Associates

Associates in procession

For nearly 50 years, Adrian Dominican Associates have included women and men at least 18 years of age—married, single, widowed or divorced—who make a non-vowed commitment to partner with the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Associates live in many parts of the United States and in the Dominican Republic, come from various ethnic and educational backgrounds, and have a variety of interests. While maintaining their own lifestyle and remaining financially independent, Associates participate in various spiritual, social, and ministerial experiences with the Sisters, as well as attending Congregational events.

A Path Forward: The Dominican Life Collaborative

We have heard numerous reports about the signs of the time and changing demographics in both the world and in religious life. Our General Councils have encouraged Associates to explore a future path of Dominican Life that will not be dependent on the congregation. See this livestream recording from November of 2025.

The Dominican Life Collaborative is a new form of Dominican Life that will offer current Associates and new seekers an opportunity to make a commitment to live the charism in a new vocation. Details will follow as this new form takes shape.

This means a gradual moving away from the term ‘Associate.’ New candidates are currently being formed for Dominican Life with a focus on living the Dominican Charism. On July 1, 2027, Associate Life will cease and the Dominican Collaborative will begin. Everyone is free to discern their own commitment to this new form of Dominican Life.

See this FAQ sheet (PDF) on Associate Life and the Dominican Life Collaborative.

For information about participating in the Dominican Life Collaborative, contact
Nancy Mason Bordley, D.Min., Director
Office of Dominican Charism
517-266-3534
Email Associate Life

See issues of The Dominican Table newsletter on our Publications webpage.

Associate Arlene Bachanov Keeps the Legacy of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Alive

Arlene Bachanov October 7, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – “I’m one of the keepers of the legacy. I don’t just preserve the history; I tell [the Sisters’] story. It is very important to me that that story be kept alive, and the wider world knows that this Congregation was here and ...

James Mallare

James Mallare “I couldn’t be anything else but Dominican.” That was the conclusion that Adrian Dominican Associate James Mallare came to during a recent time of reflection. That would most likely be the same conclusion of Sisters and Associates who work with and have come to know him. James first met the ...

Judi Engel

“You are God’s Work of Art” By Judi Engel Adrian Dominican Associate Each year, the Dominican Youth Movement USA sponsors two preaching conferences for young people: college/university students and high school students. Both are directed toward introducing young people to Dominican life and traditions, including the Dominican Charism of preaching. The purpose statement ...

Roberta Clemak

By Associate Melinda Mullin Born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Associate Roberta Clemak first met the Adrian Dominican Sisters when she attended their school from fourth through eighth grades. She spent one year in high school with the Sisters of Loretto before deciding to become an Adrian Dominican Sister ...

Faye Jahnigen

By Associate Melinda Mullin What one notices most about Associate Faye Jahnigen during Adrian Dominican Associate Zoom meetings are her highly articulate contributions to discussions, her careful listening when others speak, and her ready laugh attesting to her sense of humor. What is less obvious, but at the heart of ...

Kathy Woods

By Associate Melinda Mullin (Spanish version below) Associate Kathy Woods was a vowed Adrian Dominican Sister from 1962 to 1977. The values that attract Kathy to the Adrian Dominicans, then and now, are expressed in the Mission of the Congregation. Kathy believes “Mission is a driving force” that facilitates “a ...