Embracing the Meaning of Giving

Embracing the Meaning of Giving
There is wonderful timelessness to the Ecclesiastes reading, “To everything there is a season
and a time to every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-22) This passage is as relevant
today as when it was first written. As we enter into the season of summer, it seems appropriate
to reflect on the times that each of you has chosen to be givers and sharers in our, the
Dominican Sisters, mission. Each season of this past year you have been so faithful in your
gifts to our congregation.
In the fall of the year we celebrated the 100th anniversary of Sacred Heart Chapel that stands
on our property in Rockland County, NY. We were so privileged to have Cardinal Timothy
Dolan officiate at this wonderful celebration. On Sunday, October 12th our Sisters in St. Louis celebrated this
milestone in a beautiful Vespers service in the Church of the Epiphany of Our Lord. Both occasions were truly a
time of joy for us. Against the backdrop of the 100th anniversary were the many ways in which the gift of giving
evidenced itself among our donors and friends.
This year contributions have enabled us to assist young students in Aquinas High School, Bronx, NY to receive a
quality Catholic education that is preparing them for whatever their futures hold for them. Your contributions
have enabled students from Siena College in Loudonville, NY to reach out to local needs and international needs
through programs that support and enable young people to succeed in their lives. Other programs your
generosity has supported: the Summer Camp at East Side Heart and Home Family Center in East St. Louis, IL;
enabling the staff of Dowling Gardens in Sparkill, NY to assist the senior residents in enhancing their quality of
living; benefitted an online learning program that has helped the young students from bi-lingual homes at
St. Paul School in Valley Cottage, NY find success and joy in learning to read; and children in the villages of Duval
Roche and Cuvier in Haiti have participated in programs aimed at meeting their needs.
In particular you are assisting with the needs of the senior Sisters living in Dominican Convent, our Motherhouse.
Through your contributions two generators are in process of being installed which will help when power outages
occur, especially in the cold winters of late. And you have help us reverence our departed Sisters through
necessary renovations and upgrades in St. Agnes Cemetery, located here in Sparkill.
Yes, you have embraced the meaning of giving and you have done it time and time again with so much love
and devotion. We are so deeply indebted to you. We could not be giving to so many were it not for your friendship, prayers and generous support.
Thank you and God bless you!
Sr. Mary Murray, OP
President, Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
DOMINICAN SISTERS • DOMINICAN CONVENT • 175 ROUTE 340 • SPARKILL, NY 10976 • 845 359-4173 www.sparkill.org
and curious’. The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill know
they are blessed to have celebrated the 100th milestone birthday of this truly wonderful woman,
especially during this Year of Consecrated Life, as
proclaimed by Pope Francis. Together we bring to life
the words: ‘Look to the past with gratitude ● Live the
present with passion ● Embrace the future with hope.
(from the Apostolic Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis, Nov. 21, 2014).
Happy 100th Birthday Sr. Alberta Blasé
A wonderful birthday party was held on Thursday,
April 16 to honor a new centenarian.
Sr. Alberta Blasé, OP
joyfully celebrated her
birthday surrounded by
her Sparkill Dominican
Sisters and many friends.
Originally from Maplewood, Missouri, Sr. Alberta
entered the Dominican
Sisters of Sparkill February
1937 and spent many
years ministering in child
care and hospitality. From
1938-42, she cared for babies in the infirmary at
St. Agnes Home and School for Children in Sparkill. The
next 10 years Sister was in child care at St. Ignatius Day
Nursery in Manhattan and from there was assigned to
work at Cardinal McCloskey Home in White Plains as a
dietician and supervisor. It was here that she began
exploring her love of cooking and assisted in the
kitchen preparing meals for the children. In 1967 she
moved to the Motherhouse to manage the kitchen
and meal preparation for all the Sisters living at
Dominican Convent, Sparkill. This led to other responsibilities around the convent and she eventually was
‘put in charge’ of all housekeeping and administrative
needs in the building. In 1986, she and her identical
twin sister, Sr. Loretta Blasé, OP (RIP), also a member of
our congregation, had the opportunity to minister in
Rome, Italy as cooks at the Dominican House of Studies.
This was a unique ministry, both from a religious and
a culinary perspective and one thoroughly enjoyed by
‘the twins’ and all who came to know and love them.
