Glenville parishioners welcome friends from Dominican Republic

On a recent gorgeous Sunday, when most parishioners at Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville had gratefully forsaken winter clothes for sundresses and short-sleeve shirts, Lissette Del Rosario was still wearing a light cardigan.

"This is warm, for you?" she exclaimed. "For us, this is cold!"

Ms. Del Rosario, from the Dominican Republic, was part of a delegation from Mary Star of the Sea parish in the capital city of Santo Domingo. Along with a fellow college student, Marcos Martinez, and seminarian Martin Gutierrez, she came to the Albany Diocese to learn about the culture and people of their new sister-parish: Immaculate Conception.

Introductions

Rev. Thomas Connery, pastor, said that his parish and Mary Star of the Sea were introduced through the diocesan sister-parish program, "Pueblo To People."

Since the parish already had ties to the Dominican Republic -- a parishioner, Deacon Ramon Tapia, and his wife, Olga, are Dominicans -- they welcomed the connection.

At this point, said Father Connery, the two sides are just "getting to know each other," so no concrete plans for cooperation have yet been made.

Getting to know you

During the trio's visit, Immaculate Conception parishioners had the opportunity to meet and speak with the visitors, with some Glenvillians using what little Spanish they know. When one parishioner learned that the visitors did not bring cameras, she ran out to the local supermarket and brought back a bagful of disposable ones.

"I don't know much Spanish, but I know this: 'Mi casa es su casa,'" said one elderly lady to Deacon Gutierrez (meaning "My house is your house"). "Thank you for coming."

"You have a great Christian community," Ms. Del Rosario said. "Very kind. Very nice people."

Island needs

Mary Star of the Sea parish was recently created to meet the needs of Santo Domingo's growing Catholic population. The members gather to worship in plastic chairs under a makeshift tin roof. Although plans are being made for a church and parish center, they currently worship, in essence, outside.

"If it rains, we all get wet," said Ms. Del Rosario.

After years of study for the priesthood, Deacon Gutierrez, who is well-loved by the parishioners, will become their pastor at his ordination on June 21.

Across cultures

The visitors were interested in the way the Glenville parish celebrated Mass and noted that although both parishes followed the same basics, a number of things were different.

For example, said Deacon Gutierrez, Dominicans sing more during Mass. Also, instead of leaving directly for their homes or for Sunday brunch, as many Americans do, the parishioners of Mary Star of the Sea linger afterward Mass to dance in informal worship.

In the Dominican Republic, "you will see a lot of youth involved with the Church," said Deacon Gutierrez. "It is unbelievable how many youth are involved with social and spiritual activities. Even when they go to college, they take time for the parish."

Relationship

Father Connery feels that the two parishes are making meaningful cultural connections. "Parishes should be ready to express our universality and appreciate a culture other than our own," he said.

Deacon Gutierrez hopes that the two parishes forge a meaningful partnership. "We ask the Lord that this relationship that has started endures for a long time," said Deacon Gutierrez.

"Yes," said Ms. Del Rosario, "I think that we are going to be very good friends."

(Deacon Gutierrez's remarks have been translated from Spanish.)

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