Our Preaching_Vol2 Iss2.qxd - Dominican Sisters of Amityville ...

OPv3#3(Web).qxd 10/26/05 4:28 PM Page 1A publication of the Sisters of St. Dominic, Amityville, NYVol. 3, No. 3Fall 2005InsideLetter from 2the PrioressDominican 3CollaborativeNovitiate UpdateBrooklyn’s 3DominicanAssociatesOur History: 4Saying GoodbyeTo Water MillAge-ing 5and Sage-ingDedication of the 6150th AnniversaryCampaign Tribute WallSpirits Soar 6At June LuncheonGolf Classic 6SpectacularVeritas 7SocietyDominicans in ActionThe Many Hats of a Ministry in MedicineSister Pat Thomas, OP, MDwas recently asked by a cityhospital nurse if she owned ahaberdashery, in light of themany hats she wears. Sister Patlaughed, but the question wasnot entirely facetious. As anAmityville Dominican, hervocation has included calls toteaching, nursing and physicaltherapy. Eventually it led herthrough the rigors of medicalschool, to become a doctor in1978. Since opening her ownpractice in 1983, Sister Pat hasdrawn on all these experiences to offer patients anintegral approach to healthcare that is hard to findelsewhere. Consequently, appointments are bookedsolid with satisfied patients — both religious and laypeople—who have been coming back to her for years.Many are in their nineties and still healthy.Sister Pat is quick to point out that the successof her medical practice relies heavily on a dedicatedstaff. Joining her is Sister Kay Walsh, OP, who hasmanaged the office for over three years, and assistantmanager Karen Dooley, who began her association asa patient. Not the least of their many responsibilitiesis tracking the doctor’s full schedule, which couldinvolve any number of duties, even the care of petsfor older patients who are hospitalized. But the longhours have not dulled their passion. Both Sister Kayand Karen feel blessed to share in this ministry.“I couldn’t do it without them,” Sister Pat notes.“This is definitely a team effort.” She also cites thevolunteer contributions of Sister Dorothy Kane, OP,who helps keep the technology up to speed. Theseby Carol HansenHealthcare is a team effort in this office. (Pictured L-R):S. Pat Thomas, MD, Office Manager S. Kay Walsh, OPand Assistant Manager Karen Dooley.four women work well togethermaintaining high standardsof healthcare and officemanagement.The camaraderie that existsbetween the staff underscoresthe office philosophy in general.Rather than refer patients tooutside providers, Sister Patperforms many medical tasksherself. She explains that havingthis opportunity to spend timespeaking with patients can shedimportant light on externalconditions that may beaffecting their health. She believes this makes her abetter doctor and allows her to treat the whole person.Long before becoming an Amityville Dominican,Patricia Thomas was interested in the medical field.However, at that time, choosing a religious vocationmeant abandoning a career in medicine. As was thecustom, she became a teacher as a Sister of St. Dominic,but was soon invited to apply for a nursing program.Her application was accepted the following year, andSister Pat became a nurse. This vocation evolved alsowhen several years later she was asked to head thePhysical Therapy Department at Mary ImmaculateHospital. After being trained as a physical therapist,she enjoyed serving in this capacity for thirteen years.It was her need to know why things happenedmedically that inspired Sister Pat to pursue becominga doctor. Achieving this meant overcoming years ofobstacles, including the fact that this idea was just tooradical. When permission to apply for medical schoolwas finally granted on St. Catherine’s Feast Day, itwas contingent upon Sister Pat securing her ownContinued on page 3

OPv3#3(Web).qxd 10/26/05 4:28 PM Page 22Our PreachingFromthedeskofVirginia Maguire, OPPrioressDear Friends,The harvest moon is revealing its presence in the nightsky, alerting us to the approach of autumn. It is a time tobid farewell to the leisure days of summer and welcomethe many activities that take on a new momentum during this time of year. Hold on tothe memories of this summer – long days of sunlight, trips to the ocean, barbeques withfamily and friends, joyful faces of children and adults reveling in the fun of summeractivities. May these memories create a peaceful space within you and energize you forthe work ahead.Our celebration of St. Dominic’s Day gathered our Sisters, Associates, former membersand our donors to our 150th Anniversary Campaign. As we celebrated the wonderful giftthat St. Dominic gave to the Church through the founding of the Dominican Order, wealso expressed abundant gratitude to our wonderful donors through the blessing of the150th Anniversary Campaign Tribute Wall in our Chapel. The generosity of so manypeople assists us in the continuation of Dominican life and mission. Thank you forpartnering with us as together we bring the Good News to the people we encounter inministry each day.In the midst of the intensity of high temperatures, I was coolly refreshed by the movieMarch of The Penguins. This movie offered an escape from the heat while serving as apoignant reminder of the beauty of working for the common good, which