Expressing Our Gratitude

Transcription

1 SUMMER 2012 Expressing Our Gratitude With another summer season upon us the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill look back at the past fiscal year (September August) with a deep sense of gratitude. Sr. Mary Murray, OP This year marks the 136th anniversary of our congregation. We know that our founder Mother Catharine Antoninus Thorpe was certainly a brave and valiant woman and feel confident that she would be pleased with all that we have done and continue to do for our sisters and brothers throughout our world. During this past (fiscal) year you have helped support: The Family Program, Enrichment Activities at the Family Center, East St. Louis, IL Our Father s Kitchen, an outreach program at Sacred Heart Parish, Monroe, NY Safe Outdoor & Indoor Play Equipment for students and an Anti-Bullying Training Program at St. John Chrysostom School, Bronx, NY Healthy & Nurturing Educational Programs at the Primary School, Loreto, Pakistan On-Going Education of our Candidates, Postulants, and Novices in Pakistan LifeWay Network Safe House, (services for survivors of human trafficking), in metropolitan New York Holistic, Compassionate Care for our Retired and Infirm Members and the upgrading of the sound system at Dominican Convent, home to over 120 of our Sisters. Sr. Mary Murray, OP, President, extends her thanks. She quotes Jean Baptiste Massieu: Gratitude is the memory of the heart. These words speak of each one of you. It is through your generosity that our mission continues to flourish and Sr. Peggy Scarano, OP our ministries and the lives of people we serve are made better. From soup kitchens, to after school tutoring programs, to educational programs for our ministries in Pakistan you have been and continue to be a presence through your thoughtful support. Additionally you enable the quality of care for our elder members to be enhanced. We know that you are our Partners in Mission. And for this and much more we deeply appreciate each one of you and pray that you will be blessed in every way possible. Yes we are honored to call you friend. Our congregation s mission statement calls us to be joyful women of prayer and compassion proclaiming the reign of God through a ministry for justice with reverence for all creation. Thank You for helping us be Women Making a Difference. May your summer be filled with peace and restful days. May you know God s love which surpasses all understanding, is ever present and abiding and know that we are ever-so-grateful for you! God Bless, Sr. Mary, Sr. Peggy, and all the Dominican Sisters & Associates, Sparkill, NY Together we say: Thank You & Thank You Again! DOMINICAN SISTERS DOMINICAN CONVENT 175 ROUTE 340 SPARKILL, NY

2 The Lenniger Residences For over 20 years, Sr. Barbara Lenniger, OP was a legend in the Bronx, NY, where her commitment to the poor and homeless especially benefited women and children. After spending many years as an educator both as teacher and principal, Sr. Barbara, with the support of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill founded two Bronx Family Housing Projects. First, in 1989, Thorpe Family Residence, a 16-unit transitional shelter for homeless mothers and children was opened followed by, in 1998, Park Avenue Thorpe, a 20-unit permanent supportive housing project for families. Their mission is to empower and enable families to find hope and share that hope with others hope that will lead to changes that reverberate throughout the community. Sr. Barbara, an advocate for the homeless, prays daily for those who have no table at which to eat nor a bed on which to sleep. Her prayers became reality on April 26, 2012 when two buildings were dedicated in her name, becoming known as The Lenniger Residences. Located at 2007 and 2013 Hughes Avenue at 179th Street, in the East Tremont section of the Bronx, The Residences is a collaborative project of the Center of Urban Community Services (CUCS), Bronx Community Board 6, (which Sr. Barbara served as a past Vice Chair), local residents and elected officials. Between the two five-story buildings 92 units of affordable housing are available for low-income families and individuals. Amenities include: 24-hour security, a gym, computer lab, community room, on-site laundry, backyard gardens, new furniture if needed, and is in a convenient location to restaurants, grocery stores, banks and other shopping needs. It is a dream come true for its new tenants. The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill are proud of Sr. Barbara s accomplishments, particularly her dedication to people in need. In her own words: I won t be satisfied until the ultimate goal that the end to homelessness is achieved. Know I don t give up! How true these words are! God Bless You Sr. Barbara, for who you are and all you have done and continue to do, through your prayer and advocacy work, for people of all ages, most especially the children. For more information regarding The Lenniger Residences visit: For more information regarding Thorpe Residence and Park Avenue Thorpe visit: Missionaries from Pakistan Reunion The weekend of April was a graced time for Dominican Sisters, Fathers and friends who gathered at Dominican Convent, Sparkill. It was a dream that became a reality planned through the efforts of Sr. Peggy McGirl, OP, Sr. Margaret Theresa Oettinger, OP (Sparkill Dominicans) and Brother Thomas Aquinas Dolan, OP (Province of St Joseph). Together they spent months reaching out to fellow former missionaries, now spread throughout the country, all of whom had called Pakistan home for a portion of their lives. In response to the Holy Father s request in the late 1950 s that more laborers be sent into the vineyard, the Pakistan Mission was entrusted in 1956 into the care of the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph. Two years later, in 1958, the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill enthusiastically responded to an invitation from the friars to join and collaborate with them in this work of evangelization. Thus began a loyal 2 DOMINICAN WEAVINGS SUMMER 2012