Sr. Alberta retired in 2004 following many dedicated
years of service to our congregation and resides in
Siena Hall, Dominican Convent. Our Sisters and her
friends describe Sr. Alberta as ‘extremely creative, gifted,
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Sr. Alberta has truly made a difference in the lives of
people of all ages during her 78 years as a member of
our congregation! For this we, the Dominican Sisters
of Sparkill are grateful! (edited article that appeared in Catholic
New York, NY Archdiocese & Our Town, Orangeburg, NY written by
Kara Donsky, Communications Director, Dominican Sisters, Sparkill)
Introducing our new Novices
Sr. Mehreen Abbas, Anna Bashir, and Reema Ashraf
recently received the Dominican habit from Sr. Anna
Bakhshi (R) and have begun their canonical novitiate
year. Living in Multan, Pakistan, under the guidance of
Sr. Violet Sampour, formation director, they will
continue to deepen their understanding of religious
life and prepare to profess the simple vows of poverty,
chastity and obedience. We ask that you pray for
Srs. Mehreen, Anna, and Reema as they continue their
journey toward full membership as a Dominican Sister.
In the name of all of all of our Sisters in Pakistan –
Thank You! for your continued support of their
ministries in Bahawalpur, Multan, and Loreto. Please
keep them in your prayers.
DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
SUMMER 2015
Spring 2015 Events
Trivia Night
Saturday, May 9th
DESIGN CONCEPT: Elizabeth Slenker, OP
For the second year CBC High School, St. Louis, MO was
the venue for the annual Trivia Night. There were silent
auction items, raffles, and ten rounds of ten questions
that ‘challenged’ the minds of over 400 who attended
this fun event. Once again The Friends of the Dominican
Sisters, after months of planning, hosted a successful
fund-raiser with proceeds supporting our retired/
infirm Sisters.
Who are the Friends of..? They describe themselves
as ‘a group of friends and classmates who had the
privilege of being educated by our Sisters in various
schools throughout St. Louis. Upon hearing the Sisters
were organizing a gathering of friends with the
proceeds benefiting their retirement needs, they
decided to help. The sole purpose of The Friends of…
is ‘to raise funds by organizing events and soliciting
donations with the proceeds going for their general
welfare and needs’ (Bylaws). The Friends of the Dominican
Sisters Sparkill-St. Louis is recognized as a tax exempt
501©(3) public charity by the Internal Revenue Service
and has been in existence since 2008.
Sr. Marie Louise Ruggeri honored for her
70 years as a Dominican Sister.
In the past seven years over $215,000 has been raised
and our friends have helped with many projects that
include installation of back-up generators, purchase of
beds, medical equipment, and other renovations that
have benefitted the Sisters who call Siena Hall,
St. Agnes Residence and Dominican Convent home.
Yes, The Friends… are a blessing in our lives and for
this we are truly grateful!
The Friends of...
next fundraiser is
Saturday, September 26th
The Annual 9-Hole Twilight Golf Tournament
Paradise Valley Golf Club, St. Louis.
For information visit:
www.friendsofdominicansisters.org
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DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
SUMMER 2015
New York 18th
Annual Golf Tournament
Wednesday, June 3
On a weather perfect pre-summer day (after several gloomy, rainy days)
108 golfers joined us at Blue Hill Golf Course, Pearl River, NY for our annual
golf outing. Friends came from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and
Massachusetts and included former students, donors, and family members. From
the brunch/lunch at Emmet’s Castle @ Blue Hill, to the round of golf, to the
dinner at the Old Tappan Manor, Old Tappan, NJ, at which the golfers, guests
and many of our Sisters were in attendance we all agreed that Golf Tournament
2015 was a wonderful success. We are so grateful to all our sponsors:
Greens Fees and Cart Sponsors
Benefactors and Friends of the Dominican Sisters
Lunch Sponsors
Puma Lauria Planning Services, Inc., Staten Island, NY
Carl & Chad Puma
United Healthcare, New York, NY
Louis DeStefano & Nick Hellmuth
Dinner Sponsor
Werner Construction Corp., New City, NY
Bill & Rose Werner
Eagle Sponsor
St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY
Dr. Margaret Fitzpatrick, SC and the STAC Community
Birdie Sponsors
All American Contracting Corp., Ridgefield Park, NJ
Robert Jaeger
Flik Lifestyles - A Member of the Compass Group,
Rye Brook, NY
Rob Ferrucci & Andrew LaValle
Fred Alger Management, Inc., New York, NY
Chelsea Clarette & Peter Latara
McManus Electrical Contractors, Inc., Pearl River, NY
Michael McManus
St. David the King Parish, Princeton Jct. NJ
Fr. Tim Capewell
In honor of Sr. Catherine Patrice Morgan, OP
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DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
SUMMER 2015
Tee/Green Sponsors
Amy Cammerato, Yaphank, NY
Aquinas Painting, Suffern, NY
Jim & Liz Dugandzic
Fred & Elaine Casey, Manchester, NJ
B. Foschino & Son, Inc., Norwood, NJ
Anthony & Pat Foschino
Getler & Gomes P.C., Suffern, NY
Richard W. Sutton, Esq.
