Development Office of the Salesian Sisters, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians • www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in GivinG
Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s Letter
Save The Dates! Tuesday- Sunday, September 22-27
Dear Friends:
Pope Francis’ Visit to the United States
The pages of this issue confirm that Summer is my favorite time of year! In the Gospels, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to Me,” and again, “Unless you become child-like, you shall not enter the kingdom of God.” Our cover photograph confirms that Salesian Sisters take Our Lord’s words to heart. At Camp Auxilium in Newton, NJ, Sr. Clare Kennelly poses as little ones gather for a bike ride on the campus. Don’t worry, everyone will follow Sr. Clare’s example and wear a helmet!
Washington, DC, New York City, and Philadelphia Friday, October 2
Dames of Mary Help Gala a benefit for Mary Help of Christians Academy honoring The Papetti Family and Twinkie Polizzi The Grove, Cedar Grove, NJ
Some news to report: • Our Salesian Summer Camp Programs across the Province are winding down. We are happy to report that we met the $50,000 matching gift, not once but twice! Our heartfelt thanks to each and everyone who reached deep to make it possible for the benefit of children around the Province, North and South. Enjoy the happy faces on pages 18-22. • Family and friends gathered to celebrate the Jubilees of six Salesian Sisters on July 12, led by Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, professed an incredible 70 years! Story and photos on pages 3-5.
Saturday, November 21
Thanksgiving Basket
• We extend congratulations and prayerful best wishes to Sr. Kelly Schuster, who on August 2 entered the Novitiate to begin her two-year preparation for her religious profession in 2017. And on August 5, Sr. Myriame Meus, Sr. Lillian Foxx, and Sr. Christina Chong completed their Novitiate and professed first vows at the altar! See pages 6-7.
a benefit for Villa Madonna School & the Salesian Youth Center Tampa, FL
• Lastly, we bid a fond farewell to Sr. Colleen Clair, Vocations Director, who embarks this month on a new mission to Egypt, at Sacred Heart Girls’ School in Alexandria. We will miss you! Rest assured of our prayers along with our best wishes. See page 7.
Salesian Sisters’ Christmas Party
Sunday, December 13 Mary Help, North Haledon, NJ Friday-Sunday, May 13-15, 2016
Mary Help of Christians Academy’s 75th Anniversary Celebration
Not long now before our next favorite time of the year: Back to School! Peace,
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Partners in Giving • Volume XXIV • Issue 4
Mary Help, North Haledon, NJ
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Congratulations, Sisters,
on your blessed Jubilees!
Celebrating 475 Years of Loving Service!
S
unday, July 12, 2015 marked the Province Jubilee Celebration of eight Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco). The celebration honored the first profession of the Sisters’ vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the closer following of Jesus Christ – poor, chaste, and obedient to God the Father – and their years of service in the Institute’s mission of the education of youth. This year’s celebration honored: Sr. Rosalie Di Peri – 70 years Sr. Inez Molano – 65 years Sr. Catherine Novo – 65 years Sr. Carmen Morales – 60 years Sr. Judith Suprys – 50 years Sr. Rufina Delgado – 40 years Sr. Ramona Beltrè – 25 years Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter – 25 years Sadly, Sr. Antonia Cvetko, who was due to celebrate her 75 years of profession with us, passed away on June 20 at the age of 102 (see page 15). The day began with Mass in the beautiful, prayerful chapel of Mary Help of Christians Academy. Msgr. Raymond Kupke, pastor of St. Anthony Church in Hawthorne, NJ, presided over the Mass, assisted by several Salesian priests and deacons. Msgr. Kupke congratulated each of the Jubilarians by name, immersing their profession of vows in the historical happenings of the years 1990, 1975, 1965, 1955, 1950, and 1940. He then expanded upon the Gospel reading, the mission of the Twelve, Mark 6:7-13, comparing the Sisters’ lives to Jesus’ instruction to the Apostles: Travel two by two (Community); Travel lightly (Poverty
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Sr. Karen Dunn, Provincial Superior (standing, right), joins the 2015 Jubilarians: (seated) Sr. Ramona Beltré, Sr. Catherine Novo, Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, Sr. Carmen Morales, (standing) Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter, Sr. Rufina Delgado, Sr. Inez Molano, Sr. Judith Suprys.
