Spring 2006 Published by the Dominican Sisters of Houston, Texas www.houstonop.org

MISSION STATEMENT

We, the Houston Dominican Sisters, publicly commit ourselves to study and addressthe crucial justice issues of our times.

We assume the risks inherent in preachingand teaching the gospel.

We will work to transform social structureswhich oppress the powerless, ministering withthem in our common struggle to remain faithfulto the Word of God. 1991

DIRECTIONAL STATEMENT

We, the Houston Dominican Sisters, commitourselves to a deepening of personal and communal spiritual life which grounds us and moves us to action.

We will develop a consciousness of local andglobal environmental issues; we will live and actin an ecologically responsible manner.

We will advocate the transformation of those social conditions which oppress women and children.

We will sensitize ourselves to racial discrimination and commit ourselves to work forequality for all persons, especially those caughtin systemic discrimination. 1992

CORPORATE COMMITMENT

We, the Houston Dominicans, moved to a strong reaffirmation of our Mission andDirectional Statements, pledge ourselves torenewed accountability for the commitments theyembody. With one voice we claim our Dominicantradition as “Communities of the HolyPreaching,” and embrace our call to be women preachers of justice. 1997

LEADERSHIP

Marygrace Peters, O.P. PrioressAdrian Dover, O.P. VicaressPat Casey, O.P. CouncilorAntoinette Carter, O.P. Councilor

The Good News is published twice a year by the Dominican Sisters of Houston, Texas6501 Almeda Rd.Houston, TX 77021-2095713-747-3310 Fax: 713-747-4707E-mail: houstonop@domhou.org

We welcome correspondence at the aboveaddress.

Visit our Web site at www.houstonop.org.

Printed on Recycled Paper

From the PrioressWorkers for the harvest

As our garden grows, so too the prolific produce of ourlives and mission! This Good News edition highlights but a fewof the ministries that are so integral to the deep, yet ever-newstory of the Houston Dominican Sisters.

I am always edified by the myriad ways that we haveresponded to the “signs of the times,” a phrase made popular

by Pope John XXIII over 40 years ago.He was urging the church and its reli-gious communities toward renewal andreform in the light of the present age. Ina similar vein, Pope Benedict XVI’srecent encyclical, his first, Deus CaritasEst (God is Love), underscores theimportant connection between the loveof God and the works of justice. Hedeclares that the church “cannot andmust not remain on the sidelines in thefight for justice”(#28). Drawing on anancient theme in the practice of theearly church Benedict puts charitableservice on the same theological plane

as celebrating the liturgy and preaching the word of God.

Perusing this issue of the Good News provides us withample confirmation that our mission continues to be informedby the universal church and the charism of Sts. Dominic deGuzman and Catherine of Siena.

Recently I was present when the Jesuit Volunteer CorpsSouth gave the Standard of Christ Award to Sister HelenPrejean, CSJ, for her outstanding ministerial commitment inopposition to the death penalty. In her acceptance speechshe quoted the fourth-century Saint Basil the Great who said:“Annunciations are many but incarnations are few.” This GoodNews underscores some ways in which Houston Dominicansattempt to incarnate the gospel of Jesus, in Guatemala,Kenya, Houston, or wherever we are sent. And what is clear isthat we are doing what we are called to do in collaboration andpartnership with others whose values we share and withoutwhom the mission would be incomplete. That includes thereaders of this letter who support, sustain, and actively partici-pate in the sacred preaching that inspires our daily efforts. Weare at once grateful, humbled and proud.

The seven-year-old grandniece of one of our sisters proba-bly said it best the other day when I was on my electric scooter(relieves the arthritic knees) showing her and her five-year-oldsister around the grounds. One was perched on each knee.The seven-year-old asked if I owned the scooter. I respondedthat yes I did since it was our common property. “You are surelucky to work here,” she said. I could not agree more! Graceabounds.

The Dominican Sisters’ EcologyCommittee had a dream in the fall of1994 – the dream of using a smallplot of the motherhouse grounds for avegetable garden. This was to be avery special garden, one that wouldgive visible witness to our commit-ment to live and act in an ecologicallyresponsible manner. The dreamcame alive, and our garden goals aretwo-fold: donation of organic gardenproduce to help those in need, andeducation to assist others with thepractice of organic gardening in theirlocal areas.

The garden has five beds, each 3feet wide and 27 feet long. A smallersixth bed is reserved for several fruittrees, herbs and flowers, and a beau-tiful bird-bath crafted by artist-garden-er, Isabelle Chapman. During the firstten years, garden volunteers, volun-teer groups, student visitors and serv-ice groups were instructed — andinspired — by Sr. Clement Johnson,botanist and resident expert. SinceSr. Clement’s death, our wonderfulvolunteers remain faithful! EachTuesday, the gardeners are nourishedby friendship and sharing, by gardentending and planting.

From the outset, the DominicanSisters’ garden has been affiliatedwith Urban Harvest. We were on thefirst Urban Harvest Garden Tour in1996, and will again host an UrbanHarvest gathering on April 22.Produce from the garden averages1,000 pounds each year. Our gardencontinues to be financed by donations, and we are deeply grateful to the garden donors!

In April of 2005, the DominicanSisters’ Community Garden reachedits 10th anniversary. The garden isnow a place of tranquil beauty withseasonal plants and flowers, seatingand wind chimes. It continues to offersupport for neighbors in need.Produce is taken weekly to MannaHouse, a cooperative Third Ward min-istry of seven religious congregationsnear the Dominican motherhouse.

Donations of clothing are also neededand welcomed by Manna House.

We have had many adventures:no irrigation at the outset, and anoccasional hard winter freeze.Only strategic watchfulness hasprotected plentiful tomato cropsfrom the birds and our tender pro-duce from the rabbits. We have

little victory to report over the squirrels. However, rabbit munching was halted a year agowith the installation of a rabbit-proof fence. The fence installationis a major adventure story!Subsequent addition of tree mulchfurther enhanced the beauty of ourgarden space and has made it apleasant work area rain or shine!

Visitors and volunteers are welcome. For a visit or a tour, contactus at 713-747-3310. Sr. Heloise orone of the gardeners will gladlyrespond.

How our garden continues to growBy Sr. Heloise Cruzat

The Good News, Page 3

On the Cover

Volunteer gardener Debbie Leflar provided many beautiful photos from the garden that had been part of a calendar she designed as a giftfor the other gardeners. All photos on the cover were taken by Debbieexcept for the group picture by Kara Masharani. Pictured in the groupphoto, from left, are Becca Byrne, Debbie Leflar, Garland Kerr, JoanMateker and Sr. Heloise Cruzat.

ABOVE: Here is a sample of someof the vegetables grown in the community garden.Photo by Debbie Leflar

LEFT: A troop of Girl Scout Daisiesvisited the garden last year andhelped tend the harvest.Photo by Sr. Heloise Cruzat

The Dominican Sistersof Houston honoredArchbishop JosephFiorenza and Dr. Guy

Clifton attheir 2005AdventBrunch.Though thearchbishopwas unableto attend theceremony,both men

were presented with theSister Pauline GannonRecognition. The honor isnamed for an early pri-oress of the communitywho left her mark throughher inspiring leadership.The award is given tosomeone who has shownremarkable commitment tothe Dominican Sisters ofHouston.

