Happenings from Our Lady of Dolors Community
Thinking of writing this for our International Community, the word for me that reflects where we are here in the United States of America now, and what is happening is TRANSITION. We recently joined VSNW (Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester) Community Care Navigation Program to assist us in facing present and future changes. The program helps to identify and navigate the services and support systems that can provide a greater sense of well-being and peace of mind for all of us. Its focus is Helping Women Religious to live well and thrive. It helps provide comprehensive life planning, care and wellness services. A Care Navigator has begun working closely with members of the community to create individual life plans that take into consideration each Sister’s goals and wishes as we journey through Independent, Assisted and Medical levels of need in life.
At present some of the Sisters live independently in rental homes and apartments. Sister Elissa Rinere recently moved to Discovery Farms in Farmington, CT, and Sister Maryann Strain along with Sister Mary O’Brien will be joining her there in March. Others are in Assisted Living at Saint Elizabeth Court in Providence, RI, and Saint Antoine’s in North Scituate. One is at Cherry Hill Manor Nursing and Rehab in Johnston, RI.
Sister Angela Daniels, in her 80’s, has a relaxing moment at St. Elizabeth Court. She’s watching the antics of her two cats – Elmo and Louise. The funny story about the cats is – when Angela got them, they were thought to be sisters and she named them Thelma and Louise (a movie title) and then it was discovered that Thelma was a boy and got the name change to Elmo. Angela spent most of her years in ministry at the Assumption Parish in Providence, RI.
Sister Una O’Connor, in her 90’s, is at St. Antoine Villa in North Scituate, Rhode Island. She was with Sister Bernadette Hughes at St. Antoine’s Primrose Lane and after Bernadette’s death moved to the Villa. She loves that they have Mass available and she attends other activities – The Rosary and any one of the many activities or ‘games’ the residents participate in.
She’s pictured here with Sister Mary Dumond at one of the luncheons at St. Bernard Church in North Kingston, RI (the Church community she moved from). Many of the Associates who are part of that community continue to visit her.
Sister Rose Alfieri, in her 90’s, is in residence at Cherry Hill Manor, Nursing and Rehab Center in Johnston, RI.
I remember her as ‘Sister Andrew Joseph’ when she taught in St. James School in Seaford, Long Island NY. She’s been involved in ministry in many of the RI schools including Prout Memorial High School in Wakefield, RI. Her last ministry was as Religious Education Coordinator at St. Rocco’s Church, Cranston, before going to Cherry Hill.
During this time of transition, we unite in holding our Lady of Dolors community in prayer, sending wishes for peace, wisdom and wellbeing as we journey forward together.
Thank you for your sharing news to us.
A big THANK YOU for sharing with us your time of Transition .
Itwas lovely to see the names with the smiling faces .
You are in our thoughts prayers as we walk together the synodal way .
Its really good for me to see some more faces in our Congregation.
We are always in the middle of transitions in different ways. Thanks for sharing to all of us <3
Its lovely to catch up with news of all our sisters in the US, and to know how you are working out your living arrangements now. You are in our thoughts and prayers in this transition time, the Lord is with you in this difficult time. Witb love Anne
We CP Sisters in Dublin are thinking about you CP Sisters in US during this difficult time of transition. Change is always challenging and more so as we are older! I hope ypu will settle and be happy in your new surroundings and make make new friends quickly. Remembering you in prayer. Cecilia.
Thank you for sharing news of transitions – a time of challenge and we pray that all will find joy in the present and gratitude for lives of service
Gracias por compartir la Vida. Mi oración por las hermanas. Mi cariño y Bendiciones!!!
Many thanks for sharing your life. Congratulations for the process you are going through.