Dominican Sisters of Sparkill Hold Annual Cycling for Peace Event

On Saturday, September 28th the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill held their annual Cycling for Peace Event. This was the first year that the sisters were able to hold the event on the grounds of their convent. As the title of the event suggests, the central theme of the day was focusing on the importance of fostering peace. The event was also a fundraiser to help support the multitude of ways the sisters spread peace in the community.

The small showers on the day did not dampen the sisters’ excitement as they welcomed guests to enjoy the grounds of the convent, with games setup under trees giving way to fall colors and party tents dotting the yard. Under the tents were poster boards and educational pamphlets detailing the various ministries the sisters are involved in. These ministries  include efforts to reduce gun violence, efforts to phase out single use plastics, their ministry providing education and necessities in Pakistan, and their work providing assistance to immigrants in Rockland. It might, in fact, be easier to discuss causes the sisters are not involved in than to list out the ones they are. “I think a misconception is that… [we’re] all tucked in this building and retired,” said Sister Nancy Richter, O. P., laughing. “Sisters never retire”.

One of the most referenced ministries of the day was their work with immigrants and One to One Learning. The sisters are dedicated to the immigrant population in Rockland, and support them with basic necessities such as food and housing, as well as assisting them with learning English and any paperwork they may require. 

Yesenia Kopperman, who works as an associate with the sisters, stated that many of the immigrants have benefitted so greatly from the assistance they received from the Dominican sisters that they have returned to support and teach new immigrants. Sister Nancy elaborated, saying “They’re business owners in the county…They’re really contributing to the county and they give back. I think… that a lot of people don’t realize how much they give back to the community”.

At time of publication, the sisters had raised over $25,000 for their ministries and in support of the convent. 

The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, the eldest of whom is 106, are certainly not retired. They are out in the county of Rockland and beyond, and welcome anyone who wants to make a difference. Whether it’s being a sister or working as an associate, which welcomes both men and women, interested parties can learn more at sparkill.org/.