About Us:
Our Ministries

Ministry is at the heart of our vocation as Dominican Sisters. Our service to others is deeply rooted in our relationship with God and our call to be preachers of God's compassionate message. We serve in a variety of ministries from childcare, education, and pastoral ministry to health care, social services, and ministry to the blind and developmentally disabled. We believe where one Blauvelt Dominican Sister serves, we all serve.

Over the years, our Sisters have generously and graciously responded to the needs of the Church in a changing world. Here are a few of the Sisters who are continuing the mission of the Blauvelt congregation today...

Sr. Cecilia Byrnes, O.P.
Assistant Director, Siena House, Bronx, New York

Sr. Cecelia Byrnes became affiliated with Siena House in 2001 after serving as a teacher, administrator, Vista worker, family advocate and parent trainer. Sr. Cely had also ministered at St. Dominic’s Home as a Social Worker in the Torch Therapeutic Pre-School Program before going to Siena House.

Siena House, which is a Tier 11 facility, serves as a haven for homeless women and children.  Sister assists the residents in obtaining housing and education.  She serves as the liaison with the City of New York and is in charge of social services at the residence.   Sr. Cely maintains the unique traits of her family: gentleness, warmth and empathy as well as the professional skills of supervision and organization.  With these gifts, she rises to the many challenges of her daily work.  May Cely continue to be a blessing to the many that pass through the doors of Siena House.

Sr. Mechtilde Doherty, O.P.
Teacher

Sr. Mechtilde has taught in Catholic elementary school for a total of 49 years. However, her current assignment has lasted 34 years at Sts. Philip and James in the Bronx. Here Sister started to teach second grade and for the past 34 years, she has been a dynamic force in the classroom and in the lives of so many people.

Sr. Mechtilde loves teaching at Sts. Philip and James. Her students come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and the first thing she emphasizes constantly is that God doesn’t look at skin color. “We’re all created in God’s image and likeness. You are special. Don’t let anyone put you down!” She reinforces this philosophy by encouraging her students to look into the mirror everyday and say I AM SPECIAL! She believes that her children are the future of the church and our country.

Retirement seems to be a long way off for Sr. Mechtilde. Her students keep her young with their stories and interactions. She not only trains students but new teachers because she is a master teacher and exemplary role model. She has a limitless amount of energy. Sr. Mechtilde has been/is a blessing to thousands of students.

Sr. Margaret Finan, O.P.
Coordinator:  Assisted Living Service, St. Dominic’s Convent, Blauvelt, New York

Sr. Margaret’s fifty-five years of multi-faceted services has prepared her for her special work today.

Her educational preparation led her to a teaching career in the elementary Catholic Schools in New York City, and in Jamaica, West Indies in the parish schools staffed by the Blauvelt Dominicans in Kingston and Christiana.  While on mission in Jamaica, Sister’s compassionate heart was touched through her service at St. Joseph’s Hospital which was administered by Blauvelt Dominicans at that time.  While at the height of her successful service, Sr. Margaret returned to teach once again in the Bronx.  When the community prepared for the election of leadership, the community reviewed possible candidates.  Sister Margaret was nominated, elected, served the general community as Councilor as well as specialized in service to our senior sisters.  When this leadership position was completed, Sr. Margaret offered Support Services to St. Dominic’s Home.  During this time Sister’s compassionate ways saw the need for some type of assisted living for our Motherhouse residents.  Since this ministry was incorporated, Sr. Margaret provides the following services for our sisters:  appointments are made, transportation arranged, companionship offered, hospitalized sisters visited and an empathetic ear is available.

Sister Margaret also serves as a relief person for the Infirmary Administrator as the need arises.  Coupled with all the above service is Sr. Margaret’s dedication to our annual fund raising through our Fall Festival activities.  Sister spearheads the Grand Prize raffle each year. 

Sr. Mary Flood, O.P., M.D.
Assistant Professor Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Physician, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center,  Attending Physician New York Presbyterian Hospital, Board Certified In Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases

Sr. Mary is currently an internist with a subspecialty in infectious diseases.  She sees patients for general internal medicine and various infectious diseases.  Sr. Mary provides primary care for HIV-infected patients and has been involved in the care of AIDS patients in the Infectious Disease Clinic for almost 20 years.  Sister maintains an office in Blauvelt and provides primary care for a number of religious, as well as other senior residents in the area.  Sister participates in the clinical training of medical students and medical house staff both in the classroom setting and on the wards of the hospital.

The richness of sensitivity, generosity, intuitiveness, and fidelity which Sr. Mary brings to her profession is surely a blessing brought not only to her clients but also to their families. .