Sharing Our Mission: Community Partner Expo

Following the 175th Anniversary Eucharistic Celebration on December 7, 2025, the Sisters are hosting a “Sharing Our Mission—Community Partner Expo.” This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about twelve local community organizations with whom the Sisters partner. Each organization will host a table with staff, materials, and information about their mission and programs, allowing guests to discover the meaningful work happening locally and how the Sisters have collaborated with these partners over the years.

Preaching Hope for the Future
For 175 years, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have carried the torch of truth, love, and justice — lighting paths, illuminating minds, comforting hearts, and confronting the world’s most urgent needs with the hope of the Gospel. This torch was first lit in 1850, but its flame was never meant to stay in one place — it was meant to be passed on.

As our congregation grows smaller, our mission has never felt more urgent. The world still thirsts for justice, still aches for compassion, longs for truth. And so, we pass the torch to those we’ve taught, those we’ve served, and those who have stood beside us in ministry.

Our charism is not tied to numbers or buildings. It lives in every life we’ve touched, every mind we’ve opened, every soul we’ve stirred to action. It lives in our lay partners, our collaborators, our friends in the wider Dominican family, and all those who continue to live and preach with their lives.

We are now called to kindle the flame in others — not just to share our story, but to ignite new ones. We see this in the growing number of lay leaders carrying forward our ministries, in alumni leading with integrity, in parish and community partners walking the path of justice and mercy.

The next 175 years may not look like the past — but the light will shine on. Because we are not just celebrating where we’ve been, we are investing in where we’re going. And as long as people are willing to stand for truth, to serve with love, and to pursue justice with courage, the Dominican spirit will never fade.
Let us continue together — carrying the torch, sharing the light, and setting the world ablaze with the Gospel.

Participating Community Partners

Canal Alliance
Website: https://canalalliance.org
Founded: 1982
Location: San Rafael, Marin County

Canal Alliance supports Latino immigrants and their families in breaking the cycle of poverty through education, legal advocacy, and career development. The organization works toward a Marin County where everyone can live, learn, work, and thrive.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael share a long-standing commitment to immigrant justice and education. Sisters, including Sr. Anna Louise LaVoy, OP, Sr. Brigid Noonan, OP, and (currently) Sr. Carla Kovack, OP have volunteered as teachers and tutors, reflecting the Sisters’ mission to promote compassion, empowerment, and equity for all.

Center for Domestic Peace
Website: https://centerfordomesticpeace.org
Founded: 1977
Location: Marin County

The Center for Domestic Peace (C4DP) addresses domestic violence through crisis response, prevention, survivor support, and systemic change. By fostering safety and healing, C4DP envisions a community where domestic peace is a shared value and reality.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have supported C4DP through financial gifts that expanded shelter capacity, collaborations with Dominican University, and ongoing liaison work by Sr. Patricia Dougherty, OP, who brings awareness of C4DP’s mission to the university community. Together, they advance a vision of peace, dignity, and justice.

Community Health Alliance
Website: https://www.chanevada.org/
Founded: 2012
Location: Northern Nevada

Founded in 2012, Community Health Alliance (CHA) is a federally qualified health center serving Northern Nevada, providing primary medical and dental care to Medicaid patients. CHA operates seven clinics, mobile units, integrated behavioral health services, in-house pharmacies, and programs for food security and WIC services.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have a long history of healthcare ministry in Nevada, dating back to the founding of Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in 1908. Sr. Peter Damian Lang, OP served at St. Mary’s and was instrumental in establishing health centers in impoverished areas in northern Nevada in the early 90s. When the hospital was sold, these health centers found new partners and operated independently, and others have since been established. The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael continue to provide leadership, financial support, and board service to CHA, continuing their mission of high-quality, dignified, and accessible healthcare.

Dominican University of California
Website: https://www.dominican.edu
Founded: 1890
Location: San Rafael, Marin County

Under the leadership of Mother Louis O’Donnell, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael founded a Catholic College for women. Dominican University of California, as it is known today, is an independent, co-educational institution offering more than 60 more than 60 majors and programs, emphasizing inquiry, reflection, and community engagement.

Throughout its 130-year history, Dominican has earned distinction for academic excellence, research, and community engagement. The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael remain deeply connected as alumnae, board members, and faculty—most recently through Sisters Aaron Winkelman, OP, Patricia Dougherty, OP, and Sue Pixley, OP—continuing their enduring mission to educate the mind, inspire the heart, and serve the world.

Homeward Bound of Marin
Website: https://hbofm.org
Founded: 1974
Location: Marin County

Homeward Bound of Marin serves as Marin’s primary provider of housing and services for homeless adults, families, and veterans. Through 18 programs, the organization offers shelter, support, and training for about 1,000 people each year.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have partnered with Homeward Bound to provide transitional housing. Known as the Yellow Hallway Project, an underused section of Our Lady of Lourdes Convent was transformed into transitional housing for a period of time, facilitated by the leadership of Sr. Patricia Simpson, OP. In addition to financial support, Sr. Carla Kovack, OP, served on the Board of Directors for 22 years and continues to volunteer as a chaplain. Their partnership embodies shared values of dignity, hope, and stability.

