Introduction

Three months into their term of service as leaders for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, the new team discusses their approach to implementing the decisions of the 2024 General Chapter, their thoughts on leadership, and the changing realities for consecrated women religious. 

About our guests

Sister Mary Paul McCaughey, OP, prioress general, has a life-long passion for Catholic education. She came to her new role after teaching master's and doctoral students and coordinating the graduate studies and internship programs for Catholic Educational Leadership in the College of Education at DePaul University 

Sister Joanne Delehanty, OP, vicaress general, has dedicated her ministerial life to pastoral ministry at parishes in African American parishes in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. She taught elementary school students before beginning her ministry in Englewood in 1989. An experience religious education and RCIA coordinator, Sister Joanne also serves as support staff at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Englewood. 

Sister Elyse Marie Ramirez, OP, councilor, is dedicated to the work of ongoing theological, spiritual, and human formation of women discerning religious life. After many years of teaching elementary and high school students, she served as vocation director, eventually working in the vocation office for the Chicago archdiocese and most recently as formation director for the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate. 

Sister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP, councilor, also continues in her role as director of Bethany House of Hospitality, Chicago, where she leads a team that welcomes women and children in the process of seeking asylum. She has taught high school and spent several years ministering in Peru. 

Our host

Sister Beth Murphy, OP, is the communications director for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield and F.L.O.W.cast producer. 

Takeaways

• “What keeps me grounded is the ground.” --Sister Elyse Ramirez 
• Being in leadership is like being a deer in the woods: still, attentive, and ready to run 
• Leadership = balance 
• Leadership is standing in the places our sisters minister and attending to the work of mission 
• The work of God is unfolding 

Resources 

Dominican Sisters chapter statement 

Triggers. Marshal Goldsmith 

Reframing Organizations. Lee Bolman and Terrence Deal. Podcast interview 

Blue Boat Home. A song by Peter Mayer