The Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell, New Jersey, in a congregational corporate stance on non-violence and a congregational statement on racism, hold the promotion of justice as a top priority. "There will be no violence against any person—young or old; woman, man or child; physical or verbal, based on race, creed, age, gender, or sexual orientation." At this time of Thanksgiving, we remember all God's people. Recently, members of the Asian-American, Jewish, Black, Indigenous, Latino, and LGBTQ communities have been victims of hate and prejudice. Our hearts are saddened and reach out in love and prayer for all who suffer injustice. We call on all to reach out to victims of violence and hate of any kind and to work for equity, peace and justice.
On Sunday, November 6th, the Caldwell Dominicans celebrated Sister Mary Amelia Cetera's 100th birthday! The event began with a liturgy celebrated by Bishop Manuel Cruz in the Sister Mary Dominic Tweedus Chapel at Caldwell University. Bishop Cruz had Sister Mary Amelia renew her baptismal promises at the liturgy. A special reception followed in the atrium of the Newman Center at the university. The spirit in the room was wonderful with everyone enjoying the conversation, laughter, music, and joy that come with a great celebration! Prior to the event, a call had gone out to the Dominican community in hopes that Sister Mary Amelia would receive 100 birthday cards. In reality, she has been flooded with cards from sisters, neighbors, students at our sponsored works, friends, and former students—so many that we are still counting! What a beautiful way to honor such a wonderful person!
On Wednesday, November 9th, a wake and funeral mass for Sister Mary Ann O'Connor will be held at St. Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. The wake will be from 9:15–10:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. After the Mass, graveside services will be held at Gethsemane Cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds. Please continue to pray for Sister Mary Ann, her family and her friends, especially Rosemary Gleeson, and all the people who loved and cared for her.