Winter 2018

Sr. Stephen Gerard Music to Our Ears, page 5

DOMINICAN SISTERS OF SPARKILL Leadership Team

Sister Mary Murray, OP President

Sister Irene Ellis, OP Sister Eileen Gannon, OP Sister Grace Anne Hogan, OP Sister Margaret Palliser, OP

Mission Advancement Dear Friends, Karen Ellis Director As I begin this letter to you it is snowing outside—not the fluffy dry snow, [email protected] but the heavy wet snow. In both cases, though, I find it amazing to observe how silently the snow falls. I am reminded of the words from Scripture, Bernadette Donohue “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:11). Associate These words are an invitation to take some time to be still and listen to the [email protected] quiet. What is it that we hear? How does what we hear change our hearts and perceptions? Dominican Convent of Our Lady of the Rosary When I listen to the goodness you bring to our congregation, I am in awe 175 Route 340 of your generosity and faithfulness to us. Because of your generosity we Sparkill, NY 10976 are able to continue to support our varied ministries: serving the needs of T. 845.359.4173 immigrants at One to One Learning; educating young men and women www.sparkill.org at Albertus Magnus High School and Aquinas High School; supporting the educational and pastoral work of our Sisters in Pakistan; providing safe housing for seniors at Thorpe Village and Dowling Gardens; assisting families in East Saint Louis in need of affordable housing and other supportive programs; and working with Days for Girls to make it possible Dominican for young women in underdeveloped countries to continue their education without interruption. Sisters of Your contributions and prayers of support enable us to bring God’s love Sparkill proudly to many people throughout our world. In addition, your kind generosity announce their assists us in meeting the ongoing needs of our senior Sisters. I know that, participation as they sit in the stillness and listen to God, you and your needs are always remembered in their prayers of gratitude and petition. in the May God continue to bless each of you! AmazonSmile Program. Sincerely,

Sister Mary Murray OP, President

2 WEAVINGS . WINTER 2018 NOTEWORTHY SISTERS

Sister Margaret Theresa Oettinger, OP

was honored on November 16 by the Health Care Chaplaincy Network at the Wholeness of Life Gala in New York City. With over 50 Threads of wisdom and grace... years of combined experience in We think we know, but… hospitals, schools, and parishes, Sister Margaret is certified in Clinical Pastoral It was Easter Week 1972, and I was directing a high school Education and pastoral care, and currently serves as director of spiritual care at musical production. At the end of the Tuesday afternoon dance Hospital for Special Surgery. rehearsal, one of the sophomores approached me. “Sister, I won’t Health Care Chaplaincy Network is a global be able to come to the practice on Friday morning because it’s health care nonprofit organization that my father’s funeral.” offers spiritual care-related information, I was stunned. Her father had died early that morning, but she and professional chaplaincy services in healthcare settings. had not mentioned it to anyone at the rehearsal. After she left, I did a quick mental “rewind” of everything that had been said Sister Mary Elizabeth Mooney, OP and done while she was there. Had I treated her with kindness that afternoon? Would I have done anything differently had I Principal of St. John known what she and her family had been through that morning? Chrysostom School, I learned a powerful lesson that day, one that I have never was honored on November 9 by the forgotten. All too often, I think I know others based on what they New York are doing or how they look. I must always remember that Archdiocesan it’s quite possible that I haven’t a clue about what is really going Committee of Our on in their lives. Lady of Divine Providence. Most of the time we can’t see the crosses others bear silently. But, Sister received a plaque which reads “Our as we strive to embrace the cross of Christ during our Lenten heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your journey, we can try to see everyone through the compassionate forty-three years of service to the families eyes of the God who loves them and who calls us to be loving of the St. John Chrysostom Parish sisters and brothers, giving one another the love and support we Community. The love and dedication with which you served the people of God is need to carry our crosses—even when we don’t know what those second to none. Thank you.” crosses are! St. John Chrysostom has been dedicated ~ Sister Margaret Palliser, OP to educating the children of the South Bronx for 104 years. The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill have staffed this school from Sister Margaret has a Doctorate in Theology from the the beginning. Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and is a member of the Leadership Team at Sparkill.

