Dear Families,
We are excited to introduce the four sisters who will be coming to Saint Agnes this fall, living in our convent, and teaching in our school! We will let you know exactly what they will be teaching later this spring (now that spring has finally arrived!)
Below is a brief introduction from each of them:
Sr. Teresa Christi Balek (7-12 Teacher, Mission Superior)
I am originally from St. Louis, MO (and I will cheer for the Twins as long as they aren't playing the Cardinals)! I entered the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in 2008 and professed my final vows in 2016. While completing my M.A. in American history at the Catholic University of America, I was able to support the students in campus ministry as a Religious-in-Residence. I have also worked in our Community's Vocations Office. Most recently, I have been teaching history in Phoenix, AZ. I am looking forward to digging out my snow boots and bringing our Dominican love for truth, goodness, and beauty to the students and families of Saint Agnes!
Sr. Mary Margaret O'Brien (K-6 Teacher)
I am originally from Denver, CO, and I entered the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in 2001. I hold a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College in California, a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate from Eastern Michigan University, a master's degree in elementary education from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a master's degree in theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. I have taught elementary school for nine years in Colorado, Michigan, Florida, and California. I love to tell stories and help students fall in love with Our Lord! I look forward with joy to becoming a part of the Saint Agnes School family.
Sr. Mary Consolata Klucik (K-6 Teacher)
I entered the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist after graduating from high school in Ave Maria, FL. One of seven children, my family and I called many places home over the years due to my father's service in the Army. I first met the Dominican Sisters in the 1st grade at Spiritus Sanctus Academy (one of the schools owned and operated by the community in Ann Arbor and Plymouth, MI). After living in Germany and other places, my family ended up settling in Florida. I had the great blessing of again being taught and guided during my high school career by the Dominican Sisters of Mary at Rhodora Donahue Academy. Witnessing the sisters' joy and love for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist gave me the desire, and eventually the courage, to give up everything and follow Jesus as a religious sister. I earned my teaching degree in elementary education at Eastern Michigan University. I am delighted to join the Saint Agnes school family - the entire Saint Agnes community and especially my future students are in my prayers!
Sr. Mary Philomena Coon (K-6 Teacher)
I am originally from Binghamton, NY, and I entered the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in 2007. I obtained my B.S. in elementary education and integrated science from Eastern Michigan University. I am currently working towards a master's in science education (biology) at the University of Southern Mississippi. I have taught in Buda, TX and our Spiritus Sanctus Academy in Michigan. Over the past year I have had the tremendous blessing of studying philosophy at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. I look forward to getting to know each of you at Saint Agnes and teaching at your school this year!
Please pray for these sisters by name over the next several months as they begin their apostolic work at Saint Agnes School. They will be moving into the renovated Convent in early August.
Blessings on your fourth week of Easter,
Dr. Kevin Ferdinandt
