2019 YEAR IN REVIEW

Dominican Young Adults Help in Aftermath of Hurricane Maria

In this issue...

Connecting Tomorrow’s Caldwell DYAUSA Remembering Dominicans, Today Stamp Out Despair Sr. Pat Brady, OP ...and more! Partners in Mission A donation program for those who believe the Future of our Church begins with an Investment. 6 DYMUSA’s director reflects on the life of CATCH THE FIRE S. Patricia Barady, OP (1939-2019) MAGAZINE 20 DYA in help in the atch the Fire Magazine is aftermath of Hurricane Maria produced for participants, Calumni, and friends annually by the Dominican Youth Movement USA. Its goal is to provide news and information about the Dominican Youth Movement USA’s participants, staff, alumni, and friends. We welcome your comments, Veritas St. Rose of St. Martin de St. Catherine St. Dominic suggestions and stories! Please email us at [email protected]. Level Lima Level Porres Level Level Level

$10.00/month $15.00/month $20.00/month $25.00/month $50.00/month A donation such as this A donation such as this A donation such as this A donation such as this A donation such as this will assist with registration will assist with registration will provide transportation will provide a scholarship will provide a scholarship fees for one student to one fees for one student to one for one student to our one students to attend one for two students to attend MANAGING EDITOR of our programs. of our programs. programs. of our programs. our programs. Sr. Gina Fleming, OP 24 Almost 15 students commit to WRITERS become Dominican Young Adults S. Gina Fleming, OP at annual Vespers service Barbara Kelley, OP 27 We invite you to join our Partners in Mission Sean Puzzo 2017-2018 Dominican Volunteer program and change a life today! PHOTOGRAPHY reflects on his 2nd year of service Sean Puzzo DYMUSA obtains its funding from several areas: grants, private foundations, individual donations, and fundraising activities. This however does not cover all our program expenses. S. Gina Fleming, OP S. Barbara Schwarz, OP Partners in Mission are benefactors who pledge monthly contributions to help fund the programs of the Dominican Youth Movement USA. Current Partners in Mission have found DESIGN this program more convenient than traditional giving - with no repetitive checks to write Sean Puzzo CONTENTS or mailing involved. The Dominican Youth Movement USA will receive all the money you 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW designate for its use and be able to count on your monthly contribution and as a result be able to budget more effectively. All the money raised through the Partners in Mission program are 5 DYA Lessons and Carols 25 distributed to help fund the financial needs of the programs. There is no greater Sr. Gina Celebrates 25th Jubilee gift than investing Address comments and questions to 8 We invite you to partner with us and aid in continuing to make these programs “life changing” Connecting Tomorrow’s experiences for our young people who in turn will “change the world.” in the future of [email protected] Dominicans, Todays 26 Come and See - IDYM 2020 our Church! Dominican Youth Movement USA 555 Amityville Avenue 14 We also will gladly accept one-time donations! Donate Today. B7! That’s Heaven! 26 Friendly Faces of New Molloy Amityville, NY 11701 College Campus Ministers For more information or to sign up visit www.dymusa.org/donate or 15 Caldwell DYA Stamp Out Despair contact us at [email protected]. General Information www.dymusa.org 2 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE [email protected] CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 3 (631) 842-6000 ext. 308 DIRECTOR’SLETTER Dominican Young Adults Enjoy “Rejoice...For unto you a Child is born ...And He shall be called Emmanuel “Lessons and Carols” at Amityville Motherhouse ...God is with us” “...one of the most enriching and enlightening experiences a member of Dominican Young Adults can hope to have.” Dear Friends,

Certainly, Christmas is a time for rejoicing in the many blessings that we have already received and for those yet to come. We here at the DYMUSA have much to rejoice about!

This is the DYMUSA’s fifth year as an organization, and we are experiencing an Lessons exciting time of growth. One needs only to look at the page opposite this letter to and Carols see what has happened over this past year! My heartfelt thanks goes out to our Board is celebrated members, our Partners in Mission and donors, our most recent corporate sponsors, each December our college/university campus ministers, our high school campus ministers, the many at the Motherhouse congregations that support us and of course the many young people who participate in of the Sisters our programs. Yes, indeed God has been with us in each and every one of you. of Saint Dominic of Amityville. The sisters, I thank each and every one of you for your support, encouragement, and good wishes associates, friends, family, this past year. As we continue to prepare ourselves to once again welcome the Savior Dominican Young Adults, and many more are invited into our midst, may you know the peace and joy that he brings. to this yearly tradition.

Have a joyous Christmas season, and may the New Year bring you all that you need! to the service, members of the Molloy chapter of Dominican With sincere appreciation, Young Adults USA spread the Christmas spirit throughout the halls of the Motherhouse caroling to S. Gina Fleming, OP. those who wouldn’t be able to make it Executive Director to the service and celebrate with sisters. DYMUSA A member of Molloy’s DYAUSA chapter, reflected on the day saying, “visiting with the sisters is one of the most enriching and enlightening experiences a member of Dominican Young Adults can hope to have.”

In this busy time of the year it’s seems far too easy to forget the true meaning of the Advent and Christmas season. The young adults felt the visit “provided them with new perspectives on the Advent season.” “I know that I often have an incredibly hard time finding myself in the contemplative and waiting attitude that is often associated and talked about with the Advent season. The sisters encouraged us to contemplate the true meaning of Christmas from differing perspectives and go out of our way to do something kind for those in need.”

All in attendance enjoyed fourreflections and carolswhich ended in a joy filled rendition, with bells in hand, of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” The Christmas spirit was felt by all!

