From left to right: St. Fidelis Parish: outreach with a smile | We celebrate Founders Day. | Happy Retirement to Finance Office's Maria Morataya. | |
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WORDS of WISDOM
"We should be who we have always been, the ballast in turbulent seas, the moral conscience of our church, the example to all of us in the Church despite all our failings, continue to be the witness to human suffering and respond by alleviating suffering wherever you find it."
-Carrie Robinson, responder at LCWR meeting in Orlando, Florida
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SHARINGS from LEADERSHIP
A Column by the Leadership Team
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Founders Day Celebrated
This was a very special Founders Day -- the day we celebrate our history when four brave Bavarian Religious Sisters traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to meet the needs of American immigrants in 1853.
To honor this day, on Saturday, September 7th, Dominican Sister of Peace Anne Lythgoe shared words of wisdom with our Dominican family in Mother Josepha Hall, followed by a Mass in St. Albert Chapel. Click here to view the special presentation by Sister Anne Lythgoe. The Liturgy can be viewed on our website.
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At the Mass, our Prioress Sister Peggy McVetty delivered a reflection, saying, "Some things change, and some things remain the same, but God still desires to directly speak to us personally and communally, so please listen to this message. And then a new word came to Amityville from the Lord," she said. She then quoted a participant in the Leadership Conference for Women Religious, saying, "'Rise up, be off to the Potter's house! The past formed our roots and remains in our branches, but we -- we are not the past, dwelling in the silence. We look ahead towards new seasons forming even though much is changing.'" To read more of S. Peggy McVetty's talk click here.
Afterwards, the celebration continued with a German feast and music with DJ Patrick Joseph McHale in Mother Josepha Hall. Our Congregational honey was sold that day. Director of Pastoral Care Elizabeth Meehan treated attendants to homemade honey cookies, baked with the Amityville Dominican Sisters' own honey!
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Save the Date for Our Congregational Jubilee Day
Help us celebrate our 2024 Jubilarians on Saturday, September 28th with a Liturgy at 11 AM. Here is the updated list of living and deceased Jubilarians.
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St. Fidelis Outreach Team helps the Homeless and Those in Need
The St. Fidelis Street Outreach Team in College Point lives out Jesus's call to feed the hungry! On the first Saturday of the month from 10AM to noon, they offer free food, clothing, and hygienic supplies to all those in need. Here are pictures from their most recent event!
This ministry, however, isn't just a monthly service project. In between First Saturdays, the team regularly visits with the street homeless and housing insecure in College Point to assist them with their needs for housing, medical care, and food.
Our very own Sister Ruth Lautt spearheads these efforts. In between monthly street outreach efforts, Sister Ruth advocates for those she encounters. She connects with people who are struggling - a trafficked woman, an older gentleman with no food money after rent, another man in need of shelter.
"This is actually the heart of the ministry," said Sister Ruth. "Meeting people, getting to know the needs of the homeless and housing insecure and connecting them to appropriate services. And then staying on board as an advocate to try to ensure they really do get the services they need."
Click here to read her most recent update to her team of volunteers -- in which she closes with the line "Folks, this work is hard and it is frustrating, but it is the work God has set before us."
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2024 Season of Creation:
Special Event for St. Francis
The Sisters of St. Dominic and the Sisters of St. Joseph invite you to celebrate the conclusion of the 2024 Season of Creation: “To Hope and Act With Creation,” by marking the vigil of St. Francis of Assisi. A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, October 3rd at 4 PM in Rosary Hall Chapel on the Motherhouse grounds of the Sisters of St. Dominic at 555 Albany Avenue, Amityville. A light supper will follow. Parking will be in The Villas at Dominican Village Parking lot.
RSVP by September 20th to Rosemary Vaccari at Rvaccari@amityop.org.
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Attention Dominican Family:
What Christmas Projects Are Planned?
We’re working on the November/December appeal and would like to know what our associates, young adults, and sisters in ministry are planning during the Advent/Christmas season such as a food drive, clothing drive, toy drive, or other volunteer projects.
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Autumn Evening Scheduled for Friday, October 25th
Our 2024 Autumn Evening event is Friday, October 25th at the Crest Hollow Country Club. The event page is live and can be found here: www.sistersofstdominic.org/2024autumnevening.
This year’s fundraiser will include an electronic journal, which will be viewable on the congregation’s website, as well as the night of the event via digital signage. If you would like to purchase a listing to be included in the e-journal, please contact the Office of Advancement for more information.
The event invitation will again give our invitees an opportunity to purchase a “Sponsor a Sister” ticket. We are hopeful that our generous benefactors will answer the call for our request. If you would like to be added to our sponsored ticket waitlist, please contact the Advancement Office at ext. 246.
If any sister would like to purchase a ticket for herself, the price is $125, which is half the cost of $250 for the general population. This discounted amount goes towards the cost of the dinner. As always, we ask for your prayers for the success of the event and we hope to see you there.
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Contemplative Prayer Group | |
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Contemplative Prayer on Thursdays Begins Sept. 19th
Happy Autumn and Season of Creation! I hope you had an enjoyable summer. Now it is time to return to our Thursday Prayer Group. Once again, we will meet in the parlor across from the library on Thursdays beginning September 19th. Our prayer time will begin at 12:30 and will consist of Contemplative Silence followed by sharing on the upcoming Sunday’s readings.
I welcome all who prayed with us last year and also those of you who wish to join us this year. If you have any questions, please call me at 516-313-0827. Looking forward to praying with you. Peace, Mary Nolan, OP
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Sunday Vespers Begin This Sunday
Our schedule of monthly Sunday Vespers begins this weekend. Please join us on Sunday, September 15, 2024, for Vespers in St. Albert Chapel at 3 PM.
