Sister Anna Marie Flusche’s career has been marked by her remarkable artistic gifts and faithful ministry. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Sister Anna Marie always knew she wanted to be a sister. “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a sister. And my parents encouraged me.” When she began to seriously discern her vocation after high school graduation, she met with another difficult decision—which order to join.

Although she had several great aunts and cousins who were Sisters of the Divine Providence, Sister Anna Marie felt called to do something different. She found the Dominican Sisters of Houston through a mail-order catalogue entitled The Guide to Sisterhoods of the United States. After many long discussions around the dinner table with her family, a visit to Houston, and a meeting with the Mother General, her decision to enter was made. 

Throughout Sister Anna Marie’s career, her creative talents, especially her gift for organ performance, have touched the lives of her students and parishioners. Though Sister Anna Marie had played the piano for years prior, it was not until her time in the Novitiate that she was first introduced to organ music. One day during a piano lesson at the motherhouse, her teacher asked her if she was interested in learning to play the organ as well. At first, she wasn’t sure, but it quickly grew into a lifelong passion of hers. “I thought organists just played for Benediction…. I found out that there is a whole lot more to the organ.”

After making her first vows, Sister Anna Marie began her ministerial career teaching music classes at St. Christopher’s School in Houston, Texas. Just a few years later, she was named chair of the music department at St. Agnes Academy, also in Houston. While at St. Agnes, she assisted in the restoration of the school’s pipe organ. This sparked her interest in organ building. She has since written extensively on religious organ builders, a topic that combines her religious and musical vocations. Throughout her career, she has published several articles on the subject and her book The Life and Legend of Gerbert of Aurillac: The Organbuilder Who Became Pope Sylvester II.

In 1969, Sister Anna Marie earned her bachelor’s degree from Dominican College in Liturgical Music and began serving as an organist at local parishes. She received a master’s degree from North Texas State University (now The University of North Texas), and in 1995, she became the first person to earn a doctorate in organ performance at Rice University. She has also served as organist for St. Michael Church, St. Christopher Church, and Hosanna Lutheran Church, all located in Houston. 

Throughout her career, Sister Anna Marie dedicated herself to her craft. She has served in several leadership positions in the American Guild of Organists (AGO) and has given recitals throughout Texas and in Oklahoma, Florida, and Wisconsin. She has also published several articles and given presentations on her research on religious organ builders throughout the United States. 

Currently, Sister Anna Marie serves as the organist at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Houston. She also assists with liturgies at the motherhouse. In addition to playing the organ and piano at community Masses, she directs the sisters’ handbell choir, which performs on special occasions. When she’s not preparing for liturgies, Sister Anna Marie can be found engaging in other creative pursuits. At present, she is researching and writing a screenplay on Saint Dominic and Bishop Folc of Toulouse. Based on her research for this project, she has also begun a series of talks for the community entitled, “Bet You Didn’t Know This About Dominic!”

The Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, New Jersey, Elect New Congregational Leadership Team 

The Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, New Jersey, joyfully announce the election of their new Congregational Leadership Team. Guided by the Spirit and rooted in the preaching mission of the Order of Preachers, the newly elected team will lead the congregation into the next chapter of its shared life and ministry.

Elected during the 2025 Chapter held at the congregation’s Motherhouse in Caldwell, the team brings together gifts of wisdom, experience, and a deep commitment to Gospel values. Their leadership will support the congregation’s ongoing mission of prayer, community, study, and service.

Sister Luella Ramm, OP, re-elected as prioress, has served the Caldwell Dominican mission with dedication for 51 years, combining a prayerful spirit with strong financial and administrative leadership. Her ministry has spanned education, healthcare, and congregational governance, including roles as prioress, vicaress, councilor, treasurer, and board member. With a gift for managing complex building projects, she was part of the team tasked with the Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel renovations before overseeing the environmentally-conscious construction of Sacred Heart Convent. She holds degrees in education, administration, and finance, and is a licensed long-term care administrator. Sister Luella’s life of service is marked by a deep love for her community, a steady vision for the future, and a joyful commitment that continues to shine.

Sister Kathleen Tuite, OP, elected as vicaress, has been a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, NJ, since 1989, dedicating over 36 years to Dominican life and Catholic education. She has served in key leadership roles at Caldwell University and contributed to national and international Dominican initiatives, including Giving Voice and Dominican Women Afire. In 2024, she was elected president of the Dominican Sisters Conference Executive Committee. Her vocation was nurtured through active parish involvement and a deepening sense of God’s call during her young adult years. With a joyful spirit and steadfast faith, she continues to shape and strengthen the future of Dominican life and mission.  

Sister Marie Mueller, OP, was re-elected as councilor. A Caldwell Dominican for 53 years, she brings together a deep spirituality, intellectual strength, and a warm, generous heart in all of her ministries. She has served in congregational leadership as councilor and as vocation and candidate director, and in education through roles at Caldwell University, Lacordaire Academy, and Saint Dominic Academy. With degrees in mathematics, religious studies, and pastoral counseling, she blends academic rigor with creativity and compassionate presence. Loved by colleagues, students, and community members alike, she is known for her calming spirit, sage advice, and quiet joy. Sister Marie’s faithful and wholehearted commitment to God, community, and others continues to bless all those around her.

Sister Deborah Lynch, OP, was also elected as councilor. Having grown up in Lordship, Connecticut, sheentered the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell in 1965 and, since then, has served in both elementary and secondary education, parish ministry, and counseling at Caldwell University. The opportunity to serve people in a variety of ways and situations has enhanced and blessed Sister Deborah’s life. Now embarking on this new ministry as councilor to her own sisters, she prays to be both blessed and a blessing.

Please join us in prayer and gratitude for these women who have said “yes” to serving the congregation and the Church in this sacred way. The transition of leadership will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

Image, left to right: Sister Marie Mueller, councilor; Sister Kathleen Tuite, vicaress; Sister Luella Ramm, prioress; Sister Deborah Lynch, councilor