Celebrating the Closing of the 100 th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Chapel, Sparkill, NY

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1 WINTER 2015 DOMINICAN SISTERS 175 ROUTE 340 SPARKILL, NY S Celebrating the Closing of the 100 th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Chapel, Sparkill, NY roots in St. Dominic, to the viewing of a DVD of Sacred Heart Chapel. The program concluded with Solemn Vespers which included reflections given by Carla Mae Streeter, OP. Those in attendance agreed that the afternoon was thoroughly enjoyable. A catered reception folince 1914 our Sisters and the children in our care when St. Agnes Home & School for Children was opened have called Sacred Heart Chapel their spiritual home. Today the chapel continues to be used for Congregational celebrations, prayer services, masses, weddings and funerals and is an historical presence here in Rockland County. In celebrating its 100th anniversary we give thanks to God for this sacred place that has served as the spiritual heart of our many and varied ministries as we and they have evolved over the years. Starting in October 2013 we have celebrated this milestone anniversary by hosting concerts, lectures, a Youth Day, Family and Friends Day and the two concluding celebrations one in St. Louis, MO and a reception at Dominican Convent followed by mass offered by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of NY at Sacred Heart Chapel joined by ten concelebrants, priest friends of our Congregation. Sunday, October 12 friends and families gathered at Epiphany of Our Lord Church and Parish Hall, St. Louis, MO for Come Celebrate the Journey, a celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, one of our congregational feast days, blended with the 100th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Chapel. It was a prayerful, reflective, and joy-filled celebration, from the choirs, musicians, the telling of the Sparkill Dominican story and our 100 th Anniversary Celebration of Sacred Heart Chapel

2 lowed where guests visited with our Sisters and Associates. Truly a joyful celebration! Saturday, November 22, the year-long celebration concluded at Dominican Convent in Sparkill, NY. Over 300 guests gathered that included Sisters and Associates, family, friends and distinguished local officials from Rockland County. Three exceptionally deserving people received the Veritas Award. Veritas/Truth is one of the mottos of the Dominican Order of Preachers that points to the heart of the Dominican tradition to be messengers of the liberating power of truth and the embodiment of this truth in the person of Jesus. The Dominican Sisters know that the recipients of the Veritas Award live out the gospel of Jesus by word and action. They are: Frank Bradicich, a 90 year old St. Agnes Alumnus, Sister Ursula Joyce, OP, Executive Director of Thorpe Village/Dowling Gardens, Sparkill, and Dr. Margaret Mary Fitzpatrick, SC, President, St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill - honored for their dedication to the ideals and values of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill. (See picture above.) The mass at Sacred Heart was a joyful community gathering and a fitting conclusion to the anniversary year. In his homily, Cardinal Dolan spoke of his deep connection to the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, praising us for the strong example set in answering the call to help others. In her concluding remarks Sr. Mary Murray stated: Today has been the culmination of a year-long series of events that focused not only on the 100 years of Sacred Heart Chapel but also on our Congregation s desire to continue to be a vital presence to families, friends, and neighbors. We are so 2 WEAVINGS WINTER 2015

3 grateful to God for this wonderful Chapel and all that it inspires among us. The Dominican Sisters look forward to opening the doors of Sacred Heart Chapel for future events and opportunities for gathering in this sacred place. We know we are blessed by your friendship and generous support that enable us to bring to life the words of our mission statement: women of prayer and compassion proclaiming the reign of God through Ministry for Justice with reverence for all creation. In the name of all the Dominican Sisters and Associates ~ Thank You for being a part of the Celebration of 100 Years of Sacred Heart Chapel. For full coverage of the Nov. 22nd event visit our website: 3 WEAVINGS WINTER 2015

