Spiritual Direction Ministry Blessing (Online)

Carmelita Switzer, OP, serves as a staff facilitator and presenter for Dominican Center at Marywood. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Religious Studies from Aquinas College and a Master of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies from Providence College. She completed Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in Formation Studies at Aquinas Institute on the campus of St. Louis University. Her ministries include teaching, pastoral ministry in a parish setting, and pastoral administration in a parish that had no priest. She has also spent time in ministry on behalf of the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters as director of formation and as co-director of Pastoral Life for the Marywood Campus. Coming from a rural farm community background she loves Michigan’s many lakes and natural beauty and God’s creatures large and small. Study of spirituality and living an integrated contemplative and active lifestyle have been long-time interests and priorities.

Ann Walters, OP, earned her master’s degree in Christian spirituality from Creighton University. Sr. Ann is active in leading adult faith formation classes, workshops, and seminars; preaching at and directing retreats; and providing spiritual direction. Her past work includes serving as co-director of Collaborative Dominican Novitiate of the United States Dominican Women’s Congregations; director of formation for Grand Rapids Dominicans; and elementary and high school education administration. She has also been active in inner-city ministries in Detroit; Chicago; rural northern Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri; and Gusau, Nigeria, West Africa.

Diane Zerfas, OP, is Dominican Center’s spirituality program coordinator. She is deeply involved in the center’s spiritual formation programs through the planning and teaching of Foundations in Spirituality and the Spiritual Direction Practicum. She holds bachelor’s degrees in math, chemistry, theology, and education from Aquinas College; master’s degrees in Arts in Religious Studies and in Pastoral Studies; a Specialized Certificate in Parish Life and Administration; and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. Sister Diane has ministered in many ways, including teaching high school as well as serving as formation director for Grand Rapids Dominicans, initiation and evangelization director at St. Mary Magdalen in Kentwood, Diocesan director of RCIA for the Diocese of Grand Rapids, co-director of Pastoral Life at Marywood, and leadership team member for the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids.

Mindy Hills is a Dominican Associate, spiritual director, and assists with retreat coordination at Dominican Center. For her directees, she holds a grace-filled space so they can deepen their awareness of how God illuminates their faith journeys. Mindy is attuned with spiritual wisdom and loving intentions to walk with others. She believes when we connect with our inner light, we renew our sense of joy, thereby empowering our soul’s purpose to reveal itself.

Amanda Dobson is the associate coordinator for the Foundations in Spirituality Program and is a member of the Formation Team at Dominican Center. Amanda is a 2019 graduate of Richard Rohr’s Living School (Albuquerque, New Mexico), a spiritual director, wife, and mother of three.

Andy Rebollar is a Dominican Associate for the Spiritual Direction Practicum, a spiritual director, writer, and speaker. For more than 19 years, he has served the church in various roles ministering to youth, young adults, and adults, nationally and internationally. Andy loves the journey that God’s invitations have led him on, especially the people and places.