Born in Little Falls, the 10th of 11 children, Sister Dolores joined Saint Benedict’s Monastery in part because “the Sisters looked happy.” Reflecting upon 60 years in community, she says, “I am filled with gratitude for the call, the privilege of being a Benedictine.”

 Except for two “missions,” St. Mary’s in St. Cloud and St. Mary’s in Breckenridge, during the 1950s, S. Dolores has spent her community life at the monastery, serving in music, education, administration and health care.  She has also been a community organist, a position she prizes. When Mother Richarda Peters asked her to “find the best music school,” she chose Indiana University and, upon graduation, began teaching at the College of Saint Benedict in 1960. She spent 1960–1977 in the Music Department, followed by a number of years in college administration.

In 1984 S. Dolores (she) was asked to serve on the St. Cloud Hospital Board, becoming chair within the first year. She served 10 years in that position and nine years with CentraCare and Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague. The Catholic Health Association invited S. Dolores to testify in Washington, D.C., before a Senate subcommittee organized by Sen. Dave Durenberger, pleading the case of the uninsured for added health care assistance in the early 1990s.

From 1994–2008, S. Dolores was Director of Studium, in which Sisters collaborate with one another and visiting scholars to promote intellectual life. She is proud of the Scholars in Residence Program, which has brought 130 scholars to the monastery to participate in the life of the Sisters as they pursue their intellectual work.

 “I thank God for my very rich life, one with so many blessings and opportunities,” she said.