During evening prayer in Holy Rosary Chapel on September 7, Mary Jones and Jackie Stoll made their Rite of Entrance into Candidacy with the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

In answer to the question asked by Prioress Donna Markham, OP, “What do you wish and what do you ask of the Adrian Dominican Congregation,” Mary responded: “I desire to deepen my faith and to be God’s instrument of justice, peace and love, and I ask you, Adrian Dominican Sisters and Associates, to pray with me, to pray for me, and to be my willing mentors in the mission of Jesus.”

Jackie Stoll, second from left, with mentor Geneal Kramer, OP, and Mary Jones, far right, with mentor Tarianne DeYonker, OP.

Jackie answered: “I desire an ever-deepening faith, love and trust in God who is leading me on this journey of discernment, and I ask the sisters and Associates of this congregation for your continued support through the sharing of your guidance, knowledge, patience, faith, friendship, and especially your prayers.”

Mary was born in Ecorse, Michigan, and raised in Taylor, Michigan. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and Wayne State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in math and education and a master’s degree in education, respectively. After working in Lansing for a number of years, she taught adult education for eight years at the Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn. She then worked for the Ford Motor Company in the Quality Department for five years. Mary felt drawn to the sisterhood, and after doing research on religious congregations, visited the Adrian Dominican web site. She felt the Congregation was the right fit after reading the Vision. As she got to know various Congregation members during her discernment, Mary realized she had met numerous Adrian Dominicans throughout her life.

Jackie worked as a nurse practitioner in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the past seven years. She was born in Akron, Ohio, and lived there until age 16, at which time she moved to Canal Fulton, Ohio. Jackie attended Bowling Green State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She received a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing from Boston College, then attended Columbia University in New York City, where she received her post-graduate certification as an adult nurse practitioner.