This volume tells the little-known story of the Dominican Family-priests, sisters, brothers, contemplative nuns, and lay people-and integrates it into the history of the United States. Starting after the Civil War, the book takes a thematic approach through twelve essays examining Dominican contributions to the making of the modern United States by exploring parish ministry, preaching, health care, education, social and economic justice, liturgical renewal and the arts, missionary outreach and contemplative prayer, ongoing internal formation and renewal, and models of sanctity. It charts the effects of the United States on Dominican life as well as the Dominican contribution to the larger U.S. history. When the country was engulfed by wave after wave of immigrants and cities experienced unchecked growth, Dominicans provided educational institutions; community, social, and religious centers; and health care and social services. When epidemic disease hit various locales, Dominicans responded with nursing care and spiritual sustenance. As the United States became more complex and social inequities appeared, Dominicans cried out for social and economic justice. Amidst the ugliness and social dislocation of modern society, Dominicans offered beauty through the liturgical arts, the fine arts, music, drama, and film, all designed to enrich the culture. Through it all, the Dominicans cultivated their own identity as well, undergoing regular self-examination and renewal.

James Joyce's famous description of the Roman Church, 'Here Comes Everybody, ' may have presaged the developing Catholic Studies programs in U.S. Catholic higher education. Some of these essays were first delivered as lectures in the 'Here Comes Everybody' series to inaugurate the establishment of the Braegelman Program of Catholic Studies at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. The authors gathered here begin to suggest something of the depth and breadth of the living Catholic Intellectual Tradition. They are leading the way in new and important discussions. These programs are about more than Catholic institutions exploring and asserting their identity. Surely those involved seek rigorous engagement with the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, examining religious ideas and ideals, and participating in the study of Catholic thought and culture. They seek dialogue with Catholics of all mindsets, with Christians from other denominations, believers from other faith traditions and all who seek the truth.

James Joyce's famous description of the Roman Church, "Here Comes Everybody," may have presaged the developing Catholic Studies programs in U.S. Catholic higher education. Some of these essays were first delivered as lectures in the "Here Comes Everybody" series to inaugurate the establishment of the Braegelman Program of Catholic Studies at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. The authors gathered here begin to suggest something of the depth and breadth of the living Catholic Intellectual Tradition. They are leading the way in new and important discussions. These programs are about more than Catholic institutions exploring and asserting their identity. Surely those involved seek rigorous engagement with the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, examining religious ideas and ideals, and participating in the study of Catholic thought and culture. They seek dialogue with Catholics of all mindsets, with Christians from other denominations, believers from other faith traditions and all who seek the truth.