Putting Green
Benefactors & Friends of the Dominican Sisters
Name the 9
Bi-State Heating & Air Conditioning, Hillsdale, NJ
Bill Gesner (2 Tees/Greens)
Mary Ann Howley, Moneta, VA
In Memory of Sr. Mary Howley, OP
GAMCO, Rye, NY
Christopher Desmarais
19/19 Investment Counsel, Cincinnati, OH
Ron Bates & Linda Keegan
J.A.M Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Joseph A. Mezzasalma, West Nyack, NY
Hole in One Sponsor
John Manna, Upper Nyack, NY
Morgan Stanley, Greenwich, CT
John Mahon
MD SASS, New York, NY
Bill McGuire, VP (3 Tees/Greens)
Pfister Maintenance Corp, Inc.
Dieter Pfisterer
The Scarano Family
In Memory of Jim
In memory of Mary & Ray Hull & Sr. Teresa Reeves, OP
The Hull Family
Rockland Toyota, Blauvelt, NY - Janu Sama
Sister Sponsors
All American Contracting Corp., Ridgefield Park, NJ
Robert Jaeger
Beckerle Lumber Supply Co., Inc. Spring Valley, NY
Brenner, McDonagh, Tortolani, Tarrytown, NY
especially our good friend John Tortolani
C. Blackburn, Inc., Elizaville, NY
Michael Porter
Colleen Carolan, Pearl River, NY
Judy Dolfi, Carmel, NY
Richard E. Feldmann, Holtsville, NY
B. Foschino & Son, Inc., Norwood, NJ
Anthony & Pat Foschino
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DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
SUMMER 2015
Robert G. Gray, CPA, P.C., Pearl River, NY
Robert G. Gray
Mary Ann Hughes, Hampton Bays, NY
Margaret Keane, Yonkers, NY
Cecilia Logan, Sparkill, NY
Tom & Olga McGowan, Hauppauge, NY
The Day’s Helpers…
Sr. Maureen Bradshaw, OP
Sr. Marie Peter Buckley, OP
Sr. Patricia Cody, OP
Sr. Jude Miriam DePalma, OP
Sr. Eileen Cunningham, OP
Sr. James David McDonough, OP
McManus Electrical Contractors, Inc., Pearl River, NY
Michael McManus
Development Office Staff…
Judy O’Toole, The Villages, FL
Carol Salem-Abbott, Fort Collins, CO
Linda Sancho, Delanson, NY
Sr. Jeanne Burns, OP
Sr. Margaret Strychalski, OP
Katelyn McGovern
Sparkill East Side Automotive, Inc., Sparkill, NY
Joe & Arlene Verrino
Alumnae of Rosary Academy, Sparkill, NY
Tournament Prizes
Anonymous – A Mets Fan
4 Tickets to a Mets’ Game + Parking
Bill Baldes – Tappan Golf Center, Tappan, NY
Gift Certificate for Golf Lessons
B & B Auto-Body, Haverstraw, NY
Bill Dillane
John Flaherty – Yankees/Yes Channel
4 Tickets to a Yankees Game
Maris Donnelly Connington
Yvonne ‘Cookie’ Morales
Go to friends…
Debbie Logatto
Tom & Kathleen McFarland
Billy Purvis
And Most Especially to:
The Sponsors, Golfers, and Donors
for your continued support which enable us to be
‘WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE’
in the lives of people throughout our world!
New Hope Manor, Inc.
