Associates Join in Marriage

"There is a season for everything…a time for everything under heaven."

On October 7, 2011, the feast of the Holy Rosary, two Associates of the Dominican Sisters of Peace were married at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City, Kansas. The story of their separate life journeys -- and how they intersected to arrive at the opening of this current chapter -- is not only unique, but intimately entwined with their common Dominican connection.

Mary
Dodge CityAssociate Mary Schaller has experienced the challenges and blessings of many, many seasons. She now celebrates 50 years of being part of the Dominican family. Mary originally wanted to be a Sister. The oldest of nine children, she instead took on more family responsibilities as a result of her dad's early death. A friend told her about the Dominican laity in the late 1950s. After studying, praying, and learning more through materials provided by the Central Province friars, she became a professed tertiary in 1962. Mary was born on the feast of Mary Magdalen, the patroness of the Dominican Order, after whom she was named. Mary and Gordon Schaller were married in 1956. Childless, Mary believed it was through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary Magdalen, and St. Dominic that they were able to adopt three children. She spoke proudly of her five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Sadly, Gordon was killed in a work-related accident in 1999. She explained that she didn't know how she would have made it through those years without the support and prayers of the Dominican Sisters and Associates.

Gathering with the faith community at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe for Eucharist, a special devotion to Mary through the rosary, and Eucharistic adoration have been important ways of keeping the Word of God aflame for her. Through Sr. Jolene Geier, who initiated the Associate program for the former Great Bend congregation, Mary renewed her commitment to the Dominican life and mission as an Associate in 1984. She was active as a Eucharistic minister and opened her home for local study and prayer gatherings. Serving several terms as president of the Associate Council, Mary also worked with Sr. Renee Dreiling during her time as the Associate Director. Mary was influential in organizing the first Associate retreat for the former Great Bend group because she believed so firmly in the need for providing ongoing spiritual formation in the Dominican call and charism. She continues to meet regularly with a group of Associates in Dodge City. Participating in the Faith and Light program, which provides faith formation activities for the disabled, has also been an enriching experience. Mary enjoys crafts and has done embroidery of tea towels sold at the Great Bend Annual Mission Bazaar for the benefit of the Sister's Nigerian missions.

Bob
Mary and Gordon were longtime friends of Bob and Ruth Hessman, who didn't live far from them. Ruth was a widow with three children when she and Bob met. Four more children were added to this union; they were married 53 years. Through Mary's encouragement, Ruth became an Associate in 1985. Bob regularly accompanied Ruth to gatherings. Through the guidance of Sr. Kathy Goetz, he joined the Associates in 2007. Tragically, in 1989 Bob and Ruth's daughter was murdered. They too, relied on the strength of their faith during this especially difficult time. Bob and Ruth frequently shared their journey and process of coming to forgiveness and views against the death penalty, including at the 2005 Voices of Hope Dominican Associate Convocation in Detroit, Michigan. A real witness to being radically open to ongoing conversion into the peace of Christ, Bob continues this ministry whenever asked.

Within the next few years, Ruth suffered a stroke and other medical complications. Being a true friend and neighbor, Mary helped care for Ruth during the last months of her life; she died in 2009. Bob delights in visiting with his 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He fans the flame of the Dominican mission through being a Eucharistic minister, lector, usher, greeter, RCIA sponsor, and presenter. The rosary is also an important prayer for him. Bob is a retired farmer and cattleman who especially enjoys vegetable gardening. Mary has worked outside the home from time to time to make ends meet, but she has mainly devoted her time and prayer to supporting family members and friends through illnesses or other situations.

Mary and Bob
Mary and Bob certainly exemplify the Dominican charism of praising, blessing, and preaching using their unique gifts where they are on the Kansas plains. Their story proves that the seasons of birthing, dying, planting, and reaping, healing, loving, and peace do not end. Bob describes Mary as a remarkable person with a heart of gold. Their relationship has deepened through the many growing seasons of their faith. On October 7, 2011, the feast of the Holy Rosary, Mary and Bob were married at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City. This is certainly a time for rejoicing and celebrating what God, faith, and family have joined together.