A Full Circle of Kindness

 

Since 1962, Sister Margaret Oettinger, OP, has been a member of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, New York. Her journey began in a large family, which she describes as “10 children, 6 rooms, and 40 dollars a month for rent.” She walked to elementary school at the Dominican parish of Saint Catherine of Siena, where she had been baptized, and attended Saint Jean Baptiste High School, both in Manhattan. She later worked in Saint Catherine’s Priory as a teenager.

 

While at Saint Catherine’s school, she said that the Sparkill Dominican Sisters “touched my heart with their compassion and sincerity in appreciating each other.” She remembers that they were kind and treated children as special. She said, “Kindness is so important! You always remember the kindness of others.”  She recalls a particular kindness when the pastor and Sisters provided her lunches when her father was without work.

 

After high school, she dated and decided that married life wasn’t for her. The kind memories of the Dominicans attracted her to seek out a vocation as a religious sister. Sister Veronica Marie Isaacson, OP, assisted her on her vocational journey, and the priests and brothers of her parish also supported her. Her parents were encouraging but said she could always return home if she was not happy. Such honest and heartfelt realism gave her the power to make a meaningful and authentic choice.

Listen now! S1 E7: Empowering the Marginalized and Voiceless with Sr. Xiomara Méndez Hernández, OP, BCC. In this episode, Sr. Xiomara Méndez Hernández discusses her role as Executive Director of the Dominican Sisters Conference and emphasizes advocating for the marginalized and voiceless. She and Sr. Brenda explore how unity and inclusivity among sisters can create a ripple effect of love and change.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0yPv3DW5g54eUkKCurMh9S

Web: https://tinyurl.com/mr4233d5

 

(Image and excerpt taken from the Love & Speak Truth FB page)

Heart to Heart

Associate Carol Davide has been 'all in’ with the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, a community dedicated to education, social justice, and spirituality, since her years at Cathedral High School in Manhattan. Here, she was first captivated by the Sisters' joyful demeanor, excellent teaching, and friendly approach. Carol connected through Cathedral’s many clubs and often would stay after school to talk, hang out, and help with whatever activity was happening. Carol's hallmark is putting her entire heart and soul into all she does.

Much to her parents' concern after graduation, Carol entered Sparkill as a Sister. While challenging at times, she found her new life fulfilling; she was happy and busy in community and ministry for 11 years. Stationed in Rockland County, NY, she taught at Saint Anthony and Saint Augustine School, led YCS (Young Christian Students) groups, had fun, and had a life-giving prayer life and community. She was always “in the middle of the action.”

Carol felt the Spirit nudging her to try something new and discovered this meant leaving the convent. She went on to a career as an Educator in New York City’s public schools, working with students facing unimaginable challenges such as poverty, violence, and discrimination. She saw things that brought her to tears. She knew she was in the right place, doing the Lord’s work. During this time, she nurtured her friendships from her time as a Sister and was delighted in 1981 to join the newly formed Sparkill Associates program.

On August 8th, 2024, the Amityville Sisters of St. Dominic were named the inaugural recipients of the St. Joan of Arc award by the Bishop Catanello Memorial Commission Organization (BCMCO), in appreciation of sisters fostering the development of Catholic values in society.

A dozen members of the BCMCO visited the Motherhouse to help present the award, including Angelo Digangi, the Commissioner of the Humanitarian Council of the organization.The award was accepted by Prioress S. Peggy McVetty, OP on the Feast of St. Dominic on behalf of all the sisters.

The BCMCO is named in memory of the Most Rev. Ignatius A. Catanello, D.D., Ph.D who died in 2013. Bishop Catanello lived and served in Brooklyn, NY, his whole life – alongside many Amityville Dominicans. The organization’s mission is to share stories about Father "Iggy" and to help keep his idea of H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Excel) alive.

Open to ALL Dominicans and ; Candidates Held on 2nd Tuesday of the month in the evening, 7-8:30 PM ET, 6-7:30 CT, 5-6:30 MT, 4-5:30 PT, along with two special
Saturday dates, 11 AM-1 PM ET, 10 AM-noon CT, 9-11 AM MT, 8 -10 AM PT.

Foundations in Spirituality (In-Person)

Saturdays: Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21, 2024; Jan 18, Feb 22, Mar 22, Apr 26, May 17, 2025 • 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Foundations in Spirituality is a serious reflective study that opens our minds and hearts to the teachings and life examples of the great Christian spiritual teachers that continue to deepen our present spiritual journey. It’s the beginning, the first step of the formation offerings at Dominican Center Marywood at Aquinas College. Explore the rich preaching of St. Dominic; the unbreakable faith of St. Teresa of Avila; the deep spirituality of St. John of the Cross; the life-giving wisdom of the Beguines; the daily prayerful life of St. Ignatius; and the lives of many more who continue to enrich our own faith and spirituality. 

Details & Registration: https://dominicancenter.com/programs-and-retreats/foundations-in-spirituality/

 

 

Foundations II: Wisdom from the Margin (Online)

Mondays: Sep 23, Oct 28, Nov 25, 2024; 
Jan 6, Jan 27, Feb 24, Mar 24, Apr 28, 2025 • 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Foundations II: Wisdom from the Margins is a course and community that reflectively studies the life stories and teachings of great spiritual leaders who have impacted the world from the margins. The hope is to open our minds and hearts to those who have been “othered,” and let their inspirational wisdom challenge, nurture and deepen our spiritual life. Explore the activism born of a deep spirituality in Sojourner Truth and the Grimke sisters; the transformative power of service and reflection in Henri Nouwen and Mother Theresa; the joy of reconciliation in Desmond Tutu; and the inspiring humility of Oscar Romero. 

Details & Registration: https://www.grdominicans.org/program-retreat/foundations-2/

 

 

Called to be a Spiritual Director ~ Year 1 Practicum

Sep 13 & 14, Oct 11 & 12, Nov 8 & 9, Dec 13 & 14, 2024; Jan 10 & 11, Feb 14 & 15, Mar 14 & 15, Apr 4 & 5, May 9 & 10, 2025
A Spiritual Director holds sacred the stories heard in a one-on-one relationship or in a trusted group. The Spiritual Director Practicum is filled with contemplative spiritual practices, prayer study, and shared reflection; strengthens our ability to stay present; attunes our listening to sense how the Holy Spirit is present in our lives and in the lives of others; looks to Spiritual Giants to mentor participants during the formation process; and reminds that the ultimate healer holds up director and directee in all ways. Using an Ignatian spiritual framework, you are encouraged to find meaning in every moment. You are given space to deepen your relationship with God - the God who loves us into life. Through the process, move closer to uncovering your authentic self that guides the discernment of your calling.

Details & Registration:  https://dominicancenter.com/programs-and-retreats/spiritual-director-practicum-year-1/