Words of Gratitude - Dominican Sisters of Sparkill

SUMMER 2014
Words of Gratitude
The day I began writing to you, our faithful and wonderful friends and donors, it was warm and
sunny with the trees in full bloom. In many ways this beauty speaks to me of each one of you
who has chosen to share in our mission as Dominican Sisters of Sparkill.
Over the past few months because of your generosity our elder sisters have been the recipients
of a new awning which will allow for an outdoor gathering space during these warmer months.
Additional handrails throughout Dominican Convent and new beds for Siena Hall will be a great
assist for many of our sisters as well. They are most grateful to each one of you and pray daily in
gratitude to God for you and your intentions.
The needs of our ministries and those whom we minister with are important ways in which your contributions enable
us to continue our mission and share the message of the Gospel with others. You truly are our partners in mission and
we are so blessed by your generosity. Because of you we have been able to share the Good News with so many others:
• Young women who attend Aquinas High School in the south Bronx, NY receive financial aid to help in making
affordable, quality Catholic education for those young women who without this assistance would not have the
opportunity for this education.
• Many services are provided through Elizabeth’s Place in Duval Roche, Haiti. These services are so vital to the rebuilding
of hope for so many young children. At Elizabeth’s Place the young can experience the care of others and hope
for their future. You help to keep that hope alive.
• The young students at St. Paul’s Mission School, Hays MT can enjoy the benefit of safe playground equipment.
• You have made a difference in the life of the young girls studying in our Hostels in Bahawalpur and Loreto. You help
them with many everyday basic needs as they pursue their education.
• The children in the Family Center in East Saint Louis, Illinois receive assistance and help through after school programs
that help them with their studies and provided a safe place to come to for social and educational support. Your
contributions help these young people to know that others care for them and want to see them happy and successful.
• The Father Jim Karaffa Business Academy provides for women in Nairobi, Kenya to receive an education and the
opportunity to change their lives and the lives of their children through learning and implementing the skills
needed to open small micro-businesses in their communities.
Yes, you touch the lives of so many across the globe. Your reach is long and the Gospel is shared and spread wide and far
through your love and generosity. We ask God to continually bless you and take care of you. May the summer months
be ones of rest and relaxation for you.
God bless you always!
Sr. Mary Murray, OP
President, Dominican Sisters, Sparkill
DOMINICAN SISTERS • DOMINICAN CONVENT • 175 ROUTE 340 • SPARKILL, NY 10976 • 845 359-4173 www.sparkill.org
Continuing the
100th Anniversary
Cherish the Ladies –
An Afternoon of Irish Song and
Dance – Sunday, April 6
of Sacred Heart Chapel
We opened this milestone anniversary
year in October 2013 with a concert
100 Years of Broadway, starring Neil
Berg, award winning composer,
known for his artistry and dedication to community
service. The 350 guests who joined us enjoyed listening
to songs from shows
that spanned 100
years. This was truly a
wonderful beginning
to this joyful celebration.
Since January we have
hosted four more events
that have included:
An Evening with James Martin, SJ
Thursday, January 23
His presentation “Between Heaven
and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor and
Laughter Are at the Heart of the
Spiritual Life” was attended by 300
guests. Fr. Martin offered many
wonderful insights into the spiritual
life and regaled the crowd with his
humor. He also spoke of his love for Sisters, whom he
described as his ‘heroes.’ Following his lecture he
greeted our guests and signed books. Despite the winter weather and change in venue (from Sacred Heart
Chapel to Dominican Convent) the evening was
enjoyed by the many in attendance.
Celtic Incantation – A Concert of Blessings and
Prayers – Wednesday, March 26
From the rich store of Celtic Spirituality,
Dr. Kathleen Deignan, CND, along with
her sister and poet Ann, as well as two
other very talented performers,
evoked some inspiring themes of the
tradition that invited those in attendance into the realm of the Mystery.
