THE FLAME Sisters of Saint Dominic a Message from the Prioress of Caldwell, NJ
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100014_newsltr_newsltr 2/1/13 2:25 PM Page 1 THE Volume 6, No. 1 Winter 2013 FLAME “it seemed to set the earth on fire” CALDWELL DOMINICANS Thank You Friendship, a Dominican Tradition Scripture speaks of holy people as ries. Diana relished their visits so she “friends of God” and surely, we all could hear firsthand the details of the aspire to that title. To be a friend of Mission of which she was a hidden God challenges us in myriad ways. but powerful part! We cannot meet this challenge alone We hear many stories of Albert the –we go to God in communion with Great and his brilliant student, other friends of God! Dominicans Thomas Aquinas. The fact of their cultivate friendships for all the friendship often gets ignored. The human reasons that others do, and two Dominicans were so different: also as a means to grow in faithful- Albert, gregarious, with wide-rang- ness as preachers of the Word. ing interests and experiences; St. Dominic cultivated a deep Thomas, quiet, reflective, almost fruitful friendship with Diego de solitary. Yet Albert called Thomas Avezedo. When Dominic was sub- into community and Thomas through prior of the canons in the Osma his writing put Albert‘s encyclopedic cathedral and Diego was the local knowledge at the service of the bishop, the two trekked together Mission for generations to come. across France on a diplomatic mis- And after Thomas’ death, Albert was sion. As they encountered the people a vehement defender of his friend’s enthralled by the Albigensian heresy, writing. they were inspired to gather some Catherine of Siena, a lay “How can we thank credible preachers to serve the Dominican whose ministry raised Gospel. This seedling movement serious questions among Church God enough for grew into the Order of Preachers. men, became friends with Raymond St. Dominic and his successor, of Capua, a friar appointed to inves- Jordan of Saxony, befriended Diana tigate her work. He defended her, you in return for D’Andolo. Both men were on the they corresponded regularly, and she road, preaching, conferring with the encouraged him despite his natural all the joy we have friars and with Church authorities. timidity, to move to Rome for the Diana became a nun, living out her sake of the Mission! Dominican vocation in the cloister. Friends complement one another in the presence of Despite the obvious differences in many ways. We cherish each one among these Dominicans, their of you as a friend of the Caldwell our God because friendship flourished. Diana prayed Dominicans. We are women who constantly for the success of the share the Mission of Jesus of pro- of you?” preaching. Dominic and Jordan claiming the Good News. We have relied on those prayers and looked not and cannot fulfill this Mission forward to visits in the monastery without your help! You are “Friends 1 Thessalonians 3:9 where they could find refreshment of God,” our friends - more precious and kindred spirits to hear their sto- to us than silver or gold! 100014_newsltr_newsltr 2/1/13 2:25 PM Page 2 THE FLAME sisters of Saint Dominic A Message from the Prioress of Caldwell, NJ January 2013 Friendship . 1 Dear Friends of the Caldwell Dominican Sisters, Dominican Laity . 3 Meister Eckhart, a Dominican friar and mystic, Thank You Donors. 4-9 once remarked, “If the only prayer we ever say is News & Updates. 10 ‘Thank You’ it is enough!” Spiritual Enrollment Cards . 11 Our gratitude for each of you goes beyond In Memoriam. 11 words! You partner with us in the Mission of proclaiming the Gospel. Our energy, prayer, study and work are poured out daily in the service Saints In Focus: of the Gospel. Without your support, we would surely fail. You make St. Martin de Porres . 12 it possible for us to live and pray in safety, to study at home and in schools of higher learning, and to work even where people cannot MISSION afford to give us salaries. We are eternally grateful. statement How can we ever show our thanks? One way is that we remember Affirmed by Chapter 2005 you at the Table of the Eucharist. We recall that the meaning of the “We, Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, are word Eucharist is Thanksgiving! So even in the cold, bleak days of a community of vowed women religious winter, our hearts are warmed with gratitude for you as we pray for responding to God’s call and united in our quest for the unfolding revelation of God. each of you at Mass. We preach the Word of God through our Your grateful friends, lives of contemplative prayer, study and ministry in response to the needs of our time. VISION STATEMENTS 1995 Sister Arlene Antczak, OP, Prioress, We will reclaim our passion for contemplation, and choose this as our lens and the Caldwell