San Rafael Dominicans Elect New Leaders - Call for Full Integration of Immigrants

June 29, 2009-- SAN RAFAEL, CA -- The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael convened for a week in June at a Chapter of Affairs to pray, study, discuss and vote on a variety of matters related to their governance, in the tradition of democratic decision-making modeled in the thirteenth century by the founder of the Dominican Order, St. Dominic Guzman. 

Highlights of the gathering of 100 women religious include the adoption of a corporate stance, a public call for compassionate immigration reform. “We commit ourselves to education, advocacy and action, grounded in Catholic social teaching so that our efforts might contribute to a welcoming society and full integration of immigrants into our country,” reads the statement in part. (Read the full statement here)

The Sisters were delighted to welcome Bishop Richard Garcia of the Diocese of Monterey who presided at Mass on the last day of Chapter. The newly elected Prioress and Council were blessed and installed at the end of Mass.

Sister Maureen McInerney, OP, Prioress General most recently served as Vice-President at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada, a member hospital of Catholic Healthcare West. Sister Patricia Boss, OP,  First Councillor, has served the congregation as treasurer for the past eighteen years. Sister Patricia Farrell, OP , Second Councillor will continue her ministry as Vocation Director. Sister Carla Kovack, OP, Councillor, will continue as Campus Minister at Dominican University of California. Sister Sue Albritton, OP , Councillor, continues her ministry as Vice-Principal at Justin-Siena High School in Napa, California.

From left: Sister Maureen McInerney, Sister Carla Kovack, Sister Patricia Farrell, Sister Sue Allbritton and Sister Patricia Boss