3 collaboration and friendship that definitely has deepened through the years. It was this that was revisited and celebrated during the reunion weekend. Those who gathered prayed together, celebrated liturgy, and shared meals. Memories and stories were recalled that went back more than 55 years reminisces of a mission with trusted and loyal friends stories from days in Loreto, Bahawalpur and Multan. Among the blessings of the weekend was the opportunity of a Skype video call that enabled a conversation with our Sisters in Bahawalpur. They also viewed a DVD of the 50th anniversary celebration of our mission in Pakistan (which took place in 2008). As the weekend ended everyone thanked God for the many blessings received and for continued blessings to give success to the work of our hands in Pakistan, today and into the future. May God bless all of the (former) Pakistani Missionaries and keep safe all who minister there today. Trivia Night Saturday, April 21st Special Gatherings of Friends A fun and enjoyable evening was sponsored by The Friends of the Dominican Sisters Sparkill/St. Louis. Ten categories of questions challenged those in attendance ranging from movies, to songs, to historical events, to even health issues. A special theme for the evening was The Cardinals 2011 World Series Champions, so there definitely was a sea of red. The Dominican Sisters are grateful to The Friends of for their efforts in raising funds that benefit our retired/infirm Sisters. Sr. Marie Louise, Katie and Bridget Laughlin Enjoy a Photo Show of the event posted on our website: Events 3 DOMINICAN WEAVINGS SUMMER 2012

4 New York Golf Tournament 2012 Wednesday, June 6th The rain stopped and the sun came out - for this everyone was very happy! 140 golfers joined us for our 15th annual Golf Tournament. Eagles and Birdies were achieved, but no hole-in-one (some year it will happen!) The dinner was attended by 155 friends (golfers and guests) where tournament winners were announced, prizes awarded, and 50/50 winners chosen. The Dominican Sisters extend our thanks to the sponsors from the Carts to Lunch and Dinner sponsors to the Eagle, Birdie, Putting Green, Name the 9, Hole-in-One, Tee/Green, Tournament Prizes and Sisters Sponsors to those who provided donations for the gift bags, welcomed us at Emmet s Castle & Blue Hill Golf Course, Pearl River, NY and the Old Tappan Manor, Old Tappan, NJ to the Behind the Scenes helpers and those who participated in the 50/50 Raffle. THANK YOU! your support is truly appreciated! You helped us raise $55,000 which will benefit our retired/infirm Sisters in particular assisting us with the upgrading of the sound system here at Dominican Convent, home to over 120 of our Sisters and location of Siena Hall Infirmary and St. Agnes Residence (assisted care). How Grateful We Are! (l-r) Lillian Finnegan, Sr. Helen Boyd, OP Mary Kane, Marge McLoughlin Sr. Joan Beairsto, OP (l-r) Sr. Terry Rickard, OP Robin Miller, Sr. Kathy Logan, OP (l-r) Rick Sutton, Tom McKnight, Tom McFarland (l-r) Michael Wedlick, John, Michael, & Jake Lagana For a full listing of sponsors and to enjoy a Photo Show of the day visit our website: Events 4 DOMINICAN WEAVINGS SUMMER 2012