In word, image, and song they wove sacred spirals from
old patterns, imaging new forms of contemplative
practice. Our Sisters and guests were blessed with an
evening of old incantations from the ancient musical
treasures of Ireland, as well as new songs of Kathleen’s
original composition and Ann’s poetry – all blessings
and gifts of eternal grace.
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Joanie Madden, Mary Coogan,
Mirella Murray, Grainne Murphy,
Kathleen Boyle and world renowned
Irish Step Dancers wowed the close
to 350 guests who joined us for a
spirited and enjoyable show. The afternoon started
with lunch which was catered and gifted to us by Sean
and Helen Slattery of Slattery’s Landing in Piermont, NY.
Cherish the Ladies takes their name from a traditional
Irish jig and celebrates the rise of female musicians in
a once male-dominated scene. Since 1985 they have
become known
throughout our
world and have
entertained thousands of people.
Those in attendance left Sacred
Heart Chapel filled
with music and
the words of familiar Irish tunes!
Sr. Margaret Gerard
Our next event took place on
Sunday, April 27. Teens from
throughout Rockland County,
NY joined us for the first
Youth Event - with the goal
of getting to meet and know
the Dominican Sisters of
Sparkill.
Hosted at Dominican Convent
the gathering, titled “Catch
the Fire” Youth Day,
welcomed seventh and
eighth grade children from
Srs. Angelique Dryden local parishes in the Rockland
and Kathy Logan
County area for an afternoon
of conversation, celebration, and mission. Realizing
that most young children today—even those attending Catholic schools— do not have many opportunities
to meet or spend time with Sisters, the Sparkill
Dominicans sought to welcome children from their
community in this way. The day created an atmosphere where the children could interact informally
with our Sisters, asking whatever questions they
wanted. Conversations revealed that the children were
indeed very curious about who Sisters are, what they
do, and why they choose to become Sisters.
DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
SUMMER 2014
The day featured interactive games between the
children and the many Sisters who attended, such as
an information scavenger hunt, along with lively
dialogue and presentations. Ten dynamic student
volunteers from Albertus Magnus High School in
Bardonia, NY, helped organize the activities and
engaged with participants throughout the afternoon.
Entertainment and a special concert were provided by
musical guest Full Armor Band, a New York-based
Catholic rock group. The band brought a high energy
level to the gathering and taught the crowd their
original song “Lead Me to the Light,” which became the
theme song for the day. The day culminated in the
historic Sacred Heart Chapel with a Mass celebrated
by Msgr. Emmet R. Nevin, Vicar of Rockland County. It
was a joyous occasion as the group also celebrated
another important event of the day: the canonizations
of Saints John XXIII and John Paul II.
Sisters and thousands of children throughout the
years. In celebrating this milestone anniversary we give
thanks to God for this sacred place that has served as
the spiritual heart of our congregation’s many
ministries as they have evolved over the years.
Upcoming 100th Anniversary Events:
Saturday, July 19
Family and Friends Day,
hosted at Dominican Convent, Sparkill
Beginning with Lunch at 12:00 pm
and ending with 4:00 Liturgy
Sunday, October 12
Come Celebrate the Journey,
hosted at Epiphany of the Lord
Church, St. Louis, MO 2:00 pm
Another highlight of this anniversary year was receiving
a Merit Award from the Rockland County Historical
Society. Since 1991 the Historical Society of Rockland
County has presented over 65 awards to public
agencies, private individuals, community-based
groups, and religious organizations
in recognition of
their preservation
efforts in the County.
The Society also
supports continued,
critical action to
help save Rockland
County’s environmentally sensitive areas and endangered architecture. Instituted to preserve the rich
historical heritage of the County, the annual program
celebrates each May a declaration of Rockland County
Preservation Week.
Saturday, November 22
100th Anniversary Mass
at Sacred Heart Chapel at 4:30 pm
Nominated by one of our Sisters, Ursula Joyce, OP, we
were selected as one of the 2014 recipients of this
Merit Award. Sacred Heart Chapel has been a landmark
in Rockland County and the importance of preserving
it has been in keeping with our commitment to honor
and care for the Earth. The award, along with numerous
certificates from NY State dignitaries, was gratefully
accepted on May 18th by Sr. Mary Murray, OP.
