Sister Jeanne Brendel celebrates her 75th Jubilee. | It's Catholic Sisters Week! | Irish Night was a success | S. John Lee professes her vows

"The greater the diversity, the greater the perfection."

-- Thomas Berry

SHARINGS FROM LEADERSHIP

A Column by the Leadership Team



This Lenten Season, our Prioress Peggy McVetty has invited us to donate to those affected by the 2023 earthquake in Syria and Turkey as well as the war between Ukraine and Russia. The contributions will be sent to Sister Margaret Mayce in the care of Dominican Sisters International (DSI). The deadline for giving is April 3, 2023. The response so far has been humbling. The Lenten almsgiving has been extremely generous, not only from our sisters but from associates, and also Ursuline sisters. To read the full letter click here, Thank you!

Checks made out to "Sisters of St. Dominic" may be sent/dropped off to: “Lenten Donation”, Sisters of St. Dominic, 555 Albany Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701 

Catholic Sisters Week Is Here!

Fifty-two weeks a year women religious stand with the poor and immigrants, teach children, fight injustice, heal the sick, share spirituality, empower women, defend the planet, promote peace, create community, offer hope…But for one week, March 8-14, we shine the spotlight on women religious. We are using social media to spotlight our sisters. We are also opening up a self-guided trail around our motherhouse starting March 10, 2023. It is in a "prototype" stage and we welcome feedback. Let us know what you think at sistersop@amityop.org.

Find an introduction to the Dominican Pause Walking Tour below:

“Welcome to the “Dominican Pause Walking Tour” at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville. This walk is important to our congregation because our Founder St. Dominic de Guzman was a walking preacher – a joyful itinerant! St. Dominic roamed through the hills of France, preaching the Good News of Jesus’ love to all. It is in this spirit that we invite you to “wander and ponder” your way along the walking tour thinking of God, creation, the beauty of your own spirit and our connection to all people. On this journey, you are also invited to take a “Dominican Pause” to read the markers which include a bit of our history and reflections to help exercise your mind, spirit, and body in this easy .9-mile loop around our Motherhouse grounds. You can take the tour in person or online. Feel free to visit any of the stops in any order you choose.

Scan the QR code to learn more or go online to: www.sistersofstdominic.org/dominican-pause-walking-tour

Note: We have included many of the photos and videos created by S. Barbara Schwarz on the web pages linked to this self-guided tour. Her many hours of work have enhanced this walking tour immeasurably.

Terri Tobin To Be Honored!

The 103rd annual Mass and Communion Breakfast of the NYPD’s Holy Name Society of Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island will take place on Sunday, March 26th. This year’s Person of the Year award is one of our former members, Theresa Tobin. The festivities will begin at 8AM with Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral celebrated by Cardinal Dolan.

The Holy Name Society promotes respect for the Most Holy Name of God, faith in the Catholic Church and loyalty to one’s country and respect for all lawful authority, both civil and religious. Founded in 1914, it is reportedly the oldest and largest religious organization in the NYPD.

For more information about the event, please view the attached flyer.

Sister Jeanne Andre Celebrates 75 Years in Religious Life

When you enter the home of S. Jeanne Andre Brendel, you know it! The door is open and the mat on the stoop reads “Harvest House.” 

Harvest House is a unique model of senior living in which residents have their own rooms, but choose to live as a family. They share meals, stories, and the cozy nooks and crannies of the single-family home in Syosset. S. Jeanne Andre founded this ministry 35 years ago to combat not only the malnutrition of seniors but also loneliness. 

Recently, S. Jeanne and S. Mary Butler gathered in the kitchen which overlooks a big backyard. On the table, there were chocolate-covered cookies and piping hot tea. It was time to talk about S. Jeanne Andre and her 75th Jubilee as a Sister of St. Dominic of Amityville!

During the interview, S. Jeanne shared her stories - punctuated with laughter. She expressed her joyful awe about how she could see the presence of God throughout her journey.

“More than ever, you (God) were there,” said S. Jeanne, her eyes sparkling. “You moved me in that direction – and I went along. You were there, and you will be with me every moment. That makes me so grateful for my life.” She acknowledged that “My body is not what it used to be, but what is so much richer? My soul! That’s the wonder! Life is so wonderful if God is a part.”

S. Jeanne is known for her ability to light up a room with her sheer joy (and hilarious stories). She is also known for the good work she has done with seniors. While it is well known that she is the founder of Harvest House, did you know that she was also the first Director of Retirement for our congregation? 

S. Jeanne first discovered her love for older sisters while living at the large convent on Montrose Avenue, Brooklyn, which housed many elderly sisters. She even helped take care of a former prioress, Mother Caritas Harth, who served from 1928 to 1943. “I learned to like old people and I kind of got a feel for what the Order was.” Although S. Jeanne taught in schools for 20 years, in 1970 her calling shifted.