4 Proclaiming the Reign of God The goal of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill calls and challenges us to: focus on the enablement of the poor, of the powerless, of the oppressed and of the spiritually deprived people of our times. (Congregation s Constitutions No. 19) Through a myriad of ministries in which our Sisters engage, spanning from New York to Missouri, Montana, other states within the country and across the globe to Pakistan we make every effort to respond to the needs of people of all ages. This past Fall you were invited to participate in our November Calendar Raffle and were briefly introduced to the various projects that would benefit from your generosity: The Financial Assistance for Catholic Education (FACE) Program at Aquinas High School, Bronx, NY a program designed to assist five students with tuition assistance throughout their years at Aquinas. In the encouraging and challenging atmosphere the students receive four years of intellectual, s p i r i t u a l, social and physical development that pave the way for support in higher education and readiness for significant careers. Sr. Thea Bowman Center at Siena College, Loudonville, NY offers programs that enhance the college s commitment to building a world that is more just, peaceable, and humane by providing advocacy, programming and service opportunities which promote social justice, gender equity and the development of women. This is accomplished via inviting students to work with young, at-risk girls in a local community agency in Troy, NY; providing international service leadership opportunities in the Dominican Republic and sponsoring theatrical performances that address the themes of identity crisis and understanding one s roots and varying cultural and generational issues. Summer Camp East Side Heart and Home Family Center, East St. Louis, IL intended to be a meaningful activity for children from low to very low income residents of East St. Louis public housing along with other neighborhood children. Goals focus on respect for self and others, courtesy, skills improvement, mentoring, creativity enhancement, and task completion. S u m m e r 2014 the staff used the STEAM curriculum that incorp o r a t e d S c i e n c e, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math lessons. Guest speakers presented on the daily theme, followed by educational activities. Simultaneously a great deal was learned in a fun academic environment. Geriatric Recreational Program Consultant for Dowling Gardens, Sparkill, NY, to design and develop a range of activities that will engage the frail, elderly residents at Dowling. The staff realizes the importance of providing safe, affordable housing to those who reside at Dowling and also sees that it is equally as important to provide an environment that keeps residents alert, socialized and i n v o l v e d with their neighbors and the w o r l d a r o u n d t h e m. C o u p l e d with these programs will be the training of staff in ways to implement these activities while suggesting approaches that will address the special needs of mentally frail residents either individually or in small groups. 4 WEAVINGS WINTER 2015

5 A listing of the 2014 November Calendar Raffle Winners is on page 7. Super Kids Home-School Connection program at St. Paul School, Valley Cottage, NY that stresses the importance of primary reading skills, especially for those children from bi-lingual homes. Via on line activities Super Kids connects classroom lessons to the comfort of working at home, allowing the parent and child to learn from each other. Regular tracking of the child s progress is available to the teachers, who, with the parents, monitor their child s progress. The program s success is when a student appreciates the fun in and importance of reading. Outreach to the children in the Villages of Duval Roche and Cuvier, Haiti via programs coordinated by the (Sparkill) Haiti Circle of Support in conjunction with Elizabeth s Place, the House of Presence and interns from the Fle La Vie Institute. Very slowly Haiti is recuperating from the earthquake of 2010 however it is very evident that more intimate and therapeutic activities are needed to reach the children who have suffered such horrific trauma. Teaching a myriad of skills to the interns enables them to provide fun and educational opportunities in a caring and trustful environment to the children, giving the little ones a sense of hope for their future. Educational Programs on the Trafficking of Women and Children via Lifeway Network, Forest Hills, NY, a goal of Lifeway s strategic plan. Programs are being provided to high school and college age students, to teachers and parents, parish communities and civic organizations. The programs address the injustices via terrible abuse of women and children. It is a first step that will result in providing more understanding of sex and labor trafficking that affects women and men. From the students and families at St. Paul Grade School, Aquinas High School and Siena College; the children who attend the Summer Camp program at the Family Center in East St. Louis; the children in Duval Roche and Cuvier, Haiti; the residents of Dowling Gardens; and those who benefit from the programs offered by Lifeway Network - Thank You for your friendship and support. We know that together we Proclaim the Reign of God. 5th Annual 9-Hole Twilight Golf Tournament St. Louis, MO. Sponsored by The Friends of the Dominican Sisters on Saturday, September 27 the 5th Annual 9-Hole Twilight Golf Tournament took place at the Paradise Valley Golf Club in St. Louis, MO. After trying for birdies, eagles, par, and even the ultimate hole-in-one, a delicious dinner was served. Tournament prizes, auction and raffle items and a 50/50 raffle were part of the evening. Who are The Friends of? They describe themselves as a group of friends and classmates who had the privilege of being educated by the Dominican Sisters. After attending a gathering in St. Louis seven years ago organized by the Sisters and former members they decided we want to help. Hence The Friends of are now a blessing in our lives and for this we are truly grateful. In the past six years over $215,000 has been raised that benefit the needs of our retired Sisters. The Friends of next event: Trivia Night May 9, 2015 CBC High School, St. Louis Raffles & Silent Auction Details to Follow For information about the Friends of and advance information about their events visit 5 WEAVINGS WINTER 2015