was portrayedthrough the penguins’ care for each other. I believe there are many lessons for us to learnfrom observing the penguins’ way of life.Hurricane Katrina caught us by surprise and found us glued to the television screen aswe watched helplessly the “Faces of Anguish” which stunned the nation. This hurricaneprovides a stark reminder that poverty creates vulnerability in people, identifies thepeople left behind and shows the devastation caused by a lack of reverence for God’screation. The response on the part of many people has been a sign of hope for thosewho lost so much. However, it is important in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina thatwe also respond to the issues of restoration and justice for the poor and marginalizedcommunities, and for our earth which suffers greatly when tragedy strikes.Highlighted in this edition is the wonderful work for the common good that SistersPat Thomas and Kay Walsh provide through their ministries. A real sign of hope for usis the story about our two novices who are participating in the Dominican CollaborativeNovitiate in St. Louis, Missouri. This issue also tells about other creative ways to partnerin our mission through estate planning and gifts of life insurance. Your endeavors for ourmission help the Sisters of St. Dominic journey into their 153rd year of being the holypreaching for the people of God.By the time you receive “Our Preaching” the property in Water Mill will no longer bein our care. This special place blessed our Congregation these past seventy-four years.Margaret Galiardi, OP so aptly described our mission there in these words: “What we’vebeen doing here is planting seeds. We walk away now trusting in the creative power ofthe universe to create the next thing.” Thank you for the ways you journeyed with usto create Siena Spirituality Center as a place where people came to be nourished byGod’s word and creation.Cherish the change of season and enjoy the gifts of harvest and color that it provides!Gratefully in St. Dominic and St. Catherine,Virginia Maguire, OPVol. 3, No. 3 Fall 2005The American Congregation of the Holy Cross,Amityville Dominican Sisters, is a Congregation ofmore than 500 women religious. Our Motherhouseis in New York but our Sisters minister in sixother states, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and theDominican Republic. We are a preaching/teachingCongregation always seeking creative ways tominister in the present moment.Excerpt from the Vision Statementof the Sisters of St. DominicWe Dominican women religiouscalled to be signs of joy and hope,commit ourselves to incarnating the Gospel,deepening our life of prayer, searching for Truth,discerning the needs of the Churchand ministering to the people of God.CENTRAL COUNCILVirginia Maguire, OP, PrioressDiane Morgan, OP, Assistant PrioressMargaret Mayce, OP,Councilor for Ministry/StudyKathleen McGinn, OP,Councilor for Stewardship/TreasurerAudrey Harsen, OP,Councilor for Health/RetirementLaura Helbig, OP, Councilor for Common LifeLuz Selenia Quinones, OP,Provincial of Puerto RicoOur Preaching is a publicationof the Sisters of St. Dominic.For information on articles in this issue or onany programs or events, please contact theDevelopment Office at (631) 842-6000, ext. 269.Director of DevelopmentEileen M. Nolan, OP, ext. 238enolanop@amityop.orgDevelopment OfficerPatricia Chambers Daly, ext. 241pchambersdaly@amityop.orgDevelopment AssociateAnn Ellingham, ext. 246aellingham@amityop.orgOur Preaching EditorCarol Hansen, ext. 269chansen@amityop.orgSisters of St. Dominic Development Office555 Albany AvenueAmityville, NY 11701Website: www.amityvilleop.org

OPv3#3(Web).qxd 10/26/05 4:28 PM Page 5Age-ing and Sage-ingThese poems were written by Amityville Dominicansparticipating in the “From Age-ing to Sage-ing Program,”which gives elder Sisters an opportunity to express feelingsabout who they are now and who they are becoming.I am on a joyful journey.Not one filled with dread or fearBut one where I actually privatelyDance to show my joy.Every day I am filled with hopeI sing to my God and thank HimFor the gifts He has given me.As the only living daughter in my family,I am conscious of my actionsAnd say to the heavens,“Am I doing OK?Are you proud of me?”My family has a reputation for humor.Each day I laugh.I think God wants me to spread this joy.By a joke, a funny song.When you are sad, you make others sad.So I plan to laugh, sing and dance to the end,When I take my final vow.Love, the deepest space within meLove, I contemplate YouAnd I desire to be unitedWith the One I Love.There is a flame deep within meIt lies dormant—smoldering—Barely an emberBut then Love touches that flameBehold it bursts forth—a bright lightReaching out beyond my fingertips—To brighten up my world.Nurturing God,You have led me from birthThrough years of sickness and sufferingTo a maturity of health and strength.Now, in waning yearsI feel Your hand in mineGuiding me carefully over the pathOf crumbling bones and weakened bodyTo a deeper appreciation ofWho You Are andWho I am.As prophetic witnesses in collaboration with others …we will be responsible members