During a Chapter meeting, even though S. Jeanne Andre found herself on a committee about senior sisters which led to her becoming the first Director of Retirement for our congregation in 1970.  

At that time, the sisters did not retire! They often worked well into old age and even through health issues. If sisters were asked to stop teaching, the senior sisters felt ashamed. “They thought that it meant they didn’t do good work,” Sister Jeanne explained. At that time, older sisters were sent to live on the site of the former orphanage for girls, St. Rose in Melville. 

As director of retirement, S. Jeanne’s first assignment was to visit the sisters there. “I walked in and saw no one,” she said. With pep in her step, she knocked on their doors proclaiming “Good morning sister!” Peeking out through dark slivers of their doorways, the response was lackluster. “They were angry sisters with nothing to do!” S. Jeanne decided, “We have to get rid of that building and bring them here (to the Motherhouse). It was hard but it was a wonderful change.”

As the sisters were brought to the Motherhouse, S. Jeanne started to develop programs for the older sisters. This program was called the Anselma Program, named for a former prioress, Mother Anselma Ruth, who served from 1943 to 1955. “It was the first formal retirement program and it grew!” she said. Sisters had the opportunity to enjoy ongoing events such as art, liturgy and dance. She recalled teaching autoharp to a handful of enthusiastic sisters. S. Jeanne started the long-standing tradition of taking them on vacations to Montauk which continued for many years! She also held the first Irish Night, a fundraiser that continues to this day, to raise money for our retired members. As changes were made, she shared this information with other religious congregations. Read the full article here.

Location Change for We Move Forward Together Stations

Join us for Stations of the Cross on Sunday, March 12, 2023, sponsored by We Move Forward Together. There has been a location change! The "Stations" will be led by the sisters in in the back of the chapel, and will be followed by refreshments in the DePorres room. Open to all. WMFT.reservations@gmail.com

Register at: hnolty@amityvilleop.org.

Sister Pat Duffy has opened "the Lenten vault" offering her past Lenten reflections. Most recently, she sent a reflection on the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 15 entitled "Lent, it's not about the Candy." If you would like to receive emails during this Lenten season from the Lenten Vault, please contact Sister Pat Duffy at sisterpatduffy@gmail.com. Click here for the Lenten reflection.

Sunday, March 12, 2023: Stations of the Cross sponsored by We Move Forward Together in St. Albert Chapel and led by the sisters. Open to all. WMFT.reservations@gmail.com

Wednesday, March 15 at 7 PM: Holy Trinity’s Lenten Life Series with S. Terry Rickard entitled, "Finding Living Water In A Drought." All of the talks will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel. Here is the link.

Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 6:30 PM: Join "We Move Forward Together" for a virtual Lenten Soup Supper. With Holy Week fast approaching, and in the early days of Ramadan, we gather online, to pray, listen, reflect with one another, and give to those in need as we share a simple bread and soup meal (bring yours to the screen).

Register at: hnolty@amityvilleop.org.

Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 7 PM: The Way of the Cross, a Lenten Meditation, will be led by the Dominican Young Adult group from Caldwell, New Jersey. The group called Flames of Fire will lead the meditation of the Stations of the Cross with portrayals by affiliates of the Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing. Click here to register.

Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 at 7 PM: Holy Trinity’s Lenten Life Series with Rev. Anthony Randazzo and Rev. Jeremy Jenkins entitled, "Passion and Compassion." Here is the Livestream link.

Irish Night Raises Spirits and Funds!

Thanks to the generosity of our loyal supporters, this year’s Irish Night raised more than $50,000 for the care of our retired sisters residing at the Motherhouse. We have heard from so many members of our Dominican Family about how much they enjoyed the event. To view a recap of this year's festivities, please visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_kSc7L0elo

 Thank you for your prayers leading up to the event and positive feedback afterwards.

 We hope to see you all next year as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Irish Night!

A Book Discussion: Under the Sky We Make

We will be reading and discussing the book "Under the Sky We Make" by Kimberly Nicholas, PhD. The book is subtitled, "How to be Human in a Warming World." The discussion will take place at the end of April or the beginning of May to give us enough time to read the book. Please join us.

The Long Island Immigration Clinic 1st Anniversary

As reported in last week's The Preaching Continues, the Long Island Immigration Clinic (LIIC)

celebrated its 1st anniversary. Here is a summary of what has been done in its first year. Be aware of the fact that we Dominicans of Amityville have been involved in this effort both financially as well as by presence.

     * 330 inquiries in the first 10 months of operation;

117 inquiries in the first 2 months of 2023.

     * 45 cases (92 individuals) were accepted who met the program criteria.

