Associates History

Prior to the establishment of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, six of the seven founding congregations offered Associate life opportunities, where lay women and men worked with the Sisters in furthering the congregation's mission. The programs differed in many ways, but one bond united them: all were called to partner with the Sisters in living out the Dominican call to praise, to bless, and to preach.

Led by Maria Beesing, OP, and Conni Dubick, OPA, the Office of Extended Relationships oversees Associate life, assisted by the Associates Council, which helps guide the overall program, and Mentor Teams, which direct the process for candidates discerning an Associate vocation. Together they work with more than 500 Associates and Associate candidates who live and minister in 33 states and four countries.

While their tasks at the most basic level have included important projects
such as creating a resource book for the ongoing formation of current Associates and a guidebook for candidates in discernment, much of their energies have been devoted to helping build community and promote the Dominican Mission among current Associates. It has been a challenge, given the varying backgrounds of the Associates, the differing relationships they had with their founding congregations, and the large geographic expanse that separates many of them.

But, two years into the journey, Associates are indeed embracing their new identity, and with great fervor. At the first anniversary of the congregation's founding last year, more than 400 Associates renewed their commitments,
formally affiliating themselves with the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Groups and individuals created various artistic expressions of affirmation to show their embrace of the congregation's Chapter Commitments. And many
are utilizing new resources from the Office of Extended Relationships - from books and articles to preaching videos - to nurture their identity as Dominican Associates of Peace.