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Marjorie Coello and Bobby Kretz bring a pollinator garden to the Motherhouse Grounds|

S. Lissette helps a parish in Puerto Rico prepare for future storms in an ecological way. | Sisters celebrate their August birthdays.

WORDS of WISDOM

“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.” ― St. Augustine of Hippo

SHARINGS from LEADERSHIP

A Column by the Leadership Team

Founders Day

We will celebrate Founders Day on Saturday, September 7th with a presentation by Sister Anne Lythgoe at 1 PM in Mother Josepha Hall, a Liturgy at 2:45 PM in St. Albert Chapel, and a dinner in Mother Josepha Hall with DJ Joe McHale.

The Presentation and Liturgy will be shown on Channel 591 in the Motherhouse. The liturgy will be live-streamed on our website.

RSVP: Please respond by Tuesday, September 3, 2024, to Barbara Nirrengarten at bnirrengartenop@amityop.org.

Sisters of St. Dominic 100% pure honey from the bees in our apiary at $12 per jar will be available for purchase on Founders Day. Please bring cash or a check to pay, no credit cards. If you are buying several jars, please bring your own bag.

Save the Date for Our Congregational Jubilee Day

Help us celebrate our 2024 Jubilarians on Saturday, September 28th with a Liturgy at 11 AM.

Sister Lissette's Parish Creates Climate Resilience Hub in Response to Extreme Storms

Our very own Dominican Sr. Lissette Avilés-Ríos was featured in an article in Earthbeat, a publication associated with the National Catholic Reporter

Her parish, Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish in Cataño, Puerto Rico, installed solar in March to prepare for the threat of storms and to serve as a safe hub for the community. S. Lissette, a member of the Parish Pastoral Council, explained that this will make the parish independent rather than rely on the country's electric grid which is unstable and frequently experiences power outages like those caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Click here to read the full article.

Liturgical Ministers Needed: Sunday Vespers & Founders Day

Vespers: We are preparing our schedule for the monthly Sunday Vespers at 3PM. If you are available to preside or preach on any of the following dates, please contact Elaine J. at ejliturgy@amityop.org.

The Vesper dates are:

September 15th

October 20th

November 17th

March 23rd

May 18th

Founders' Day: Please contact Elaine also if you can serve as a Eucharistic Minister at the 2:45PM liturgy on September 7th.

On Tuesday, August 20, we celebrated our August birthdays - Carlin Hall had 14 birthday Sisters! Thanks to all of our volunteers and goodbye to our volunteer Emily who leaves this week for college! It was great having her to help over the summer.

Our Beekeeper Gives Special Presentation to Sisters

On Friday, August 23, the third-floor dining room was buzzing with activity- literally! 

Sisters had a visit from our beekeeper, Rich Meyer, who brought an observation hive filled with real bees from our apiary on Motherhouse grounds. 

Rich delivered an hour-long presentation about the lives of bees and what’s involved in making honey. He brought informational posters to share with sisters.

Sister Bernadette DeMayo marveled at the the bees. "I can't stop thinking about how the bees work as a community," she said. "Everyone has a job. They all work together and come together. We can learn so much from them."

Rich has been a beekeeper for 10 years part-time, also working a full-time job in New York City. He has helped to expand our apiary (the place where the bees are kept) to include some of his beehives. 

This informational event was organized by Sister Diane Morgan, Sister Diane Capuano, as well as Recreational Coordinator Joan Regan. Thanks to all those who helped. Jars of our honey will be on sale on Founders Day on September 7th for $12.

Did you know?

• A honey bee can fly up to 15 miles per hour.
• One pound of honey is made up of two million flower visits.
• A honey bee -- who has five eyes -- can see ultraviolet light which helps them find pollen and nectar.

Couple Creates Pollinator Garden on Motherhouse Grounds

Bobby Kretz and Marjorie Coello had a big dream, but a small yard in Amityville. The young couple loved gardening, but lacked space in their yard for this growing hobby.

When they discovered that the sisters' land was under the protection of the Peconic Land Trust, they reached out to the congregation in January, 2024.

Now, 15 wooden plant boxes are popping with poppies and zinnias, dahlia and dill, cosmos and cornflowers, among other flowers. It is a pollinator's paradise that beckons and sustains our honey bees, as well as monarch butterflies and other beneficial insects.

"Sister Diane told us that gardening is like praying twice," said Marjorie.

The duo is happy to be part of the beautification of the property. "We enjoy creating a beautiful space of joy for the sisters and visitors," said Bobby. ""We would love to bring more native flowers and create more boxes for native perennials."