4 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 5 Sister Pat Brady, OP was an educator par excellence and a tremendous visionary. After many years as a teacher and administrator in our Dominican schools, and being a pro-active educator, Pat realized that our schools, which at one time were completely staffed by sisters, now had very few if any sisters on their faculties. She also realized that in the years to come, the number of sisters would dwindle until the faculties were completely staffed by lay teachers. The question came to her, “Who would teach our students about the Dominican charism? Who would pass on our rich history to the next generations of students who attended Dominican High Schools?” Pat decided to begin a new venture with our Dominican High Schools. In 1999, she invited all the Dominican High Schools to send representatives (both faculty and students) to what she called a “pilot program” to introduce the Dominican charism to high school students. The people. Pat was intricately involved in the evolution conference would be held in and would last for of this program and became the chairperson of the first a week. Ten schools decided to attend. Thus began “The Dominican Volunteer USA board of directors. Dominican High Schools Preaching Conference” that Some years after the Dominican HS Preaching has been serving our Dominican High Schools and their Conference was begun, Pat saw another need. Our students for the past 21 years. Dominican High Schools, which had evolved as Pat had During this time there was a movement to create a anticipated, needed to have an organization that could volunteer organization that would focus on Dominican help educate and train the growing lay administrations ministries and allow the young volunteers to live in and faculties. So together with the sponsoring community with professed Dominican sisters. So, from congregations of our high schools and the sisters who the former Apostolic Volunteer program, which was a were still in administrative positions in those schools Pat Sinsinawa Dominican venture, came the newly formed help found what is currently known as the Dominican Dominican Volunteers USA. This was another way to Association of Secondary Schools or DASS. Pat was continue to pass on our Dominican charism to our young the initial director of that organization and held that position for at least 5 years. Yes, Pat Brady lived and breathed DOMINICAN life. It was in her blood. Recently when I visited her during the 2019 High School Preaching Conference held in Adrian, , she spent the time telling me what still needs to be done … and exactly how I was to do it!! I will miss her enthusiasm, her great sense of humor, but most of all her WISDOM! Yes, the Order has lost a great Dominican but those of us who were mentored by her will Remembering Sister Patricia Brady, OP do our best to carry on her FIRE FOR THE CHARISM! Sister Gina Fleming, OP 1939-2019 Executive Director, Dominican Youth Movement USA

6 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 7 YPWSPOTLIGHT Connecting Tomorrow’s Dominicans, Today

Sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Amityville, NY, the 2019 Youth Preaching Workshops excitedly welcomed twenty-nine new “Youth Preachers” to our ever growing Dominican Family.

tudents from St. Agnes Academic gifts and talents that have been given to important takeaways from the workshop DYMUSA’S Newest Program: HS, College Point, NY, Good them by our loving God.” for the participants was that there are so S Shepherd Parish Youth Group many ways to preach the Good News Youth Preaching in Holbrook, NY, St. Mary’s Parish The weekends begin with an introduction beyond the pulpit. Youth Group in East Islip, NY, Notre to the Dominican Pillar of Community Dame Parish Youth Group in New as the students shared a meal and began Throughout the second day, students Workshops To-Go Hyde Park, NY, and NY, St. Joseph to get to know each other. attended breakout sessions on preaching through drama, art, music, and dance. The Parish Youth Group in Babylon, NY Another Dominican Pillar, Prayer, was The Youth Preaching Workshops To-Go is a unique program were among the twenty-nine newly highlight of the day was the chance to that takes the core components of the Youth Preaching experienced in a unique and exciting meet some of the retired sisters for an ice welcomed “Youth Preachers.” opening prayer service in which Workshop held at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. cream social. This was an opportunity to Dominic of Amityville and brings them to young people These students were the latest group participants and facilitators were asked to converse with the sisters and learn from across the nation. The Dominican Youth Movement USA to participate in the Dominican Youth bring water from their homes and schools. the many ways the sisters have preached offers customizable workshops to introduce communities Preaching Workshops, a program of the The water was poured into a single bowl, so beautifully with their lives. liturgical dance. By the end of the weekend, many students felt to the Dominican Charism and its foundation in the Four Dominican Youth Movement USA in illustrating our coming together with Pillars as well as the many ways of preaching, including partnership with the Sisters of Saint one another. This water was then blessed These young people are hungering for any like they understood what it meant to be a preacher. preaching through the arts and through community service. Dominic of Amityville. and used in turn to bless one another. So opportunity to come closer to God. How Year after year participants continue to find the weekends began the journey of young Dominican blessed are we to be able to provide a venue spiritual and prayerful, and most excitingly, many of these Since the workshops began in 2001, they If you or someone you know would be interested in having preachers. to foster and ignite that relationship. new Youth Preachers stay connected to the Dominican Youth have served over 1,000 students, ages a Youth Preaching Workshop To-Go, learn more today at Movement USA after experiencing these weekends. Some even 13-18, in 60+ workshops. The workshop Merriam Webster defines the word Each workshop concludes with Sunday www.dymusa.org/ypw encourages students to fulfill their own “preach” as “deliver a sermon or religious liturgy. Students minister as lectors, return to future workshops as mentors and have the opportunity baptismal call to “Preach the Word of address to an assembled group of people, present the gifts of bread and wine, read to lead a new group of youth preachers. Many of these youth God, in all things they do” by using the typically in church.” One of the most petitions, and lead the congregation in preachers will attend the Dominican High Schools Preaching Conference in Michigan, which continues to empower students to discover and deepen the preacher within through prayer, study, community, and the Dominican Family. The Dominican Family is grateful for their presence among us and the ways in which they stay connected ■

