Celebrating 10th Anniversary
Dominican High Schools Preaching Conference

ADRIAN, MI -- July 21, 2008-- “The Dominican High Schools Preaching Conference was an amazing experience for me and I will continue in the Dominican tradition for the rest of my life," said one participant as he left the campus of Siena Heights University.

Celebrating the program's tenth anniversary, the Dominican High Schools Preaching Conference was held June 23 -28 and a speical recognition was given to Queen of Peace High School in Burbank, IL who recieved the Veritas Award for the many ways this school’s preaching team has exemplified the ideals of the Dominican Order. The St. Dominic Award presented annually to the young woman or man who has continued to live out the ideals of the Dominican Order in word and action was presented to Emily Komos, a participant in the 2003 Preaching Conference, and an alumna of St. Pius X High School in Houston, TX.

Pat Brady, OP (Adrian) the outgoing Director and founder of the program was also honored for her ten years of service to this program and to her leadership in founding the conference. She was honored by the group for her “extraordinary service and contributions in furthering the traditions and charism of the Dominican Order.”  In Sr. Pat’s honor, an annual award will be given to the adult mentor who exemplifies the qualities Pat so ably offered to the conference.

When reflecting on the experience, one student said, “This conference was a wonderful experience. I was able to become comfortable with my growing relationship with Jesus and humanity.  And I definitely feel as if I belong to a special community, the Dominicans.”

Ninety students from 24 Dominican high schools participated in the event. The theme of this summer’s conference was once again a call to preach the Gospel in our own unique ways. During the six day conference, members of the Dominican Order highlighted the charism of preaching as it has been practiced from the earliest days of the Order to the present.

On one of the days devoted to “Preaching and the Signs of the Time,” participants focused their attention on four major issues of concern in our world today: “Human Trafficking”, “Peace-Making Efforts,” “Capital Punishment,” and the “Power of Money.”  In response to these areas of concern, each school team created a particular plan of action that they would integrate within their own school communities.

In one of the final sessions, the young people spent a “hands-on” day with some of our Dominican artists who provided them with another viable way to preach the Gospel. Among many options, the teens displayed their artistic flair through liturgical dance, film-making, painting, and journaling.

The first Dominican High Schools Preaching Conference was held at Queen of Peace High School in Burbank, IL (Chicago) in June of 1999. Thirty-nine students from the Dominican high schools across the United States participated in this ground breaking event. During the summers to follow, several hundred young people from Dominican schools in the United States and Puerto Rico have attended. Additionally, a Dominican Colleges Preaching Conference and Young Adult Movement provide other opportunities for these students to continue their affiliation with the Dominican Order.