Dominican Family Committee Information

As the Dominican Family grows, we rely on dedicated members to help us strengthen our mission. We accomplish this through the active participation of our members in our committees. Please contact the committee head listed after each committee description if you have any questions or wish to get involved.

Communication Committee
The Communication Committee is dedicated to improving communication among Dominican Family members and the Dominican Sisters. Our goal is to promote the Dominican Family and its work to the greater Houston community. Committee members utilize the Dominican Family website, Flocknote, email, and social media channels to remind members of family gatherings, inquiry and formation meetings, and special events. We encourage those interested in writing, photography or videography to join us.
Contact: Laura Prouty, laura.g.prouty@gmail.com

Hospitality Committee
As a family, all are welcome to volunteer with Hospitality. Together, we provide snacks and refreshments for our monthly gatherings and formation meetings. Coordinators are needed to help organize the September Potluck, the December Advent Brunch and the Commitment Mass in April. The Hospitality Committee uses an online signup program and Flocknote communications to volunteer.
Contact: Lauren Wasielewski, laurenwasi@hotmail.com

Integral Ecology Work Study Committee
Integral Ecology refers to the factors that shape and are shaped by the interaction of human beings with each other and the natural world. The interconnectedness of these factors points to the central idea of wholeness; this and the coming together of science and spirituality define the overall theme of our message. Our purpose is to collaborate with other appropriate organizations and participate in the process of creating awareness of the peril we face and the consequences of sustaining the political, cultural, religious and economic status quo - and acting, where possible, to support change.
Contact: Greg Schockling, schocker111@gmail.com

Liturgy Committee
This small group plans the Dominican Family Liturgies, specifically at the beginning and end of the year and Advent Prayer. The Committee meets 3-4 times each year to plan these special times of prayer. No experience or liturgical background necessary. Committee members bring a willingness to give input on the communal worship experience of the Dominican Family.
Contact: Anna Sklut, sklutanna@gmail.com

Membership Committee
The Membership Committee welcomes people as they enter our Family gatherings. If we find that someone has missed several meetings, we follow up in case their absence is due to illness or other circumstances where we can help. Our committee members volunteer to manage the nametag table several times per year.
Contact: Elaine Mouton, elaine.mouton@st-agnes.org

Poverty Committee

The Poverty Committee focuses on study and action related to poverty in the Houston area. We are trying to learn about the many dimensions of poverty through reading, viewing short films and inviting guest speakers to our meetings. We are are seeking opportunities to help alleviate poverty in our city and surrounding areas.
Contact: Shawna Callaghan, shawna.callaghan@att.net

Prayer Team
The Prayer Team started soon after the first formation group made their commitments to the Dominican Family in 2010. Currently, the Prayer Team consists of 6 members. Each member is responsible for posting daily prayers two times a year so that all days of the year are covered. Members are asked to commit for at least one year and many stay with the commitment for much longer. Team members are mindful of signs of the times (local and world events), Saint days, holy days and feast days. The Team is also responsible for posting prayer requests, which support our Dominican Family members in prayer for loved ones who are sick or who have died. This committee does not hold meetings; once a year the Team members decide which months they will post prayers.
Contact: Richard Gillespie, rgillespie42@comcast.net

Racial Justice Committee

The Racial Justice committee, initiated in October 2020, formed to educate ourselves and the Dominican Family as to the deep racist policies and beliefs which have permeated all aspects of American society over the past centuries.

Contact: Calista Herbert, calista@herberts.org