6 INTRODUCING our new Postulants in Pakistan (l-r) Reema, Anna and Mehereen, with formation director, Sr. Violet (2nd on l). We ask that you keep these women in your prayers as they continue discerning their religious vocation. Pray also for the safety of all of our Sisters in Pakistan. Give Something Special Save the Date 18 th Annual (NY) Golf Tournament Wednesday, June 3 Blue Hill Golf Course, Pearl River, NY Dinner: Old Tappan Manor, Old Tappan, NJ Cost: $175 per golfer Sponsorships Available Invitation will be mailed in early April For advance information please contact: Sr. Peggy or peggy.scarano@sparkill.org Thank You! On behalf of the Dominican Sisters, Thank You for our generous Christmas gifts. As promised you and your intentions were remembered in our prayers throughout the Christmas season and especially during the Novena of Masses December 17th 25th offered in Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel at our Motherhouse, Dominican Convent. For us this is both a privilege and honor. May 2015 be a healthy, blessed and prosperous year for you and your loved ones. Pledge a Monthly/Quarterly Gift ~ 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. 6 WEAVINGS WINTER 2015

7 2014 November Calendar Raffle Winners Saturday, November 1 $100 Sr. Margaret Carey, OP $50 Kathy McCullough, Swainton, NJ $50 Sr. Peggy Jennings, OP Sunday, November 2 $100 Kathleen Valenta, St. Louis, MO $100 Margaret Shea, Matawan, NJ Monday, November 3 $75 Robert J. Donegan, Lincoln Park, NJ $75 Joan O Donnell, Boca Raton, FL $50 Sr. Mary Dempsey, OP Tuesday, November 4 $100 Sr. Katherine Valentine, OP $50 Marie Daniele, Airmont, NY $50 Larry Fleming, Farmingdale, NY Wednesday, November 5 $100 Stella Costabile $100 Frances Anemone, Sparkill, NY Thursday, November 6 $100 M/M Louis Ballarin, Bronx, NY $50 Rosemary Peck, New Fairfield, CT $50 Robert Eddy, Meredith, NH Friday, November 7 $100 Michael Queenan, Congers, NY $50 Michael Foley, Washingtonville, NY $50 Anna Volpe, Bronx, NY Saturday, November 8 $100 Cornelia Catera, Hicksville, NY $100 Sr. Connie Bauer, OP Sunday, November 9 $100 Denise Collins, Nanuet, NY $100 Maureen Muich, Waterloo, IL Monday, November 10 $75 Sheila Leonard, Bronxville, NY $75 Robert Gardner, Hobe Sound, FL $50 Frank Arvay, Ponce Inlet, FL Tuesday, November 11 $150 Joan Spiller, Brooklyn, NY $50 Debbie Fahlman, Candler, NC Wednesday, November 12 $75 Jimmy Lanza, Woodside, NY $75 Maryellen Gilroy, Stephentown, NY $50 John Flynn, St. Louis, MO Thursday, November 13 $100 Therese Pfeifer, Lewisville, TX $100 Sr. Anne Tahaney, OP Friday, November 14 $75 Joan Skurnowicz, Doylestown, PA $75 Gary/Claire Schuller, Kendall Park, NJ $50 Michael Piccinini, Pittsburgh, PA Saturday, November 15 $125 Sr. Susan Dunn, OP $75 Brian Dwyer, New City, NY Sunday, November 16 $100 Marylou Foley, Myrtle Beach, SC $50 Fr. James B. O Shea, Worcester, MA $50 Sr. Jane Tyler, OP Monday, November 17 $100 Theresa Waitt, Clifton Park, NJ $100 Peter Princi, Suffern, NY Tuesday, November 18 $150 James Zak, N. Riverside, IL $50 Martha Kennedy, Middletown, NY Wednesday, November 19 $50 Sr. Lois Liekweg, OP $50 Thomas Neville, Mt. Juliet, TN $50 Luis Santiago, Franklin Park, IL $50 Rose Zbyzenski, Ojai, CA Thursday, November 20 $100 Ronald Pyka, Spicer, MN $50 John Kroll, Pearl River, NY $50 Margaret Keane, Yonkers, NY Friday, November 21 $125 Sr. Kathleen O Connor, OP $75 Duane Stringer, Fort Dodge, IA Saturday, November 22 $200 David Karas, Halethorpe, MD $100 Jeanne Marie O Reagan $100 Michael Lynch, San Francisco, CA Sunday, November 23 $100 Sr. Mary Shea, OP $100 Betty Ryan, Garnerville, NY Monday, November 24 $100 Joanne Gove, Springfield, VA $100 Sr. Margaret Teahan, OP Tuesday, November 25 $100 Sr. Mary Fleming, OP $100 Jim Freeman, Valley Cottage, NY Wednesday, November 26 $100 M/M Al Bucchianeri, San Francisco, CA $100 Helen Slattery, Waldwick, NJ THANKSGIVING DAY, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 27 $1000 $500 Caitlin, Emma, & Andrew Showers Lynn Hoffmann, Capon Springs, WV $500 Sr. Patricia Connolly, OP Friday, November 28 $100 Eleanor O Hagan, Huntington, NY $100 Terence McGrath, Peoria, IL Saturday, November 29 $100 Barbara O Brien, Katonah, NY $100 Ken & Carol Wilson, Bellmore, NY Sunday, November 30 $100 Guy Giuffre, Wayne, NJ $100 Charles Perko, Pontiac, IL Congratulations to Our Winners! 7 WEAVINGS WINTER 2015