Dr. Clifton, chief of neu-rosurgery at MemorialHermann Hospital, andArchbishop Fiorenza werechosen as the 2005 recipi-ents because of their helpin caring for Sr. MiriamUlm after her fall in Romelast summer. Both men vis-ited Sr. Miriam in Rome

and assisted in theprocess of returning her toHouston. Dr. Clifton provid-ed medical care, andArchbishop Fiorenza pas-toral care. The archbishopeven organized a diocesancollection to defray Sr.Miriam’s medical costs.

Sr. Miriam continuesher recovery in a Houstoncare facility.

Sr. Anna MarieFlusche recently publishedher book entitled “The Lifeand Legend of Gerbert ofAurillac: The OrganbuilderWho Became PopeSylvester II.”

Houston Dominicanscollaborated with SinsinawaDominicans in San Antonioand San Angelo, Texas, fora Vocation DiscernmentWeekend. Srs. MarygracePeters, Pat Casey,Therese Warden,Lavergne Schwender, AnnHuffsteter and Ceil Roegertraveled to San Antonioalong with three womenfrom Houston who are dis-cerning their vocations.

Veva McLain, a recipi-ent of the 2004 SisterPauline GannonRecognition, passed awayon March 14, 2006. Shewas honored last year forher involvement in the“Mane Train,” a group ofwomen who volunteer tostyle the retired sisters’hair at St. Dominic Villa.

The Dominican Sistersof Houston recently recog-nized its staff memberswho helped accommodatethe hurricane evacueessheltered on the mother-house grounds.

Also recognized werestaff members celebrat-ing anniversaries: TrulaJones, 25 years; DelorisJernigan, 20 years;Arlessa Pleasant, 10

years; and Rose MaryBlout, Candy Edmond,Judy Rollia andFloreine Scardino, 5years.

Sr. Lydia Delgado cel-ebrated her Silver Jubileeon January 21 after heroriginal celebration wascanceled due to HurricaneRita.

OP UpdatesPage 4, The Good News

Sr. Anna Marie signs acopy of her new book.

Houston and Sinsinawa Dominicans hosted a discern-ment weekend for young women.

Sr. Marygrace Peters cele-brates with jubilarian Sr.Lydia Delgado.

Trula Jones was recognizedfor her 25 years of serviceto St. Dominic Villa.

Sr. Marygrace Peters, left, presented Dr. Guy Clifton withthe Sister Pauline Gannon Recognition at the 2005 AdventBrunch. Sr. Carol Mayes led the prayer reflection.

Fiorenza

Alice L. AanstoosMike AanstoosJoanne & Patrick AbdoMrs. Alexine B. AdamsLee & Betty AdamsMr. & Mrs. Michael AdamsW. R. & Patricia M. AllenMrs. Dorothy C. AllenMr. & Mrs. W. E. AllisonSanjuana AlvaradoAnthony & Delores AmanteMrs. Gwendolyn A. AmosMrs. Carol AndersonAnonymous FriendsMary M. AnthaumeMs. Eileen AntillLuisa Aparicio & Stacy GazawayAquinas Newman CenterMary Ann & Pete AraizaJaime & Maria AranzabalArchdiocese of Galveston-HoustonCarmen G. ArmisteadGene & Joanne ArnoldJoe & Anne ArnoldRichard R. ArnoldKathleen & Michael AshleyDave & Peggy AtwoodKatherine & Tom AubinJ. Philip AucoinMs. Emeline AuzenneJames & Dolores AvioliAnna & S. J. BabinMike BabinFrank & Tammy BabineckVera Baker BahlingerJudy Jo BaiamonteRita B. BairdJean BairdGabriel & Maria BaizanLorine Marie Trahan Baker

James E. BakerAnne & Dan BakerMorris & Elaine Baker & Flossie SteglichKathleen & Miguel BambergerAnita BanasMr. & Mrs. John A. Bannon, Jr.Roger & Gerry BarbeauHarold L. BarbinDavid Barish & Linda JayaramYvonne BarkateDr. Frank L. Barnes, IIMichelle BaroussePeg BarryDavid R. Barry, Jr.Bill BartlettBernard & Jo Virgil BarzillaNancy & Dave BarzizaBasilian FathersBasilian House of PrayerJoe & Cindy BecerGregory J. BedellMarion & Phyllis BellJane BemkoCaliste B. BenckensteinRosie Lee BenirettoCarol & John BenzigerWilliam BergBrother Andrew A. Berg, BSCJeff & Rudie BergerDr. Berta M. BergiaJoann M. BergmanAlice Joyce BernsenTom & Kathleen BevansDorothy A. BevilacquaFrank & Sandra BiancoMr. & Mrs. Paul Binagia, Sr.Mrs. Auriol BirkmyerBarbara Bither & Marc BrenmanE J. Blackburn

The Good News, Page 5

Students at St. Vincente de Paul School inGuatemala dressed up and gave presentations onvarious careers as part of their Labor Day obser-vance. The school is supported by the DominicanSisters of Houston. If you are interested in makinga donation or in sponsoring a student, contact Sr.Fran Boddeker at 713-747-3310, ext. 335.

At the School in Guatemala

Matching gifts are a way to increase your charitable giving.Many companies match employees’ donations.

Check with your employer to see if they have matching gift forms available. Our Advancement Office can fill these out

when included with your donation.

Sr. Mary Brendasends word fromKenya that theimpact from thedrought andfamine is visibleall around. Thesisters only haverunning waterseveral days aweek, which ismore than manyaround them. Theconstruction of St.Bakita HealthCenter of Utawalais under way. Formore informationabout the clinic,visit http://www.sr.marybrenda.org.

Kenya Collaboration In MemoriamMary Maximus

(Edith Mae) Castle, O.P.,enteredinto eternal lifeJanuary 4,2006,72nd yearof vowedlife

Mary Cecilia (CorinneMaude) Barry, O.P.,

enteredinto eter-nal lifeFebruary15, 2006,71st yearof vowedlife

to each of you for your continued supportand friendship. With our gratitude, Mass isoffered monthly in the chapel at St. Dominic

Villa for friends and benefactors of the Dominican Sisters ofHouston. A monthly Mass is also offered in honor or in memory ofthose for whom memorial donations have been made. We would liketo acknowledge the following donors for their gifts from July 1-December 31, 2005. Your gifts enable the sisters to strengthen andcontinue their ministry.