and Detachment); Mission (Teaching and Healing); Take only a walking stick (Jesus as Our Balance and Support); and On their return they told Jesus all they had done (Jubilee remembering and celebrating). The music and singing that accompanied the Mass were truly uplifting, performed by the in-house musicians and the choir of Sisters, young women in the initial formation program, and friends. A luncheon followed at The Tides Estate in North Haledon. From the new décor to the great oval seating so favorable to conversation, and the menu of the most delicious food, the venue could not have been more exquisite. Sisters, family, friends,
collaborators, and benefactors – some from as far as Florida and Canada – had a wonderful time socializing and reconnecting. The entire event was truly a beautiful and joyous celebration – in the words of some, “Perfect!”, “Magnificent!” and “A jewel!” The photos on the following pages tell the happy story. Looking back over the day brings forth warm memories and deep gratitude, not only for the years of service and witness of the Jubilarians, for the gift of a Salesian vocation, and for family and friends, but also for the magnanimous fidelity of God and of Mary Help of Christians. – Sr. Judith Suprys, FMA
Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2015 •
3
Congratulations, Sisters,
on your blessed Jubilees!
Above, Sr. Rufina Delgado, professed 40 years, visits with Maria Sees and a friend.
Above, Sr. Ramona Beltré, professed 25 years, is greeted by friends and Adopters. At right, during Mass in St. Joseph’s Chapel, the Jubilarian Sisters gathered before the altar to renew their vows.
For more photos from the Jubilee celebration, please visit our website: www.salesiansisters.org
Above, Sr. Elfie Del Rosario takes a selfie with Sr. Mary Arciga. At left, Sr. Catherine Novo, professed 65 years, with friends Lucy and Marcy.
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Partners in Giving • Volume XXIV • Issue 4
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Below, Sr. Carmen Morales, professed 60 years, with her friend Barbara Perron.
Sr. Judith Suprys, professed 50 years, visits with Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter, professed 25 years, and her niece Lily. At left, among the relatives who came to celebrate Sr. Rosalie Di Peri’s 70th jubilee were her brother, John (left), and her sister,Sr. Domenica Di Peri, who has been professed 69 years. Below, assembling for the festive Jubilarian luncheon at The Tides are Sr. Marisa DeRose, Sr. Teresita Teran, Sr. Mary Louise Mazzocco, Sr. Janet Keller, and Sr. Mary Ann Caspary, who greets Sr. Marisol Guzman. Photos by Craig Janos
Making Headlines Around the Province
August is a Banner Month for Vocations!
T
he month of August is a blessed one when it comes to Salesian vocations! August 5, 1872 saw the first profession of 15 Salesian Sisters, including St. Mary Mazzarello. August 5, 2015 saw the first profession of three young women for our St. Philip the Apostle Province in North Haledon, NJ. In St. Joseph’s Chapel, Sr. Myriame Meus, Sr. Lillian Foxx, and Sr. Christina Chong were accepted into the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians as professed Sisters. Sr. Myriame, originally from Haiti, was joined by her mother, Diana Dieujuste, family, and friends. Her father, Jacques, Sr. Myriame Meus, Sr. Lillian Foxx, and Sr. Christina Chong receive their copies of the Constitutions, or the Rule of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. watched from Heaven. Sr. Lillian, from Yorkville, IL, was joined by her parents, Patrick and Marian, and her siblings and friends. Family and friends joined Sr. Christina, along with her parents, Keun Mo (Christopher) Chong and her mother, Soo Ok (Gemma) Chong Park.
Above, Sr. Lillian Foxx and her parents, Marian and Patrick, of Yorkville, IL.
The congregation erupted in joy as the Sisters made their vows. The theme chosen by the Sisters, “Remain in my love,” taken from the Gospel of John 15:10, sums up their new lives of dedication to the Lord for the good of the young. God bless you and welcome, Sisters!
Below, Sr. Christina Chong and her parents, Soo Ok and Keun Mo, of West New York, NJ.
Sr. Myriame Meus and her mother, Diana, of West Palm Beach, FL.
O
n August 2, Sr. Kelly Schuster entered the Novitiate to begin her two-year preparation for her religious profession in 2017. Sr. Phyllis Neves (left) returned from Rome for the ceremony, joined by Sr. Karen Dunn, Provincial Superior (above).