Linda Borstelmans
Linda Sancho, Delanson, NY
Jana Trnovcova, New York, NY
Joan & Frank Pandolfi, Nanuet, NY
e winners of the
50/50 Raffle were:
Jon Manos of the Jon Manos Golf Academy, Closter, NJ
Gift Certificates for Golf Lessons
• John Lawler •
• Lorraine Stratis •
• Packy Lawler •
Moritz Funeral Home, Tappan, NY
Sal & Cathy Stillo
LaFontanella – Ristorante Italiano, Tappan, NY
Congratulations to Our Winners!
Eat & Shop Gift Cards
Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
Gift Bags & Wine
Don & Sue Peckman, Pearl River, NY
Bottled Water & Pens
Andrew LaValle
Flik Lifestyles – a Member of the Compass Group
Carvel Gift Certificates
Jim Salerno, Wellington, FL
In the name of the
Dominican Sisters of Sparkill –
It is truly a privilege to call you friend and to
pray for you and your intentions.
God Bless,
Special Thanks to…
The Staff at Emmet’s Castle & Blue Hill Golf Course,
Pearl River, NY
Office of Recreation & Parks, Town of Orangetown
Sr. Peggy Scarano, OP
Development Director
Martin Shanley & his Staff at Old Tappan Manor,
Old Tappan, NJ
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DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
SUMMER 2015
Looking Ahead...Save the Date
Sparks of Light November
ANNUAL AWARDS & RECEPTION
Annual
Calendar Raffle
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015
75 Chances to
Win $8000
Honoring:
Sr. Elizabeth Hasselt, OP
Calendars will be
distributed
in September
Executive Director, Encore Community Services, NYC
Sr. Patricia Mary Walsh, OP
Executive Director, Emmaus House, Ocean Grove, NJ
Rose & Bill Werner
Proceeds benefit
various ministry
projects of the
Dominican Sisters
Werner Construction Corp., Inc., New City, NY
Invitation and Sponsorship Opportunities will follow in early September.
For advanced information contact: Development Office
@ 845-359-4173 or: [email protected].
Give Something Special
Name the Dominican Sisters as a beneficiary on
an existing, paid-up Life Insurance Policy.
Pledge a Monthly/Quarterly Gift
Make an outright gift of stock or securities.
~ 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 (www.sparkill.org/make a donation).
Remember the Dominican Sisters in your estate
plan. Our official title is: Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary, Sparkill, NY.
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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. Peggy @
845-359-4173 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.
DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
SUMMER 2015
Learn More About
The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
by visiting our website:
www.sparkill.org
• Click the link Who We Are & Our Mission
In memory of…
• Click the link into The Center Shop located at
Dominican Convent for sale items that range from
books, cards, candles, CD’s + more. Call: 845-359-4070.
Mary Ann Bockelman
St. Louis Associate for 29 years
December 22, 2014
• To learn more about the Dominican Order, visit
www.DominicanLifeUSA.com
Sr. Catherine Mary Gorman, OP
March 8, 2015
a Dominican Sister for 64 years
To Make a Donation, go to Development’s Home Page on our website and
Sr. Jean Marshall, OP
formerly Sr. Rita Vincent
May 7, 2015
a Dominican Sister for 56 years
Click: Make a Donation.
which will take you to the secure page.
Thank You!
For full obituaries please visit our website:
www.sparkill.org
May their souls and all the souls of the
faithful departed rest in peace.
We Invite you to use/order our
Memorial & Special
Occasion Cards
T
T
“You touch the lives of many...
your reach is long...we appreciate
your love and generosity.”
ank you for embracing the
meaning of giving.
Cards can be ordered via our website:
www.sparkill.org (form accessed from our
home page) or by writing to or calling
our Development Office
c/o Sr. Peggy
Dominican Sisters
175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY 10976
TEL 845 359-4173
www.sparkill.org
My being
proclaims the greatness of
the Lord…
and finds Joy…
My being
proclaims the greatness of
the Lord...
and finds Joy...
“…No longer do
I live but Christ
lives in me…”
(Galatians 2:19B)
…Joy in God, my Savior
... Joy in God, my Savior
The Dominican Sisters are members of:
e Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
The National Catholic
Development Conference
The Rockland (County)
Development Council, Inc.
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DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
SUMMER 2015