History
 he Dominican Order was founded by Dominic de Guzman in the early part of the 13th century. Dominic was the first to propose a religious order dedicated to preaching at a time when priests were poorly educated and only bishops preached regularly. After the group received approval from Rome, the members were called the Order of Preachers. They use the initials O.P. after their names.
he Dominican Family today includes priests and religious brothers,
cloistered nuns, vowed religious women and lay Dominicans. All try to find ways to bring the truth of the Gospel to all people. The Tacoma Dominican Sisters, officially known as the Congregation of Saint Thomas Aquinas, includes vowed and Associate members. Our mission statement stresses collaboration with others, meeting basic human needs and ending all forms of violence.
he Congregation of Saint Thomas Aquinas has roots in Regensburg, Germany, New York, New Jersey and Ohio. In 1888 three religious women established a school in the town of Pomeroy, Washington. At the time of their formal affiliation with the Dominican Order, these courageous pioneers decided to become active religious, rather than to remain cloistered nuns. They realized that their mission of teaching demanded that they break with the traditions they had inherited and cherished since the 13th century. In 1893 the Sisters began missions in Tacoma, Washington where the corporate offices still remain. After the Second Vatican Council asked all religious to examine their roots and to look at the needs of the contemporary world, the Tacoma Dominicans initiated sweeping changes in structure, ministry, and life-styles. They continue to seek ways to meet the needs of their time, just as Sisters Thomasina, deChantal, and Aloysia made radical changes to assist the infant church of the Northwest. |
