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Histoire du DSC

DSC

Dominican Sisters Conference (2010–Present)
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FDS

Federation of Dominican Sisters USA
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DomLife USA

Telling the Dominican Story: Dominican Life | USA
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United Nations

Presence at the UN
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Our Roots

The Dominican Leadership Conference (1935–2010)
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DSC Futuring Cohort

The DSC Futuring Cohort is a vibrant and evolving community of Dominican women religious under the age of 70 from across the 19 congregations of the Dominican Sisters Conference. Born from the vision and groundwork of the 2019–2021 Futuring Taskforce, the cohort emerged as a bold response to the shifting landscape of religious life. The creation of the Futuring Leadership Team (FLT) in 2021 gave younger sisters a collective voice, empowered to imagine and shape the future of Dominican life through contemplative dialogue, shared values, and deep collaboration.

With over 240 current sisters from the U.S., Mexico, Peru, Dominican Republic, Philippines, and Trinidad and Tobago, the cohort gathers in interest groups (working groups) and quarterly as a cohort to explore key initiatives such as collaborating for Dominican vocations, 21st Century Dominican theology & spirituality, Journeying Toward Interculturality, Bridging Polarities, and intentional discussions about our future together. Rooted in contemplation and committed to justice, the Futuring Cohort carries forward the Dominican charism with creativity, courage, and a spirit of unity—embracing the bend in the road not as an end, but as a faithful new beginning.

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Dominican Sisters Conference (2010–Present)

As the Dominican Leadership Conference (DLC) grew, it became clear that the sisters needed a space focused on their distinct realities and mission. While the DLC had fostered strong collaboration with the friars, the evolving needs of each group called for a new path forward.

After a two-year process of study and consultation, the DLC and the Federation voted to form a new organization. In October 2010, at its final meeting in Maryknoll, NY, the Dominican Sisters Conference (DSC) was officially launched—uniting congregations of Dominican Sisters across the U.S. in a shared commitment to justice, preaching, and collaboration.

Since its founding, the DSC has been led by:

  • Mary Sue Kennedy, OP (Adrian) – First Executive Director
  • Patricia Farrell, OP (San Rafael) – Executive Director, 2014
  • Mary Ellen O’Grady, OP (Sinsinawa) – Executive Director, 2020–2023
  • Xiomara Méndez Hernández, OP – Current Executive Director (2023–present)

Today, the DSC continues to serve as a strong, unified voice for Dominican Sisters working to build a more just and compassionate world.

Federation of Dominican Sisters USA

For many years, the Dominican Leadership Conference (DLC) offered space for elected leaders to connect, collaborate, and deepen relationships. But there was something missing—a way to bring all Dominican Sisters and Associates into that same spirit of unity and shared mission.

In 1999, after thoughtful dialogue and a collective desire for a “Closer Union,” the Federation of Dominican Sisters USA was established. Unlike the DLC, which was limited to leadership of congregations and provinces, the Federation welcomed every sister and associate from participating congregations. It became a powerful expression of our broader Dominican family—expanding the circle of connection, community, and collaboration for the sake of the Gospel.

Telling the Dominican Story: Dominican Life | USA

In 1995, under the leadership of Sister Libby Schaeffer, OP, then Executive Director of the Dominican Leadership Conference, the Dominican Communicators Network (OPCOMNET) was formed to strengthen connections among Dominican communities across the United States. That visionary collaboration laid the foundation for the launch of DomLife.org in 2002—a vibrant digital platform created by Brother Don Kania, OP, with Sister Anne Lythgoe, OP, serving as its first editor.

Today, Dominican Life | USA continues as an online e newsletter dedicated to sharing the stories, ministries, and voices of Dominican friars, sisters, nuns, laity, and associates. Rooted in the preaching mission of the Order, the site features preaching resources, justice and peace updates, books and media, feature stories, and timely news—all aimed at inspiring readers and promoting the Dominican charism.

With readers across the U.S. and beyond, Dominican Life serves as a vital hub of communication and connection within the global Dominican family. Stay informed by subscribing to our free bimonthly email updates, and join us in celebrating and advancing the mission of the Order of Preachers.

Presence at the UN

Our Global Voice at the United Nations

Between 1991 and 1998, the Dominican Leadership Conference (DLC) worked diligently to establish an official presence at the United Nations—a move that deepened our identity as part of a truly international Dominican family.

In 1998, Sister Eileen Gannon, OP (Sparkill), was appointed as the first DLC representative to the UN. Under her leadership, the Dominicans received ECOSOC status (Economic and Social Council accreditation) in 2002, officially recognizing us as an NGO with a voice in global advocacy.

Sister Eileen continued her service at the UN until 2008, followed by Sister Margaret Mayce, OP (Amityville), who represented the Dominican Sisters from 2008 to 2019. In 2019, Sister Durstyne Farnan, OP (Adrian), assumed the role, serving faithfully until May 2024.

Through their leadership and witness, these sisters helped elevate Dominican values and justice-focused voices on the global stage—connecting our local ministries with the needs and hopes of the global community.

Our Roots: The Dominican Leadership Conference (1935–2010)

The story of our collaborative leadership began in 1935, when Martine Gillet, OP—then Master General of the Dominican Order—called for a gathering of Dominican women religious in the United States. Answering that call with faith and vision, Dominican Sisters from across the country convened their first meeting in San Rafael, California, forming what was then known as the Conference of the Dominican Mothers General of America.

By 1939, all 28 Dominican congregations in the U.S. were actively participating. These early gatherings created a space for shared wisdom, collective problem-solving, and united purpose—laying the foundation for what would become decades of deepened Dominican spirituality, mutual support, and mission-centered leadership.

In 1972, the sisters expanded the circle to formally include Dominican friars, and the organization became the Dominican Leadership Conference (DLC). For the next several decades, the DLC served as a vibrant network for Dominican leaders, fostering relationships, study, and a strong shared voice within the Church and the wider world.

This pioneering spirit of collaboration and communion continues to guide us today.