What's Happening

By Sister Nancyann Turner, OP
 
November 6, 2015, Detroit, Michigan – Numerous Adrian Dominican Sisters and other guests made their way on the sunny Sunday afternoon of November 1, to visit and welcome the Congregation’s newest literacy center. All Saints Literacy Center was bright, cheerful, and blessed with plenty of sunshine for this special occasion. Tables, computers, and numerous reading materials add to the Center’s learning environment. 

Although All Saints has already been in use for several months, the open house was the first time that many visitors had the opportunity to see the actual site.  

Sister Mary Hemmen, OP, left, speaks with a former student of St. Anthony School, the site of the new All Saints Literacy Center. Photo by Sister Frances Nadolny, OP

Visitors had the opportunity to greet Sister Mary Hemmen, OP, who guided the development of this literacy Center. As part of the open house, Roger Frank was introduced as the founding director. The afternoon also included a concert and refreshments. 

Located in southwestern Detroit, All Saints Literacy Center “is committed to helping adults reach their educational, social and career goals by improving their literacy skills. The Center is a welcoming place for learners to improve their ability to read, write, do math and speak in English.” Other services include English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring at all levels, for learners 18 and older.

All Saints joins the Congregation’s other literacy centers: Dominican and Siena Literacy Centers, both in Detroit; Aquinas Literacy Center, Chicago; DePorres Place, West Palm Beach, Florida; N.E.W. Life Literacy Center, Flint, Michigan; and Adrian Rea Literacy Center, Adrian, Michigan.

A view of the lab at All Saints Literacy Center. Photo by Sister Frances Nadolny, OP

I felt so proud and grateful for this latest literacy endeavor by our Congregation and for the many Adrian Dominican Sisters who travelled from Adrian and the greater Detroit area to attend this event. These Sisters had been working all week and had invested two full days at Session I of General Chapter. Yet nearly 40 of our Sisters participated  in one more wonderful event on Sunday. This loyalty and faithfulness truly stirred my spirit and filled me with awe.