-GF, op & SP

8 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE CATCHCATCHTHETHEFIREFIREMAGAZINEMAGAZINE | |9 9 NCPIASPOTLIGHT

36 College Students Join the Saint Catherine Dominican Family at 16th Annual NCPIAC of Siena Feast From May 22-27, 2018, thirty-six students from Dominican Colleges/Universities or colleges with a Dominican presence gathered at Caldwell Day Flash University, Caldwell, NJ, for the National College “Preaching in Action” Conference. rom May 22-27, 2018, thirty-eight students from The conference began with a brief history of Dominic and the Wedding Bells for Dominican Colleges/Universities and colleges with a Order complete with an array of Dominican songs. There was Fundraiser F Dominican presence gathered at Caldwell University, definitely a Dominican Spirit in the air as students began to Dominican Young Adult Caldwell, NJ, for the National College “Preaching in “Catch the Fire.” Action” Conference. We are incredibly grateful for those who Josianne Umuhoza Each day of the conference students and mentors are exposed donated to the first Saint Catherine of Siena The National College “Preaching in Action” Conference, now to a different facet of the Dominican Tradition. The first full day Feast Day Flash Fundraiser on April 29, 2019! in its 17th year, is a collaborative response to our desire as of the conference helped participants better understand the rich Dominicans to introduce college students to the foundations and history of the Dominican Family they were becoming a part of. On Saturday, September 15, 2019 former characteristics of Dominican Preaching. We commit ourselves to A presentation “Dominicans through the Ages” welcomed some Dominican Volunteer and Dominican Young actively engage students in prayer, preaching the Word, service, of our Dominican Saints to the conference. Mary of Magdala Adult, Josianne Umuhoza, a young woman from community, and modeling creative ways to make preaching a (Diane Capuano, OP), Dominic (Patrick Spedale), Catherine of Jessica Abejar S. Nancy Murray, OP living dynamic in their daily lives. Siena (Nancy Murray, OP), spoke about the saint’s lives and their Rwanda, was married. Her new husband, Nelson S. Diane Capuano, OP S. Mary Nolan, OP own call to preach in the early years of the Order. is a friend who she has known for years in Rwanda. The participating universities/colleges included: They shared the ways in which each saint answered Patricia Daly S. Nancy Richter, OP Albertus Magnus College (New Haven, CT), their call to preach in the early years of the order. Sisters Lenore Toscano, Mary Nolan and Gina Linda Hincken S. Joan Scanlon, OP Aquinas College (Grand Rapids, MI), Barry Fleming, her housemates, attended the wedding. University (Miami Shores, FL), Caldwell Participants were blessed to have the North RoseMary Lobato Kevin Sullivan Josianne had lived with the sisters at the House University (Caldwell, NJ), Dominican College American Co-Promoters for Justice at this years S. Mary Soher, OP Kaitlyn Tashjian (Orangeburg, NY), Dominican University of conference (Marcelline Koch, OP and Fr. Brendan of Hospitality in Huntington Station during her California (San Rafael, CA), Edgewood College Curran, OP) who introduced the five justice Gena Markantonis volunteer year with the Opening Word and then (Madison, WI), Molloy College,(Rockville priorities of the Dominican Family in the United Centre, NY), Ohio Dominican University (Columbus, OH), States and Canada (Climate Justice, Peace and Security for an additional 2 years as she completed her Masters (Adrian, MI), St. Thomas Aquinas all Life, Migration and Immigration, Human Trafficking, and in Business Administration at Molloy College. College (Sparkill, NY) and Xavier University of Louisiana, Economic Justice). They emphasized that we as Dominicans Their donations helps us offer and introduce (New Orleans, LA). These students were joined by more than 30 need to walk on two feet: Charity and Advocacy. They challenged youth and young adults to programs which help It was a wonderful ceremony, in full African style. mentors who helped guide them through the week. the participants to recognize the importance of their voice in them “Catch the Fire.” promoting the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the new These young people came together to learn about the Dominican United Nations member states in 2015. couple and with her host family the Martins. We charism of preaching and how that charism can be incorporated Visit www.dymusa.org/donate to learn more into their own lives and passed on to others. They were given Br. Joe Kilikevice, OP (St. Albert the Great Provence) led about how you can help connect tomorrow’s wish the newly married couple blessings galore as ■ the opportunity to experience themselves as preachers using the students and mentors in a presentation on the Interfaith Mission Dominicans, today! they begin their new life together! -GF, op mediums of art, dance, drama, and music. of the by introducing the students to dance and song from a variety of different faiths. Br. Joe is the director (continued on next page)