From the Neil Berg Concert to ‘Catch the Fire’ Youth
Day the series of events has been a part of the yearlong celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Sacred
Heart Chapel. As the spiritual home to the Sisters and
children who lived at the Sparkill property when it was
St. Agnes Convent and Home, this beautiful chapel has
been a foundation in the lives of over 1,100 Dominican
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The Dominican Sisters are grateful to those who have
joined us for the past events and for supporting our
myriad of ministries and enabling us to continue to offer
holistic and compassionate care to our elder members.
You have truly blessed us!
DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
SUMMER 2014
Left to right: Sisters Sumaira Sadaf Siddique, Nazia Shafi,
Shanaz Nazir, and Philomena Victor enjoy the celebration that
followed the Mass of Profession.
A Joyful Celebration
February 15 was a most joyful day of celebration for
the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill as our community in
Pakistan gathered to witness the First Profession of
Sr. Philomena Victor and the Final Vows of Sr. Sumaira
Sadaf Saddique, Sr. Nazia Shafi, and Sr. Shahnaz Nazir.
Families and friends of the sisters attended as did
many priests who were educated by our Sisters in
Multan, Bahawalpur and various villages of the
Diocese. Bishop Andrew Francis, Bishop of the Diocese
of Multan, Pakistan officiated at the ceremony which
was held in the Most Holy Redeemer Cathedral.
Sr. Anna Bakhshi accepted these commitments in the
name of the Congregation.
At the end of the mass, Bishop Andrew spoke
graciously about the service given by the Sparkill
Dominicans to the Multan Diocese for more than
50 years. He thanked the community for continuing
its commitment to this mission which began in 1958
and is evidenced today by the arrival of two sisters,
Sr. Eileen Cunningham and Sr. Eileen Sullivan, from
the United States, a teacher and nurse who, already,
are sharing their professional skills.
In keeping with the Congregation’s commitment to
the education of Christian youth in Pakistan, Sr. Philomena
has been involved in the ministry of education in
Multan. Sr. Sumaira’s ministry to education is at the
Dominican Convent School in Bahawalpur, and Sisters
Nazia and Shahnaz minister at the Ibn-E-Mariam
school in Loreto Village.
For the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill this truly was a
joy-filled and blessed day!
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Sister Anna Bakhshi receives the first vows of
Sister Philomena Victor.
The original eight missionaries wave from the railing of
the U.S.S. Constitution as they embark on their mission
to Pakistan on September 12, 1958. Left to right: Sisters
Catherine Raymond Solms, Gilbert Schulte, Rose Patrice
Sasso, Margaret Rose Moran, Suzanne Dolan, Loyola
Tahaney, Margaret Catherine O’Connor,
and Purissima Reilly.
Sister Anna Bakhshi receives
the final vows of
Sister Shanaz Nazir.
Our newest missionaries to Pakistan, Sister Eileen Sullivan
(left) and Sister Eileen Cunningham (right). Seen in the
background is Sister Maureen O’Toole who has been
ministering in Pakistan since 1969.
DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
SUMMER 2014
Spring Event in St. Louis
Sr. Marie Louise
and Bob Laughlin
Trivia Night
Saturday, May 10th
DESIGN CONCEPT: Elizabeth Slenker, OP
A new venue – CBC High School – silent auction,
raffles, and ten rounds of ten questions each
‘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 the elder members of our congregation.
Who are the Friends of..? They describe themselves
as ‘a group of friends and classmates who had the
privilege of being educating by our Sisters in various
schools throughout St. Louis.’ Some even have
relatives who are members of the congregation!
In the past six years over $180,000 has been raised
and our friends have helped with many projects here
at Dominican Convent from the installation of a
generator to the purchase of new beds for Siena Hall.
The Friends of… are a blessing in our lives and for
this we are truly grateful!
The Frie
nds of...
..
