The Sister’s Mission Outreach committee is currently helping to feed the hungry through a food drive for Catholic Charities and People to People in Rockland County, NY. This drive began on January 30 and continues through February 14; donations may be brought to Dominican Convent, Sparkill. Needed foods include soup, beans, rice, tuna, canned fruit, and vegetables. Many people assume that Rockland is affluent with few people who go hungry. This is a myth. Rockland Community Against Hunger reports 41,000 people are living below the poverty level in Rockland and over 94,000 (1 out of every 4) people need help affording food for their families. Sisters in Siena Hall are assembling cutlery packets for the Warming Center coordinated by Catholic Charities. At the Warming Center guests are offered a hot meal, a place to sleep and shower, and access to essential services provided by the Department of Social Services.
Since its founding in 2020, the committee has been evolving and looking for meaningful ways to respond to the needs of the times. Sister Jeannine DeClue states, “Our committee represents the whole congregation, we are just the yeast, trying to raise us all up to action." The committee’s two main goals are to address food insecurity and to help give expression to our Sisters and Associates commitment to mission. This is a hands-on committee that also engages in study. Contemplation of the Beatitude, “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat." from Matthew 25:35, impels the group to act. Pope Francis' advice to think globally and act locally is a guiding principle for the committee. In the spirit of integral ecology, the group studies and reflects on Laudato Sí as it responds to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. Future plans include advocacy for systemic change related to hunger. Click here for more information on the Laudato Sí goals.