Thanks

Continued on Page 6

John & Nancy BlaisToni L. BlankmannSusan F. BocchettiSusan BoddenDavid L BoedekerMichele & John BoettigerDan BombergRoy C. BonarioMike BonifaziJane R. BonninAntoinette D. BonnoDavid & Cathy BordagesLinda Bordages-MorenoMr. & Mrs. H. J. BorgenMr. & Mrs. W. A BosseFred M. Bosse, Esq.Alice M. BourquePatricia L. BoursonDr. & Mrs. Jack R. BoydOlatundre P. BrancheNorma BrandinDale & Carol Brant FamilySuzette BraquetMr. & Mrs. John BreenMaureen A. BrennanStephanie BrianJ. Earl BrickhouseMaurice BrinkmanTeresa & Mark BrinkmanCathy Oropeza-BrockConlin & Linda Morris-BroganMeg & Tom BrophyMr. & Mrs. James BroussardIda L. BroussardCecil J. BroussardMs. Sybil C. BrownVirginia Mary BrownWesley E. BrownMr. & Mrs. Ted BrunoJeri & Frank BrunoMichael & Sheila BubelaAlbin & Patricia BudnickBuffalo Equipment, Inc.Julie Chi BuiJohn & Paula BurchfieldMrs. Charles H. BurgessWalter & Mary BurkeRoger & Sherlynn BurksRev. Francis H. BurltonMargaret J. BurrisMrs. John K. BusbyMr. & Mrs. Carlo J. Busceme, IIICarlo & Charlene BuscemeRenee & William ButlerElaine & Chris ButlerLisa & Clint ButlerMrs. Eileen K. BuzekAnn A. ByrdMary Virginia CadeLoretta T. CageAna Maria CagigalJohn & Linda CaillavetSam J. CalivaDonna Calvera FamilyHarry S. & Isabel C.

Cameron Foundation Sylvia J. CameronRobert & Rachel CammackHenrietta M. CampionMarguerite J. CamposAnn & Johnette CappadonaSondra CapraroAnthony & Laura CardellaCarol & Luis CardenasMrs. Rosa CardenasMr. & Mrs. Charles CarmoucheNancy CarrascoMrs. Beatrice CarsonSandra CarsonMargaret B. CarterSuzette CarvinMrs. Virginia M. CaseMrs. Hazel B. CaseyTom & Jan CaseyMichael E. Casey

Carol & Louis CashiolaDonia P. CaspersenJennifer CassanoClarence & Susan CassonKimberly CastilloCatholic Daughters of AmericaCatholic Daughters of America,

Ct. Blessed Trinity 1971Catholic Daughters of America,

Ct. Holy Rosary 1476Catholic Daughters of America,

Ct. St. Cyril 2071Church of Visitation Altar SocietyStephen E. CaudillMrs. Mary Angelina CaulkingErin CentenioJohn J. CernosekTony & Marilyn CernosekMr. & Mrs. Jay A. ChaffeeScott & Maria ChaffeyCheryl & Douglas ChambersDr. Cathy ChapmanIsabelle Scurry ChapmanJoyce Doga ChargoisRichard & Beverly ChildsHelen ChiuPatricia P. ChoyceLauretta ChristensenTeresa & John ChristensenLewis & Christy ChristianDiana ChristyMary ChurchAnthony P. CiceroMarilyn Cisar FamilyKathrine R. ClanceyJohn & Patricia ClappMike ClarkFrederick H. ClarkVirginia ClarkJames ClarkJ. M. ClepperElena CloverFrances Ann & Gerald

CockerhamYvonne & Joseph CoddouJoseph P. CollinsKathy ColstonElaine Byron CominskyCatherine E ComptonCongregation of the

Incarnate WordRobert K. ConlonPatricia E. ConnRev. Francis X. ConroyElisabeth ConteCarolyn J. CoodyJoseph K. CooneyMarilyn D. CooneyMary B. CooperTom Copper FamilyKevin & Cindy CorbettDona CorbinEva CostaLil CotnerPaulette CotroneGeorge & Celeste CottinghamDeede & Dory CovingtonBilly & Marilyn CoxJoanne F. CoxHenry & Rosina CrabtreeDolores & Norman CranePatsy CravensJoe CremonaKay CrockerMarie F. CroninCharles L. CropperJacqueline Sehl CrowleyMrs. Mary CrowleyT. E. & Barbara CrumJim & Yvette CrumblissClara CruzJennifer & Joseph CunnaneSally & Michael CunninghamDaniel V. CurranMrs. Mary Daley

Mr. & Mrs. Charles C. DannaBernard & Kathy DannaMr. & Mrs. John J. DavidLinda B. DavidsonMrs. Rosemarie DavidsonCyndy & Frank DavisScott L. DavisMr. & Mrs. V. J. DeArmond, Jr.C. W. De BoisblancMrs. Genevieve D. de GrasseSarah DeaconCharles Owen &

Patricia Rae DeanInke & Patrick DeaneTim & Andrea DeatonDee Foundries - Myers, Ltd.Mary Ellen DeevesPatricia & William DeitersMrs. F. H. Del CastilloMr. & Mrs. Richard DelaneyWilliam R. DelanoEsmeralda DelgadoMrs. Rebecca DemeterThomas & Diane DevineSam & Trudy DickMr. & Mrs. Charles J. DickersonMrs. Jo Ann K. DifloeDr. & Mrs. David DillehayLori & Shanon DiSorboDewey & Helen DogaDominican Alumnae of GalvestonDominican SistersDominican Sisters of

Mission San JoseDominican Sisters of

Our Lady of the RosaryDominican Sisters of St.

Catherine de Ricci FanjeauxDominican Sisters San

Gabriel Mission ConventDominican Sisters of SpringfieldRobin & Phylis DonelsonSuzanne DonisiRebecca & Johnny DoreMary Frances & Kevin DorisJoe & Bea DorseyB. Anne DowlingBill & Mella DrahuschakMarguerite Peggy DrennanElaine E. DreyJohn & Ginia DuffyCharles & Nora DuganGayle & James DunhamJeffrey E. DunhamJosefina DuramJoseph Eugene Dworsky, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Robert Dyess, Jr.C. Eileen EarlyBrigid EarthmanBetsy & Michael EarthmanCathy EasterlyChristine & Richard EckelkampDolly J. EdwardsCatherine & Rick EdwardsJennifer EdwardsMonica EdwardsMary EdwardsChristine EhemanMary Louise EhrensbergerPatricia EichenoldMr. & Mrs. Scott H. EidtSusan & Joseph ElderLeonard E. EmgeJim & Imogene EnderleMr. & Mrs. H. Spencer

EngelbrechtAna C. EnglishEOG Resources, Inc.Harold J. ErbsCecilia & Jose Luis EscamillaAntonio & Maryann EscobarEugenia EscobedoJanel L. EskerRon & Jody EssigmannDr. & Mrs. William J. Estrada

Arthur J. EtzlerYolande & Ed EugereDr. Barbara J. EvansThomas M. Ewing, Jr.Marian T. FahyBernadette M. FahyPatricia FahyMafalda FaillaceLinda B. FalcoMike FalcoLinda Jo FaraciFrances T. FarentholdRita & Giancarlo FarinelliMr. & Mrs. Donald Farmer, Jr.Joyce FaykusTom & Ginnie FeehanMarie FeeneyKearby C. FehrSuzanne FennellXavier & Veronica FernandezRobert FernandezDr. & Mrs. Donald J. FernbachHarold & Florence FerreseAgustin & Diane FerrufinoMr. & Mrs. Jerome Fertitta, Sr.Frank J. Fertitta, Jr.Mrs. Bertha FertittaMrs. Charles J. Fertitta, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Joseph F. FertittaKenneth J. FetzerCarol & Cliff FieselmanMrs. Barbara A. FinchMost Rev. Joseph A FiorenzaCharley & Marianne FiorenzaShirley L. FischerLt G & Mrs. Howard M. FishVeronica FlemingJames J. FletcherSister Corrine FlorekAlfredo & Martha FloresMariateresa FloresJerome M. FloresBernadette S. FoleyDarlene D. FolseBarbara FoltynCalla Gager FontenotCharles B. ForemanMr. & Mrs. Gerard FossatiMr. & Mrs. Arthur FosterPat & Bill FowlerWayne C. FoxMark & Annette FrasherDr. & Mrs. John C. Frasher, Jr.Mr. Thomas FrazeeCorinne & Lee FreelandPatricia FreiburgPatrick FreseRobert R. FretzPhyllis FreyMrs. Alvina A. FriarJ. B. & Louise FriedmanClare & Tom FriedmanMrs. Elizabeth J. FrostMarjorie FrugeClay Fryer FamilyTom & Gina FulkersonSek FungMary Barbara GaffneyMary Catherine GaglianoMichael C. GalianoJoyce & Stephen GalietteCapt. John N. Gallis USN Ret.Evelyn T. GalvanFrank & Ortencia GamezNolene GarciaMichael C. GarofaloMrs. Ann T. GarrettMichael & Ann GarridoMahon B. Garry, Jr.John & Caron Garstka &daughter CaronLoretta B. GaryMr. & Mrs. Josef E. GarzaHector & Carmen GascaFloyd & Francine Gaspard