Sr. Suzanne Laughlin
and Bob’s wife, Katie
The Friends of the Dominican Sisters’ next fundraiser
is Saturday, September 27 – the 5th Annual
9-Hole Twilight Golf Tournament, held at the Paradise
Valley Golf Club in St. Louis.
For information visit:
www.friendsofdominicansisters.org.
Give Something Special
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.
Name the Dominican Sisters as a beneficiary on
an existing, paid-up Life Insurance Policy.
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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 2014
New York 17th Annual Golf Tournament
Wednesday, June 4
On a beautiful pre-summer day over 100 golfers joined us at Blue Hill Golf Course,
Pearl River, NY for our annual golf outing. From the brunch/lunch, to the
round of golf, to the dinner at the Old Tappan Manor, Old Tappan, NJ,
at which both the golfers and invited guests joined us, the day was
once again a wonderful success.
We are so grateful to all our sponsors:
Greens Fees & Cart Sponsors
Sister Sponsors
Benefactors and Friends of the Dominican Sisters
Marianne Allgaier, St. Louis, MO
All American Contracting Corp, Ridgefield, NJ
Robert Jaeger
Colleen Carolan, Pearl River, NY
Judy Dolfi, Carmel, NY
B. Foschino & Son Landscape, Inc., Norwood, NJ
Tony Foschino
Robert G. Gray, CPA, P.C. Pearl River, NY
Ann Gurney & Family, Brick, NJ
In memory of Sr. Marion Patrice Gurney, OP
Mary Ann & William Hughes, Hampton Bays, NY
Margaret Keane, Yonkers, NY
Catherine Lamb, Toms River, NJ
Packy & Judith Lawler, Lincoln, MA
Theresa Lewis, Nyack, NY
Cecilia Logan, Sparkill, NY
McManus Electrical Contractors, Inc., Pearl River, NY
Michael McManus
MD Sass, New York, NY
Bill McGuire
Judy O’Toole, The Villages, FL
Richter/Dillon Families
In Memory of Buck Richter
Jim Salerno, Wellington, FL
Werner Construction Corp., New City,NY
Bill & Rose Werner
Lunch Sponsor
Puma Lauria Planning Services, Inc., Staten Island, NY
Carl & Chad Puma
Dinner Sponsor
Morrison Senior Dining – a Member of the Compass Group,
Atlanta, GA
Rob Ferrucci & Andrew LaValle
Putting Green
Werner Construction Corp. New City, NY
Bill & Rosemarie Werner
Hole in One Sponsor
JMV Transportation Services, Bethpage, NY
The Scarano Family
Eagle Sponsor
St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY
Dr. Margaret Fitzpatrick, SC and the STAC Community
Birdie Sponsors
Fred Alger & Company, Inc.
Peter W. Latara, Senior VP - Manager of Client Relations
All American Contracting Corp., Ridgefield, NJ
Robert Jaeger
McManus Electrical Contractors, Inc., Pearl River, NY
Michael McManus
Name the 9 Sponsors
Gamco Asset Management
Christopher Desmarais
Legg Mason Investment Counsel, Cincinnati, OH
Ron Bates and Linda Keegan
Friends and Benefactors of the Dominican Sisters
Tee Green Sponsors
Aquinas Painting Contractors, Inc.
