2008 DLC Annual Meeting:
Leading for Mission

ADRIAN, MI October 27, 2008-- "Leading for Mission," a theme that captured the energy and spirit of the 2008 DLC Annual Meeting in Adrian, was also the impetus for lively discussion of the future of Dominican Life and Mission in the United States.

Ray Dlugos, OSA, Ph.D. launched the meeting with insightful observations about the addictive aspects of our culture and laid out for those present --the tasks they face as leaders. Critical to effective leadership is a spiritual path that includes: right relationship with creation, humility and compassion, the courage to be lonely and a proactive effort to seek and create community. (read talk here)

Responders Maureen Geary, OP (Grand Rapids) and Marty Gleeson, OP (St. Martin) drew out probing questions from Ray's talk and added to the reflection on the role leadership plays. (use the links on right to read responses)

An early highlight of the meeting was an affectionate tribute to Eileen Gannon, OP (Sparkill) the outgoing NGO Representative to the United Nations, New York and the celebration of ten years of presence there by the Dominican Family. Surprise guest and long time colleague Carol Zinn, SSJ recalled for the members the early days of how the first religious women to come to the United nations found their way among the complex and often mystifying maze of international organizations. Eileen was there in the midst of it.
(see related story)

A video presentation from UN colleagues Kevin Dance, CP and Lucianne Siers, OP (Grand Rapids) along with DVUSA Volunteer Lauren Vater extolled Eileen's contribution to the NGO community and, in a playful way, described the canonization process of Eileen. Mary Murray, OP (Sparkill) was very pleased to express her congregation's appreciation of Eileen and all she has done in the name of her sisters. A standing ovation was long and sustained, but could not entirely express our gratitude.

A number of significant reports informed the discussion. These included the Dominican Call to Justice, by Chuck Dahm, OP (St. Albert) North American Co-Promoter of Justice and Peace, The Promoters of Preaching, Jeanne Wiest, OP (Adrian), Kevin Sullivan of the Dominican Young Adult Movement, Megan McElroy, OP (Grand Rapids) and Kathleen Anne Tait, OP (Springfield) for the 20/20 Task Force and others. All of this information was prelude to a spirited discussion of the future of the DLC itself.

Members are well aware of the external constraints on resources, not just for the DLC but for many Dominican entities and projects in the US. The group grappled with the questions: What new and creative ways do we want to be together for the sake of mission? How do you see DLC in the future?

The discussion resulted in an open ended exploration of what the future might hold and an agreement to form a design group who will bring back new and creative ideas for the next meeting.

The members enjoyed a presentation from Dominican Sisters International by Fabiola Valesquesz Maya, OP (Presentation) Toni Harris, OP (Sinsinawa) Pat Simpson, OP (San Rafael) and Kathleen McGinn, OP (Amityville). They highlighted the global dimensions of the Order and the role that the DSI Solidarity Fund plays in making possible several significant projects around the world. These included the meeting of Dominican Sisters Africa, a preaching program for sisters under 40 in Eastern Europe and support for the work of Dominicans in the Asia Pacific region. DLC member congregations and provinces contribute to the fund.

Toni Harris, OP (Sinsinawa) also made a report as the International Co-Promoter of Justice and Peace, noting the work done by her office to keep Dominicans around the world informed about issues of justice and peace, particularly as they impact Dominicans "on the ground".

The issue of the situation of the people and of the Dominicans in Zimbabwe came to the attention of the group. There is a desperate need for food in the country that is widespread and difficult to manage. Congregations and provinces were encouraged to consider a donation to the DSI Solidarity Fund for that purpose. (see related story)

Other international guests included Ed Ruane, OP (St. Albert) Socius of the Order, Therese Antoine, OP (Catherine of Siena) Trinidad, and Roseanne Schlitt, OP (Adrian) Dominican Volunteers International.

Perhaps the most touching moment of the meeting came on the last day, when the conference acknowledged the coming change in the DLC membership when seven member congregation will officially form the Dominican Sisters of Peace. The outgoing leadership of Akron, Columbus, Great Bend, Kentucky, Oxford, St. Mary's New Orleans and the Eucharistic Missionaries of St. Dominic were acknowledged and gratitude was expressed for their service.

The Conference also acknowledged the Parable Conference for Dominican Life and Mission, which recently closed its offices as well as the Cabra Dominicans who will no longer have a presence at the DLC. The 20th anniversary of the Collaborative Novitiate was also recognized.

The DLC members elected Maureen Geary, OP (Grand Rapids) VIce President and re-elected Rebecca Ann Gemma, OP (Springfield) Secretary. Anne Kilbride, OP (Columbus) completed her service on the Executive Committee as Past President and Carol Gaeke, OP (Catherine de' Ricci) began her term as President. Cass McDonnell, OP (Hope) began her service as Past President. Charlene Moser, OP (Kentucky) continues her service as Treasurer. Other members of the Executive Committee include Mary Ellen O'Grady, OP (Sinsinawa) Executive Director, Anne Lythgoe, OP (Catherine de' Ricci) Communications Coordinator and Margaret Mayce, OP (Amityville) NGO Representative at the UN/New York.

This annual meeting was a time to mark a year of endings, of assessing present realities, of imagining the future, and being open to new possibilities. It was a meeting in which many said goodbye. It was a meeting where we said hello to new members of the Dominican Order, in the High School and College Preaching Conferences and the Dominican Young Adult Movement. These offered a glimpse into Dominican Life of the next generation.

Who knows where the changes we now experience will lead? The DLC mission continues to hold energy and promise in building relationships and collaboration in the mission of preaching the Gospel. The task ahead is to embrace the future and lead with courage.

Anne Lythgoe, OP (Catherine de 'Ricci)
DLC Communications Coordinator

Visit our online photo gallery to see images of the meeting.

Click on the image below to read the talks:


Keynote Address by
Ray Dlugos, OSA, Ph.D.

Responders:


Marty Gleeson, OP
(St. Martin)


Maureen Geary, OP (Grand Rapids)


READ Pat Twohill's homily

READ Cass McDonnell's homily

READ Cass McDonnell's Welcome

READ Sharon Casey's homily

2008 Annual Report
(PDF)


Thank you to the planning committee:
Carol Gaeke, OP
(Catherine de’ Ricci)
Margaret Mayce, OP (DLC/Amityville)
Rebecca Ann Gemma, OP (Springfield)
Anne Kilbride, OP
(Columbus)
Charlene Moser, OP
(Kentucky)
Anne Lythgoe, OP DLC/Catherine de’ Ricci)
Cass McDonnell, OP
(Hope)
Mary Ellen O’Grady, OP (DLC/Sinsinawa)
Eileen Gannon, OP
(Sparkill)
Dominic Izzo, OP
(St. Joseph)
Cathy Olds, OP (Adrian)

Facilitator:
Joan Murray, OP (Sinsinawa)

Liturgy and Environment:
Elaine Jahrsdoerfer, OP (Amityville)

Door Prizes: Dominicans from Grand Rapids, Oxford, Adrian and the DLC. Special thanks to the staff and hospitality service of Weber Center and, of course, the hospitality of the Dominican Sisters of Adrian.

Visit our online photo gallery to see images of the meeting.