experiences with the Sisters, with one another, and with Associates of other congregations of Dominican Sisters.

Mary Lach, former Director of Associate Life and now consultant for the Congregation’s Office of Dominican Charism, presided over the ritual. The new Associates were mentored by Sisters Victoria Dalesandro, OP, Kathleen McGrail, OP, Judith Nelson, OP, and Jean Williams, OP.

The three new Adrian Dominican Associates are as follows:

Linda Lysakowski, a native of Pennsylvania, is a consultant who has written 40 books on fundraising and spirituality. A mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she soon will be celebrating her 80th birthday.

She is currently working toward a master’s degree in spirituality from the Franciscan School of Theology in San Diego, California. Linda recently joined the Social Justice Circle through the Office of Dominican Charism. She is also involved in her parish as a book club leader, catechist, and Eucharistic minister. 

“Since my early days, I’ve always felt that my faith can only be possible through harmony between my mind and heart,” Linda said. “The Adrian Dominican Sisters and Associates have strengthened my faith.”

Arlene Obremski, a native of Brooklyn, New York, moved to California, where she raised two daughters. With a doctorate in education, she served in special education.

“Each of us has a unique call, something we can do for God,” Arlene said. “All that is required is for us to say yes, to give our fiat like Mary did centuries ago.” 

Arlene’s call includes offering a support group for widows and widowers as they experience life without their spouses and serving as a Eucharistic minister at her parish and soon at the St. Rose Dominican Hospitals campuses. She has also participated in formation sessions for prospective Associates and in virtual retreats offered by the Congregation.

Carol Rajchel, a native of Indiana, moved to Nevada in 2000 with her husband, daughter, and son. She has held a variety of positions at St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, and currently serves as Director of Nursing Operations, overseeing many aspects of patient care. She is active in her parish and in a neighboring parish.

As a transplant to Nevada, Carol feels a connection to and is inspired by the seven Adrian Dominican Sisters who first came to Henderson in 1947 to open St. Rose Dominican Hospitals. “They continue the legacy with their will, determination, and faith,” she said. 

For her part, Carol is committed to “make the world a better place to live in, whether with word or service. I am here to say yes to being an Adrian Dominican Associate and to continue the legacy to serve.”

After the Associates were introduced and proclaimed their desire to be known and recognized as Adrian Dominican Associates, Mary Lach led them through the remainder of the ritual: the lighting of candles to symbolize the light of Christ; the signing of the documents of association, formally marking their association with the Adrian Dominican Congregation; and the presentation of the Associates’ logos.

Mary also preached on the Scripture passage read in the opening prayer, from St. Paul’s second letter to Timothy. “Paul tells Timothy and us to fan into flames that gifts that were given to us,” she said. But in a time of information overload such as ours, she asked, how can we discern where God is leading us and where we can find the truth? “Through the many opportunities provided through the Office of Dominican Charism, you will find many ways to seek truth, make peace, reverence life,” she reassured the new Associates.

For information on how to become an Associate or to live out the Dominican Charism in a number of other ways, contact Nancy Mason Bordley, Director of the Office of Dominican Charism, at 517-266-3534 or [email protected]. For information on how to become an Adrian Dominican Sister, contact Sister Mary Jones, OP, at 517-266-3532 or [email protected].