S. Frances Piscatella celebrates 110 years alive in joy and hope! | Sisters enjoy springtime weather outside | S. Selena Wilson working with Network Lobby

"A merry heart lives long."

- William Shakespeare

SHARINGS FROM LEADERSHIP

A Column by the Leadership Team



Shared Leadership Day:

There will be a Shared Leadership Day on Saturday, April 29^th. Simultaneously, the Alive in Joy and Hope Exhibit on the first floor of the Motherhouse will be open for sisters, associates and young adults to view.

Vespers Time Change

Change: There is a time shift. Vespers will now occur at 4pm on Sunday, April 30th.

Celebrating Sister Francis Dominici Piscatella: At 110 years is the Oldest Religious Sister in the United States

Our very own Sister Francis Dominici Piscatella turned 110 years old today, April 20, 2023! That's right -- 110 YEARS OLD! She is now the oldest Religious Sister in the United States.

The Motherhouse was all a buzz with newspaper and television reporters. They were all here to interview Sister Francis Piscatella before the special Mass and birthday luncheon for friends and family. Before Mass, Sister Francis was given a special citation from the office of Congressman Anthony D'Esposito of the fourth district in Nassau County.

There was also an unveiling of a photo of Sister Francis Dominici which was added to the new special exhibit "Alive in Joy and Hope" on the first-floor hallways in honor of the Congregation's 170th anniversary.

“As our Religious congregation celebrates its 170th anniversary, it is remarkable to note that S. Francis has served as a sister for more than half of our history,” said Peggy McVetty, Prioress of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville.

Sister Francis taught in many local elementary schools as well as served 17 years in Dominican Commercial High School in Queens. For 52 years, she worked at Molloy University in Rockville Centre, teaching and then serving in the Finance Office. She retired at 84 years old. She currently lives in her home in East Williston with fellow Amityville Dominican Sister Francis Daniel Kammer, who was her student. Sister Francis Piscatella sponsored her when she joined the congregation.

“Sister Francis represents the living story of our congregation,” said Prioress Sister Peggy McVetty. “We are humbled and blessed by her life of constant prayer, meaningful relationships, selfless giving, and tenacious spirit!”

S. Selena Presents Award to Congressman Boyle on Behalf of Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice

Religious Sisters - including our own Sister Selena Wilson -- with the Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice presented United States Representative Brendan Boyle with an award recognizing Boyle’s 100 percent voting record on social issues supported by the Network Lobby. In the House, the Network Lobby supported bills such as:

Freedom to Vote, Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement, Collective Bargaining for House Staffers, Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being, Respect for Marriage Act, Supreme Court Security Funding Act, Inflation Reduction Act and Presidential Election Reform Act.

“Thank you for your good voting record,” said Sister Barbara Ann Brigham, a Medical Mission Sister. Boyle said he liked getting "100s" on his report cards from the Sisters of St. Joseph at St. Helena Elementary School and appreciates the "100" from the Network Lobby.

"The Dominican Pause Walking Tour" Installed on Motherhouse Grounds

The Dominican Pause Walking Tour was recently installed throughout the Motherhouse Grounds. The tour invites participants to walk a one-mile loop, touring the historic and interesting sites throughout the property. Highlights include: Rosary Hall, the Cemetery, Seraphina Cottage, the Potato House and more. The walking tour is self-guided with signs which explain the history of the buildings and our Religious Congregation. It was designed in-house by the Communications Office and installed by the Maintenance staff. It is an evolving project and feedback from all is welcome: sistersop@amityop.org.

Sister Ave Clark's New Book Has Been Released: "God’s Song and How We Sing It"

Sister Ave Clark is at it again! This prolific writer has published her latest book entitled, "God's Song and How We Sing It!"

"This reflective book shares how we can become a lyric of God’s Song," she wrote.

"Each one of us can sing in our own way," said Ave Clark. "God hears our humble tunes. Together, as we enter deeply Into the music of the universe, we can and will make this world a more compassionate, creative and melodious place for all." She asks the question:

What is God’s song singing to you?

