About the Dominican Association of Secondary Schools (DASS)

Dominic walked the roads of 13th century Europe, a time of flux and confusion, a time when cynicism towards the institutional church was rampant, heresy abounding, dualism prevalent; a time when sickness, poverty, militarism and disillusionment prevailed. We too find ourselves in a situation that is not far different, a world that searches for some resolve to racism, war, the growing disparity between the rich and the poor, a world that searches for meaning, and truth. A world searching for God. What better lens to view this contemporary predicament than through the tradition and legacy of the Dominican Order. (Pat Brady,OP, November, 2002)

The Dominican Association of Secondary of Secondary Schools (DASS) was formally ratified as an organization in November, 2002. Membership in this organization is open to Dominican schools presently or formally sponsored by Dominican congregations of women and men in the United States. There are presently thirty-five member schools.

The mission of the Dominican Association of Secondary Schools (DASS) is to nurture and sustain the legacy of Dominican Catholic secondary education in the United States. The goals of the organization are: (1) to develop and nurture leaders in the tradition of preaching, prayer, study, and community; (2) to collaborate with others in carrying out the preaching mission.

Membership Benefits

• DASS answers the question: "How does the school sustain the 800 year Dominican intellectual and spiritual legacy?"
• Provides a structure for congregation and local school communities to honor the legacy and continue the work of Dominican education.
• Supports the on-going dialogue with congregations and schools to establish strong programs of succession at Dominican sponsored high schools.
• Provides a framework of what it means to be a Dominican school, provides criteria for evaluation and provides resources for the support of the mission.
• Provides educational and formational resources for school leaders, board members, faculty, staff, students and parents.

The following people presently serve as members of the Executive Board: Sr. Barbara Dannhausen,OP (advisor); Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey,OP (Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, IL); Sr. Jane Meyer,OP (St. Agnes Academy, Houston, TX); Sr. Frances Sullivan,OP (Mt. St. Dominic Academy, Caldwell, NJ); Cynthia Thomas (St. Mary's Dominican High School, New Orleans, LA); Michele Whitehead (Trinity High School, River Forest, IL); Sr. Gervaise Valpey,OP (San Domenico School, San Anselmo, CA). Patricia Brady,OP serves as the Executive Director of DASS.

How to Join DASS

• Click here to access the printable form.
• Simply fill out the information and mail your form to us.
• You will receive an email acknowledgement and letter by mail.