10 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 11 of the SHEM Center for Interfaith is always a powerful experience for the Spirituality in which “the sojourners of participants. all spiritual paths and faith traditions, as well as the spiritually homeless, are Again this year, we added time for welcomed into a sacred space where the “Theological Reflection” before and after prayer, meditation, rituals, and wisdom of the service day. There was a wonderful 1 the peoples of the world are experienced sharing of stories, people, reactions, and reflected upon.” Br. Joe’s message fears, attitudes, and underlying issues. resonated with the students who come to Many of the students were so moved the conference from all walks and stage by their experiences that they made of faith and spirituality. Barbara Schwarz, OP concluded the week’s presentations by tremendous gratitude for all your help! To the mentors who commitments to get more involved with awakening the participants to “the Art of Preaching.” Her took the time away from their summer vacation to share this their own communities back home. The “Signs of the Times” was the focus interactive and hands-on presentation was a great intro to the experience with their students. And last but not least, to all of of the second day of the conference. “Preaching through the Arts” day. Sara Fairbanks, OP, Janet our new YOUNG PREACHERS! Have a great summer! And Dominicans have often headed the A highlight of this year’s conference Marchesani, OP, Nancy Murray, OP, Mary Pat Reid, OP, and don’t forget “Preach With Your Lives,” it is the only pulpit you ■ op phrase, “Preach with the Bible in one was the opportunity for students to see Susan Miller, an associate professor from Caldwell University, need. -GF, & SP hand and the newspaper in the other.” a volume of the “St. John’s Bible” which and S. Barbara presented additional breakout sessions for the A focus of the conference is awareness Caldwell University is housing for the students to use their creative energies. of the Signs of the Times. It is a hope year. Caldwell University’s Campus that this will encourage these students Minister, Colleen O’Brien presented the Highlighting the conference were the morning and evening It is a life-giving and life to fulfill their own Christian mission of Bible, its history, and the beautiful artistry prayer services prepared by the student participants. Students preaching the Good News. within the book. The students really used their creativity and God given musical talents to lead the changing experience conference in prayer which begins and ends each day. This is enjoyed the presentation and wished but one of the elements of the conference that students enjoy surrounded by Dominican Lena Picillo, OP, Pat Stringer, OP, there was more time in the schedule immensely and plan on recreating on their college campuses. and Jeanne Clarke, OP spoke to to spend learning the particulars of the preachers from all over the the young people about some of the pictures and calligraphy. Justice Issues of the Order: Human Tired, but filled with the joy of the spirit, Sunday’s closing liturgy was a culmination of a week of prayer, reflection, United States.” Trafficking, Immigration, and Next up was an introduction to the Climate Change. Colleen O’Brien service, and newfound preaching skills. Students lent their other parts of the Dominican Family. and the Caldwell University Catholic talents as signers, lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, liturgical Tables were set up like a college fair. Relief Services Ambassadors dancers, the list goes on! introduced the CRS Ambassadors The students were able to go around to program to the students and their each table and speak to members of the At the closing liturgy, which was attended by many of the mentors encouraging others to bring different groups as well as obtain some Caldwell University community as well as the Sisters of Saint the program to their own campuses. valuable information through brochures Dominic of Caldwell, each college group presented their and other materials. action plan. Students are challenged with the creation of an As in the past, students were asked to action plan for the upcoming school year. This plan is the take 5-10 minutes for contemplative That evening students were given time vehicle for sharing what they have learned at the conference 2 time after each presentation. The to interact with the many held with to their college campuses. In addition, each student presented students took this time to reflect and members of DYAUSA, Dominican an individual action plan. You can view the action plans here. write down what they heard, what they Volunteers, Associate membership, It was moving to witness each student making a commitment learned, and what they would like to Leaders of the DYMUSA as well as to continuing the “Holy Preaching.” bring back to their campuses. You could religious sisters and friars. This is a hear a pin drop in the quiet. unique opportunity for students to Each then received a Dominican Cross and were commissioned to go forth and preach the “Good News” to learn more about the members of the their fellow students. The participants were ready to put Dominican Family, ask questions, and their “preaching into action”. They collect valuable information. spent the next day in immersion Upon leaving, these young people felt like part of our sites ministering: to the underserved Dominican Family and will forever be connected. Wherever The presenters included members of at St Peter’s OP Shop (an outreach they go, they will be preachers of God’s love, God’s peace and DYAUSA, Dominican Volunteers, facility), to the earth at the Caldwell God’s justice for all! 4 Associate membership, Leaders of TOP TO BOTTOM Environmental Center, to the elderly in the Caldwell Health Care Facility, DYMUSA as well as religious sisters We here at the Dominican Youth Movement USA wish to thank Colleen O’Brien speaking with students about the St. Johns to engaging preschoolers at Aquinas and friars. The students were full of the Caldwell University community, in particular to Dr. Nancy 3 Bible which is at Caldwell during 2019. Academy, and in aiding Immigrant questions around these topics. The day Blattner, President of the University and to Kathleen Tuite, OP Mr. Patrick Spedale, Campus Minister at St. Pius the X detainees at “First Friends.” As was concluded with a DJ and some late for allowing us to use their facilities and for their graciousness TOP TO BOTTOM: HS, portrayed St. Dominic for the participants. always, the service piece of the week night dancing! and hospitality. To Colleen O’Brien and Dana McStowe, our 1. Scenes from Preaching through Art sessions. S. Sara Fairbanks guides students through the art of 2. Students and Mentors participate in Br. Joe Kilikevice’s Interfaith Liturgical Preaching in her workshop. Spirituality session - a favorite year after year. Some amazing Holy Spirit guided mandalas from S. 3. A candid moment with preachers from across the US. Barbara Schwarz workshop. 12 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 13 CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 13 4. Students were all smilles, all week! DYAUSASPOTLIGHT

B7! That’s Heaven!

On Sunday, October 20, a group of our Would it be a Dominican event without After pizza, everyone enjoyed playing Dominican Young Adults from Molloy food? No! After pizza, everyone enjoyed BINGO and of course, winning fun College had a great time at Bethany playing Bingo and some lucky folks won prizes! The kitchen at Bethany House House with the women and children. prizes! The kitchen at Bethany House was was filled with lots of chatting, laughter Bethany House of Nassau County, New filled with lots of chatter, laughter, and and song. As always, we were welcomed York exists to strengthen and assist song. As always the Dominican Young warmly by the women and children and homeless women and children from Adults were warmly welcomes by the staff. A great time was had by all! God Long Island who are deprived of the basic women, children, and staff. For sure the Bless our Dominican Young Adults living resources required for natural and healthy real prize was the great time had by all. out our mission of Community, Service, growth and development. Sister Aimee We thank our Dominican Young Adults Prayer and Learning! ■ -GF, op & SP Koonmen, an Amityville Dominican, is for living out the mission of Community. the Executive Director. STAMP OUT