Darrell Gaspard, Sr.Buddy & Debbie GaswintDolores Ambrose GawlikMr. & Mrs. Frank J. GentempoMary Jo & John GeorgeGregory & Cathey GeorgeElizabeth & William GermanoMargaret GerontakosMichael & Jennifer GervasioMrs. Charlotte C. GibbonsDr. & Mrs. Frank A. GiglioMr. & Mrs. J. C. GiglioAnn GilbertMary Anne GilbertDave & Jennifer GilesSusan & Larry GilgPatricia N. GillardMrs. Grace GivensEdwin & Jennifer GlennDolores M. GoerlichRichard H. GoerlichJulia M Gomez-RivasSantos & Irma GonzalesVirginia GonzalezGoodway Print & Copy, Inc.Bob & Jeanne GoodyearGeorge G. GoolsbyCynthia & Dale GorczynskiRalph GraciaRonald & Debra GratzPat & Chris GreeleyMr. A. Alois GregerVirginia A. GregoryC.A. & Janna GremillionDonna M. GriffithRobert & Cathi GriffithsKeith & Mary Lou GrothausJulie GrothseaGuardian Angels SeniorsGuillermo & Carmen GuariguataRodger GuerretteAndrew GuevaraMrs. Margaret GuidrozMr. & Mrs. E. M. GuillotteEileen & Sam GurevitzDouglas J. GuthrieMargo Gutierrez & Milton JamailMargaret & Charles HaftKris Hagel & Irma EscobedoNorma HageneyJames & Marilyn HallRon HammondsEdgar & Mary Louise HancockE. Huston & Miriam HanksTeresa & Don HanrahanBettie Anne HanseJohn HanusJulia & Gregory HappeLoucilla & Maurice HardyDoris B. HargravesMrs. G. C. HarkinsMichael HarrisFrances & Joe HarrisAnn M. HarrisRose M. HarrisMr. & Mrs. Robert HarrisBobbye HarrisonHazel HarronAlan HartzMrs. Mildred HarveyNorma L. HavardNancy HaveyBob HayesMargaret HebertMr. & Mrs. John J. HebertDr. Frederick C. HeckHedgepath's Landscaping, IncAlbert & Alice HeinrichClarence & Marilyn HellerAndrew & Jeannine HelmsMarie Luisa HensleyMrs. Beatriz HernandezBillie J. HerrmannAlexander P. HicksJ. C. & Lacey Hicks

Page 6, The Good News

Douglas HidalgoJudy & Ray Hidalgo & FamilyPatricia V. HigginsMrs. Doris HildRoger & Louise HillMr. & Mrs. Andrew E. HillPaula HillJoan HinesMrs. James R. HoddeGary & Sue HodgeTomie HolmesMark & Mariam HoltMr. & Mrs. William H. Holt, Jr.Holy Cross SchoolHoly Rosary Church VacationBible SchoolHoly Rosary SchoolMary Louise HooblerMr. & Mrs. John M. HoranLloyd E. HornDr. & Mrs. Joseph M. HornRichard & Renee HortonH. Leon Howard &

Jeanne HigbeeMark & Leesa HowardMrs. Roberta B. HowellRose Marino Hoyt-SteeleMr. & Mrs. Thomas Hrin, Jr.Renee & Carl HubbellJean Marie HudsonElaine C. HudsonKathryn, Heather & John HughesAdelaide & Donald HughesW. E. HughesJames M. HughesJane & Camp HuntingtonOscar, Linda & Victoria HurtadoBernard & Henrietta HyzakMrs. Anne M. HyzakAna Cecilia & Lloyd IbarraIrene InguilloMargaret C. InmanMrs. Pat IrwinVeronica F. JacobsRobert Lee JamailPat Loranc JankowiakMr. & Mrs. Gregory S. JannaschLaurel & Daniel JeffersTony & Nancy JenningsJesuit Volunteer Corps: SouthMrs. Connie JiminezHelen A. JoffrionDaniel G. JohnsonFrann JohnsonMr. & Mrs. Joseph JohnsonJulia Lightner JohnsonAurelia & Gerald JohnsonChristopher & Alicia JonesJimmy & Nancy JonesLucien JonesGraciela Merino JonesBridgette JosephMary R. JosephRaymond & Maggie JoubertHelen B. JoynerJuarez FamilyMrs. Lucy L. JuncaCecilia & Jackie JungenJustin-Siena High SchoolMagdalen KainerMildred M. KalinecCarol A. KanewskeShelia & Vincent KapczynskiDottie Ferretti KasprzakKaster-Sherman FoundationMargie KavanaughMrs. Evelyn KeelingMr. & Mrs. Vic KelemenMary & Richard KellerKaren KelleyMary C. KelliherJohn & Eileen KellyDr. & Mrs. William KennedyJ. Michael & Cynthia KerlegonJ. F. & Patricia Kernan

Irene KerrRoy & Betty KerstiensFloyd Kessel FamilyMaria KihnMr. KillabreauxSteve & Patsy KilpatrickRose M. KimballBernadette & Robert KingMichael & Joan Giglio KirkpatrickMary Beth KleeYvonne Bonnie KleinRon KnappKnights of Columbus

Ladies GroupKnights of St. Peter ClaverJenny & Kenneth KnowlesRichard KochKenneth D. KohmescherJoe H. KomandoskyDavid & Ann KonderlaCharles & Lori KonderlaMike & Joan KordRobert J. KorstAnnette KostrounCarl & Madeline KotilaLt. Col. Mary Lou KrenekRamona KrenekPatricia & Herman KresseJames & Carol KrestaSharon & Ricky KristynikKroger Share CardScott & Kimberly KruegerJoanne & Kenneth KrugDr. & Mrs. David KrusleskiBetty & Mark KubalaRosemary KucynskiRoger & Rose Mary KujawaTom & Debbie KurzPat KutraMrs. Gertrude M. KuykendallCarrol & Alice LaCourRichard P. LahrmanJoyce LaitkepJohnetta W. LallingerDolores A. LambPatricia LambLeland LandryGary L. LangePaul W. LangemeierMary Jo LangstonDr. & Mrs. Robert E. LapataWinifred E. LariscyL. B. LaskoskieDeborah & Donald LassusJohn A. LastrapesMr. & Mrs. Lewis LaurentJoan & John LauryMr. & Mrs. Wilfred L. LauzeMrs. Monica H. LawrenceMr. & Mrs. Rufus LeBlancFrank & Barbara LeBouefJosephine Dragna LeCluyseColby LedbetterRev. Msgr. Lawrence F. LeeLegatus Houston ChapterCharlene & Thomas LeglerRon & Susan LegnionBarbara & Tommy LeichtRobert L. LeJeuneJennie & Philip LemanPatsy Latiolais LemoineW. K. & Rosalie LeonardRosalie K. LeonePoh Sun LeongJuanita & Harry LeschingerMr. Terry LesterLise & William LetendreBarbara E. LevyMatthew & Deborah LeydenPauline LiggioMr. Neal LimJose Alberto LimaAnne Newman LincolnGloria LincolnMary Susan Lindee

