By Katie Mahon, Communications Manager
For 21 years, Cathy McCann has been a Blauvelt Dominican Associate.
On the most recent episode of the Hearts Afire Podcast, she reflected on what the program means to her and its connection with the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York.
She explained, “It’s a way of us being a part of their community, supporting their mission, growing in our faith, sharing in their mission, seeking peace and justice in our world through all that we do. We do that through their prayer, study, and joining in community opportunities and their ministries.”
Cathy, who refers to herself as “a Dominican since birth,” had a relationship with the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, before joining the program as her aunt, Sr. Consilio Maye, known as “Aunt Nora,” first told her about the program in 1984.
She would join the program a few years later when she was invited to a small gathering in East Rutherford, New Jersey, by fellow Associate Linda Rutter.
“(That gathering) gave me a deeper understanding of what they were about: prayer, scripture, understanding, and laughter and joy.”
Since making her commitment as a Blauvelt Dominican Associate in 1991, Cathy has become an active member of the program and now serves as the Director of Associates, working closely with fellow Associates, Mary Lou Cull, and Maureen Zeiss to keep Associates involved and engaged.
When reflecting on her time as an Associate, Cathy shared, “I’ve made some wonderful friends, I’ve grown in my faith, confidence, and the hospitality here by the Blauvelt Dominicans is something that you don’t always see. People are always praying for you, and you are praying for them. It’s a great relationship between Sisters and Associates.”
That relationship, along with endless amounts of cherished memories, such as attending the annual Blauvelt Autumn Festivals, retreats with Associates, and events at the Motherhouse, like Jubilee celebrations, keeps Cathy motivated to lead the program and recruit new members.
When asked who could join the Associate program, Cathy shared, “Anyone really seeking to deepen their own faith and grow in their own faith, and sometimes we don’t get that at our church. It’s an hour a week, we don’t get to sit and talk individually or in small groups, and that’s important. That’s where the Associate program comes in and is wonderful.”
If you would like to learn more about the Blauvelt Dominican Associate program, you can visit www.opblauvelt.org/associates or email Cathy directly at cbmm785@gmail.com.