WEAVINGS . WINTER 2018 3 “charity personified”; and he said that, if he could build a hospital, he’d want the Sisters to run it because they were God’s most selfless people. Dr. Lou’s daughter, Marie Noelle, (a psychiatric social worker), married Dr. Kuo York Chynn, (a neuroradiologist). Dr. and Mrs. Chynn wished to perpetuate Dr. Lou’s legacy by establishing the Dr. J. T. Vincent Lou Fund which will enable the Sisters to provide education, in perpetuity, on issues of social justice through lectures, conferences, and seminars. The first two Dr. J. T. Vincent Lou Lectures will take place at Sparkill in 2018, featuring the prestigious scholars Robert Ellsberg (April 25) and Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ (September 25). The Dr. J.T. Vincent Lou Fund to Honor a Father and Humanitarian Dr. J.T. Vincent Lou (1907-1988) grew up in Shanghai. Recognizing the studious young man’s keen mind, his Jesuit teachers began tutoring him. Choosing medicine as a way to serve his country, he studied at the world-famous Quinze-Vingts National Ophthamology Hospital in Paris. A brilliant clinician and inspiring teacher, by age 33 Dr. Lou was Department Chair of Hospital Sainte Marie and full professor at Shanghai’s Aurora University. His love for China led him to accept the dangerous post “It is an honor to receive this gift from of Minister of Health in Nanking during the war Dr. and Mrs. Chynn. Through their with Japan. generosity, many others will have the After the Communists took over China, carrying opportunity to explore the themes of only a cloth satchel, Dr. Lou escaped to Hong Kong Catholic Social Teaching. This endowment where he became a Catholic. His fellow refugees paid will enable the Sisters to extend for his passage to Canada where he received a our ministry for justice to an even medical license from the British Commonwealth. By bigger audience for many years to come. God’s grace, he was eventually able to get his family The Chynns are true reflections of the to Hong Kong and continue practicing medicine. goodness of God in our world. May God bless them and their family always.” A true humanitarian, he was always kindest to the poor. Admiration between the priests, Sisters, and Sister Mary Murray, President Dr. Lou was mutual. The Sisters said that he was

4 WEAVINGS . WINTER 2018 Music to Our Ears

Whether in a time in the lives of the Sisters. Sister interacts with classroom or using the senior Sisters with song, memory games, and her musical talents, prayer. Whether she is bringing a cup of coffee, Sister Stephen carrying a lunch tray, shining shoes, or reading a Gerard Miick has book aloud, Sister Stephen is a special caregiver who always ministered improves the lives of Sisters who need an extra hand. with her whole heart Before honing her skills as a teacher, Sister Stephen and soul. cultivated another talent. She grew up in Harlem For her first assignment, Sister Stephen spent four above her family’s music store, where Louis Armstrong years as a teacher and group mother to five-year-old was a regular customer. As a young girl, she received boys at St. Agnes Home in Sparkill. She was with a special gift from her father: her beloved trumpet. her 30 boys from dawn to dusk, with myriad Before retiring her trumpet, Sister soloed at many responsibilities from cutting hair to classroom congregational celebrations, including Masses in teaching. These years were followed by assignments Sparkill and at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. teaching at St. Madeleine Sophie School in We thank Sister Stephen Gerard for her inspiring Schenectady and St. Brendan’s School in the Bronx. generosity. She is truly “music to our ears!” In 1974 Sister Stephen Gerard arrived at St. Paul’s School in Valley Cottage, NY, where she spent 43 years as principal. She loved her ministry of nurturing the talents of the teachers and acting as a “cheerleader” for her students. It was no surprise to her faculty when in 2011 the Catholic School Administrators Association of New York State presented her with the Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award. One of her most memorable experiences at St. Paul’s was her daily spiritual reflections with the students in 4th-8th grades. When the teachers would gather as a group to pray, Sister Stephen would stay with their students, reflecting on Scripture stories, interpreting them in a light way—a true heart-to- heart experience with her students. After retiring from St. Paul’s in 2016, Sister Stephen began volunteering in Siena Hall at Dominican Convent, seeking to make a difference again, this Rev. Brandon McLauchlin, pastor of St. Charles AME Zion Church & Sr. Stephen Gerard at the January Peace Prayer service. Nearly 150 people prayed together for peace in the world.

WEAVINGS . WINTER 2018 5 A spark of divine light is within each of us. – Pope Francis

On October 26th, Sister Mary Murray, president, presented Veritas Awards to two couples whose lives embody the mission of the Dominican Sisters. Award recipients Joseph and Virginia Ripp’s relationship with the Sisters began when Ginny and her sister attended Cathedral High School. Their relationship with the Sisters gained a deep meaning when Ginny’s sister, Noreen, joined the congregation, and Joe became a trusted advisor. Paul and Una Fitzpatrick’s children were educated by the Sisters, and Paul has served as a treasured partner and guide for more than 40 years. Ellen Corwin accepted the Veritas Award on behalf of Sister Una McCormack, who was honored posthumously because of her legendary service to children and families. Bishop Gerald T. Walsh opened the celebration for over 200 guests with a beautiful invocation and we were thrilled to have John Flaherty of the YES Network as our master of ceremonies.