14 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE DESPAIRCATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 15 Domincan Young Adults from the Caldwell Chapter and others gathered to “Stamp Out Hunger.” Caldwell Dominican Young Adults Help Stamp Out Despair

ot ten miles from the Statue of Liberty there are a year, Stamp Out Despair provides detainees with gifts of hundreds of immigrants languishing in “detention.” writing materials, stamps, envelopes and cards to help them stay They have no access to the outside: they live in a N in contact with family and friends and to let them know there miserable, windowless, remodeled warehouse. They are not are people in the U.S. who care about their plight. It’s a great permitted to have possessions or even their own clothes. One project for schools, religious groups, and other organizations to of their own pleasures is corresponding with family and friends. The problem is that the detainees can only use pre-stamped get involved with. envelopes, which they have to purchase from the detention center On December 8th, Dominican Young Adults from the Caldwell commissary for much more than the price one might purchase Chapter joined Caldwell University students, Lacordaire them for at your local post office. Many detainees come here with little or nor money, so it is difficult for them to afford postage. Academy students and parents, sisters and associates of the Sisters of St. Dominic, and parishioners of St. Thomas More This is where countless volunteers, including the Caldwell Church to assemble 300 folders for people who are being held Chapter of Dominican Young Adults step in. They took part in in these detention centers. The paper, cards and stamps they a packing event as part of the ongoing project of First Friends of NJ & NY, a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to will receive will allow them to communicate with loved ones treating immigrants with dignity and compassion. for Christmas. Participants felt blessed to be a small part of bringing the true meaning of Christmas to others. All the north In addition to a visitors’ program, First Friends supports those detained at the Elizabeth Detention Center, Bergen County Jail, east Dominican communities are involved and well as many Hudson County Correctional Facility and Delaney Detention local parishes who participate and bring their collection to the Center through the “Stamp Out Despair” campaign. Twice Caldwell Dominicans. ■ - SP

16 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 17 DHSPCSPOTLIGHT Almost 80 students “Sent out to preach by justice issues: immigration, by Dominic…to find new ways to preach.” at Father Brendan Curran, OP, the 20th Annual Dominican High Schools St. Albert the Great; racism, Sister Marcelline Koch, OP, Preaching Conference Springfield; persons with disabilities, Mark Butler, a Springfield Associate; and he campuses of That is the intention of High School in Houston, St. human trafficking, Sister Siena Heights the preaching conference, Martin de Porres, Brother Roberta Miller, OP, Peace. T University and the which forms students from Herman Johnson, OP, of They spent a full day learning Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Dominican high schools in the St. Martin de Porres to preach in action through Motherhouse were a beehive the Dominican spirituality of (Southern) Province; and St. service at agencies in the of energy, joy, and community preaching – not just from the Catherine of Siena, Sister Adrian area. June 25-30, 2019, as 76 pulpit, but through their lives. Nancy Murray, OP, Adrian, students and their mentors The conference is structured to whose full-time ministry On the last full day of the from 18 Dominican High teach the student the various is to portray St. Catherine conference, students attended Schools participated in the ways that Dominicans preach of Siena during programs workshops by Dominican 21st Annual Dominican – and to encourage them throughout the world. The artists to learn how to preach High Schools Preaching to bring what they learn at opening sessions also included through the arts. Presenters Conference. the conference back to their a morning keynote address by were Sister Carletta LaCour, schools. Participants also Michael Petro, teacher and OP, Houston, T’ai Chi Chih; “I’ve been very fortunate to plan and participate in prayer Dean of Students at Cardinal Sister Tarianne DeYonker, OP, meet a lot of other people and services, get to know one Stritch Catholic High School Adrian, the labyrinth; Sister I’ve become very welcomed into another at meals, and discuss in Oregon, Ohio and an Sara Fairbanks, OP, Adrian, this Dominican community,” the day’s events each night afternoon talk, “The Interfaith liturgical preaching; Sister said Grace Rado, a student with specially organized home Mission of the Order,” by Jean Patrick Ehrhardt, OP, from Marian Catholic High groups. Brother Joe Kilikevice, OP, Springfield, rosary-making; School in Chicago Heights, of the St. Albert the Great Sister Barbara Schwarz, OP, . “I’ve found that there The students first learned (Central) Province. Amityville, mandalas; Andy are a lot of other young people to preach in the Dominican Abberton, Dominican Young who are on the same path and tradition – from the lips of In later sessions, students Adults USA, “Found Prayer”; we’re all learning to walk in St. Dominic, Patrick Spedale, studied the signs of the times and Sister Luchy Sori, OP, God’s light and to preach.” a mentor for St. Pius X through sessions on social Adrian, liturgical movement.

Brother Herman Johnson, OP as St. Martin de Porres The closing Liturgy – celebrated Mary Soher, OP, an Adrian Each school group then came Motherhouse had the privilege with the Dominican Sisters of Dominican Sister and Director forward to announce their of praying for a particular Adrian in St. Catherine Chapel of the Preaching Conference, commitment for the coming participant and of meeting – was an exuberant experience told the students. “From such year: from organizing creative him or her during an ice cream as the students were sent off to a wondrous week, how do prayer services and teaching social – and of celebrating their homes and their schools we leave each other?” She their classmates about different Night Prayer that evening and to continue their preaching. encouraged them to consider types of prayer to emphasizing the Closing Mass with the their going forth back to their the four Dominican pillars of students. But the preaching “We have taken the time to homes and schools as another prayer, study, community, and conference, a program of the listen to each other, to fan the call from God. “You gave your ministry or preaching. Dominican Youth Movement fire inside each person to let all to come here, and I know USA, was a collaborative effort As the hosting Congregation, God’s love shine forth like the you will do no less for those of the U.S. Dominican family. stars in the night sky,” Sister Sisters at the Adrian Dominican whom God loves back home.” ■ -BK, op