5 IN MEMORY OF Sr. Laura Anne Fucito, OP May 21, 2012 Sr. Catherine Clare Weis, OP June 8, 2012 Sr. Catherine Duignan, OP June 25, 2012 May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. To read a complete obituary visit We Are/Obituaries We Invite you to use/order our Memorial & Special Occasion Cards They can be ordered via our website: (form on home page) or by writing to or calling our Development Office c/o Sr. Peggy Dominican Sisters 175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY TEL Please pray with us for: Sr. Christine DeAnna who is completing her canonical (novice) year of initial formation, Sr. Renee Asmar who will begin her canonical year at the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate in St. Louis, MO., and Sr. Sumaira James and Sr. Philomena Victors, novices in Pakistan. Give Something Special Become a member of our Monthly/Quarterly Gift Club Write a check and mail it to us we can provide envelopes or Authorize us to charge a specific amount to your credit card. You will need to provide us with the card number and expiration date. Contact the Development Office. This can also be done via the secure page on our website ( a donation). Remember the Dominican Sisters in your estate plan. Our official title is: Dominican Convent of Our Lady of the Rosary, Sparkill, NY Name the Dominican Sisters as a beneficiary on an existing, paid-up Life Insurance Policy. Make an outright gift of stock or securities. Make arrangement for a matching gift from your place of employment or, if you are retired, through a corporate giving program from a place of former employment. Consider a Charitable Gift Annuity; the Dominican Sisters can issue CGA s in most (but not all) states in the US. If interested, contact Sr for information. Please Note: Before making any decisions regarding significant charitable gifts we suggest that you consult with your attorney, estate planner, or accountant. This will safeguard your interest and those of your family. 5 DOMINICAN WEAVINGS SUMMER 2012

6 Looking Ahead... An Evening of Baseball Thursday, August 2nd ~ 7:00 Game Provident Bank Park Pomona, NY (Home of Minor League The Rockland Boulders) Rockland Boulders vs. The Newark Bears To reserve your ticket(s) visit Go to: Tickets to Fundraiser Tickets, scroll down to August 2nd Follow the Reservation Prompts Proceeds will benefit the Ministries of the Dominican Sisters 3 rd Annual Twilight Golf Tournament Sponsored by The Friends of Dominican Sisters Sparkill/St. Louis Saturday, September 15, 2012 Paradise Valley Golf Course St. Louis, MO Proceeds will benefit the retirement needs of the Dominican Sisters For Information visit: Dominican Sisters Former Member Reunion Sponsored by The Connections Committee Saturday, September 29, 2012 For information contact: Sr. Lorraine LaRocca, OP lorraine.larocca@sparkill.org Annual November Calendar Raffle 75 Chances to Win $8000 Calendars will be distributed in September Proceeds benefit various ministry projects of the Dominican Sisters Save the Date 3rd Annual Trivia Night Saturday, April 20, 2013 Sponsored by The Friends of the Dominican Sisters Sparkill/St. Louis 2 nd All-School ROSARY ACADEMY High School Reunion Saturday, April 27, 2013 Information to follow regarding the Save the Date Events We Invite You to Visit Our Website Learn More About The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill Click the link Who We Are & Our Mission Click the link into The Center Shop located at Dominican Convent for sale items that range from books, cards, candles, CD s + more Call: Click the link into Faith Life and read about retreat and vacation opportunities Villa St. Joseph: Villa St. Dominic: To learn more about the Dominican Order, visit To make a donation, go to our website s home page, click Make a Donation which will take you to the secure page. Visit the Development pages to read more about our fund-raising needs and activities. The Dominican Sisters are members of: The National Catholic Development Conference The Rockland (County) Development Council, Inc. 6 DOMINICAN WEAVINGS SUMMER 2012