Novice Mistress Meeting in Washington, DC

From June 10- 22, Sr. Mary Catharine with nine other novice mistresses attended the annual program for the novice mistresses of our Dominican Monasteries. It is held at the Dominican House of Studies, Washington, DC and provides formation for the "formators" helping them to guide and form their novitiate sisters in the spirit and tradition of the Dominican Order.

At the same time, eleven newly professed from six monasteries took part in the first year of the Theological Formation Program for the Dominican Nuns of the USA. This is a course of studies that gives our new sisters a foundation in Thomistic Theology that grounds them for their life-long pursuit of sacra doctrina. This year, Fr. Augustine DiNoia, OP, under- secretary for the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, and Fr. Peter Fegan, OP, gave introductory courses on Theology and philosophy.

One evening the Brethren of the House surprised us with a beautiful Mass and Dinner celebrating our 800th anniversary. The Mass was sung in mostly Gregorian Chant and a quartet of guest singers also provided beautiful music. After Mass we processed into the beautifully decorated refectory and the brothers even served the meal! (Now that is a change!)

Sister Mary Catharine (Summit) with Sr. Sarah David (North Guilford), one of the "student Sisters".

Another "Student Sister", Sr. Joseph Marie from Menlo Park, CA.)

A small group of novice mistresses in the cloister garth: Sr Mary of the Trinity (Farmington Hill, MI), Sr. Mary of the Holy Family (Menlo Park, CA), Sr. Mary Catharine (Summit, NJ), Sr. Mary of the Precious Blood (Marbury, AL), Sr. Mary Dominic (Los Angeles, CA).

Fr. Augustine Thompson, OP, a long time friend of our community was at DHS for the Sacred Music Colloquium XVI held across the street at CUA.

One evening Fr. Thompson brought over some of the participants attending the Sacred Music Colloquium XVI. A few of us had a wonderful time chatting with them and well, were just a bit jealous!