18 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 19 DYAUSASPOTLIGHT

uring the week of July 16, 2019, College Chapter and Solanyi Rodriguez, Suheily ten young people, who are members Rodriguez Anamika Sharma Paudel from the of Dominican Young Adults USA Caldwell Chapter. These young adults are part of traveled to Puerto Rico to offer their time and talents the Dominican Youth Movement whose aim is to Dto the people who had been most affected by the continue the tradition of preaching through word devastating hurricane. and action, using their own unique talents. Dominican Young Adults Help The Young adults were Eileen Connolly and Sal Joining the Young Adults were two Dominican Ubaldini from the Molloy Chapter; Mary Elizabeth sisters, Pat Stringer, OP from the Caldwell in Aftermath of Hurricane Maria Dristle and Christina Maretzo from the St. Dominicans and Gina Fleming, OP from the Thomas Aquinas Chapter; Natalie Infante, Sinead Amityville Dominicans, who are mentors for the Reflection by S. Gina Fleming, OP Reilly and Nicolette Agresta from the Dominican groups. (continued on next page)

NAMES NAMES NAMES 20 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 21 history of the area and explaining tion exercise you might say. As the trials of growing coffee on you might guess, the prayer and the island after the hurricane, the reflection were powerful each young people were brought up the night. mountain to see the actual coffee plants and assist the gentleman in Different parts of the family covering the newly planted trees (vowed religious, and Dominican in mulch. As a reward for their Young Adults) worked together to work, they came back down the make this week a positive experi- The Retreat House mountain and enjoyed a fresh cup ence for all. The students enjoyed of coffee that began with beans, their time on the island and in be- went to roasting, to the grinder ing with the people. No one of us and into the percolator, right in did it all, but all of us did our part. front of the students. Fresh, Fresh, Of course our stay would not be Fresh! They all thoroughly enjoyed complete unless we had some fun the fruits of their labor. time on this beautiful island, so during the last two days of our stay On another occasion, we visit- we had the opportunity to stay in ed another school in Yauco that San Juan. We were hosted by a had been abandoned by the gov- wonderful group of Charity Sis- ernment but was taken over by a ters who couldn’t have been more young 16yr old environmentalist. hospitable. We were aware that Jose, along with some of his class- there were protests everywhere mates, won a contest sponsored but the sister’s helped us navigate by NASA. His project “How to the areas so as to stay safe. So to Grow Vegetables in Space” gained end our time in Puerto Rico we him a $25,000 prize from the went to one of the beautiful Puer- Coffee Farm federal government. With the to Rican beaches, as well as the financial capital he has begun an wonderful Old City of San Juan. organic farm on land that was A fun time was had by all. thought totally unfertile. He spent During the week. The young people helped repair an old school We arrived at our first work site early the next morning. It Soon it was time to say goodbye. (now an apartment complex), mulched coffee trees at a farm and was a school which had been occupied by 12 families that were a great deal of time speaking to the students about following their Our week of volunteering was visited an organic garden run by 16-year-old environmentalist. displaced after the hurricane. The school had been closed for over and we prepared to leave the over a year and with some help, the families had turned it into dreams, while showing them how The week began with the arrival on Tuesday afternoon into the he made his dream a reality. He island. It was a good feeling know- small apartments. Though the families now had a roof over their ing that we left the work sites, es- San Juan airport. After waiting to pick up our vehicle for the heads, there was much to do in the way of fixing the place up. told the students’ “We need to do week, a 15 passenger van, we were escorted by one of our Do- whatever is necessary to save our pecially the makeshift apartment minican sisters from Puerto Rico to the retreat house we would Because of the number of things that needed to be done the planet for future generations. This complex, in better shape than Scenes in San Juan call home for the week. There were many stops along the way group was broken up into pairs to begin to tackle the tasks. At project is just a small beginning.” when we arrived. It was also a (lunch, grocery shopping, gas, etc) but we finally arrived in Ma- the site the students had the opportunity to engage in all types Needless to say, the students mar- good feeling knowing that all of All work and no play? Nope! riaco at around 8:00 pm that evening. Mariaco is one of the most of work which included cleaning former classrooms (to be used veled at his enthusiasm, sense of us in our own small way assisted remote sections of the island of Puerto Rico and is located at for meeting spaces, playrooms for the younger children, and a purpose, and humanitarian way in “Continuing the Preaching ” in the top of the mountain. Needless to say, it was a long, winding storage room for donated items such as clothes, canned food, of thinking. After planting their our own lives and the lives of those trip, especially at night, and most especially while driving a 15 shoes, etc), painting the hallways, and walls of the outside of the own coffee plants, we joined Jose we met in Mariaco, Bartollo, Yau- passenger vehicle with 12 people and loads of luggage. It will building, weeding, raking, and mowing of the property, as well and his family in a Spanish feast! co, and San Juan. definitely be an experience I won’t soon forget! as planting new seedlings in the organic garden that was just be- We would like to thank all our sisters gun. The young adults, many of whom had never met each other Every other night after dinner the The next morning we would head down the mountain to our young people gathered to pray in Puerto Rico for their prayers, and before this trip, began working alongside each other and hit it assistance in arranging for our service work site in Bartollo, some 40 minutes away. Much to their dis- off right away. Though it was extremely hot and exhausting at and speak about their day. What may, the students had to rise each morning (sometimes with some or who touched them, and where trip to the island. S. Lissie Aviles in times, the work was done in a wonderful spirit of laughter and particular spent a great deal of time prompting) at 7:15 a.m., prepare their breakfast, make their lunch fun. might they have encountered God (which they needed to bring to the site each day), and be ready to in their experience, a little theo- and effort in preparing for our trip. ■ leave by 8:15 am. Quite a challenge for young people who were on In addition to the school site, we visited a well-known coffee logical reflection and contempla- GRACIOUS POR TODOS! break …but they were real troopers and were ready to go. grower on the mountain. After spending some time learning the -GF, op

