Discernment -- "Being Dominican"

The evening start was perfect Dominican community over appetizers and deserts (thanks to all who contributed!) Special thanks to John Hensley for his wonderful Dominican Family Year in Review picture/music video that helped create the welcoming ambiance. Thanks also to all who donated men's clothing for the Bristow Center shelter for men in downtown Houston. The center was most appreciative of our large donation!

Mary Moratto opened the meeting with prayer and Sr. Carol provided an update on global Dominican activities.  This is a very exciting time for Dominicans!  A group of Dominicans are developing eight modules to capture the Dominican Charism. These modules will be used to educate Dominican laity to keep the Charism alive -- much like we've been doing in our Houston Dominican Family!

Judy McCullough facilitated the discernment activity, which is a great opportunity for all of us to consider, even if it's not a recommitment year.  Several questions were posed for individual reflection:  1) Am I satisfied with my involvement with the DF over this last year?  How has being Dominican impacted how I live my life?  2) What are my goals for growing as a Dominican over the next year?  Can I be more involved in DF activities? Judy also asked some broader questions that will help the DFLT with planning for next year: 3) What does Houston need from us Dominicans?  4) Do you have suggestions for DF activities that we should consider for next year, or topics for Gatherings that you’d like to see?  Thanks for all the great ideas generated during table discussion!

Lauri Ruiz also spoke about Interfaith Ministries and our cooperation with them -- please check out the Dominican Family website to learn more. 

Judy also "passed the baton" to Lauri Ruiz who becomes our Current DF Chair for 2019-2020.  Judy will move to the Past Chair role and Anna Sklut will become the Future Chair.  Judy also thanked outgoing Leadership Team members, Kevin Smith, Marc Martinez, Maria Burdick, Denise Stasio and Gloria Vocelka.  Maria has graciously agreed to continue on for one more year as Councilor filling the spot that Anna is vacating to assume the Chair role.  David Greely and Amy Greely will become our new Councilors and Lauren Wasielewski will lead the Communications Committee replacing Denise.  All but Anna and Gloria are pictured above.  We are still looking for someone to lead the Prayer Committee, replacing Gloria.  We are truly blessed to have people willing to share their talents and help lead the Dominican Family.  Please consider your calling to help out in 2020-2021!    

We hope to see everyone at the Commitment Mass at 2:00 on April 28 in the Meeting Room!