S
r. Colleen Clair receives not one but two cakes at a farewell celebration in New Jersey! Starting this month, our Vocations Director has a new assignment and mission: she will be spending the next three years in Egypt, based at Sacred Heart Girls’ School in Alexandria. “The request came from Mother Yvonne, our Mother General, in Rome,” Sr. Colleen explains. “She asked me to go to Egypt as a missionary. Our Middle Eastern Province is in need of a Sister who can speak English, since a good part of the curriculum includes a study of the English language.” Over the past nine years, Sr. Colleen has criss-crossed the country, putting thousands of miles on her van in search of vocations. Her work has borne much fruit! “Including this year, more than 10 women have made profession, and as of this year, we will have 12 in initial formation,” Sr. Colleen says. “Thanks be to God! These young women are the greatest asset our community can have, and are a great hope for the future.” She is especially grateful to the Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle, whose annual financial support has enabled the vocation ministry to grow. Sr. Theresa Lee has been appointed the new Vocations Director for the Eastern Province. Sr. Colleen will be able to come home to the U.S. each summer. Until then, we send our prayers and best wishes to her as she begins an exciting new ministry overseas. Bon voyage!
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2015 •
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The Joy of Being a Salesian Educator
A Partnership with God
E
such as meaningful songs, prayer experiences, illustrations, and projects. Through it all, I loved to create some reflection starters. I always believed that if we bring them to thinking, then they’d come to own it.
ducating in the Salesian way is a source of joy for both agents and recipients. For those who have been swimming in these waters for years – for myself, 52 years since my Religious profession, 58 years since I entered – it becomes the air we breathe and the sunshine that illuminates our life. I cannot say that I am always in contemplation of the joy it brings me daily, but if I am ever asked to express gratitude for anything, I most often thank God, first and foremost, for the children He has entrusted to me.
When I reflect on the Salesian Educator I should be, I tend to believe that the subject matter taught is only a pretext for the deeper education, the real education that matters. When I was a novice, I heard a definition of Education that struck me: the process that draws out the potential which is hidden in a child, much like Michelangelo carved the David that lay dormant in the block of marble that had laid abandoned in the quarry. It is an awesome responsibility and I am honored to be able to participate in it. My first experience of Salesian education came to me when I attended camp with our Sisters for several summers. There was enthusiasm, responsibilities, and invitations to be creative and serviceable. There were times of fun, story-telling, prayer, long hikes to the tune of full-throated songs, and, at all times, there was a backdrop of joy and all that was animated by the Sisters. After my fourth or fifth camp season, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I watched, and I was inspired. Then came the time to learn the educational principles, hearing the stories of what St. John Bosco and Mother Mazzarello had done.
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Sr. Monique Huart
“God gives me the inspiration and the energy. I do my best to make it bear fruit.” When my turn to work with children came, the theory made sense. Little by little it became second nature. I found that the common denominator to it all was that I should love the children enough to be there with them, wanting their good, listening to them, getting to know them, so as to find a way to lead them to develop a “taste” for God – just as the Sisters had done for me. Through all the years, I was given the opportunity to teach religion – or, I’d rather say, to do faith formation. I did not have to find a reason for fitting God in what I was teaching. God became the subject matter. What I had to do now was to present it in a manner tangible enough to let the knowledge touch not only their brains but their hearts. I used different means
Partners in Giving • Volume XXIV • Issue 4
I cannot say for sure that I have always reached my goal, but through the years, a small percentage of my students have told me I made a difference. I think many educators, Salesian or not, have a secret desire to know what difference they have made. I am no exception, but the Faith with which I operate allows me to believe that God was able to give the insight to what I have sown in the heart of his children. My Salesian educator’s work is a partnership with God. He gives me the inspiration and the energy. I do my best to make it bear fruit. Some of my favorite activities are preparing children for first Reconciliation and Eucharist; and animating the children’s Liturgy of the Word and monthly Eucharistic Adoration for the children of our school, St. Theresa’s in Kenilworth, NJ. Repeatedly, at the end of the Bible Camp which we have run here for over 20 years, eighth graders who are the group monitors come and ask if they can be catechists. There is an eagerness in their tone which shows they have enjoyed the experience. One boy was struck by, “All the work we go through to help the children learn about God’s Word.” My prayer is always the same: may God sneak in through all the activities, the work, the visuals, and the simple observation of what we are and strive to be for the young. May His love fill the heart of each young person He places in our care! – Sr. Monique Huart, FMA
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Your annual contribution to this fund empowers the Sisters to continue their mission: To Provide Financial Assistance and Volunteer Services to the Salesian Sisters and to the Young People in their Care for the Advancement of Education, Vocations, and Community Life.
new or upgraded Partners Circle Members so far in 2015!