How do you share God’s Song?

Order from Amazon by clicking here.

Fresh Air Club Meets Outside

On Thursday, April 13, 2023, the Fresh Air Club hosted their first meeting ever! It was the perfect day to sit outside. The temperature was around 80 degrees with a light and refreshing breeze. Our advocates, aides and volunteers helped transport Carlin Hall sisters under the white canopy in front of the Motherhouse.  The sisters enjoyed rainbow sherbet to help cool them down! Some of the sisters commented that they hadn't seen their friends from another floor in a long time and were happy to be able to converse with them. Volunteer Kerry Brennan started a sing-a long. Those gathered sang: "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," "You Are My Sunshine," and "His Banner Over Me is Love." Weather Forecast: On a sunny day coming soon, the forecast looks like there could be another meeting of the Fresh Air Club! Stay tuned! Caption:  S. Leo Francis Monaghan pictured at left holds the beautiful floral decorations from the event.

Invitation to the 30th Anniversary Gala for OPening Word

Opening Word’s 30th Anniversary Dinner is almost here! Please join us for an evening of celebration with Sisters, Staff, Board Members, Volunteers and Students on Thursday, April 27th from 6 to 9 PM at Helen Butler Hall - 565 Albany Avenue Amityville, NY.

Join us in honoring: all the members of our professional staff - represented by S. Laura Helbig, OP and Case Manager, Cristina Vera; all who have served on our Board of Directors - represented by Robert Walker and Frederick Notter; our many dedicated volunteers - represented by John and Eileen Toomey.

For more information or to purchase tickets please contact: office@openingword.org or call (631) 643-0541.

The OPening Word is glad to offer all Associates and Sisters who wish to attend the 30th Anniversary Gala a dinner ticket with a reduced price of $100. Please contact Gillian Kessinger with any questions at gillian@openingword.org. Warm regards, OPening Word Event Committee.

Beauty of the Spirit Luncheon will Feature S. Jeanne Clark

Our 22nd annual Beauty of the Spirit event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 28^th at The Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. This year’s Keynote Speaker is S. Jeanne Clark, OP, Founder of Homecoming Farm. If you would like to donate baskets, gift cards or other new and unused items for our auction, please stop by the Advancement Office. Sisters who are interested in attending the luncheon may contact Susan for information about sponsored tickets: 631-842-6000 ext. 246.

Gentle Reminders:

Prayer Day for Renewing Associates and Candidates is on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

Next Associates Meeting To Be Rescheduled: Because of our upcoming Leadership Day on April 29^th as well as the opening of the Alive in Joy and Hope Exhibit on the first floor of the Motherhouse, the Associates Meeting scheduled for Sunday, April 30th will be rescheduled for a future time. Thank you for your understanding.

Please RSVP to Gazing into the Cosmos

There will be a viewing of Gazing Into the Cosmos on Saturday, May 13th, on the big screen in Amityville’s Mother Josepha Hall. Arrival is 11:30 with preliminary slides from JWST beginning at 11:45 followed by the program which concludes at 2 pm.

If you are planning on attending in Amityville,

you must register ASAP. Email cmasoneop@amityop.org.

We will also broadcast the American Teilhard’s Association’s annual meeting: Gazing into the Cosmos, a contemplative viewing and exploration of the photos of the James Webb Telescope. Come, hear Vatican Astronomers Guy Consolmagno and Richard D’Souza unpack the photos with scientific explanations about cosmology, the formation of the first stars and galaxies, and the first observational results from an Earth-size rocky planet orbiting a star outside our solar system (exoplanet). This information brings us closer to a new understanding of Earth-like worlds outside our solar system. Following this, Libby Osgood, PhD, an aerospace engineer who teaches at the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada, and whose research is on the intersection of science and faith, will interact with the scientists using a series of questions to highlight this event as Teilhardian and to stimulate our sense of mystery imbedded within the promise of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). You are most welcome to remain for a while and continue the conversation as there will be only a question and answer session, but no break out groups during the program. Drinks and light snacks will be available.