46 WEAVINGS . WINTER 2018 Sparks of Light Award Dinner Supporters VERITAS SPECIAL FRIENDS Dr. Steven & Ellen Corwin Mark & June Ackermann Paul & Una Fitzpatrick Mary Ann Biller Fischetti Dr. Mary Beth Quaranta Morrissey & Edward Morrissey Maura Concannon Joseph & Virginia Ripp Carol Davide Rose & Bill Werner / Bill Werner Construction Leslie Doty Gerard & Diane Farley Margaret C. Feerick FOUNDERS Kathleen Fitzpatrick Gabelli Asset Management John Paulding Engine Company Carole & Erin O’Sullivan Charleen Lang Ridgewood Savings Bank Mr. John J. Miller Mr. & Mrs. John P. Moran PARTNERS Susan O’Brien Albertus Magnus High School Mrs. Ellen Duignan O’Sullivan Aquinas High School Mary C. Orr Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of NY Brendan & Kristy Ripp Susan Rudin William F. Connell, Esq. Adam Schuman One to One Learning, Inc. Mr. John Tortolani Kenneth C. Ripp Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Wronski William Saich St. Thomas Aquinas College BENEFACTORS Beckerle Lumber Supply Co., Inc. PLATINUM Frank A. Bradicich 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC Theresa & Tony Camilleri The Crehan, Corwin, Dotto, Lappetito Families— Catholic Daughters of the Americas the Families of Sr. Una McCormack Maura Concannon Mr. & Mrs. Mayo S. Stuntz County Carpet and Bed Supply Mary Cronin GOLD Betty Jane & Joseph DeSimone Reverend John Duffell Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York Minnette Cook Duran Catholic Guardian Services Cecilia M. Faulks Jim & Elizabeth Dugandzic | Aquinas Painting Mary Barbara Ferry William Gesner | Bi-State Heating & Air Conditioning B. Foschino & Son Landscape Inc. Veronica M. Tierney Hornby Peggy Gearity & Sara Kahn-Gearity Mr. Michael McManus | McManus Electrical Contractors Judith Grimm Joseph A Mezzasalma | J.A.M. Plumbing & Heating Dr. John Healey & Dr. Paula Olsiewski Ann Nolan Reese Ann Joyce Rynkar, Vail & Barrett, LLP Nancy Joyce St. Anthony Parish, Nanuet Mary Kane Theresa Lewis Sisters of Charity of New York Charleen Lang Sisters of the Good Shepherd Ron LaGuardia & Bob Cowart Monsignor Thomas P. Leonard SILVER Renee Morrisette Mr. & Mrs. Frank J. Borelli Mr. & Mrs. John P. Moran Burke Rynkar Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Moritz Funeral Home Carter, Leyland & Milburn, LLP Patrick O’Brien The Children of Paul & Una Fitzpatrick Thomas J. O’Halloran Grassi & Co. Dr. Ingrid Olhoffer Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Stephen T. Peverly Jack & Pat Miller St. Catharine of Alexandria Church, Blauvelt Carol Salem-Abbott Nazareth Housing, Inc. Dr. Robert F. Searson Pfister Roofing Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine Mary and Austin Reed Mary I. Smith Hilary & Tom Ripp Joan B. Spiller Howard & Carol Scheer Richard J. Sweeney Maryan Bastedenbeck Wessels Mary & Eugene Tierney The Most Reverend Gerald T. Walsh

WEAVINGS . WINTER 2018 7 How the Dominican Sisters Influenced

John Flaherty My Life Broadcast Analyst, YES Network The Dominican sisters have influenced my life all the way back to my days as a student at St. Anthony’s School in Nanuet NY. Their compassion gave me a shining example of how to treat others, and their discipline set the foundation for my work ethic moving forward. I didn’t realize the influence the sisters had on me as a youngster, but I now know the Dominican sisters had a huge impact on the man I have become!

