In 2019, Sisters of St. Dominic of Tacoma (Tacoma Dominicans) and the Sisters of Providence entered into a “Covenant Relationship” in which communities retain their own identities but walk together into the future. (Read the full story here: sistersofprovidence.net/creating-something-new-celebrating-a-covenant-relationship/)
The relationship is being furthered this year as the Dominicans move their offices to the newly renovated Sisters of Providence offices in Renton, Washington. Staff and leadership of the Dominicans will be moving into their new space over the next few months.
The two groups actually go “way back!” In 1888, when the first Dominicans Sisters arrived in Portland, there was no one to meet them. The Sisters of Providence welcomed them warmly and encouraged them to stay with them in Walla Walla, Washington.
They have also worked together in schools and Sister formation programs. Since 1991 Dominican Sisters have been going to St. Joseph Residence for skilled and/or supportive care. They are a lively and welcome addition to the SJR community.
Dominican Sisters in the United States are a diverse, vibrant and colorful mosaic of the Church. Their mission to preach the Gospel is lived out through teaching, care for the poor, advocacy, art, music, care of creation, spiritual enrichment, housing advocacy and more. Collaboration and building relationships are the hallmarks of their work.
Catherine Place, for example, was founded in 2000 by the Tacoma Dominican Community as “an oasis for women,” an urban center for women focusing on growth and spirituality. Located in a century-old house in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood, Catherine Place is inspired by and named for the fourteenth century Dominican, Catherine of Siena, whose passion for truth, compassion for humanity and spiritual vision changed the society of her day. (catherineplace.org/history/)
Tacoma Dominicans are also founding members of the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center, Mercy Housing Northwest and Sound Alliance.
