New leaders elected at second annual chapter

Above from left: Sisters Gene Poore, Therese Leckert, Pat Twohill (prioress), Anne Lythgoe, and Gemma Doll.

The Dominican Sisters of Peace convened their second General Chapter at the Marriott Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, April 6–12. The congregation elected new leaders for the term 2015–2021. Sister Pat Twohill, OP, was elected prioress, along with Sisters Therese Leckert, OP; Gemma Doll, OP; Gene Poore, OP; and Anne Lythgoe, OP (councilors). Sisters Therese, Gemma and Gene were elected to a second term. Sisters Margaret Ormond, OP, prioress, and Joan Scanlon, OP, will complete their terms Aug. 8. Read more More

April 29, 2015

Photos of the Week – Making a home for bees at Mariandale

Above from left: Dominican Sister of Hope Bette Ann Jaster, OP, and and beekeeper Regina Blakeslee preparing for the arrival of the bees.

Hope Dominicans

The bees have arrived at Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center. On Friday, April 24, the sisters and staff welcomed two hives of bees onto campus. In 2014, the sisters along with residents, gardeners, friends, neighbors, and beekeepers, helped to create a new law that allows bees and beekeeping in their Village of Ossining, New York. “We are tending our own bees as part of creating a sustainable and hospitable environment,” Dominican Sister of Hope Bette Ann Jaster said. “We are interested in restoring natural habitats on our campus, which add to the diversity, abundance, and productivity of the land.” Read more, view more photos More

April 9, 2015

Photos of the Week – New York students participate in preaching weekend

By Sister Gina Fleming, OP

In March, 23 students from St. Agnes Academic High School, College Point; St. Frances de Chantel Parish, Wantagh; St. Rafael’s Parish, East Meadow; and St. John the Baptist High School, West Islip, came to St. John the Baptist High School to begin a weekend of prayer, study, and the forming of community. These students were the latest group who attended one of our youth preaching workshops. They learned how to bring to life their baptismal call to “preach the Good News” by using the gifts and talents that have been given to them by our loving God. More

April 9, 2015

Faith & Film: Cinderella

We’ve all seen this story several times. Just a few months ago, Cinderella was featured prominently in the musical “Into the Woods.” Now there’s a new Disney version that’s been a hit with both audiences and critics alike. Why should we see this version?

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, who has given us everything from Shakespeare to Thor, the new “Cinderella” has been given a first-rate production on all counts. Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett plays the cruel stepmother to perfection. Lily James, from TV’s “Downton Abbey,” is a lovely Cinderella, who endures the loss of her parents and cruelty of her stepmother and stepsisters. One thing that sets this version apart from many others is that it’s not played for laughs. The many pop culture references we’ve been used to seeing in family movies are missing. That’s not to say that it’s devoid of humor, but in Chris Weitz’s screenplay, the human drama is at the heart of the story. With its emphasis on the virtues of courage and kindness that Ella’s dying mother passes on to her, this “Cinderella” resembles a Jane Austen study of virtues. The Fairy Godmother first appears as a beggar woman, who is given something to eat by Cinderella. It’s only then that the Fairy Godmother reveals herself and makes impossible things happen.
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April 9, 2015

Lay Dominicans Salt Lake City chapter in the news

A recent article in the Intermountain Catholic, newspaper of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, features the Saint Catherine of Siena Chapter of Western Province Lay Dominicans in Salt Lake City. Lay Dominicans are Catholic men and women who may be single or married with families. They promise to follow The Rule of the Lay Chapters of St. Dominic, and meet in community regularly and participate with the friars, nuns, and sisters, as well as the Church in general, in praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Lay Dominicans discern their vocation, participate in a formation process, and make a life commitment. Read article