Mr. & Mrs. David LindemannAmy LinsAnnette Decuir LinseisenEllen LittlePhillip R. LivingstonJames LloydJohn LodgeMargaret LodgeHardy & Lee LoeAnnie D. LoeveMary Mead LofyMr. & Mrs. Peter J. LombardoLucy & Nick LomonteVirginia LopezEllen R. LoustaunauPaula & John LovoiJasper & Deborah LovoiDr. & Mrs. Joseph A. LucciDr. & Mrs. Robert LuchiMrs. Christina LukinBetty J. LumDorothy M. LundeliusMrs. Ursula G. LuskJo Rita & Steve LyleAmelia A. LyonsLouis L. Mac KenzieDonna T. MacDonaldDonna & Ron MacDonaldBarbara & Robert MacekDavid MaddenMr. & Mrs. N. K. Maer, Jr.Mariella MahasnPatricia MalainEugene E. MalishNancy A. MalnarMrs. Florence MandekichJohn & M. C. MannMs. Jo Frances ManuelAnnie Marie MarantoM. B. & Shirley MarcellianBridget & Miquell MarcellianSandy MarcelloJaime MardisMarek Brothers CompanyFrances & Tom MarekBruce & Jan MarekPaul & Kathy MarekR. Stan Marek, Jr.Brian K. MarshallRobert I. Marshall, LTC

USAF RET.Mr. Robert MartinPatsy & Woods MartinSarrah Walford MartinMargaret MartindaleDolores & Joe MartinezAlice MartinezMiriam MascarenazDr. & Mrs. Michael MaseraEmilie MassaFrank M. MassettRobert & Maria MataEmil J. & Lolita MatekerMary Lee & Michael MattesonMabel & Lawrence MazochRosemary C. McCarthyMost Rev. John McCarthy,DDMary Lou & Jim McCartyMaryanne & John McCormackMcCrate FamilyCol. James G. McDonaldLeslie A. McDonaldWillis & Nancy McDonaldKathleen M. McEvoyArlene A. McGarrityElizabeth A. McGinnisMr. & Mrs. Charles A. McGowanB. E. McGuill, Jr.Heather McKenzieVeva McLainDavid & Elizabeth McLaughlinJim McLeaishColleen Phelan McMahonHarriet McMahon

James E. McMahonColeen & Dan McMenemyBernard S. McNallyLaura J. McNamara-MakrisMrs. Juanita McNeillieJoel S. McTopyNicole & Laurent MeisterCarol A. MeisterMonica R. MekolikL. R. MerolaJoseph MessinaPaul J. MessinaPatsy A. MichaelsArnold & Deborah MichalewiczRev. Kenneth E. MikulikMary Ann MillerEarl & Laura MillhollonMargie B. MillsHarry W. Milton, Jr.Jean & Bob MingeaHenry & Marilyn MirandaMr. & Mrs. J.D. MireJoy C. MolenaarMr. & Mrs. Leon MonclaMr. & Mrs. Frank MontalbanoVivian & Diomedes MontecilloMrs. Elizabeth Russell MooreTimothy MooreJames & Linda MooreMiss Frances MoralesMrs. E. M. MoranMrs. Lucille MorattoMary Ann MorganMr. & Mrs. Arne Morgensen, Jr.Cecilia L. MorilloMaribel MorinMrs. Pam C. MorneauJohn & Cathryn MorovichElizabeth & Clyde MorrisonDr. & Mrs. Edwin J. MorrowLisa A. MoscarelliMr. Wilbert O. MossLee & Joseph MountainPatricia MouraClaire MuellerArcilia MunozKathryn & Max MurdockJim & Rose MurnaneKevin & Ellen MurphyFrana & Daniel MushinskiMaureen E. MyersMs. Lillie A. NacolHeather NarbitRita & William NashMarion F. NashBruce & Kay NaumanBernard NavarroRon & Mary NealCarroll & David NelsonMichelle & John NelsonHunter & Betsy NelsonDavid & Phyllis NeuThomas L. NeumannEmma & Tom NewhouseMr. & Mrs. Fred NicolMr. & Mrs. Thomas J. NiehausLeray & Paula NiekampGuy & Martha NobleJerry & Pat NovakSonja & Charles NovoDiana & Chris NovosadCarole & Jorge NunezMrs. Lena M. NunezSister Josepha O'BrienAl & Pat O'BrienMr. & Mrs. John F. O'ConnellMargaret P. O'ConnorSally & Charles OgdenAlma OggJohn & Ann OggeroRichard & Jane O'GradyFred & Maxine OlsonGloria Olsovsky

The Good News, Page 7

DominicanGuess WhoA new feature in theGood News,Dominican GuessWho gives you factsabout a HoustonDominican alongwith a picture ofthem as a youngerlady and asks youto “guess who” it is.

This sister hasserved as prioressof the community.

She founded theoffice of develop-ment (nowadvancement).

A talented artist,this sister enjoyspainting and is afeatured artist at ourannual art sale.

She was presidentof DominicanCollege, which waslocated on the moth-erhouse grounds.

A long-time educa-tor, she taught atSt. Agnes Academy,which is celebratingits 100th year sincebeing founded bythe DominicanSisters of Houston.

Guess who!The answer

is on page 9.

Our mystery sisterholds her youngniece.

Continued on Page 10

Page 8, The Good News

‘We preach the Gospel by how we live’

“As Dominicans we:challenge the systems thatdominate and oppress ourworld, preach truth that lib-erates all; (engage in) studythat develops and promotesthe interrelatedness of all;pray to sustain hope andencourage a lifestyle thatencourages equitable andmutually enhancing life forEarth community.” Theseare the opening words ofthe Dominican Call toAction that was adopted bythe North AmericanDominican JusticePromoters. These wordsand those of our missionstatement — “we commit tostudy and address the cru-cial justice issues of ourtimes” — are at the heart ofthe role of the Promoter ofJustice, Peace and Care ofCreation. The title, though amouthful, speaks to thecommitment of the commu-nity to this statement. Therole of the justice promoteris to research and provideinformation to the communi-ty in the areas of justice.

Three of the majorissues that we are address-ing at this time are the warin Iraq, Immigration andHuman Trafficking. Wecannot address theseissues in isolation. We workclosely with the Dominicanfamily, Houston and globalcommunities. We stand insolidarity with and take ourlead from the people whoare most directly involvedin these issues.

