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August 1, 2020, West Palm Beach, Florida – Suzanne Sink was formally welcomed as an Adrian Dominican Associate on July 25, 2020, in the garden of Casa, the residence of Adrian Dominican Sisters in West Palm Beach. Gathered around her to celebrate were not only family members, Associates and Sisters from the local area but – through Zoom – Associates and Sisters from around the United States.
Suzanne’s Ritual of Acceptance was the first virtual acceptance as Mary Lach, Director of Associate Life, took part in the ceremony from Michigan.
Associates are 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. While maintaining their own lifestyle and remaining financially independent, they participate in various spiritual, social, and ministerial experiences with the Sisters and live out the Dominican charism, or spirit, in their daily lives.
Associate Nancy Medina offered words of welcome to Suzanne and those gathered for the ceremony. “Suzanne has a sweet personality,” she said. “This past year we have seen her grow in her faith. She has demonstrated a desire to help others without self-interest.”
Sister Margarita Ruíz, OP, Suzanne’s mentor, spoke of her own joy in formally introducing her. “She is a committed follower of Jesus and is ready to do all that she can to share in the Dominican charism.” Among Suzanne’s joys, Sister Margarita said, is sharing her gifts with her students at Florida Atlantic University, where she is an instructor in the English Department.
Born and raised in Rhode Island, Suzanne moved to North Carolina for her college education, studying English and education. After graduation, she met her husband, Daniel, and began a family that includes John, 13, and Francesca Marie, 6. Suzanne taught at local universities while earning her Ph.D. “I was proud to present my dissertation, which focused on how immigrant women from the Azores – my maternal heritage – help preserve and share culture, history, and anchor spirituality.”
Suzanne described the faith that had been passed on from her grandmother, aunt, and mother. “I see today as being directly connected to those women, and I have begun to grow in my connection to God,” she said.
Suzanne also spoke of how she grew spiritually from her connection to the Adrian Dominican Sisters and Associates. “I have grown in my faith and spiritual understanding, and I have drawn comfort and inspiration from my Adrian brother and sisters,” she said. “The friendships and mentoring have sustained me through challenges, and I look forward to carrying these gifts forward and outward to others.”
The Ritual of Acceptance included the presentation of the Adrian Dominican Associate logo to Suzanne and the signing of the Agreement of Association, which signifies Suzanne’s formal commitment to the Adrian Dominican Sisters and Associates.
The ritual concluded with words of gratitude to Sister Margarita – who will be moving to the Motherhouse in Adrian, Michigan – for her involvement in mentoring Associates in both the Dominican Republic and Florida. “I can’t thank you enough on behalf of all Associates for all you have done,” Mary Lach, Director of Associate Life, told Sister Margarita.
If you feel called to be an Adrian Dominican Associate, contact Mary Lach at 517-266-3531 or mlach@adriandominicans.org. If you are a single Catholic woman interested in vowed life as an Adrian Dominican Sister, contact Sister Tarianne DeYonker, OP, at 517-266-3532 or tdeyonker@adriandominicans.org.
Feature photo (top): Associate Nancy Medina pins the Associate Life logo on new Associate Suzanne Sink.
February 13, 2020, Adrian, Michigan – Sisters, Associates, family members, fellow parishioners, and friends of Margaret Reyez gathered at St. Catherine Chapel at the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse February 8, 2020, to celebrate her Ritual of Acceptance as an Adrian Dominican Associate.'
A retired librarian for the Westland, Michigan, School District, Margaret has been involved in her parish, SS. Simon and Jude in Westland, serving as youth minister and sacramental coordinator. It was there that she met Adrian Dominican Sisters Anneliese Sinnott, OP, and Cheryl Liske, OP. She was mentored by Associate Karen McDermott, Sister Cheryl’s sister.
Mary Lach, Director of Associate Life, presided at the ritual, welcoming the assembly and introducing Sister Patricia Harvat, OP, General Council liaison to Associate Life. Sister Patricia invited Margaret to a life based on the Dominican charism, “one of preaching, being one with the Word of God.” This gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church does not belong only to Dominicans,” Sister Patricia said, but to “the entire lay ecclesial community. … We all work together with the gifts that we have to live out our lifestyle.”
Karen, in formally introducing Margaret, spoke of the time they worked together to prepare Margaret for Associate Life. “Margaret is one of the kindest and most thoughtful women I know, and I believe she’s going to be an asset to Associate Life and to our community.”
Margaret said she chose to become an Adrian Dominican Associate through her year of formation with Karen, learning about the charism and what it means to be a Dominican. She spoke of the inspiration she receives from working with children, adding that “there are many other areas of service that I hope to explore as an Associate.”
Sister Cheryl preached on the Gospel that Margaret chose for the event, the story in Luke about the risen Jesus’ encounter with two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35). She shared her own Emmaus story when she first attended Mass at SS. Simon and Jude Church and was invited to the parish’s “High Holy Day of Doughnut Sunday,” the first of many table celebrations she enjoyed at the parish.
Sister Cheryl focused on Margaret, whom she encountered at the parish: “Margaret, who has lived the reality of knowing Jesus in the Breaking of the Bread and the fellowship of doughnuts; Margaret, who has discovered Christ in the lives of people, especially young people that others have given up on.”
In speaking of the new Associate, Mary said, “Margaret’s life is a testament to her love of learning and her devotion to her Catholic faith. She has a deep spirituality grounded in the Dominican charism of study, prayer, service, and community.”
Margaret and her late husband, Francisco Reyez, have three children and several grandchildren. She established the Rainbows for All God’s Children, a support group for children who lost a parent through death or divorce, and worked tirelessly in the Red Wagon Literacy Program, which encourages students to read during the summer months. She continues to volunteer at Greenfield Village in Detroit, portraying a 19th century school teacher.
Associates are 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. While maintaining their own lifestyle and remaining financially independent, they participate in various spiritual, social, and ministerial experiences with the Sisters and live out the Dominican charism in their daily lives.
If you feel called to be an Adrian Dominican Associate, contact Mary Lach, Director of Associate Life, at 517-266-3531 or mlach@adriandominicans.org. If you are a single Catholic woman interested in vowed life as an Adrian Dominican Sister, contact one of the Co-Directors of Vocations: Sister Tarianne DeYonker, OP, at 517-266-3532 or tdeyonker@adriandominicans.org or Sister Mariane Fahlman, OP, at 517-266-3537 or mfahlman@adriandominicans.org.
Family members, friends, and fellow parishioners of SS. Simon and Jude Parish in Westland, Michigan, offer the Dominican Blessing to Margaret.