     * LIIC has completed more than 100 consultations both in-person and over the phone with Immigrant Friends (Asylum Seekers)

     * 33 asylum applications have been filed (63 individuals).

    * Two youth under 21 were referred to an attorney who filed their paperwork in Family Court; both received Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, allowing

     them a pathway to citizenship.

    * Three immigrant families' cases have been adjudicated thus far in court;

two families were granted to remain in the US under Convention Against Torture;

one family was granted asylum.

    * LIIC has begun completing employment work authorizations for those whose asylum applications have been filed with immigration court

(once they reach the 150-day threshold).



    LIIC has trained more than 75 volunteers, who assist with the completion of the asylum applications under the supervision of volunteer immigration attorneys.

Gods' work of mercy and justice is being done!!

A Letter from S. Honora: Meeting Dominican Family

"On Sunday, March 5th, I had the opportunity to meet with the broader Dominican Family at Mariandale.

Durstyn (Dusty) Farnan, OP, our presence at the United Nations (UN), in cooperation with Dominican Sisters International (DSI) and Dominican Sisters Conference (DSC) gathered 10 Dominican Sisters from around the world to spend time here at the UN in NY this week.

Traveling on the train each day from Mariandale to the UN, they attended the annual UN Commission on the Status of Women held each year in March. Besides providing our sisters with a concrete experience of the workings of the UN regarding the topic of women and girls worldwide, it also offers an experience of global solidarity among us as sisters, each from her own particular country. We all share in the same struggles to advocate for the dignity of women and girls and to empower them to be their best selves in every possible way.

While the gathering was small (approximately 25 sisters), the joy and appreciation for belonging to the Dominican Family was great and was expressed many times. For me, it was a delight to listen to and be inspired by these strong and courageous women."

- Honora Nolty

Lenten Guide

The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee is offering a weekly prayer and reflection opportunity this Lenten season rooted in environmental justice. This effort is based on Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si'. Each week will focus on one of the seven goals of Laudato Si'. Please find attached reflection questions and possible actions for:

Laudato Si Week 3 | Laudato Si Week 4 | Laudato Si Week 5

Click here to find more information about Laudato Si on our webpage.

Sister John Lee Professes her Vows and Meets Up with Sister Anna Kim

(Above) Please enjoy pictures from S. John Lee's profession of her final vows!

(At left) S. John Lee meets up with S. Anna Kim at a street demonstration in South Korea. They...connected to each other through Homecoming Farm. We were fortunate to have these two wonderful sisters stay with us for a time (each in different years), live in community with the Sisters in Rosary Hall, and work with their hands and hearts in the soil of Homecoming Farm. They will forever be a part of us. - S. Jeanne Clark

Congratulations and Thanks: Thank you and congratulations to our Associates Rob Cammarata, Vinnie Whitfield, Laurie Whitfield, and Suzanne Richards who, as members of the Moving Forward Committee, conducted an inspirational and thought-provoking Stations of the Cross in Mother Josepha Hall in the Motherhouse last Sunday afternoon.

Long Island Intercongregational Associates Meeting

Laudato Si’ - Dare to Care

Date and Time: March 19, 2023, from 12:30 - 2:30 PM

Presenters: S. Helene Jakubowksi, RSM and Mercy Associate Kitchie Tonry,

This event will be presented via Zoom. To participate, please email us at associates@amityop.org by March 6th. See the attached flyer.

HOW TO REGISTER:

To participate, please email us at associates@amityop.org

1. Please provide your name and email.
2. Please indicate whether you will be viewing via Zoom or if you are coming to the Motherhouse to watch with a group in the Martin De Porres Room. See the attached updated flyer.

Dominican Youth Movement: Lenten Meditation & More!

We ask you to join us in praying on March 23rd at 7 PM EST, when the Dominican Young Adult group Flames of Hope, from Caldwell, New Jersey, will be leading “The Way of the Cross: A Lenten Meditation.” We hope that this social justice-focused meditation on Christ’s Passion will deepen your own relationship with the Divine and draw you closer to loving our neighbors...

In a few days, we will be celebrating our 2nd Annual Gala: Building a Bridge for Tomorrow’s Leaders. I am looking forward to sharing our story with you that night and recognizing S. Barbara McEneany’s years of ministry at Dominican University, New York. I want to thank everyone who made this evening possible... our Gala Committee: Carley Ubaldini, Sr. Gina Fleming, OP, Sr. Mary Soher, OP, Sr. Nancy Richter, OP, Anna Sklut, Lisa Boris, Sr. Mary Nolan, OP, and Ryan O’Gorman. If you would like to view our silent auction items, please click here.

Click here for the DYM newsletter.