Registration is a must: Please email cmasoneop@amityop.org. If you have not made the required $20 offering to the Teilhard Association through online registration, we will be happy to accept your offering upon arrival—cash only please. Parking in lot on the right as you enter, with handicapped entrance also available.

Queen of the Rosary Convent

555 Albany Avenue

Amityville, New York, 11701

For additional information please contact: Margaret Galiardi at galiardi.margaret@gmail.com withe subject line: "Info"

Summer Leadership Program

The Leadership through Ministry Program is a paid internship opportunity spanning six weeks (Monday through Friday) from June 2nd to July 14, 2023. College-aged students will have the opportunity to serve at ministerial sites on Long Island and learn leadership skills through our weekly small group seminars. Housing will be provided for participants who are not local. The program is open to all young adults regardless of location, college affiliation or major. For more information go to the website.

Mount St. Mary Hosts Laudato Si Event with Founder of the Catholic Climate Covenant

There are some exciting upcoming events at Mount St. Mary Retreat Center including:

• a guided retreat weekend on Mary Magdalene
• a professional day for spiritual directors with Sr. Nancy Sheridan, SASV

Information can always be found at http://www.msmhope.org.

Coming Soon: The Celebration of Earth Day, 2023

The 53^rd Anniversary of the Celebration of Earth Day will take place on Saturday, April 22nd. Due to the many important upcoming events The Earth Focus Group has decided to distribute a simple prayer service that is suitable for use at the local level. Please see the attachment and feel free to adapt as you wish…and remember:  We Are Earth Praying!

Dear Sisters, Associates and friends,

Please pray for the family of Marie Eggers, a member of Faith on a Journey prayer group of Holy Cross Parish. Marie went home to God last month.

Also pray for Patrick Scarrata, a co-founder of Bond Street Theatre. He died suddenly.

Once again, my nephew, Michael and members of the Bond Street Theatre are going to a foreign county with their message of peace. They leave for Palestine on Thursday, April 20^th. Please pray for their safety.

Sister Catherine Mc Guigan

Dear Sisters and Motherhouse Personnel,

Our family and friends were deeply impressed by your beautiful celebration of the life and funeral of S. Virginia Monahan, OP on April 11th. This had been her home and last residence for eight years. I, myself, am overwhelmed at the number of cards and depth of prayers for her that we are experiencing. Words cannot express our loving gratitude to every one of you at this time of loss of Ginny’s vibrant presence.

With grateful appreciation and blessings

for your heartfelt love and care, we remain,

S. Jeanne and the Monahan family

Dear Sisters, Associates & Dominican Young Adults,

Thank you very much for all your prayers, phone calls, cards and visits while I was recuperating from spinal surgery at East Neck Rehabilitation Center and most recently on the third floor of Carlin Hall for the past two months. Your love, thoughtfulness, prayers and concern were very much appreciated. I am now back at home with Eileen McCormick and Jeanne Clark continuing my recuperation. I hope to be back at my ministry at the Motherhouse part time in the near future. The care I received on the third floor of Carlin Hall was outstanding from administration, social worker, nurses, home health aides, dietary, housekeeping & maintenance.

Thank you all for your support.

Love & prayers,

Lorraine Leibold, OP

Dear Sisters, Associates, and friends,

Please pray for Father Jim Cunningham and the generous donor who will participate in a kidney transplant on April 25, 2023. Fr Jim ministers in St. Francis De Sales in Belle Harbor. He appreciates our sisters prayers.

Sister Pat Hanvey

Dear Dominican Family,

I know I am late but Happy Easter to everyone. Thank you for all your call, cards, and emails while I've been in rehab and building my strength up. I go back to the eye doctor on April 25 and hope some of my vision returns. Please keep me in your prayers. Sr Bernadette keeps me informed of you at the Motherhouse.

Peace, Denise Thorn

1. April Updates: Necrology Large Print PDF or Word Format; Necrology Foldover PDF, Dominican Praise Foldover and Large Print; Christian Prayer Foldover and Large Print PDF as well as the Updated Calendar and April Birthdays.