Caldwell Dominican Associates

In This Section…

 

 

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!

ASSEMBLY 2011
Caldwell associates gathered with the sisters for a contemplative Assembly in the Motherhouse Chapel.  Musician Jan Novotka facilitated the prayer, music and contemplative dialogue during the two-day event.  The Assembly focused on the congregation’s living experience in implementing the Acts and Initiatives of Chapter 2010.

 

COLLABORATIVE RETREAT

The Northeast Dominican Associates sponsored a week-end retreat at Saint Joseph’s Villa in Saugerties, New York.  This was the third annual retreat that was the result of a collaboration among the communities of Amityville, Blauvelt, Caldwell, Hope and Sparkill. It has become a wonderful way for Associates from different communities to come together to share their Dominican commitment and learn how others are living the Associate life. Our Associate, Ann Marie Schmitt, “enjoyed every minute.”

 

 

 

HOLY HOUR FOR PEACE

Associates Gloria Ryan, Pat Pici and Carol Waples prepared the service for the May 2011 monthly Holy Hour for Peace at the Chapel in Saint Catherine’s Convent, Caldwell. It was a beautiful meditation reflecting on Mary’s thoughts and feelings as she traveled with Jesus to his death. A very beautiful program, designed by Sr. Gerarda, and containing pictures of the Blessed Mother as she went through the agony of that journey, made this a very moving hour.  

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Reception of New Associates

On Tuesday, September 13, 2011 we celebrated the Reception of seven new Associates and the re-commitment of those who are already Associates.  Sisters, family and friends joined us in the Motherhouse Chapel at 7:30 PM as we welcomed Gillian Allen, Joan Cappa, Marianela Iribarne, Mary Jordan, Christina Spiotto, Corinne Thompson, and Nina Yacovino.

Two additional new Associates, Laurie Picillo and Michele Russomanno, will celebrate their Rite of Reception on Saturday, October 15th during the Autumn Associate Meeting.

 

NATIONAL COLLABORATION

During October 2011 Mary Lanni, Director of Caldwell Associates and member of the Associate Leadership Team, will attend the annual National Associate Directors meeting.  Mary is looking forward to participating in the various sessions at the meeting and bringing back many suggestions for enriching the Dominican spirit within the Associate community.

    

Do you want to know more?

CONTACT US

Mary Lanni, OPA   
Director, Caldwell Associates              
marylanni@comcast.net

 

 

 

Sister Carol Van Billiard, OP   
Advisor, Caldwell Associates                                  
OLS9395@comcast.net