Lima Center, St. Dominic’s Parish
Website: https://stdominics.org/lima-center
Founded: 2005
Location: San Francisco

The Lima Center, founded by Sr. Anne Bertain, OP, offers food, clothing, and a safe gathering space for those in need within the St. Dominic’s Parish community. It stands as a beacon of hospitality, respect, and compassion.
The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have served St. Dominic’s Parish for more than a century, from teaching in the parish school to leading social service programs. Their continued involvement at the Lima Center reflects a living commitment to mercy and outreach in the heart of San Francisco.

Marin Interfaith Council
Website: https://www.marinifc.org
Founded: 1982
Location: Marin County

The Marin Interfaith Council (MIC) brings together faith communities and civic partners to celebrate diversity, advocate for justice, and promote inclusion across Marin County. MIC fosters collaboration through community vigils, interfaith gatherings, and public discussions on social and spiritual issues.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael are deeply engaged with MIC through active membership, sponsored events, and long-standing leadership roles. Sisters Katherine Hamilton, OP, and Colleen McDermott, OP, have both served as Board Chairs, while Sisters Samuel Conlan, OP, Marion Irvine, OP, and Joan Hanna, OP, have served as past Board members. Sr. Patricia Farrell, OP, has shared her leadership gifts through MIC’s Monthly Meditation Program. Currently, Sr. Patricia Bruno, OP, serves on the Board. Together, MIC and the Sisters embody a shared commitment to faith, dialogue, and justice across the Marin community.

Marin Organizing Committee
Website: www.moc-iaf.org
Founded: 2009
Location: Marin County

The Marin Organizing Committee (MOC) unites faith-based, nonprofit, and civic institutions to identify shared concerns and take action for the common good. MOC focuses on housing, mental health, immigrant advocacy, and services for the vulnerable through grassroots leadership.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have partnered with MOC since its founding. Then–Promoter of Social Justice Sr. Marion Irvine, OP, along with Sr. Bernadette Wombacher, OP, helped lay the groundwork for MOC’s launch in collaboration with Fr. Paul Rossi of St. Raphael’s Parish and community leader Jeff Frieberg of Congregation Kol Shofar. Sr. Marion remained a vital link to MOC for many years, rallying Sisters to attend meetings, public actions, and local government hearings in support of justice and equity. Today, Sr. Patty Boss, OP, is the representative for the congregation continuing the efforts to answer the call to build just and compassionate communities.

Rose Court
Website:  www.sanrafaelop.org
Founded: 2001
Location: San Francisco

Rose Court is a special ministry of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael and provides affordable housing and childcare for families in need, primarily within the parish of neighboring St. Dominic’s. Developed on the former site of St. Rose Academy, the project continues the Dominican Sisters’ ministry of service to local families and communities.

Sisters, including Sr. Cathryn deBack, OP, and Sr. Pat Farrell, OP, have overseen operations and community-building efforts, fostering a supportive and welcoming environment rooted in the Sisters’ commitment to dignity and care for families.

San Domenico School
Website: https://www.sandomenico.org
Founded: 1850
Location: San Anselmo, Marin County

Founded by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, San Domenico School is California’s oldest independent school, dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service. Guided by the Dominican values of study, reflection, community, and service, it prepares students to be compassionate leaders in an interconnected world.

Sisters, including Sr. Cathryn deBack, OP, and Sr. Pat Farrell, OP, have overseen operations and community-building efforts, fostering a supportive and welcoming environment rooted in the Sisters’ commitment to dignity and care for families.

St. Mary’s Community Services
Website: https://smcares.org/
Founded: 1966
Location: Stockton, San Joaquin County

St. Mary’s Community Services provides daily meals, supportive programs, and pathways to housing for those experiencing homelessness and poverty. With compassion and dignity, staff and volunteers serve more than 500 meals a day and help individuals work toward stability.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have deep roots in Stockton—founding schools and St. Joseph’s Medical Center, which celebrated 125 years in 2024—and continue to support St. Mary’s through funding, board service, and direct ministry. Their partnership reflects a shared mission of hope, service, and transformation. Currently, Sr. Judy Lu McDonnell, OP, serves on their Board of Directors.

St. Vincent de Paul Conference, St. Raphael Parish
Website: https://www.saintraphael.com/st-vincent-de-paul-society
Founded: 1960
Location: San Rafael, Marin County

The St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference at St. Raphael Parish provides food, rent, and essential support to families and individuals in need. Volunteers make home visits to assess needs and offer compassionate aid.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have a long tradition of volunteer service with the Society, especially through the food pantry in San Rafael, with Sisters Gervaise Valpey, OP, and Mary Kieffer, OP taking the lead currently. Their shared belief in the dignity of every person continues to inspire mutual service and spiritual growth within the parish community.