Yonkers, New York
The city of Yonkers, New York, is located on the majestic Hudson River and is the fourth largest city in the State of New York and the most populous city in Westchester County. It sits next to the Bronx, New York, where the Sisters had a region residence from 1985 to 1997. Inspired by region members to further the desire to make known the mission of reparation, the Sisters opened a community in Yonkers, New York.
The Yonkers community, Vocation Discernment House, was established on March 27, 1988, Palm Sunday on Westerly Street. The community was originally composed of three Sisters though others joined them over the years. The purpose of this community was to have a place where persons seeking to discover or further their individual vocations could come and pray while having the Sisters as spiritual resources. The Vocation Discernment House was not meant only for those seeking a religious call but anyone wanting to further their individual calls to various lifestyles.
The Sisters engaged not only in what was called vocation promotion but also spiritual direction. One sister worked for the Archdiocese of New York Vocation Office in the area of Hispanic vocations. Within a short time the sisters were also involved in the Archdiocese of New York Center for Lay Leadership Formation. As other sisters joined the community the ministry continued to expand in directed retreats and spiritual direction.
Ministry opportunities continued to expand and sisters became involved in pastoral work with AIDS patients, altar breads, CYO programs for young people and consultants for computer ministry with various groups and individuals. The Sisters became more involved with the Archdiocesan Seminary located in Yonkers, and began collaborating with others in the Permanent Diaconate program at the Seminary. Also, some of the sisters furthered their own education at local and out of state colleges and universities.
One unique opportunity that was afforded in the Yonkers community was to have a laywoman live and work with the sisters for a number of years. This collaboration was wonderful. The sisters offered the ministry of altar breads to various parishes and this woman coordinated this ministry. God blessed the sisters with various opportunities through the years to offer hospitality and a living situation to others.
As the community grew in membership it became evident that there was need of a more permanent residence. After looking at various houses in the area the Sisters settled on a house on Hayward Avenue in Yonkers. The house needed updating and enlargement but in 1993 the Sisters moved into their new location. A wonderful touch to all of this was that the new house was only a few streets over from where the Sisters formerly lived. The neighborhood families were thrilled that the “Sisters” were local and just down the street.
Other Sisters in the region would become members of the Yonkers community and add their own individuality to the richness of community living. Also, other ministries would blossom, as involvement in social justice groups and enlarging the computer ministry to include various religious orders of sisters and other laypersons. The Sisters were indeed blest and were a blessing to others
Ann Kasparek, smr