As the new school year begins here in Arizona and approaches in other parts of the United States, I want to write about a religious order that is very close to my heart. The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist are experiencing exceptional growth and have been since the four founders opened the doors in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1997. Even as I write this blog, there are two young women, whom I have never met, that are looking to enter the order shortly. They both need to pay off debt before entering. Please consider helping Sophia and Caitlin pay off their financial commitments, so they may discern their potential vocation in religious life.

The reason I write about the Dominican Sisters today is because their main apostolate is Catholic Education. With the beginning of the school year upon us, it’s important to know that there are religious sisters who care and love about children receiving a Catholic Education in this country. Catholic Education has been the foundation of Western Civilization ever since the Cathedral Schools developed in the Middle Ages across Europe. New schools may arise in the years to come and propose how their education is fundamentally sound and their students are virtuous, but the fact remains, the One Truth – Jesus Christ, cannot be replaced for knowledge alone. With the New Evangelization as their guide, the Dominican Sisters from Ann Arbor are leading the charge in the renewal of Catholic Education and rising up to renew Catholicism as a whole.

I was blessed to teach with the Dominican Sisters for five years in two different Catholic schools in the United States. I taught with Sister Mary Magdalene, Sister Mary David and Sister John Paul at St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Phoenix, Arizona. During my two years in Texas, at St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School, I taught with Sister Mary Elizabeth. I have also had the opportunity to meet Mother Assumpta and visit their Mother House in Michigan to attend a declaration of final vows. When meeting Mother Assumpta, you clearly understand why this order is producing fruits so rapidly. Mother is strong, yet gentle. Her love for Christ and His Blessed Mother is apparent in her words and actions. She truly is a gift for the Catholic Church in America.

The Dominican Sisters are a young vibrant community of women that are seeking God’s will in their lives while also leading elementary and high school students closer to Jesus Christ and His Church. Their dedication to the craft of teaching is unparallel. Their passion for their subjects is a sight to see. It has been a blessing and a grace to be in the presence of some of most amazing women I have ever met in my life. Not only are they gifted academically, but also their prayer life and love for the Holy Eucharist can pierce the darkest of souls. The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist can easily make their claim to be the Order of Preachers.

As their order continues to grow and expand around the country, as they begin to build their new Priory in the Diocese of Austin, I would encourage you to pray for them each day. If you have the financial means to assist them in their projects for the future, please do so here.  If you live in a city where the Dominicans have a Mission, please consider sending your children to that school. You will not regret the impact these holy women will have on your children now and in the years to come.

This short video gives you a look into the life of a Dominican Sister.