22 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 23 CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 23 S. Gina Fleming Celebrating What have been your ministries? 25 Years As a Dominican Prior to entering the congregation, I was the Principal of a DYAUSA private school for emotionally disturbed high school students. n Saturday, September 28, 2019, the Amityville This was a very challenging place to work, but it was the place Dominicans celebrated 75th, 70th, 60th, 50th and where I grew up both emotionally and spiritually. After Welcomes O 25th Jubilees. Dominican Youth Movement USA’s novitiate, I went to minister at St. Agnes Academic HS as the Executive Director S. Gina Fleming, OP celebrated 25 years Dominican Young Adults Assistant Principal. Though I had administrative experience, New Members! Commiting for One Year of Religious Life! Congratulations! The following interview originally appeared on the Amityville Dominican’s website. this was a very different setting than I was accustomed to. he tradition continues! For the fifth year in a row, Dan Emerson leading the With the help of Peggy Warren, my Principal, I learned to congregation in song. What brought you to Religious Life? the vespers service for the month of November at T the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of I had the Amityville Dominicans in grammar school at Holy navigate my new setting. I grew to love the students at the Amityville were celebrated and led by the Molloy Chapter of Redeemer in Freeport. It was that experience that brought me to school and enjoyed my five years there. When a new position Dominican Young Adults USA. this congregation 25 years ago. However, I can’t really say that it in the congregation , The Promoter of Youth, was under was that experience that brought me to religious life. That journey The tradition began in 2016 as part of the celebration of the discussion, I knew that was something I really wanted to was a bit more complicated! 800th Anniversary of the Dominican Order. As the Gathering do. The main thrust of the position was to create programs Song began and the presider and preacher processed into St. That journey began when I was invited by a friend to go with her Albert the Great Chapel, one could feel a great excitement that At the conclusion of the commitment ceremony, that would engage our young people in learning about our filled the room. to an Easter Sunday mass. I had been away from the church for the entire congregation responded by resoundingly Dominican charism. This would be the thrust of my ministry accepting their commitment and encouraged them to some time so this was big. That Easter Sunday, mass was held on The Molloy Chapter of Dominican Young Adults USA is blessed “stay the course.” the beach at sunrise. I didn’t know it at the time, but that mass for the next 20 plus years, and I have loved every part of it! with young adults with beautiful voices, who led the songs and would change my life forever. It began a journey that evolved What are you excited about concerning the future? psalms. It was evident looking around the chapel at the sisters Fifteen young people attended the service with many into daily mass participation, teaching religious education, and and associates as well as the parents and families of these young re-committing to membership in the organization. becoming a Eucharistic minister for my then parish, Blessed adults that they were moved by these young adults. There are many who are worried about the future and what Sacrament in Valley Stream. I began realizing that something Sr. Gina, Director of the Dominican Youth will happen to us, and our charism. I have no such fears! I “What a beautiful expression of God’s love and how it has was missing in my life and set out to find that missing puzzle Movement USA, spoke of the event saying, “It touched each of these young people through our Charism,” piece. I began by spending a year speaking to a long ago friend, am excited at the prospect of “finding new ways to bring this was so moving to see how these young people have one sister said. It was very clear from all in attendance that the Maureen Carey. Moe and I had played CYO softball together charism forward”. Because of my many years of working with embodied the Dominican spirit. They have claimed “Dominican Spirit and Charism” were infused in all of them”, when we were in elementary school and high school... At the said another sister. their place in the Dominican Family and they are our young people, I am convinced that our charism and our end of that year, I truly felt that God was calling me to an abrupt very proud of it. Oh yes, my sisters, the Dominican church are in good hands. The Dominican Youth Movement Each year at Vespers, the Molly Chapter of Dominican Young Charism is alive and well in our young people and change in my life. I contacted the Amityville Dominicans and USA encompasses our National High School Preaching Adults USA takes this time for new young adults to commit and they will pass it on long after we are gone! That is asked to speak to someone there. Lo and behold, the person was for returning members to recommit to “living out the Four Pillars a great sign of HOPE for our future! Our beloved another familiar name, Margaret Mayce. Margaret and I had Conference, our National College Preaching Conference, and of Dominican Life: Prayer, Study, Community, and Mission.” Charism is in ‘Good Hands.” ■ GF, op graduated from elementary our Dominican Young Adult, school together. It was pretty 2019 Dominican Young Adults USA. These programs create Molloy Chapters clear to me by then that the Amityville Dominicans were many opportunities for young the group that God was calling adults to awaken to their own me to. I was asked to come to call to preach a word of Hope, a congregational celebration Love, Faith, and Justice for some weeks later. I don’t know if you have ever felt this way, All. It doesn’t get much better but when I entered the chapel than that! My excitement is that day, I felt that I was home enhanced when thinking about for the very first time in my life. God had allowed me to find the how many others out there need missing puzzle piece in my life. to have these experiences. What It was then that I knew I was will happen when they do!? Nick Avila Joseph Casella Michelle Martin Jane O’Brien Christian Ramos Congrats to... going to begin the process to Liz Alarcon Eileen Connolly Peter Martin Anne O’Rourke Salvatore Ubaldini Andrew Abberton Emily Brierly Dan Emerson Colleen Moulder Brian Ramos Julia Winkler enter the congregation. Congratulations again! Krystine Abberton Liz Boylan Michael Malinwoski

24 | CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 25 IDYMSPOTLIGHT ALUMNISPOTLIGHT WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

Dominican Youth Movement USA’s 2017-2018 Volunteer reflects on his 2nd Dominican Volunteer year.