Bobby is a teacher with a huge interest in the native plant movement which works to support and plant ecosystem for indigenous species. Marjorie is a therapist at Long Island Counseling Services in East Meadow who loves to create beautiful flower bouquets. Marjorie and Bobby feel that their goals align with the mission of the sisters. "In the sisters we have found a partnership, an alliance," Bobby said.

The flower garden was a collaborative effort in which our congregation provided and moved the wooden boxes into place, as well as filled them with healthy soil. Bobby and Marjorie helped to install a drip system to irrigate the flowers, planted the seeds and cared for the garden.

The couple has always felt a strong connection to the Motherhouse property. For Bobby, it feels like a link to his family who settled in Amityville in the 1800s. His grandparents are buried in Trinity Roman Catholic Ceremony, adjacent to the Motherhouse grounds. "We walk the grounds, visiting the chapel on the hill and have often imagined being part of this land," said Bobby. "When you are here, it doesn't feel like Amityville anymore."

Marjorie was drawn to the soil (her grandfather had a farm) and the spirituality of this place. She grew up attending St. Benedict Joseph Labre Parish in Queens and her family was religious with a deep love for the Rosary. She loves visiting St. Dominic Chapel and finds it special that the sisters offer a Rosary walk on the property.

Office of Pastoral Care

Sisters gathered to listen to the Leadership Conference for Women Religious this month.

Living into the Resurrection: Motherhouse Retreat Will be Led by S. Mary Jo Nelson

There will be a retreat in Amityville this fall. The theme for our retreat is “Living into the Resurrection – the Call of Religious Life in These Times” which will be held on October 23rd-25th. The leader of the retreat will be Sister Mary Jo Nelson, Past President of Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters.

S. Mary Jo is a dynamic and energetic speaker who is currently a member of the National Office Staff of LCWR. For the last five years, S. Mary Jo has facilitated a community-wide process that has prepared her community to live religious life in the next phase of its journey. The sisters have created new and simplified structures and processes with new partners. They also have attended to the meaning of their lives as women religious in new circumstances and realities. As we draw closer to the time of the retreat, I will forward more specific details.

All are welcome to attend this retreat to spend time in prayer, however at this time, we cannot offer overnight accommodation.

Blessings, Elizabeth

Associate News

Associate Coordinating Committee: Sister Fran Gorman (left) has completed her four-year term as member of the Associates Coordinating Committee. As of September, S. Jane Creighton will join the group. We cannot thank S. Fran enough for her many years of dedicated service to the associates. In 1976, Fran was among those sisters who were appointed to the Alternate Forms of Membership Committee. After helping to develop the program, Fran participated as a member of the then newly formed Associate Core Committee from 2008 until 2017. The committee consisted of two vowed members and two associate members. Fran graciously consented to re-join the committee in 2020. We are deeply grateful for Fran’s quiet, steady, dedicated service as well as for her vision of what could be in terms of alternate forms of membership in our Dominican family.

Sister Fran is grateful for the opportunity. "I’ve been involved with the associates since the very beginning,” said Sister Fran. “It was a wonderful experience to meet so many associates, and to accompany them in prayer and celebration of Dominican life.” 

We also are delighted to welcome Sister Jane (right) as the newest member of the Core Committee. Jane has many years of experience as an educator and as an administrator. Presently, she is teaching in Opening Word at the Amityville site. Her sense of humor, her organizational ability, and her enthusiasm will be a welcome addition. Thank you, Jane, for your yes.

"I am very pleased and excited to join the committee," said Sister Jane. She has enjoyed getting to know many associates and to meet more. "I look forward to working alongside them. This is a very good program which is very special to our community."

Associates Retreat: Twenty-four associates, associate candidates, and sisters attended the Associates Retreat at St. Joseph’s Villa in Hampton Bays during the week-end of August 23^rd  to 25^th. S. Peggy Murphy from Middletown, New York presented on the theme of Mary. It was a wonderful experience for all, and we thank S. Peggy for all of her preparation time and her joyful presence among us. 

Dominican Sister Donna Ciangio Presents on Synod

The National Dominican Associate Directors invites associates, sisters, and candidates to join in a presentation and discussion on "St. Phoebe, Deacon and the Women who followed Christ in Ministry" on September 14 a 1PM via Zoom.

Dominican Sister of Caldwell Donna Ciangio, OP -- the Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ -- will also be leading the "Synodality" process for the diocese. She will work with the Associate Directors at their annual meeting including a conversation on "The Synod on Synodality and the Post Synod Conversation in the spirit, practical application to associate and personal life."

Dominican Month of Peace Will Focus on Haiti

This year, in December, the Dominican Month of Peace will focus on Haiti. More information will follow.