“I Have Family in Iraq”is a theme adopted by theDominicans throughout theworld to pledge and showour support to not only theDominicans in Iraq but tothe Iraqi people in general.We continue to pray andstand in solidarity in a callfor peace. From February15 through March 20,

members of Voices forCreative Nonviolence gath-ered in Washington to callfor an end to the militaryand economic warfare inIraq. Since we cannot be inWashington, our sistershave joined in a rolling fastand weekly prayer vigils.Along with the CatholicBishops we are calling for atimely withdrawal of ourtroops and monetary com-mitment for the rebuildingof the infrastructure thathas been damaged byyears of war and sanctions.

The Dominican sistershave long been advocatesfor immigrants and in 1987declared sanctuary. Thismeant that we would openour space as a haven forundocumented immigrants.We continue to work withthe immigrant groups in theHouston area and supportthe Catholic Campaign forImmigration Reformlaunched by the UnitedStates Conference ofCatholic Bishops.

Related to immigrationreform is the trip that SistersJane Abell, Eleanor Cresapand I took to El Salvador inDecember. It was the begin-ning of summer in ElSalvador. Driving from the

airport to San Salvador, yousee the lush green of thecountryside dotted withbright colors of roses, crepemyrtle trees, poinsettias andother flowers. If you take acloser look though, you seethe poverty. The houses aremake-shift of tin and wood.You may on occasion seesome made of adobe.

We went as membersof the SHARE Foundationand while there visited sev-eral communities beingassisted by SHARE.SHARE lends its support tocommunity-based initiatives

that encourage women’sempowerment, leadershipdevelopment and commu-nity participation in partner-ship with already estab-lished Salvadoran organi-zations. What is apparentfrom this visit is that if thepeople are given a chanceto make a living in theircountries of origin they areless likely to want to immi-grate to the United States.

War and poverty providegreat opportunities for thosewho would exploit other humanbeings through use of violence,coercion and deception to takethem away from their homesand their families. We are work-ing with others to end suchexploitation. In Houston, we aremembers of the CoalitionAgainst Human Trafficking andof the Rescue and RestoreCoalition. As members of thesecoalitions, we have participatedin providing education andassisting the service agenciesin working with victims.

We study these issuesbecause our mission state-ment goes on to say that“we will assume the risksinherent in preaching andteaching the Gospel.” Wepreach the Gospel by howwe live.

By Sr. Ceil Roeger

Former justice promoter Sr. Jane Abell addresses theHouston City Council about an immigration issue.

Students and faculty from St. Pius X High School joinedthe Dominican Sisters of Houston for prayer on theUnited Nations’ International Day of Peace.

The Good News, Page 9

Sr. Amelia Akers willcelebrate her DiamondJubilee in August, markingher 60th year as aDominican sister. Whenasked what aspect of thecommunity she valuesmost, Sr. Amelia can’temphasize enough howmuch individuality meansto her. “We respect eachother as individuals and aspeople pursuing their goalsas best as they are able,”she said of the DominicanSisters of Houston.

And Sr. Amelia’s indi-viduality is apparent.

A Beaumont native,she had never lived any-where else until she choseto join the DominicanSisters at the age of 18.Having graduated fromhigh school two years ear-lier, Sr. Amelia was work-ing at St. AnthonyCathedral School whenshe first considered a reli-gious vocation. She saidthat Sr. Helen Roesslerhad a strong impact on hernotions about religious life.It was Sr. Helen’s“demeanor, her manner ofdealing with the children”that touched Sr. Ameliaand moved her to examinethe Dominican charism.

After professing her firstvows, Sr. Amelia was imme-diately sent out to teach.She said, “I always lookedforward to the time I wouldcome back [to the mother-

house] and live here perma-nently.” As a young sister,she would return everysummer and for long holi-days, but it was only a tem-porary stop until she wentback to her assignment orwas sent to a new one.

One of Sr. Amelia’sfavorite assignments wasserving as the healthresource librarian for St.Elizabeth Hospital’s HealthResource Center inBeaumont from 1986 to1997. She especiallyenjoyed the interaction withthe public she received atthe Parkdale Mall location.“Cholesterol was a big dealthen. When someone camein, you knew that’s whatthey would ask for.” Sr.Amelia provided informationon whatever issues patronshad questions about.

She admits that thecommunity changed after

Vatican II. In fact, “every-thing changed except thevows we take.” But Sr.Amelia enjoyed the simplefreedoms such as visitingwith her parents more often.She has kept in touch withmany of her former stu-dents and their families,forging lifelong friendships:“I feel that if we’re truthfulwith people – both in ourpersonal relationships andas a community – our slo-gan “Veritas” – they’re moreinclined to understand usand our approach to life.”

Although officiallyretired, Sr. Amelia still holdsseveral jobs at the mother-house. Along with servingas congregational archivist,she is a receptionist at boththe administration officesand at St. Dominic VillaRetirement Home. “I feellike we are very fortunatepeople to have the Villa,”she said of the residencethat offers both assisted liv-ing and medical care to theDominican Sisters. Sr.Amelia also crochets con-stantly, making items forsale in the November Artsand Crafts Sale to benefitthe Villa.

“We’re all different, andyet we’re on the same roadand headed to the samedestination,” she said of thecommunity. “We’re permittedto be individuals. We’re notput into a mold. … I appreci-ate that I have something todo that I feel is important,that I have something tocontribute.”

Sr. Amelia Akers is a part-time receptionist. You canoften find her crochetingwhile minding the phones.

Getting to know ...

Sr. Amelia Akers St. CatherineRenovation

Guess Who Answer From Page 7

In 1947, FretzConstruction erectedthe St. CatherineAssembly Building forSacred HeartDominican College.Designed by MauriceJ. Sullivan, thefamous architectknown for his workwith many Catholicchurches and schools,the building is nearingits 60th anniversary.

Over the years, St.Catherine’s was con-verted to the sciencebuilding for DominicanCollege and later aresidence after thecollege closed.

The year 2007 holdsseveral other importantanniversaries. It is the125th anniversary ofour community’sfounding in Texas. In1882, sisters arrived inGalveston by train toestablish what wouldbecome the DominicanSisters of Houston.

We will also beremembering the10th anniversary ofthe death of Sr. MaryPeter Tremonte, ourgifted artist.

As a fitting tributeto all of these mile-stones, our originalbuilders, FretzConstruction, areonce again remodel-ing our historic build-ing to serve as ourarchives and as agallery for Sr. MaryPeter’s art. Pleaseconsider giving gen-erously toward thisupcoming project.

Sr. Antoinette Boykin isour mystery sister for thisissue. She currentlyresides at St. DominicVilla, where she is an avidpainter and is active in the

sisters’ prayer ministry.Sr. Antoinette shared

fond memories of her tripto the Grand Canyon withSr. Clement, who passedaway in 2004.