Tonianne Zottoli Class of 2017, Albertus Magnus High School Class of 2021, Franciscan University of Steubenville Campus Ministry in a Dominican setting opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of the world around me. Because the Sisters are so focused on social justice, Dominican spirituality has enabled me to become passionate about promoting a culture of life as encouraged by the Roman Catholic Church. It has served as important part of my spiritual growth throughout high school and beyond. As a result. it allows me to be more attentive to my brothers and sisters around me. Furthermore, the pillars of prayer, study, community, and preaching have compounded many graces in my life since immersing myself in the Dominican charism, and for that, I am deeply grateful. God is SO good, and SO faithful!

Mary Anne Evangelist, Ph.D. Chair, Aquinas High School Board Aquinas High School has been such a part of the fabric of my life, since stepping into the school courtyard in September 1960, that I find it truly challenging to respond in just a few words. Yet, I am quickly brought back to the thoughts that I was honored to share with the class of 2014 at Graduation. I suggested to the young women that the four years at Aquinas provided each of us with priceless gifts which make a positive difference for us as individuals, and for everyone with whom we come in contact, personally and professionally. Aquinas gave me the strength and the heart to face whatever each new day brought, no matter the arena. I have a favorite coffee mug with a quote from Erma Bombeck which, perhaps, says it best… “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’ If I can, it is because Aquinas taught me well.”

8 WEAVINGS . WINTER 2018 Trivia Question: Who are the Friends of the Dominican Sisters – STL?

On October 7, the Friends of the Dominican Sisters – STL welcomed more than 400 St. Louisans to their seventh annual Trivia Night. In a city where there are numerous opportunities to compete in Trivia Nights each and every weekend, the Friends’ achievement of attracting hundreds of loyal, fun-loving competitors is not to be underestimated. The Sisters’ Friends are renowned for their high-spirited, highly-competitive events, their extraordinary array of top notch prizes, to say nothing of their devotion to Sisters who provided them with an excellent education. The evening is filled with fun, delicious food, and lots of opportunities to connect with the Sisters, family, and long-time friends. This year’s gathering also marked a very special occasion. The Class of 1967 of Brentwood’s St Mary Magdalen School marked their 50th anniversary of graduation by presenting a generous class gift to the Dominican Sisters. Sister Margaret Palliser, a member of the congregation’s Leadership Team, was present to accept the gift on behalf of the Sisters. “It was a true blessing to spend time with the wonderful men and women who work so hard year after year to make this event so successful. The funds they raise make a real difference in the lives of our retired Sisters here in Sparkill. The gift from the Class of 1967 was an unexpected surprise and spoke so clearly of the gratitude the graduates of St. Mary Magdalen School still have for the fine education they received from the Sisters who taught them with such love so many years ago!”

St. Mary Magdalen Class of 1967, 50th Anniversary. 1st row/right to left: John Rossini, April Sparks Morris, Sr. Margaret, Ellyn Hellwig Armstrong, Cindy Rachubka Thorne. 2nd row/left to right: George Kroenung, Bob Laughlin, Sue Korbecki Barrale, Bob Kurtz, Cherry Hense Kurtz.

WEAVINGS . WINTER 2018 9 Days for Girls is a worldwide, networking non-profit organization that engages volunteers to make and distribute quality feminine hygiene kits and provide “We enjoy welcoming young people health education to women and girls in need. In 2008, into our home, especially since so Celeste Mergens, founder and CEO, was assisting in many of us spent our lives an orphanage in Nairobi. She discovered that if she ministering to children. provided health and education opportunities to As Catholic Sisters, our lives have young women, they grew stronger and eventually the well-being of their villages improved too. She began always been about mission. creating and distributing handmade sustainable Age and circumstances change, feminine kits, ultimately transforming thousands of but the spirit of mission remains women’s lives. With their dignity restored, the girls and manifests itself in new ways, train other girls around the globe. In just 10 years, as with this Days for Girls project.” Days for Girls has reached one million women and girls in over 85 countries. Sister Bridget Kiniry During the year, local students and volunteers work together with our Sisters to make kits for girls in You are invited to join us on Tuesday, April 10. countries that do not have access to good healthcare. For the Sisters, having the volunteers and students For further information and participation, contact join them brings new meaning to the project. Sister Bridget Kiniry at [email protected].

10 WEAVINGS . WINTER 2018 Mission in Action WEAVINGS . WINTER 2018 11 DOMINICAN CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY OFFICE OF MISSION ADVANCEMENT 175 ROUTE 340 SPARKILL, NY 10976-1047

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MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2018 PATRIOT HILLS GOLF CLUB STONY POINT, NY

Learn more about the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill by visiting our website: www.sparkill.org and our Facebook page. To make a donation, go to Development’s Home Page on our website and click Make a Donation which will take you to the secure page.