There are nine levels of membership, starting at $550, and are listed on these three pages. Won’t you consider joining this dynamic group in 2015, our 24th year?
Shown in RED
Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you!
Joseph J. McAleer, Sr., Heritage Society Major Bequests California Richard Meissner, Meissner Manufacturing
Angel Oliva Family The Dorothy Thomas Foundation
Florida Dr. & Mrs. Vincent Bagli Mr. & Mrs. Ray Campo Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Garcia PC Mrs. Ann Lowry Murphey
Partners Circle “Visionaries” Annual gift of $27,250 Florida
Indiana
Mr. Anthony Petrocelli Ms. Roberta Ruocco Ms. Celeste Tripi Mr. Vincent Waraske
Mrs. Beatrice Lightfoot
New York
New Jersey
Mrs. Pearl Kalikow
Tony Amato Family The Carini Family
Partners Circle “Stewards” Annual gift of $11,000 Texas Mrs. Betty Turner
Welcome New 2015 Members in Red!
23 Welcome
Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle
T
he Partners Circle was founded in 1991 to provide unrestricted funds for urgent needs of the Salesian Sisters and their mission. These include support for capital needs, scholarship assistance, technology upgrades, and funds for those unforeseen situations that require immediate attention.
In memory of Henrietta Veronica Schmoll Rauenhorst PC = A member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees
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Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2015 •
9
Welcome New 2015 Members in Red!
Partners Circle “Partners” Annual gift of $5,500 Florida
Mr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor PC Mr. & Mrs. James Millar Lydia & John Oliva Mr. & Mrs. Mark Oliva PC
New Jersey
New York
Mr. & Mrs. Tony Chernalis In memory of Mr. & Mrs. C.H. Church, Jr. Joanne & Al Daloisio Mr. & Mrs. Robert Harkins PC
Mr. Anthony J. Carroll Mr. John Cassara
California
Annual gift of $3,300 Florida Dr. Idalia Lastra
Pennsylvania Mr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow
Partners Circle “Founders” Mrs. Maryann Roman
Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle
Mr. Bill McLaughlin PC A.J. & Mindy Papetti Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer PC Mr. & Mrs. Rodger Rohde Joseph & Rita Weiner
Partners Circle “Friends”
Mr. Fredy Padovan
Massachusetts
Annual gift of $2,200 Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Papetti Ms. Rose Perone
Connecticut
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair
New York
New Jersey
Florida
Mr. & Mrs. John Connors Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hoffman Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Laudone Mr. & Mrs. Dale Livi Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Massood Mr. & Mrs. Michael Massood Ms. Antonia P. Meola Mrs. Moira McBride Murphy
Ms. Jordon Carroll Mr. & Mrs. James Dell’Orto Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Scala, Jr.
