Mission
 s Dominicans, the Tacoma Sisters and Associates share in the special ministry of preaching. Preaching is not an action; rather, it is a dynamic. We exercise this dynamic both implicitly and explicitly. Dominicans preach implicitly by who they are, by their personal presence. We preach by our conversation, writing, advocacy and also by our involvement in the arts. Sister Joyce Roach, for example, preaches through her photography. Explicit preaching happens formally in both liturgical and non-liturgical settings (retreats, Services of the Word and writing).
 he Tacoma Community began with a focus on teaching and continues this ministry in many ways. Founded to bring Catholic education to the children of immigrants, the Congregation has staffed numerous primary and secondary schools throughout our history. Some members continue classroom teaching; others teach in parish settings. As the diocese of Seattle (later the Archdiocese) grew, bishops and pastors asked that the Sisters staff their schools, and the Sisters responded generously.
 uring the Renewal Chapter (assembly) of 1969-70, the group decided to expand their ministry under the broad purpose of freeing hearts and minds for the truth of the Gospel. Conditions in the contemporary world demanded their involvement in areas other than education. They became committed to work for justice and peace. In 1977 we adopted a goal statement that spoke against racism, sexism and all other harmful ideologies. A significant phrase spoke of challenging one another to be countersigns in our contemporary culture. The mission statement adopted in 1996 stressed many aspects of the Dominican tradition: contemplation; collaboration; working for justice; meeting human needs and opposing violence.
oday the mission of our Sisters and our Associates calls us to work in
education, in social services, in health care, in parishes, in orphanages and in shelters - wherever there is need for visible signs of God's love and of Christian Community. The most recent ministry is Catherine Place. |
