Caldwell
Dominican Associates, Sisters and guests – including
Bishop Thomas A. Donato - gathered in the
Motherhouse Peace and Justice Room to welcome two
new Dominican Associates. The new Associates, Jayne
Sadowski Branagan, OPA and Ann Marie Schmitt, OPA,
have a long history of friendship with the Caldwell
Dominicans. Both women entered into a period of
formation and study before making their formal
covenant as Associates in the Congregation.

New Caldwell Dominican Associate Jayne
Branagan, OPA
is joined by two good friends and spiritual guides:
Sister Bettyanne Schultz, OP and Bishop Thomas A.
Donato
The Commitment
Ceremony included songs, prayer, proclamation of New
Testament Scripture and a reflection on God’s call
to the women to participate in Dominican Life and
Mission as Caldwell Dominican Associates. The
women’s public proclamation of the Caldwell
Dominican Associate Covenant was accepted by Sister
Arlene Antczak, OP, Prioress.

Sister Arlene Antczak, OP, Prioress
accepts public profession of covenant
by Jayne Branagan, OPA and Ann Marie Schmitt, OPA
The
initials OPA
after Jayne and Ann Marie’s names identify their
association with the Dominican Family:
“OP” is the
identification used by
Dominicans,
the “Order
of Preachers”
in the Catholic Church
“A”
identifies the women as
“Associates”
Associates
share mission and vision, friendship, prayer,
service, and sometimes ministry with the Dominican
Sisters. The ceremony concluded with the Dominican
Blessing. The assembled Associates, Sisters,
families and guests continued the celebration with
refreshments in the Motherhouse dining room.

Click here
to view Jayne's story.
Click here
to view Ann Marie's story.