By Katie Beckmann Mahon, Communications Manager
As Catholic Sisters Week 2021 comes to an end, the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, are once again reminded of the impact of Women Religious on society, as well as their accomplishments and influence worldwide.
This year's Catholic Sisters Week was unique compared to most year's celebrations.
Several Catholic Sisters Week events typically held in person with great crowds, in past years, shifted to virtual-based due to the pandemic.
This year's Catholic Sisters Week celebration was full of community, faith, friendship, and joy, even with the shift.
The Sisters saw many former students and friends come together to support their Children's Masks and Cleaning Supplies Drive to benefit the Tolentine Zeiser Pre-K Program, where Sr. Maggie McDermott, OP, ministers as Executive Director.
Along with supporting this Drive, friends of the congregation also tuned into the Sisters' other virtual events throughout the week.
During the "Living Through COVID With Faith & Hope" discussion on March 4th, participants listened to an inspiring conversation between Sisters Maggie, Mary Flood, and Mary Eileen O'Brien. Moderated by Sr. Terry Rickard, these Sisters reflected on how they used faith and hope in their ministries to the pandemic's challenges.
On Tuesday, March 9th, the congregation participated in their annual Catholic Sisters Week discussion with the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill. During the live conversation, Sr. Barbara McEneany, represented the Blauvelt Dominicans, as she and other Women Religious reflected on how we can open our hearts to the world, find common ground with others, and build a culture of peace and dialogue as one human family.
The following day was quite festive as supporters tuned in to watch the Virtual Celtic Tea live broadcast. During the Celtic Tea, participants heard from Sr. Dorothy Maxwell, enjoyed an Irish music performance from the talented Kevin Cronin, and found out the winners of our Celtic Tea Raffle.
Catholic Sisters Week 2021 ended on an uplifting note as Sisters Molly Dower and Theresa Lynch were honored with a Proclamation at the Town of Orangetown's March 10th Board Meeting. Along with the Proclamation, Sisters Molly and Theresa were also presented certificates from the Town, celebrating their birthdays.