Jim & Elizabeth Duganzic, Suffern, NY
B. Foschino & Son Landscape Inc., Norwood, NJ
Tony & Pat Foschino
D&G Electrical Supply Co., Inc, Garnerville, NY
Joseph W. Grabe
Michael J. Higgins Funeral Services, New City, NY
Joseph Damonti
In memory of Mary & Ray Hull & Sr. Teresa Reeves, OP
The Hull Family
John J. Manna, Jr., Nyack NY
Moritz Funeral Home, Tappan, NY
Pfister Maintenance, Inc., Paterson, NJ
Dieter Pfisterer
Friends & Benefactors of the Dominican Sisters
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DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
Tournament Prizes
John Flaherty – Yankees/YES Channel
4 Tickets to a Yankees Game
Clare & Robert Kretzman, Stamford, CT
Gift Certificate: Louie’s on The Avenue, Pearl River, NY
Jon Manos of the Jon Manos Golf Academy, Demarest, NJ
Golf Lesson Gift Certificates
Tom & Kathleen McFarland, New City, NY
Gift Certificate for Brunch for Two at
The Xaviars Restaurant Group
Tom & Charlotte Murray, Cresskill, NJ
New Hope Manor, Inc., Barryville, NY
Linda Borstelman
Pan Associates, Bardonia, NY
Frank & Joan Pandolfi
Jim Salerno, Carvel Ice Cream/Focus Brands
Carvel Gift Certificates
Sparkill East Side Automotive, Inc., Sparkill, NY
Joe & Arlene Verino
Steiners Sports.com
Andrew Rasero, New Rochelle, NY
Gerry & Bonnie Walsh, Haverstraw, NY
Werner Construction Corp., New City, NY
Bill & Rose Werner
Friends & Benefactors of the Dominican Sisters
SUMMER 2014
e winners of the
50/50 Raffle are:
Margaret Schweizerhof
Margaret Staack
Ann McNeila
Congratulations to Our Winners!
In the name of the
Dominican Sisters of
Sparkill – ank You for
your prayers and support
and for enabling us to be
‘WOMEN MAKING A
DIFFERENCE’ in the
lives of people throughout our world! It is
truly a privilege to call you friend and to pray
for you and your intentions.
God Bless,
Sr. Peggy Scarano, OP
Development Director
Looking Ahead...
We Invite you to use/order our
Saturday, July 19
Sunday, October 12
Saturday, November 22
Memorial & Special Occasion Cards
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
T
Sacred Heart
100 Anniversary Events
th
T
Annual November Calendar Raffle
75 Chances to Win $8000
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…”
Calendars will be distributed in September
Proceeds benefit various ministry projects
of the Dominican Sisters
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DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
(Galatians 2:19B)
…Joy in God, my Savior
SUMMER 2014
... Joy in God, my Savior
“You touch the lives of many...
your reach is long...we appreciate
your love and generosity.”
ank You for enabling us to be
Women Making a Difference.
In memory of…
Sr. Marie Helena Phelan, OP
December 27, 2013
a Dominican Sister for 73 Years
Sr. Mary Keehan, OP
formerly: Sr. Marie Edward
January 18, 2014
a Dominican Sister for 61 Years
e Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
Sr. Henrietta Clare Pickles, OP
January 22, 2014
a Dominican Sister for 80 Years
We Invite You to Visit Our Website
www.sparkill.org
Sr. Margaret McCann, OP
formerly: Sr. Dolores Patrice
February 6, 2014
a Dominican Sister for 64 Years
Learn More About
The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
Sr. Mary McLaughlin, OP
formerly: Sr. Andrew Marie
February 10, 2014
A Dominican Sister for 61 Years
• 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: 845-359-4070.
Sr. Teresa Reeves, OP
formerly: Sr. John Teresa
March 3, 2014
a Dominican Sister for 63 Years
• Click the link into Faith Life and read about
retreat and vacation opportunities
Villa St. Joseph: 845-246-4531
Villa St. Dominic: 845-246-8941
Sr. Clement Marie Fay, OP
March 7, 2014
a Dominican Sister for 59 Years
• To learn more about the Dominican Order, visit
www.DominicanLifeUSA.com.
Sr. Marie Thomas McGuire, OP
May 29, 2014
a Dominican Sister for 61 Years
To make a donation, go to our website’s
home page, click Make a Donation which
will take you to the secure page.
Annette Quante
April 25, 2014
Associate, St. Louis, MO
Visit the Development pages to read more
about our fund-raising needs and activities.
For full obituaries please visit our website:
www.sparkill.org
To Make a Donation, go to Development’s
Home Page on our website and
May their souls and all the souls of the
faithful departed rest in peace.
Thank You!
Click: Make a Donation.
The Dominican Sisters are members of:
The National Catholic
Development Conference
The Rockland (County)
Development Council, Inc.
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DOMINICAN WEAVINGS
SUMMER 2014