Three Women Celebrate Their
Reception Into the Novitiate

Sisters Sara, Thanh and Emily (center) with Sisters Carleen Maly, Director of Vocations, and Ellen Burkhardt, Director of Formation

Sara Bingham, Emily Malleis and Thanh Nguyen made their Rite of Reception into the Novitiate on April 7 in Holy Rosary Chapel. Each was given a copy of the Adrian Dominican Constitution to assist in her discernment, as well as a white preaching garment, a mark of the Order of Preachers and a symbol of connection with centuries of women and men who have followed in the steps of Dominic to praise, to bless and to preach.

"Becoming a novice is a choice," said Ellen Burkhardt, OP, Director of Formation, to Sara, Emily and Thanh. "You have said 'Yes,' and the Congregation has made a choice to welcome you into the Dominican family. Let the mystery of your call, of God's deep longing for you, enfold you this night and sustain you each day of your lives. And as you move more fully into testing your call to profess this life as a vowed member, my sisters, accept this ultimate risk – open your hearts and your lives to all that God offers, all that God asks of you."

The novices, now called Sisters Sara, Emily and Thanh, will spend the year in study, prayer and ministry, exploring Dominican life. Sister Emily will reside in Adrian, while Sisters Sara and Thanh will attend the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate in St. Louis. Joining them will be Sister Elise García.