LSAP Year 3:

An Invitation from NETWORK

A NETWORK event entitled, "White Supremacy and American Christianity: We Choose Freedom" will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 7PM.

As we near elections, NETWORK invites you to a crucial conversation about the importance of participating in our political process through multi-issue voting.

In this program, we explore how, when we participate in our country’s public life, we ensure the future of all the freedoms that we enjoy in a vibrant democracy. Participation builds a future where every person can thrive, no exceptions. In this conversation, we will once more engage Fr. Bryan Massingale of Fordham University and Dr. Robert P. Jones of the Public Religion Research Institute on what it means to choose freedom, especially through the practice of multi-issue voting. We will also meet young adults serving as Coston Fellows in NETWORK’s Young Advocates Leadership Lab (YALL) who are actively working to promote participation in multi-issue voting in their on-campus communities! White supremacy, especially in the form of Christian nationalism, poses an ever-clearer threat to our freedoms and to democracy as a whole. You won’t want to miss this conversation! Click here to register for this virtual event. Unable to attend live? Please register to receive the recording!

Opening Word Seeks Bookkeeper Part-Time This Year

The Opening Word Program - a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Dominic supporting refugee and immigrant women - seeks a part-time bookkeeper with Quickbooks experience to manage organizational budget, income and expenses, and grants expenditures. 5-10 hours per week in the Amityville office. Please send any inquiries or expressions of interest to: office@openingword.org

Have Any Large Baskets? Opening Words Seeks Donations

The Opening Word is preparing to celebrate "Thanks for Giving" - and will be grateful for your donations of EXTRA LARGE baskets to be used for our raffle prizes! If you have any empty baskets that are 18x24 inches or bigger! please label "for Opening Word" and leave at the Switchboard or, preferably, call: (631) 643-0541 to arrange for pick up or drop-off directly at Opening Word. Thanks for Giving will be held Saturday, September 23rd - we hope to see you there!

Dominican Village Invites you to A Night Under the Stars

The North Shore Pops will perform “A Night under the Stars” on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 7:30 PM in Helen Butler Hall. See the flyer.

Night Prayer in the Dominican Tradition

Join with us in September as we pray Night Prayer in the Dominican tradition. No books or papers required, just an open grateful heart!

Dates: Wednesdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25, October 2

Time/Place: 8 pm via Zoom

Led by: Lori Andrews, Dominican Associate

Registration link: https://bit.ly/4fFIFHG

SPECIAL EVENT:

Rwanda Genocide Survivor

On October 28th, 2024, there will be a very special speaker, Immaculee Ilibagaza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. This is being offered virtually. To register online please visit msmhope.org.

Immaculee Ilibagiza survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide by hiding in a 3'ft. x 4ft. bathroom for 91 days with seven other women. Immaculee endured starvation, fear, anger and despair for months, all while her family, community, and nearly one million of her

tribe were slaughtered. Remarkably, her tragedy transformed Immaculee into a strong woman

dedicated to peace and reconciliation. Immaculee now travels the world sharing her story and healing the hearts of those struggling with fear, doubt, and hate. Her autobiography, "Left to Tell," has sold more than two million copies and is in the process of becoming a major motion picture. Immaculee will be available to sell and sign books.

September 7th: Founders Day

September 15th: Vespers

September 28th: Congregational Jubilee Day

November 4th-6th: Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose offer Contemplative Prayer

Jubilee Cards are being offered by our artist Sister Eileen Stattel, click here to find her selections.

Jubilee Cards also are being offered by our artist Sister Barbara Schwarz along with a 2025 calendar that may be a good Jubilee present. Click here for selections.

September 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 September Calendar and Birthdays. 

Would you like to Reserve

the Long Beach Condo?

The Long Beach Condo is now available for reservations for Fall 2024.  Please contact S. Judy Olsen at 917-991-2054 if interested in reserving time this fall.  The fall schedule begins September 7th. A form is also included for your reservations here. Thank you.

Dear Sisters, Associates and friends,

Thank you for your prayerful support, and Mass cards for my grand nephew, Justin.

Please remember in your prayers, my nephew, Brian Schook as he continues his treatment for cancer and a "big thank you" from the family of both Justin and Bryant.

Yours in Christ,

Sister Joanne Walters, OP

Dear Sisters, Associates and friends,

My family and I thank you for your prayerful support for my niece-in-law Beth. She returned home from the hospital today and is able to swallow. Hopefully, she'll gain some weight .

She and my nephew have a challenging road ahead of them but with prayers, it's "one day at a time".

Peace,

Sister Anthony Therese

September 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 September Calendar and Birthdays. 

The Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville

 555 Albany Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701

www.sistersofstdominic.org