8 You are invited to use our Memorial and Special Occasion Cards. My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds Joy Joy in God, my Savior My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord... and finds Joy... ST. DOMINIC IMAGE... Joy in God, my Savior No longer do I live but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:19B) The enrolled will be remembered in: the prayers of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill a monthly celebration of the Eucharist offered at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel Dominican Convent, Sparkill, New York On The Special Occasion of A donation has been made by The enrolled will be remembered in: the prayers of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill a monthly celebration of the Eucharist offered at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel Dominican Convent, Sparkill, New York In Memory Of WOMAN IMAGE JESUS IMAGE which will assist the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill as they strive to Proclaim the Reign of God through a Ministry for Justice in the United States and Pakistan. Requested by: May you be comforted by the compassionate love of God and may the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Order form is on our website or send a note to Sr. Peggy via the Development Office I n m e m o r y o f Sr. Anne McNeive, OP formerly Sr. James Marie October 7, Years as a Sparkill Dominican Sr. Mary Howley, OP formerly Sr. Michael Catherine October 27, Years as a Sparkill Dominican Sr. Margaret O Driscoll, OP formerly Sr. Marie Gabriel November 3, Years as a Sparkill Dominican Sr. Ann Magdalen Varden, OP November 12, Years as a Sparkill Dominican Sr. Therese Dodd, OP formerly Sr. John Angela November 15, Years as a Sparkill Dominican May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. We Invite You to Visit our Website LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOMINICAN SISTERS OF SPARKILL Click the link into The Center Shop located at Dominican Convent for sale items that range from books, cards, candles, CD s + much more. Call Click the link into Faith Life and read about Retreat and Vacation opportunities at Villa St. Joseph, Saugerties, NY and/or Villa St. Dominic, Glasco, NY 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. COnTaCT InfOrmaTIOn The Center Shop Villa St. Joseph Villa St. Dominic Development Office The Dominican Sisters are members of: The National Catholic Development Conference The Rockland (County) Development Council, Inc. Like us on Facebook To Make a Donation, go to Development s Home Page on our website and Click: Make a Donation. Thank You!