STATEN ISLAND, NY July 10, 2006--Seventy years ago, 150 people on fire with the spirit of St. Dominic established the St. Catherine of Siena Chapter of the Dominican Laity, the first and only chapter on Staten Island.
Last month, the group's current members celebrated the milestone anniversary
with a mass and reception at the Presentation Sisters' convent at St.
Teresa's R.C. Church in Castleton Corners.
The chapter was established on May 24, 1936, at St. Rita's R.C. Church,
Meiers Corners, by Carmela Cari, a parishioner. Members dedicate themselves
to prayer, apostolate, community and studyThey pray the Liturgy of the
Hours together, as well as the rosary.
Ms. Cari, now a resident of the Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Castleton Corners, has said the group "is not another sodality or social club.
"Members are lay people who strive to follow the call of Christ and St. Dominic by leading lives of good example and study of the truths of faith." The group formerly was known as the Third Order of St. Dominic.
Monsignor James Malley, pastor of St. John Neumann R.C. Church in Greenridge,
spiritual adviser for the chapter, celebrated mass for members and their
guests.
the message of the Gospel. Today thousands of sisters, nuns, priests, brothers, associates,
and laity serve in more than 100 countries around the globe