Giving Tuesday: A Day to Give Back

Why give to the Center at Mariandale on Giving Tuesday?

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. We’ve all experienced fear and isolation, at least, and navigated the unfamiliar terrain of a global pandemic. Nonprofit organizations like the Center at Mariandale have been closed for in-person programming since March, and the financial challenges facing us are significant.

What became clear, through spring of 2020, even as the center suspended programming, was the persistent, ubiquitous need for community, spirituality, sharing, and hope that so many found at Mariandale. In the spirit of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, we felt a need to supply a forum for community building and sustenance.

How could we provide this spiritual community and comfort to our friends, and beyond, in a locked-down, socially distant environment?

The staff and Dominican Sisters of Hope at the Center at Mariandale pivoted quickly, rolled up our sleeves, and got to work with the spirit of possibilities. We brought up a powerful new online registration system, and set up an expanded Zoom technology platform to suit our audience. We contacted our presenters to see if they could either bring their planned programs online, or develop new programs for an online community. Our circle grew and expanded with our virtual programs.

Gaynell Cronin began offering Contemplative Prayer via Zoom. In partnership with Gaynell, Fr. Jack Rathschmidt created Reading Sunday Scriptures with a Contemplative Spirit, a weekly Friday offering. These creative presenters offered programs on Pema Chodron, Hildegard of Bingen, and Thomas Merton; workshops on Icon Painting and Covid diary-writing; even guided tours of Manhattan on climate change and women’s history. In November, more than 250 registered for Election Night Contemplation.

We have offered many of our programs free of charge, and try to keep our fees as low as possible. But in the absence of in-person retreats and group meetings, our income is significantly reduced.

On Giving Tuesday, we ask you to partner with us, and consider making a financial contribution to the Center at Mariandale.

Make a one-time gift by check or credit card, or make a recurring monthly donation. Recurring gifts provide us with a dependable source of ongoing support while saving paper and postage.

Your Giving Tuesday gift is an affirmation of our mission, and of our commitment to be open and affordable to all who need a spiritual community and its support. It will help us to engage more presenters with relevant programming for the future.

Thank you for partnering with us. Our vision for the future is bright, with your support.