Dominican Sisters of Amityville: ‘Former Member Anna Mary O’Rourke Norton Still Lives Out Her Preacher Calling’

Although Anna Mary O’Rourke left the community of Amityville Dominicans in 1970, she has been living out her call as a Dominican Preacher!

“I believe my calling as a Dominican Sister in 1953 continues as a Dominican Associate today…only the setting has changed,” Anna said.

After leaving the order, she got a job at the New York Telephone as a School Consultant and later as a manager of corporate contributions. She had the responsibility to donate to grassroot causes such as Noah’s Ark – a non-profit run by the Dominican Sisters. She was later invited by S. Dolores Gartanutti to join their Board. “How happy I was to be working with my Dominican family again,” she said.

February 2, 2020

Dominican Sisters of Amityville: ‘Women with OPening Word Perform Epiphany Presentation’

On Friday, January 10, a beautiful celebration of Three Kings Day took place at the OPening Word Program in Wyandanch, NY. The OPening Word program is a literacy program which teaches English and job readiness to immigrant women on Long Island, a population which is often underserved. It is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville.

That day, the women participated in song and storytelling of the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Magi. They were accompanied by Elaine Jahrsdoerfer, OP on the piano. In addition, several students related how Christmas is celebrated in their countries of origin.

February 2, 2020

Dominican Sisters of San Rafael: ‘Memorial Mass for Homicide Victims’

January 14, 2020 – Sisters and community members gathered in Lourdes Chapel this morning for the Archdiocese of San Francisco‘s Annual Memorial Mass honoring victims of homicide. Hosting the first of four Masses to be held through the Archdiocese this week, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael welcomed Julio Escobar, Director of the Archdiocese’s Office of Restorative Justice Ministry and his associate, Melissa Vlach, to provide context and background for the importance of remembering. Thank you to our own Fr. Bob Haberman for presiding at this special Mass and to Sr. Patty Riley, OP who worked with the Archdiocese to organize the event, and thank you to all who joined us in prayer. Keep the prayers coming!

February 2, 2020

‘Dominican Sisters of Sparkill Celebrate Three Kings’ Day and Remember Migrant Families’

“As part of their One to One Learning ministry, which provides supportive services to Latino, Haitian and other immigrants in Rockland County, the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill celebrated Three Kings’ Day (“Día de los Reyes Magos”) on January 6. In doing so, they joined millions of Hispanic families across the world who mark the Feast of the Epiphany […]” Read article

January 6, 2020

Dominican Charism Initiative

Submitted by Gloria Marie Jones, OP

How do we pass on the Dominican charism at this crucial moment in our history?

How do we create new, relevant expressions of the Dominican charism to ensure its ongoing vitality through the formation of present and future generations of sisters and lay partners?

These questions have driven the work of the Dominican Charism Initiative this past year. Dominican sisters, friars, nuns, laity, associates and members of the Dominican Youth Movement from around the globe have contributed to making this initiative come to life.

This initiative will provide an online web-based learning platform for the Dominican Charism. It will offer the opportunity for all members of the Dominican family and lay partners to learn the foundational elements of Dominican life and mission. Through a variety of presentations and reflection questions, each of the eight different modules will offer instruction that will deepen your understanding of and excitement for being Dominican.