Our Ministry

The Dominican Sisters  of St. Catherine de' Ricci are a community  of vowed women religious rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ and in the spirit of  St. Dominic  and our founder, Lucy Eaton Smith.

Our lives of contemplation,  study and community  strengthen us  to give prophetic witness by preaching the word of God to all with a special concern for the spiritual growth of women.
(Mission Statement)


View a photo gallery of our sisters and their ministries.

Our deepest values as Dominicans are contained in this simple statement. All of our sisters find a home in these words, whether working in parishes, retreat centers, dioceses, with the poor, those who suffer from addiction or abuse, artists or advocates for justice and peace.

Sisters who retire still find time to tutor a student or listen to them read, knowing that an ecouraging word can make a great difference.

Our ministry is rooted in the Domincan preaching mission and we share a passion for the Word with members of the Dominican family around the world. We operate two retreat houses that have a long history and tradition of preaching the Gospel and providing a place of quiet beauty for reflection and prayer.

Our sisters serve in 12 (arch)dioceses in the United States: Albany, NY, Arlington, VA, Cincinnati, OH, Detroit, MI, Harrisburg, PA, Orlando, FL, Palm Beach, FL, Philadelphia, PA, Providence, RI, Raleigh, NC, Santa Fe, NM and Scranton, PA.

We operate two retreat houses that offer the peace and quiet everyone needs to listen more intently to the voice of God in their lives.

Visit our retreat houses where you take some time to renew your spirit. There are a variety of programs and opportunties available to meet many different needs.


Dominican Retreat and Conference Center
1945 Union Street
Niskayuna, NY 12309