What's Happening

November 24, 2015, Adrian, Michigan – The Adrian Dominican Sisters formally welcomed five new Associates in November during Rituals of Acceptance that took place in two states. 

The St. Louis Associates gathered on Saturday, November 14, 2015, for a retreat day led by Sister Joan Delaplane. After a morning spent in prayer, quiet reflection, and sharing, Julie Jones made her commitment as an Associate of the Adrian Dominican Sisters.  

Julie Jones signs the commitment document, while her mentor, Associate Jo Curran, looks on.

Julie, Vice President of Mission for the Mercy Health System, first visited the St. Louis Associates last January, looking for a group of women to share life and faith. As Julie stated, “I am better in community than I am alone.” She then began her formation for association with Associate Jo Curran as her mentor. After much study and discernment, Julie decided to become an Associate. She said her decision was finalized during her visit to the Adrian Dominican Motherhouse, where she saw a quote about contemplation. She knew then that this is where she belonged.  

Julie, from St. Louis, met Sister Joan Delaplane and the local Associates while receiving a master’s degree in theology from the Aquinas Institute of Theology, a Dominican graduate school. In her position at Mercy Health, Julie develops formation content and leads formation for board members and executives. She coaches executives to help them integrate faith and values into their leadership. In addition, Julie oversees the provision of pastoral care to patients served by hospitals and physicians in four states. She enjoys helping others grow professionally. 

Mary Lach, Director of Associate Life, presided over the Ritual of Acceptance on November 15 in Miami, where she had given presentations to the faculty and staff of Barry University. The four new Associates had been mentored as a group by Sisters Margaret Exworthy and Margot Ruiz.

The new Associates are:

• - Nancy Medina, who, as a tutor, met Sister Margaret Exworthy in 2008 at DePorres Place, a literacy center sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Born in Puerto Rico, she has been married to Carlos for 12 years. They are both involved in parish ministries, such as Marriage Encounter. Along with tutoring, Nancy helps with the Knights of Columbus. Last August, she attended Partners III, a weekend gathering of Associates in Adrian. She has a deep love for our God.

• - Sandra Pino: In 2002, Sandra came to DePorres Place to learn to speak English. She now manages the office and serves as a tutor. Sandra, a gifted artist, often expresses the Dominican charism through art. She was born in Cali, Colombia, the youngest of five sisters, and met her husband while earning her degree in engineering. A deep thinker, Sandra also has a deep love of animals and a care for Earth. 

• - Nelson Pino was born in Cali, Colombia, and came to the United States in 2002 with Sandra. He brought his brothers and sisters, as well as Sandra, to DePorres Place to learn English. He and Sandra have become family to Sister Margaret. Nelson is an engineer, and when the company he was working for relocated, he decided to stay in West Palm Beach and work at the literacy center. He has a deep desire to help immigrants and those less fortunate. Nelson and Sandra have decided to live simply and embrace the Dominican charism.

• - Peggy Rowe-Linn: Peggy’s Adrian Dominican roots go back to her attendance at St. Ann School and Cardinal Newman High School, where she was taught by Adrian Dominican Sisters. Now grandparents, Peggy and her husband Steve sent their four children to Rosarian Academy – also sponsored by the Adrian Dominicans. A lawyer specializing in family law, she works as a mediator for families in conflict. Peggy and Steve are very active in their parish, St. Rita in Wellington, Florida, which hosted the Ritual of Acceptance. 

Submitted by Mary Lach