Mr. Michael Guarnieri PC Christina & David McAleer PC Dr. Joseph McAleer PC Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Zichichi
Mrs. Janis Boyd Anthony & Diana Ekonomou Lowry Murphey Family Foundation
Pennsylvania In Loving Memory of Sr. Adeline Salvetti, FMA
South Carolina Mr. & Mrs. Tom Aldinger
Partners Circle “Benefactors” Annual gift of $1,100 California Mr. & Mrs. Robert Obenberger
Connecticut
Linda & Peter Christiansen PC Mary Bridget Gaine A Friend
Florida Mr. & Mrs. John Anello Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Caballero PC Terrell & Joe Clark Dr. Andrea & Sean Farrier PC Mrs. Aida Jurado Mr. & Mrs. H. Tyson Lykes, II Mr. & Mrs. Jim Major Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf
Mr. & Mrs. Gene Perez Mr. Charles B. Schmalz
Georgia Mr. Robert Reiter
Massachusetts Mr. & Mrs. Neil Holmes
Missouri Ms. Marianne O’Doherty
New Jersey Ms. Anita Cronk Ms. Debi F. Debiak Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Laino
Michael & Mary Losurdo Mr. & Mrs. Brian McAuley Kathleen & Vic Medore Mrs. Arline Monaco Mr. & Mrs. Michael Massood
New York Ms. Lea Battiato Mr. & Mrs. John W. Lombardi Msgr. William T. Rodgers The Sabatine Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri
Pennsylvania Mr. & Mrs. Bob Danch Allyson & Kevin Hardy
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Goin Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Mosey
Mrs. J.C. De Lotto Dr. & Mrs. Emilio Echevarria PC Mr. & Mrs. Luis Garcia PC Mr. & Mrs. James W. Lee Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Reynolds Rudy Rodriguez Hon. Judge & Mrs. E.J. Salcines PC Mr. Joseph Tomaino Ms. Maria C. Torreiro Mr. & Mrs. Ron Yates
Florida
Georgia
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Baldor, Jr. PC Carlos & Liana Baldor, Sr., in memory of Ana Maria Mr. James J. Burrowes Mrs. Yoli Buss Dr. & Mrs. Robert Cano Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Capitano Mrs. Trudy Carey Dr. & Mrs. Antonio Castro
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Fantauzza
A Friend Anonymous
California Mr. Ian H. Graham Geraldine & Joanne Rizzuto
Connecticut
Partners Circle “Associates” Annual gift of $825 Florida Mr. Declan Mansfield Fred & Anne Michaels Rene & Phyllis Rodriguez
New Jersey Mr. Anthony B. Della Cerra
New York Mr. Walter Lazarcheck Mrs. Helen Leahy
South Carolina Sandra M. Freeman
PC = A member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees
Illinois Adelaide Olivieri
Massachusetts Ms. Patti Gauthier Ms. Josephine Petrillo Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Reading
North Carolina Mr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard Mr. Chester F. Michewicz, Jr.
Ohio Mr. & Mrs. Dan Clair Mr. & Mrs. Dale Kovach
Pennsylvania Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hedgecock
South Carolina Anonymous
Texas Mr. & Mrs. Bill Locklier
Virginia Mrs. Dominique Faust Mr. Michael Maurer Mr. & Mrs. Karl Zauner
New Jersey Tiziana Anello, M.D. Larry & Mary Anne Condit John Eccleston Dr. & Mrs. Louis Gambetta PC Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Giamonco Mrs. Teresa Gutto Ms. Laura Cosentino Mannarino Mrs. Diva Muller Mr. & Mrs. Bob O’Halloran Mrs. Christine Peragallo Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski Mr. & Mrs. Cameron Reid Emanuel N. Sarantis Mrs. John Soldoveri Mr. & Mrs. William Stuart Ms. Kathleen Zayatz
New York Michael & Jeanette Altamura Mr. & Mrs. Jack Betwarda Mr. Charles Brown Kevin & Kathy Clair Mrs. Rose Mary Clair Terence & Patricia Clair Alma & Charlie Curcio Ms. Claire Dell Mr. & Mrs. Mario Masciandaro Mr. & Mrs. Mark Nardone Mrs. Joan Oliver Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec
Welcome New 2015 Members in Red!
Arizona
Annual gift of $550
OUR MISSION The Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle provides Financial Assistance and Volunteer Services to the Salesian Sisters and the Young People in their Care for the Advancement of Education, Vocations, and Community Life.
Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle
Partners Circle “Members”
Please Give Us Your Special Day!
D
o you have a happy occasion you would like to share? The Salesian Sisters will celebrate with you on “your” day. Is it a time to remember a less-thanhappy occasion? Our prayer for this day will accompany this event in your life. Have you someone to thank? All of us will help multiply this gratitude to that special person. Is there a special person or event to bring to the attention of your friends? Then please, “Give Us This Day”! Any event or person or situation that merits special attention will be publicized on a bulletin board outside our chapel. All the Sisters will pray for that person, event, and/or situation for the day.
Sr. Mary Winterscheidt and Sr. Anita Durocher thoroughly enjoyed children from the “For Dancers Only” dance studio of Little Falls, NJ, who visited the Provincial Center to perform for the elderly Sisters. As you can see, a future dancers was also present!