of the universe,we will promote the dignity of marginalized persons …Excerpt from the Vision Statementof the Sisters of St. DominicMission Statement of theDevelopment OfficeAs Dominican women we are committed to proclaim the Gospelin an ever changing world and to serve the people of God. Throughthis Mission the Ministry of Development has an emphasis onour retired and infirm Sisters and those who work in service forthe people of God.Philosophy of theDevelopment OfficeWe are rich only through what we give,and poor only through what we refuse …Anne SwetchinThe Mission of Development flows from our goal and philosophyas Sisters of St. Dominic. The activities of Development are designedto assist the Congregation as it adapts its ministries and renewsits commitment to continue its work in response to the needs ofthe people of God. We invite others to partner with us and joinin our efforts to preach God’s Word through our ministries.The Ministry of Development has as its main purpose the buildingof financial resources so as to enhance the viability and longevity ofthe Mission of the Congregation.The goals of the Development Office are: to assist in planning for a viable future; to research the needs of the Congregation and assist inidentifying and soliciting funding sources; to coordinate fundraising projects that benefit theAmityville Dominicans.Our work in Development allows the Congregation to exercisemore faithful stewardship of its resources. The Congregationinvites people to share and to believe in the Amityville Dominicansby establishing and nurturing relationships with each person whoinvests in the Congregation. The Ministry of Development is theconduit through which these relationships are built.The Ministry of Development focuses on the belief that— everything we have is a gift from God and we arestewards of all we receive; Development is a vehicle that enables us to discernthe needs of the Church;Fall 2005 we have a responsibility to our donors to provide thehighest level of trust, confidentiality and accountability.5

OPv3#3(Web).qxd 10/26/05 4:28 PM Page 6Our PreachingSt. Dominic’s Feast Highlights Dedication of150th Anniversary Campaign Tribute WallSt. Dominic’s Day was celebrated with a beautiful ceremony atthe Amityville Motherhouse on August 7. Over 400 participantsattended the Sunday liturgy, which was followed by an elaboratebrunch. Diane Morgan, OP, Assistant Prioress, spoke eloquentlyabout “the things we do for love” in a moving homily thattouched all in attendance. During the service, the 150thAnniversary Campaign Tribute Wall was blessed and dedicatedin St. Albert’s Chapel.The 150th Anniversary Campaign Tribute Wall recognizesthose donors who contribute $2,500 or more to the AmityvilleDominicans’ 150th Anniversary Campaign, which continuesthrough December 2006. The Anniversary Campaign seeksfunds for three focus areas: the pastoral care of our retiredSisters; Dominicans in action (our ministries); and, continuingthe preaching (our future endeavors). An Anniversary Campaigninformation packet is available from the Development Office.Above: The 150th Anniversary Tribute Walldisplayed in St. Albert’s Chapel. The AnniversaryCampaign continues through December 2006.Pictured at left:The blessing of the 150th Anniversary CampaignTribute Wall by S. Virginia Maguire, OP, Prioress,and Father Robert Vaughn, OP, who presided atthe liturgy.Spirits Soar at Beauty of the Spirit LuncheonThe BOSL gets better every year.The fourth annual Beauty of the Spirit Luncheon was hosted by the Sisters on June 17to a sold out crowd. The luncheon, which celebrates the beauty of each person present,has quickly become one of the most popular events held at the Motherhouse.Over 500 women and men enjoyed a relaxed afternoon together under a huge,shady tent on the Motherhouse grounds. Festivities included: a gathering prayer by theAmityville Dominican Youth Preachers; a sumptuous catered lunch; an inspiring talkby S. Peggy Mc Vetty, OP; and a fabulous raffle that dazzled everyone. Following theluncheon, attendees were invited to tour the Motherhouse.Next year’s Beauty of the Spirit Luncheon will be held on June 23, 2006. Please don’twait until the last minute to purchase your tickets. This event sells out earlier and earlierevery year and we don’t want to disappoint anyone!First Annual Golf Classic Tees Off To SuccessThe Amityville Dominicans’ first annual Golf Classic was held at Pine HollowCountry Club in East Norwich on May 23. Despite a precarious forecast, perfectweather prevailed over the golf course all afternoon, to the delight of golfers whocited the Sisters’ heavenly connections! A reception following the event honoredJoseph F. Purcell, Chairman for JPMorgan Chase and a loyal friend to the Sistersof St. Dominic. Attendees enjoyed delicious refreshments, an awards presentationand an elaborate raffle.Thank you to everyone who participated by supporting the Sisters of St.Dominic while enjoying a miraculously sunny day of golf. Net proceeds from theGolf Classic will be used for the Congregation’s Ministry Support Fund. Thosewho missed out on this spectacular event should mark their calendars for thesecond annual Amityville Dominican Golf Classic on May 22, 2006.Committee members celebrate a fun day at Pine Hollow.6

