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In This Section…
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.”


We invite all who are interested in sharing Associate life with the Caldwell Dominican Congregation to join us:
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.
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.
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.
Mary Lanni, OPA
Director, Caldwell Associates
marylanni@comcast.net
Sister Carol Van Billiard, OP
Advisor, Caldwell Associates
OLS9395@comcast.net