Blog

WHO ARE WE?

Associates are women and men, eighteen years of age or older, married or single, who enter into a relationship with the Caldwell Dominican Congregation by responding to a call to live the Dominican charism:

In this relationship, Associates are able to deepen their own spirituality and prayer life by actively engaging in the vision and mission of the Congregation. Associate life is enriched by opportunities to work for peace and social justice, to study, live and teach the mysteries of the universe and the sacredness of all creation, and to develop a passion for contemplation.

In the spirit of Vatican Council II which emphasized the universal call to holiness, our Associates’ Handbook reminds us that:
              “All are called to holiness
              and to nurture the implication
              that all are called to contemplation.”

How better to manifest one’s own love of God and the world!

                                                                             BECOME AN ASSOCIATE

We invite all who are interested in sharing Associate life with the Caldwell Dominican Congregation to join us:

1. Contact Us…Click here.
2. An appointment will then be scheduled for an interview
3. An application requiring two recommendations is then submitted
4. Following submission of the application, approval by the Congregation Leadership Council is required.

After approval, a candidate enters into a year of discernment during which three orientation sessions are held focusing on the history of the Dominican Order, the Caldwell Dominican Congregation and its vision and mission, and the Dominican saints.  Each candidate is assigned a mentor who will be a support and guide during the year.

At the end of the year, a formal reception is held during which the candidate commits to journeying with the Caldwell Dominican Congregation and supporting its mission as it is expressed in their own individual lives. This commitment may be renewed every year.

The Caldwell Dominican Congregation has no financial obligation to the Associate nor does the Associate have any financial obligation to the Congregation.

ASSOCIATE NEWS!

COMMITTED COLLABORATION DOMINICAN ASSOCIATES RETREAT

The Holy Spirit was alive with gifts on Pentecost weekend at the beautiful Villa Saint Joseph in Saugerties, New York.  On May 25-27, 2012, almost 40 Associates and Sisters gathered for the 4th annual Northeast Dominican Retreat. We enjoyed good weather in a spectacular setting at Falling Waters on the beautiful Hudson River. The five Communities who joined together to share their faith experiences were: Amityville, Blauvelt, Caldwell, Hope and Sparkill, our gracious hosts for the weekend. The goal of the retreat was “to carve some time out of our busy lives to enrich our souls and celebrate the uniqueness of our faith journeys.”

Sr. Tecie Lardner OP from Blauvelt was our inspirational keynote speaker. She presented the theme, “The Call to Holiness: The Dominican Way.” Tecie encouraged us to share our Dominican Charism, "To Praise, to Bless, to Preach." She stressed the importance of prayer and using the gifts we were given by the Holy Spirit.   She encouraged us to seek our truth and when we find it, to stand up for what we believe in, for “The Truth will set you free." We were urged to balance contemplation and action, to be inclusive of others and to respect the dignity of each person that God puts into our lives.

Each community shared their gifts by preparing the different spiritual and social events which made the weekend worthwhile. The companionship was enjoyed by all, as old acquaintances were renewed and new ones made. All who participated left feeling closely bonded to one another with a spirit of renewed enthusiasm to continue on our Dominican spiritual journey. In this time of uncertainty, it was good to be together filled with hope for a shared future!

Patricia Higgins Michel
Dominican Associate, Blauvelt

DOMINICAN ASSOCIATES HOST PRAYER AND PICNIC


Dyann Brown contributes to Huntington Post, Click here to read the article.

Do you want to know more?
CONTACT US

Mary Lanni, OPA   
Director, Caldwell Associates              
marylanni@comcast.ne		 Sister Carol Van Billiard, OP   
Advisor, Caldwell Associates                             
OLS9395@comcast.net