OPv3#3(Web).qxd 10/26/05 4:28 PM Page 7Fall 2005St. DominicFounder of theWorldwide Order of DominicansSupportthose who dedicate their lives to caring.Estate Planning: Consider Gifts of Life InsuranceS. Charlotte Tighe, OP volunteers to keep theEnrollment Card program up to date. Sister,who recently celebrated her 92nd birthday,has no immediate plans to retire.Did youKnow?The Veritas Society wasestablished to help donors investin the future of the Congregationthrough the use of planned givingvehicles—Bequests, Gifts of LifeInsurance, etc. The primary goalof the Veritas Society is tohelp support the needs of the infirmand retired Sisters of St. Dominic,as well as support our current andfuture ministries.A gift of life insurance makes it possiblefor a donor to convert a modest lifetimecontribution into a much larger future giftfor the Amityville Dominicans. This can bedone with minimal effort in several ways.The first and simplest way for a donor tomake such a gift is to name the Sisters of theOrder of St. Dominic, Amityville, NY as abeneficiary of an existing policy. All the donorneeds to do is inform the insurance company ofthis change. If it is a paid-up policy, the donorcan change the ownership of the policy to theSisters and may be eligible for a tax-deductionapproximately equal to the cash value of thepolicy. If the donor retains ownership of thepolicy and designates all or a fraction ofthe proceeds to be donated to the AmityvilleDominicans, then that portion is removedfrom the donor’s estate upon their death.The second way is for a donor to purchasea new life insurance policy and then donate itdirectly to the Sisters of St. Dominic. In thiscase, the Congregation becomes both the ownerand the sole beneficiary. In many instances,the annual premium payment can become thedonor’s annual gift to the Congregation. Insome cases, donors with grown families mayfind insurance an excellent vehicle to make asubstantial and lasting gift to the Sisters.A gift of life insurance can be a wonderfulway for a donor to make a significant contributionto the Sisters of St. Dominic and develop thegift with modest yearly payments, while creatinga tax advantage for themselves.For more information about making aplanned gift of life insurance or about theVeritas Society, please contact theDevelopment Office at 631-842-6000 andspeak with Patricia Chambers Daly at ext. 241or Eileen M. Nolan, OP at ext. 238. Or,simply return the coupon below in thenewsletter envelope.Our legal title is Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic, Amityville, NYHelp us build a legacy of TruthPlease contact me with more information about the Veritas Society.NameAddressCityState Zip Phone EmailThank you.7

OPv3#3(Web).qxd 10/26/05 4:28 PM Page 8Sisters of St. Dominic Development Office555 Albany AvenueAmityville, NY 11701NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S.POSTAGEPAIDST. MEINRAD, INPERMIT NO. 16We gratefully acknowledge the members of our2005 DominicanCorporate Partners Program.This annual Program, created especially forour event sponsors, invites their participationin support ofthe Dominican Golf Classic,the Beauty of the Spirit Luncheonand the Dominican Gala.Our sincere thanks toChem RXDominion Construction CorporationMutual of AmericaThe Donald and Barbara ZuckerFoundationOur Preaching is printed using soy-based inks.Did You Know? You can make a gift to the Sisters of St. Dominic in honor of orin memory of a loved one. Any gift can be made in the name ofanother person, living or deceased, as a lasting memorial on ourTree of Life or as a Memorial Tree planted on the Motherhousegrounds or on our donor wall in St. Dominic’s Park. If your company has a matching gift program, you can doubleyour gift to the Sisters of St. Dominic. You can remember the Sisters of St. Dominic in your Will. Ourlegal title is: Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic, Amityville, NY.For more information call Eileen M. Nolan, OP, Director ofDevelopment, (631) 842-6000, ext. 238, or Patricia ChambersDaly at ext. 241.We continue to be so grateful to all our generous friends who supportthe Sisters of St. Dominic and their ministries.Calendar of EventsJoin us in our Evening Vesper Servicein St. Albert’s Chapel, 555 Albany Avenue, Amityville, NYat 4:00 p.m.October 16, 2005November 20, 2005December 18, 2005January 15, 2006February 12, 2006Save The Date:Dominican Gala 2005Friday, October 28, 2005Garden City Hotel, Garden City, NY150th Anniversary Campaign Donor RecognitionVespers & Reception – November 20, 2005in St. Albert’s Chapel at 4:00 p.m.Help Us Build ConnectionsDo you have friends or family members who would like to receive this newsletter? If so, please fill in their name and address below andmail this coupon to: Carol Hansen, Development Office, Sisters of St. Dominic, 555 Albany Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. Thank you.Name:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________ City:______________________________ State:______ Zip:_______________