Dominicans. through which we make decisions, live our lives, minister, and perceive our world. We will hold the promotion of Justice as top priority in every area of our Congregation. Message from Director of Development We will commit ourselves to deepen our studying, living and teaching the mysteries Dear Friends, of the universe and the sacredness of all creation. As we begin the New Year, I give thanks for your kind We resist the ongoing devastation of our & generous support of the Caldwell Dominican Sisters. I planet by a contemplative scrutiny of our am humbled & awed by these Sisters who collectively use/abuse of Earth’s gifts. represent over 8,000 years of devoted, vowed service; Development Office their impact on our lives is both incalculable – and life 1 Ryerson Avenue affirming. Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 Rosemarie Scannapieco, Director This year so many of you have provided key support for the Sisters at 973-403-3331, ext. 38 the Motherhouse and beyond to continue their ministry work; and for our [email protected] “retired” Sisters at St. Catherine of Siena Convent & Healthcare Center to Community Leadership carry on as caretaker, public watchdog, social advocate, prayer companion Sister Arlene Antczak, OP, Prioress Sister Luella Ramm, OP,Vicaress — and always, friend. Sister Patricia Stringer, OP, Councilor Thank you for all you do to help and please know the Sisters pray for Sister Elsie Bernauer, OP, Councilor you and your needs every day. Visit our new & improved website: Rosemarie Scannapieco, Director of Development www.caldwellop.org P.S.: We love hearing from you – if there is a particular topic Also look for Caldwell Dominicans – Sisters of St. Dominic on you’d like us to cover in a future issue, please let us know. LinkedIn and Facebook 2 100014_newsltr_newsltr 2/1/13 2:25 PM Page 3 THEFLAME Our Friends in the Third Order The spirit of St. Dominic is alive and bound and to local hos- flourishing among our laity. Proof of pitals. In addition, each this can be found in Whiting and year donations are sent Caldwell, where groups of women and to St. Jude Hospital. men have committed themselves to The Chapter has a spe- seek a richer, deeper, more spiritual life cial devotion to as members of the Lay Order of St. Blessed Margaret of Dominic. Thanks to the continued lead- Cortona, “the unwant- ership of dedicated lay people, mem- ed saint,” and they bers enthusiastically follow the 800 have prayed, worked, year old tradition of prayer, study, com- and contributed to the munity, and good works. cause for her canon- The Whiting Chapter, named for ization. The group has The Caldwell College Chapter, Left to Right Back Row: Irene St. Catherine of Siena, had its begin- also been instrumental Foley, George Corbo, Nancy Fitzsimmons, Gladys Lynch; Left to Right Front Row: Ethel Sheehan, Francine Corbo, Bettie nings in the 1960’s at St. Antoninus in in establishing a Lay LeFebvre, Toni Gialanella. Newark where the Dominican Fathers Dominican Chapter in served. Two young parishioners, Ben a prison in Radice and Ralph Petillo, wanted a Massachusetts. They connect in prayer, the meeting date which begins with the closer connection to the Dominican life. study, and letter writing. The inmates 4:30 Mass at St. Catherine Convent on They joined what was then known as frequently express their appreciation for the Motherhouse grounds. The mem- the Third Order and continued a life of this association with their friends in bers then join together for the recitation prayer and good works even after the Whiting. of the office and a discussion dealing parish closed. Their headquarters for The Caldwell College Chapter with a Dominican theme. There is monthly meetings became St. Barnabas traces its beginnings to the 1940’s when weekly bible study and reciting of the Hospital in Livingston. Shortly after, Father Paul Perrotta, O.P., a professor rosary on Monday afternoons for those when a number of members moved to of Philosophy and Theology, introduced who are able to attend. Everyone is south Jersey, the group was given per- the possibility to his students. The pro- encouraged to be active in their respec- mission to meet at St. Elizabeth Parish. posal was well received and grew tive parishes; they act as lectors, Sister Adrienne Fallon, O.P., a pastoral steadily in membership. The young Eucharistic ministers, and participate in minister there, became an active partici- women wanted to become part of the parish committees. For years the pant, helping the chapter become better Dominican tradition which combined Chapter has had an interest in an orphanage in the Philippines and monthly contributions are sent to sup- ply milk for the children. Another spe- cial concern is Appalachia where dona- tions of clothes and useful items are sent regularly.