Presiders are needed for Sunday Vespers on November 17th. Please contact S. Elaine Jahrsdoerfer at ejliturgy@amityop.org.
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Maria Morataya Retires After 16 Years
Maria Morataya is retiring after working with the sisters for 16 years. She has worked in various roles from the Finance Office to the Office of Human Resources. She has also worked in the "baby room" at Kindertown and even as a cook in Gabrini Residence!
"Maria is a very dedicated, compassionate, and caring person," said Director of Human Resources Milena Morales. "She always goes beyond to help or do whatever is needed to be done to help others. It is a blessing to know her."
Maria will be moving and splitting her time between the United States and her home country. “I appreciate working here for such a long time," Maria said. "I will always keep the memories."
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A Special Outing to Lindenhurst
On September 10th, a few of the Sisters visited Fireman’s Park in Lindenhurst with Recreational Coordinator Joan Regan and Assistant Recreational Coordinator Dawn Meyer. Sister Mickey is pictured near the 9/11 Memorial.
The sisters enjoyed the fresh air and the ducks in the pond. They even had a visit from the ice cream truck, making it a perfect day!
Thanks to our volunteer Roe for all of the help!
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Another visit from our dear doggy friend. Picasso loves our sisters! | |
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Living into the Resurrection: Motherhouse Retreat Will be Led by S. Mary Jo Nelson
The theme for our Fall Motherhouse Retreat is “Living into the Resurrection – the Call of Religious Life in These Times” which will be held on October 23rd-25th. The retreat's leader will be Past President of Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters Mary Jo Nelson. All are welcome to attend this retreat to spend time in prayer; however, at this time, we cannot offer overnight accommodation. Blessings, Elizabeth
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Zoom Link for Dominican Sister Donna Ciangio's Presentation on Synod
The National Dominican Associate Directors invite associates, sisters, and candidates to join in a presentation and discussion on "St. Phoebe, Deacon and the Women who followed Christ in Ministry" THIS Saturday, September 14th at 1 PM via Zoom.
Here is the link and information:
Topic: NDAD 9/14 PM
Time: Sept. 14, 2024 01:00 PM EST
Join Zoom Meeting here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82159263789?pwd=fV5yZqWZ7cUE1kQJsrz1j6xth1ECic.1
Meeting ID: 821 5926 3789
Passcode: 431164
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."
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Update on Laudato Si' Action Platform Year 3:
During this Season of Creation, we want you to know a few critical items.
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We are approaching the close of Laudato Si' Action Platform (LSAP) Year 3. Because our congregation started immediately with Year 1, not taking the first year to consult and plan, as others have done, we will extend Year 3. It will be noted as Year 3+. It is on our website and will extend for the next 12 months. This will put us in sync with the rest of the LSAP world.
- As we continue our previous goals, Year 3+ will include:
-Goal # 3 Ecological Economics acknowledges that the economy is a sub-system of human society, which is embedded within the biosphere- our common home.
-Goal #4 The Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles is grounded in the idea of sufficiency and promoting sobriety in the use of resources and energy.
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Nuns on the Bus: On October 2nd we will have a Car Caravan to Brentwood to welcome the Nuns on the Bus. The caravan will be leaving from the Motherhouse and Dominican Village. We’d love you to join us. To sign up to be with us and/or drive, please contact hnolty@amityvilleop.org by September 25th. You are welcome to bring friends, folks from your ministries and families.
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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. The position will involve 5-10 hours per week in the Amityville office. Please send any inquiries or expressions of interest to: office@openingword.org
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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 on Saturday, November 23, 2024 - we hope to see you there!
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TONIGHT: Dominican Village presents 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.
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Dominican Night Prayer
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 18, 25, October 2
Time/Place: 8 pm via Zoom
Led by: Lori Andrews, Dominican Associate
Registration link: https://bit.ly/4fFIFHG
Please take a look at our web posting.
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SPECIAL EVENT: Rwanda Genocide Survivor
On October 28th, 2024, there will be a very special speaker, Immaculee Ilibagaza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, at Mt. St. Mary's House of Prayer in New Jersey. This is being offered virtually and in person. To register online please visit msmhope.org. 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.
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September 12th: Dominican Village's A Night Under the Stars
September 14th at 1 PM EST: NDAD Zoom
September 15th at 3 PM: Vespers
September 28th at 11 AM: Congregational Jubilee Day
November 4th-6th: Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose offer Contemplative Prayer
Saturday, November 23, 2024: Thanks-for-Giving for Opening Word
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Dominican Sisters of Tacoma:
Change of Address
As many of you know, the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma are in transition. After 32 years in our Center in Tacoma, the Sisters are selling the Center and relocating the offices to Renton, Washington. The Sisters of Providence with whom we are in a covenant relationship have graciously offered us office space. Our new address is: 1801 Linda Ave. SW C-100, Renton, Washington, 98057. To contact the sisters, please email Sister Sharon Casey, OP at Smcop39@gmail.com or call 253-569-4034.
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Dear Sisters, Associates, Young Adults and Friends,
On behalf of my niece Eileen and my family, I send many thanks for the many Mass Cards, kind words, and emails I received at the death of my niece Barbara Ann. We appreciate the support I received at this most difficult time.
Love and many prayers always,
Ginny Connors, OP
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Sister Marianne Miller turns 85 years old!
We are grateful to our Recreation Office for helping celebrate our sisters' birthdays each month. Each year is a gift. Milestone birthdays should be commemorated in a special way. Thank you to Joan Regan, Dawn Meyer, and all of our wonderful volunteers for their creative efforts.
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Thought You'd Like to Know | |
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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.
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