In Dominic and Catherine,

Sister Katherine Frazier, OP, Executive Director, Dominican Youth Movement USA

Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR!) Offers Program

Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR!) is offering an opportunity for women's religious congregations in the United States to participate in a geriatric certificate program. This program will provide congregations with practical information and guidance on strategic planning to ensure the congregation and its members can thrive. It is run through the Avila Institute of Gerontology in partnership with the Conrad N. Hilton Catholic Sisters Initiative and the Sisters Aging Well Together Initiative.

Information about the program can be found here. Registration is due March 17, 2023. A limited number of scholarships are available. Questions can be directed to the Avila Insitute of Gerontology at (518) 537-5000 or emailing info@avilainstitute.org.

God bless you and prayers for a blessed Lent, Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM, President

Upcoming Retreats at Mt. St. Mary House of Prayer

There are many retreat opportunities at Mt. St. Mary House of Prayer. Click here for their upcoming events. The Mercy in Action Series will continue on Wednesday, March 15th. During this event, the presentation will be led by Dr. Shannen Dee Williams, professor of History at the University of Dayton and author of Subversive Habits: Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African American Freedom. Struggle. Click to Register

March 10, 2023: Dominican Youth Gala from 7:30 to 9 PM. For more, click here.

Native American Healing Project

Monday, March 20, 2023: Attached is a flyer for a free webinars on March 20th about the ongoing USCCB Native American Healing Project, sponsored by Native Boarding School Accountability and Healing Project.

Saturday, March 25, 2023: Homecoming Farm’s Spring Awakening featuring S. Jeanne Clark and her book: "All The Way In: A Story of Activism, Incarceration and Organic Farming"

Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 3:30 to 5PM: There will be a special art exhibit in honor of Women's History Month entitled, "Women of Vision: Seeing with the Eyes of the Spirit." This exhibition will feature the drawings and paintings by Maureen Carey, Ph.D in the Kellenberg Gallery in Kellenberg Hall, on the first floor.

Dear Sisters,

You are invited to a Zoom presentation by Dominican Sisters in Burkina Faso, Honduras, Ecuador and Pakistan on the Challenges and Opportunities of Working with Women's Empowerment in Rural Areas on March 14, 2023 at 8AM Eastern Time. The webinar will be offered in English, Spanish and French.

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZApf-yqrDwuHdX_19dQ_82F2S2ZGhDs6lrj

After registering, a confirmation email will be sent with information about joining the meeting. Please see attached flyers.

Durstyne Farnan, OP

Dominican Leadership Conference,UN Representative

ngo@domlife.org  517-902-3408

25 Years: Dominican Institute of the Arts (DIA)

The Dominican Institute for the Arts is celebrating 25 years! During their July 2023 Gathering they will be celebrating this important milestone of preaching God's Word through art. Please find the Membership Form for anyone who would like to join. Please click here for a special Gathering packet.

Peace, Pat Daly, OP

The OPening Word Program Seeks a Part-Time Assistant

The OPening Word program seeks a part-time assistant to provide operational support to staff and students, and work directly with the Executive Director and Finance Manager. Click here for more: gillian@openingword.org.

RVC Diocese Seeks Principal

The Diocese of Rockville Centre is seeking a Principal for one of their schools. Interested candidates can send resume to: jobs@drvcschools.org.

For more information, click here.

To My Dear Dominican Family,

The Montfort Fathers request our prayers for their brothers and the Church at large in Nicaragua. The situation worsens daily with increased government suppression of the Church. Religious communities are being forced from their homes with property confiscated, and some leaving the country. Schools and other missions are being forced to close. Provincial Fr. Tom Poth asks for our prayers.

Thank you, Margaret Galiardi

Dear Sisters, Associates, and Friends,

My family and I are very grateful for your prayerful support and expressions of sympathy as we continue to mourn the death of my dear sister, Patricia Eames.

Love and prayers, Rita Smith, OP

Condo Availability at Long Beach

The months of March and April are available for one or more Sisters for either a full week or for a weekend or two days during the week. Please contact S. Judy Olsen at lbcondo@amityvilleop.org to reserve your time. You will receive an email confirming your reservation. All Sisters using the condo during this time period will be responsible for cleaning the apartment.

Please call S. Judy Olsen at 917-991-2054 if you have any questions.  

Housing Available at St. Ignatius Convent, Long Beach

Housing is available for one or two sisters to share in community with sisters in St. Ignatius convent, Long Beach. The house has a ramp and chair lift. The church is across the street. The welcome mat is down and awaiting your call. 

Please contact S. Mary Claire Rhatigan at 516 431-2101.

1. S. Jeanne Andre Brendel Jubilee Story
2. Rural Women's Empowerment flyer
3. DIA Gathering Packet
4. Lenten reflection
5. Defensive Driving Course form in Word or pdf format
6. L.I. Inter-Congregational Associates flyer
7. March 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 Birthdays!