Page 10, The Good News

Margaret & Al OmelchuckMrs. Janice OndrusekMr. & Mrs. Michael J. O'NeillWilliam T. O'NeillMary M. O'NeillWendee OngSister Mary Kay OosdykeRobert & Dana FraryOppermanMargaret Ormond, OPMr. & Mrs. James O'RourkeElizabeth T. OrrBryan & Jana OrtisDr. & Mrs. V. J. O'ShellRobert & Phyllis OttisOur Lady of Fatima SchoolPatrick OxfordMr. Hubert Oxford, IIIBetty OxleyAnita & Arthur OzunaAl & Cheryl PaceJo-Ann PadulaMohan & Evelyn PanjwaniGeorganne PapacSilvia ParedesMr. & Mrs. Joe S. ParigiAngela M. ParigiDr. & Mrs. Sam F. ParigiVirginia C. ParkerMr. & Mrs. Benjamin G. ParmaJohn & Janice ParzialeJerry P. PasqualettiErin Patronella-HamlinMarjorie PattenChet & Sandy PauskaPiotr PawlowskiDon PayneMrs. & Mr. Theresa PechacekDan PechacekJanet & Michael PekarDonalda PenaMrs. Boots A. PerezBlanca A. PerezCarmen PerezRose C. PerkinsMr. & Mrs. Anthony J. PeszkoMaria & Thomas PetersonJacqueline & Pablo PetrozziTom & Jo PhalenJohannah C. PhelanMalcolm & Priscilla PhillipsMike & Jean PhillipsCharitable FoundationWilliam T. PiersanteSusan PihaMr. & Mrs. Sergio PinedaJanice & Jim PoinsettFelix & Anna Marie PolitoGerard M. PollardMarion E. PongraceCecilia Poole & Dale GordonErnest & Ruth PopelkaDr. Hilda E. PorterRicky & Kathy PowellNancy PreblePresentation of MaryMark PriestMs. Renella Arnaud PrimeauxPatrick & Patricia PringleDavid & Aidee ProdoehlKaren W. ProvostJon & Virginia PruetArthur A. PuccettiMaria F. PuenteNancy T. PulidoJennifer & Jeffrey PutmanLinda L. QuebeSusan S. QuigleyDennis & Diane QuinnJulie A. QuintCarlos R. QuinteroDora & Roy QuirozYvonne & Harold RabalaisJohn & Alicia Racanelli

Renee & Brian RaffertyJohn & Arlene RaganUrsulee T. RaheCindy H. RaimondCheryl RainosekKarla RamirezMary RamosRandall’s Good Neighbor CardMsgr. Clifton Ransom, Jr.Miss Lois ReadingCharree ReaganMr. & Mrs. Daniel ReatMargaret Phelan ReedMrs. Margie C. ReedPat & Gene ReedReginald & Norilda ReedGenevieve ReehJohn F. ReidyBarbie & Jimmy RespondekLucy RestivoMr. & Mrs. Charles L. RibardoVioleta RiccioMichael, Ellen & Matthew RichardGeorge & Katherine RichardsonRandy & Ruth RiepeJim & Pat RigamontiCharlaine DuChamp RinandoMelvin Ritter & Carol RitterDr. Jayne F. Rivera &

Dr. Carlos RiveraS. M. Bebe RizoMrs. Paulina RizzatoLucille RoachMrs. Lena RobertsTina & Jay RobertsDoris R. RobinsonDeborah & John RobisonElizabeth A. RobletoGregory & Blenda RoccaforteConnie M. RodriguezJuanita & Randy RodriguezVeronica RodriguezMr. & Mrs. Bill RodriguezNereida & Tomas RodriguezHerman & Stacie Ann RoesslerDavid & Nancy RofranoMrs. Marguerite A. RoganDr. Gerald RomanoMr. O. Jules RomaryC. E. & C. M. RomeroBill & Patricia Guarin RoperClare Mead RosenMr. & Mrs. Anthony RosettaCharles J. RovelloDr. William A. RowanDiane RoyallMr. & Mrs. Jon RoyleSara L. RuffinMary Beth RussellSusie RussellDon R. RussellJean LeClair RussoRosemary B. RuysenaarsLita SaavedraJanice SabatelliLuisa SabbaraLeonard & Joy SaccoTheresa M. SaganSS Peter & Paul SchoolSt. Austin Catholic SchoolSt. Francis Mission FundSt. Francis Xavier Men's ClubSt. Jerome Catholic ChurchSt. Peter's SchoolSt. Thomas More ChurchSt. Vincent de Paul SocietyGerard & Barbara SalaJuanita & Louis SaldanaRose B. SampsonMel & Cindy SamuelsonSusan H. SannerNancy C. SantamariaSelena SantoyaSusan & Donald Satter

Michael & Karen SavoieSylvia & Lionel SavoyDayna Stokes SawyerAlberto & Carolina SayagoAmelia U. ScalesAnne R. ScanlanTerri N. ScarboroughFloreine ScardinoMaria Isabel SchausNorman & Carolee SchenkJohn C. SchiefenForrest & Sue Schiesler & familySandee SchindlerEugene & Paula SchmidtMichael & Pennee SchmittJeannine & Timothy SchornWilliam J. SchullMary Emily SchultzSchwaiger FamilyDr. George &

Mrs. Leslie SchwenderLawrence J. SchwenderLouis W. ScibaKathleen & Santo ScorsoneLeonard & Freida ScottPat & Jerry ScrogginsCherral A. SefcikJanet & Saria SegarraSteven & Robyn SeideMr. & Mrs. John S. SellingslohSarah & Daniel SennettMrs. Olivia F. SerioSeton Catholic Junior HighTheresa J. SewellMary ShaoRegina N. SharpeJudith SheikhSharon SheltonMartha V. SherrillCarolyn ShimekRuth L. ShobertJames C. SiddallJames & Delrena SidesGeorge C. Siller, Jr.John & Irene SilvaMr. & Mrs. John SilvaSusan F. SilvestreLinda & Raymond SimardEmma SimoneMr. J. Earl SimpsonSinsinawa DominicansMr. & Mrs. Alfred SintekSisters of Saint DominicSisters of Saint Dominic,

Akron OHSisters of Saint Dominic,

Tacoma WASisters of Saint Dominic,

San Rafael CASisters of the

Sacred Heart of MaryAnna E. SkeleShadow SloanMrs. Lenora SmithPaul SmithMr. & Mrs. Wickham G. SmithElizabeth Browning SmithCharladean SmithThomas & Cleo Hudnall SmythPatricia SniderClarice SnokhousDaniel & Margaret SnooksSOAR!Paul & Annette SofkaBeatrice SolitoMrs. Margaret SolitoMr. & Mrs. Charles F. SolomonRita SommerCatharine SonnenbergJoyce SorensonMiss Bernadette A. SpawnCorinne SpencerBessie SpletzerCharlene M. Spretnak

Sandy SquiresSrs. Cecile & FortunataMr. & Mrs. Frank B. StahlMrs. Ethel S. StalinskyMrs. J. L. StallworthGregg & Kathy StapletonM. Anthony StartzGene C. StatenStegent & AssociatesSylvia & Philip StegentRalph & Lynne StengerMrs. Julia SterbenzGwen & Jim StewartDr. & Mrs. Robert StipanovicStrategic Solutions, Inc.Shirley StrattaMichael & Susan StremelTom & Diana Stroebel FamilyLaura A. StrongReverend Michael StrotherKathy & Ned StuartSelena & Stephen StuchlyLeanne & Dan StuckertCarolyn P. SugarsThomas & Johnnie SuterJanice M. SutherlandPat & Karen SvrcekTrudeen D. SwainDaniel & Laura SwansonMichael T. SwartzT M Office SystemsJ. E. TakacsAnne TaparauskasKathleen M. TeareLorraine & John TeganCharles Terry Jr. FamilyMr. & Mrs. John W. TheallLynn TheisenMarilyn R. ThibeauRaybourne & Virginia