Molloy College Campus Ministers Michelle Martin (R) and Mike Malinowski (L) Driving cross country from California Molloy Alumni and to New Jersey gave me a lot of time to reflect on my past two years as a Dominican Young Dominican Volunteer. I have seen and Adults named Campus learned more than I ever imagined possible. I know I am a different 2018-19 Dominican Volunteers (L. to R.) Lacey Green, Elizabeth Broussard, Rosie Fiache, and Sean Puzzo. Not Pictured: Jake Moran Ministers at Molloy person than I was two years ago, even College one year ago when I began my second DVUSA. I sat there for a long time not do as Christians – to show the same love service year. sure what I wanted to put down, but we want for ourselves to others. Father the one thing that kept coming back to Mike Malinowski went on to say that the time we spend Dominican Young Adults Elizabeth, my fellow Dominican me was all of the folks who had been Mike graduated from Molloy in 2013 with a B.S. Volunteer, and I had the honor of neighbor to me and I to them. at mass is the root of our faith, but it across the United States have celebrating Sr. Christina Heltsley OP’s in Childhood Education and Sociology. While at is what we do after we leave the doors been invited to the International Molloy he was heavily involved in Campus Ministries 40th Jubilee at the Sinsanawa Mound I thank the students, faculty, and staff Meeting and Assembly of the and co-founded the Dominican Young Adults group (the Sinsanawa Dominican Sister’s whom I interacted with during my time of the church that is most important. on campus. He was also a part Molloy’s Student Motherhouse). It was a weekend-long in the Dominican Youth Movement My time in DVUSA could be seen as a Internation Dominican Youth Government; Men’s Basketball Team student celebration rooted deep in Dominican. who were my neighbor. Movement (IDYM) which will be manager; Alternative Spring Break; as well as serving parallel to the time we spend in church. as a mentor at Molloy’s Rising Star and Mentoring I thank the students and mothers Now, what am I going to do now that I held in Nairobi, Kenya in July Program He also founded the Dominican Young The gospel that weekend was that of the Good Samaritan. Sr. Marilyn of Holy Family School who were 2020. Adults at Molloy and Molloy Mad Men cheering am leaving church and returning to the section. Upon graduation, Mike received his Master’s Durr, OP who ministers and lives at neighbors to us, welcoming us into their world? Degree at , a Dominican sister school House of Connections with Dominican community, homes, and lives. The theme of the conference is of Molloy, where he continued to be involved with Volunteers in Chicago, offered a both the Office of Campus Ministries and Office of I thank Sr. Christina Heltsley, OP who How will I show my hospitality, and who reflection before Mass. Sr. Marilyn was “Njoo Uone,” which is Swahili for Mission Integration while working in the De Porres opened up Casa Alianza to Elizabeth also celebrating her 50th jubilee. There will I be neighbor to? I await the challenge “Come and you will see” which Center for Ethical Leadership. Mike has spent six and I this year. Sr. Christina created a years in Student Affairs before joining the Campus was one line that stuck out to me and warm and playful space that allowed us the world and the creator lays in front of comes from the 1st Chapter of Ministries team at Molloy in May 2019. played over and over in my head: “Who to live in community with each other. me. I am reminded of a phrase my mom the Gospel of John where the have you been a neighbor to?” While Michelle Martin says when something in life changes, disciples take up and follow this question was penned toward the The Dominican Volunteer year ended Michelle graduated from Molloy in 2017 with other jubilarians, I felt it was being with mass at the Racine Dominican’s “Man plans, God laughs.” My time in Jesus (John 1, 35-39) It is in this her B.A./M.S. in Adolescent English and Special Motherhouse. This week’s gospel was offered to me as a point of reflection DVUSA changed my career trajectory. Education. While at Molloy she was actively involved again from Luke. It told the story of context, inspired by “Come and in Campus Ministries and Dominican Young for my time as a Dominican Volunteer. Mary and Martha and their interactions When I graduated in 2017, I had hopes you will see” the International Adults; served as an assistant on Molloy Student I did something I never do and turned Government; participated on the executive board of on my phone in church to write the line with Jesus. The priest offered a very of completing my first volunteer year and Meeting and Assembly will different interpretation of the Gospel. the Education Club; and traveled abroad four times down in my notes, afraid I would lose returning to New Jersey to pursue a job gather members from nearly 30 with the Office of International Education. Upon the line in the hustle and bustle of the One that emphasized the importance of graduation, Michelle taught at a high school founded Mary’s work, but highlighted Martha’s in the design field. Now, I have plans countries to further this mission by the Dominican Sisters of Amityville where she celebration. role in the early church. Father said that to return to school to receive a degree that we have as youth and taught English and facilitated the Dominican Youth The question came back to me on our Martha was the first Christian, in the Preachers group. Michelle worked in that position in art education. Without the volunteer young adults. for two years before returning to Molloy as a Campus closing retreat a few days later. One of sense that she was offering hospitality experience I never would have known Minister in July of 2019. our reflections asked us to create a shield to all whom she encountered. Her ■ ​More information to come in of things that represented our time in hospitality laid out what we are called to this was something I was called to. -SP 26 | CATCHTHE2020!FIRE MAGAZINE CATCHTHEFIREMAGAZINE | 27 COME AND SEE / NJOO UONE COME Dominican Youth Movement USA 555 Albany Avenue Amityville, NY 11701 www.dymusa.org [email protected]

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