AURORA—The Dominican Literacy Center (DLC) has entered a partnership with St. Mark’s Lutheran Church here. 

 

During one of 17 May DLC graduation ceremonies, St. Mark’s associate pastor, Patrick J. Fish, presented a $10,000 grant to Sister Kathleen Ryan, OP, DLC founder and administrator.

 

He was accompanied by St. Mark’s congregants Katie DeSottell, Gena Gerdin and Lynnette Brent.

Sister Kathleen was accompanied by Sister Jane Beckman, OP, DLC citizenship program coordinator; and Alison Brzezinski, DLC tutoring coordinator.

 

Pastor Fish said, “During COVID, our congregation internationally focused on how to support our community. We prayed. We reached out to various community partners and kept coming back to the ministry of the Dominican Literacy Center.

 

“After conversations with Sister Kathleen and site visits, our congregation felt strongly that we wanted to enter into partnership and collaborate with the important work of DLC. 

 

“What DLC does matches so many of our values and vision in how we (can) be church for the sake of the world.”

 

“This summer, we wanted to show our commitment with a large gift. We know God will do big things with $10,000 and can’t wait to volunteer and join DLC’s work in empowering women,” Pastor Fish said.

 

Sister Kathleen explained, “In the fall of 2021, the DLC received a call from Pastor Fish. He said their church was looking for a nonprofit partner who shared their values of inclusivity, diversity and faith-based living.

 

“Pastor Patrick and Lynnette Brent, a member of St. Mark’s board, requested a visit to the center.

 

“So began a chain of visits between St. Mark’s and DLC people that led to a request  from St. Mark’s to enter into a ministry partnership.

 

“Small steps have been taken. In May, St. Mark’s bakers made 10 cakes to help celebrate graduates of DLC’s ESL program. St. Mark’s gardening group provided pots of bright flowers for our front porch. And the church outreach committee visited the DLC and met tutors and students.

 

“We see this as a beginning to a robust and healthy partnership.”

 

She added, “Our mutual commitment to live life in a Gospel manner and reach out to those on the margins of our society will unite us as we take more steps into this growth-filled partnership.” 

 

—By Allan F. Benson