Oxford ThompsonKatherine Leicht-ThompsonDanielle & Steven ThuMrs. Ann TicklePatricia & Ronald TimpanaroBarbara TollesonJudith TolleyMichaeline TomasinoKaren A. TomekMr. & Mrs. Joseph TonerMichelene G. ToomeyLisa TorresMr. & Mrs. Jake Tortorice, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. Tony F. TortoriceJerry & Norma TouchstoneMr. & Mrs. Steven ToupsPat & Joe TrioloCharlene Trochta &

Patricia ThompsonJoan & Fred TroegelDorothy TrotterDavid & Paula TrzeciakAmelia TudonKaren E. TuelDr. & Mrs. Charles P. TurcoRev. Msgr. George TydlackaAnn UlmVeronica UmanzorUrsuline SistersMrs. Mary UsherDeacon Al & Susan VacekMelinda Gibbons VahediJackie & Barry VailMr. & Mrs. David ValdenMrs. Francesca V. ValenzaHenry C. Vanden BoschJohn & Jolene VanderzylWayne & Barbara VanekJohn & Faye VanMeterKaren VarnerLt. Col. James E. VaughanBarry & Patricia VeazeyVicki & Victor VecchioTaska Ventura

J. C. & Verna VerdeJohn I. ViceColleen C. ViceJeff & Sandra ViceEnrique & Hortensia VillafrancaJ. Antonio & Criselda VillalonAlbert & Ann VillarrealMrs. Carolyn VinesEvelyn & John Vittone FamilyMrs. Dorothy M. VogelStephen & Michelle VorwerkMichael & Barbara WalkerYasmina WalkerRobert & Helen WalshMary Kay WalshMs. Janice P. WalterRev. Daniel WardenHaydee M. WatersPaul & Mary WeardenZula WeardenFrances F. WeatherlyMr. & Mrs. Robert W. WeberMrs. Floyd W. WeeksRoger & Pat WegnerJoanne & Stan WeikPat WeikerthCarl H. WeisenfelderMichael & Bridget WelchBetty Lou WellonsMr. & Mrs. Larry G. WellsJoseph & Rita WelshBarbara & Richard WestDonald & Nina WestcottKim WheatleyMarty White & JR RemingtonBarbara A. WhiteLinda & Charles WhitsonDr. & Mrs. William WichetaKerry WickerRosemary C. WierumKathy & Tom WigginsMrs. Sophie WilliamsGeorgiann O'Neill WilmotAnne M. WilsonPatricia L. WilsonMr. & Mrs. Robert K. WilsonDr. Charles J. WilsonLupita WilsonPatty WinklerJohn & Renee WlasMary Grace WohlwendGregory J. WomackCynthia M. Valdes WongPatricia WoodLaurence & Beverly WoodsNancy WoodwardConnie WoodwardMichael J. WoodwardKathryn A. WoollardLeo & Alice WourmsPeg YaklinEmilio & Veronica YazigiSean YeomansPaul & Dora YinMrs. Doris YordanoffRodney Young & Eli BurickMarion E. YoungsRafaela ZavalaRita ZdunElidia U. ZieglerJon & Deborah ZieglerPhilip & Barbara ZinsmeisterMrs. Mary A. ZinziStacy Lynne Zubik

nWe apologize for any errors or omissions. Every effort is madeto provide an accurate list ofour donors. If you have anyquestions or corrections,please contact theAdvancement Office at 713-747-3310, ext. 335, or by e-mail at hnabit@domhou.org.

Whatever John L. Marekdid, he did it to the best ofhis ability, and he did it with-out pausing to rest.

Sr. Margaret Conradremembers him on the roofof a St. Pius X High Schoolbuilding hammering awayin the middle of an event.She had to step outsideand ask him to stopbecause he was sofocused on his task.

It was the same with hisdevotion to the poor. “Anytime it was his birthday,

he’d say, ‘Don’t give meanything, just give me adonation to St. Vincent dePaul,’” said his sister-in-lawSr. Mary Magdalene Hanel.

Growing up inYoakum, Texas, during thedepression, John L. leftschool in the 6th grade. Hegrew up to begin his ownbusiness, though, andfound ways to help others.

From the founding ofthree St. Vincent de Paul

Thrift Stores to the buildingof St. Vincent de PaulVillage to employing menfrom half-way houses, JohnL. offered others a chanceto find dignity and make abetter life for themselves.

He passed away onFeb. 16 at the age of 88.

Dominicans worldwidehave begun using the term“family” to describe peoplewho share their life andmission, those who areclose to the order for what-ever reasons. By this defi-nition, Joy Sacco was borninto the Dominican Family.

“I started in kinder-garten and went throughcollege,” Joy said of herDominican education. Butshe was familiar with thesisters before enteringschool.

Joy’s mother, EllenFisk, began driving the sis-ters from their Galvestonconvent to Sacred HeartAcademy when Joy wasvery young. “Back then,we didn’t have seat belts. Iwould stand in the frontseat, and one of the sis-ters would help hold me,”she said. “She’d go getone load and drop them offand go back for another.”Once Joy began kinder-garten, she only rodealong for the first sortie,then stayed at school withthe sisters. She said itwasn’t an everyday affairbecause “sometimesthey’d walk on nice days.”

Joy remembers thenames of many of thoseDominicans who had suchan influence on her child-hood:

“Sr. Antoinette was realstrict, but so nice”

Sr. Mary Philip gaveher pet cocker spaniel toJoy’s family, which theynamed Pal.

“Sr. Mary Edwardtaught me piano, and shetried to teach me violin, butit was a losing effort.”

There were alsoDominicans yet-to-be inher circle. “Sr. Camilla[Micheletti] grew up aboutthree blocks from us.” And,unbeknownst to Joy at thetime, her husband Leonardand Sr. Theresa Maceywere childhood friends.

The middle of the 20thCentury was a differenttime, according to Joy, andthat may have lent itself toher unique experience withthe sisters. “I think weprobably got to know thenuns better than they donow,” she said.

After graduating fromcollege and having a familyof her own, Joy “lost actu-al, physical contact with

[the sisters], but I’ve keptup with them.” Her ties to

her Dominican family rundeep.

The Good News, Page 11

Bishop Louis Reicher served as chaplain for theDominican Sisters while serving at St. Mary Cathedral,before becoming the first bishop of Austin. He is picturedhere at the Galveston convent with Srs. Perpetua, MaryCharles and Mary Anne.

Dominican Family TiesJoy Sacco’s Dominican upbringing

John L. Marek lived a life in service to the underprivileged

Do you have a “Dominican FamilyTie”? If so, contact Heather Narbitat 713-747-3310, ext. 335, or e-mail her at hnarbit@domhou.org.We want to hear your story!

Dominican Sistersof Houston, Texas, Inc.6501 Almeda Rd.Houston, TX 77021-2095

Address Service Requested

Non-ProfitOrganization

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Houston,Tx.Permit No. 8952

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