Let this exchange of time be an example of our love for one another. Thank you and God bless you.
Please Help Our Retired Sisters In Need! Please reserve this day/these days in 2015 or 2016 in honor of my special intention to support the Endowment for the St. Joseph Provincial Center for our Retired Sisters:
• • GIVE US THIS
Day
Day 1 (Month, day):
Significance:
Day 2 (Month, day):
Significance:
Day 3 (Month, day):
Significance: Name
Total enclosed @ $100 per day: $ ____________
Address
Please make your check payable to: Salesian Sisters
Telephone
Please detach and mail in the enclosed envelope. Thank you!
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Partners in Giving • Volume XXIV • Issue 4
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Educator of the Heart of the Pope Sr. Karen Dunn’s Letter
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t. John Bosco celebrated his 200th birthday on August 16th! A seemingly insignificant birth in a poor farmhouse has become a universal celebration of a man whose schools, centers, and missions on behalf of the young have produced Saints. Right now, young people from all over the globe are engaged in events and pilgrimages celebrating Don Bosco. Some from the U.S. are seen sporting T-shirts quoting his contemporary, Victor Hugo, author of the great novel Les Misérables: “Don Bosco is a man of legend.” Compelled by the fatherly love of God, and with the direct guidance of Mary, Don Bosco recognized his mission as educator, forming Saints and gathering a vast family dedicated to the good of young people. His key? Reaching the heart. He loved the young and formed them to a love of God, a love which motivated them in making their life choices. Mary, like a good mother, was always the support and help in their faith and in resisting the things that would pull them away from that love. Just a few weeks ago, Pope Francis – whom we welcome to the U.S. next month – visited Turin, the city of the Holy Shroud and the city of Don Bosco. There, in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, he greeted Salesians from around the world. The reception could not have been warmer. After a long
journey down the aisle to the main altar and a soloist’s rendering of the Ave Maria, the Holy Father went to the microphone. “I thought a lot about what I wanted to tell you,” he said. “I wrote what I wanted to tell you. But it’s too formal.” And gently tossing his papers behind him, he began to speak: “I would like to tell you about my experience with the Salesians. My family was a family very much
attached to the Salesians. My father, right after his arrival in Argentina, went to the Salesians at the Italian church of Mary Help of Christians … (My parents) were married by a priest who accompanied me and my father his entire life. He was a Salesian missionary … a good man and a great confessor. I used to go for confession to him as a boy. He baptized me. …and then he helped my vocation. When I transferred from the seminary to the Society of Jesus, it was he who guided me. “I am so grateful to the Salesian Family for what they have done during my life. (When) my mother finished her fifth pregnancy, she was paralyzed for a year. She sent us, the three oldest children, to Salesian
schools as borders. There I finished primary school. It is there that l learned to love Our Lady, to love Our Lady very much. The Salesians formed me to see beauty, they formed me to work, they formed me – and this is your charism – in my emotional growth. And that is the fundamental principle, that principle that is ‘so Don Bosco,’ because with love, they formed our emotional life and matured it in us boys... Every 24th I used to go to Mary Help of Christians. I brought flowers and prayed to the Madonna. This is something that I received from you.” Pope Francis’ recollections are true to the experience of young people today in Salesian “houses,” as Don Bosco used to call his schools and centers. In relationships of friendship and kindness, and in environments of faith, young people are helped to discover the love of God for them and to shape their lives on that love. And Mary is still the constant help in supporting their choices and their faith as they navigate this challenging world. “Education is a matter of the heart!” said Don Bosco. May our hearts be filled with kindness towards the young wherever they are in our lives. May that love continue to raise up Saints and Popes who serve God’s people today! Happy Birthday, Don Bosco! Onward now to the 300th!
Memorials
A Love That Lasts Forever
Received between June 4 and August 4, 2015 Sr. Antonia Cvetko, FMA Ms. Theresa R. Sanvino
You can honor a cherished relative or friend with an everlasting gift of love – a memorial. Our Partners in Giving Memorials & Tributes give you the opportunity to comfort those who have lost a loved one or to commemorate a special occasion. This gift lives forever. It joins your loved ones to the prayers of the Salesian Sisters and supports their good works. The name of your loved one will appear in our Partners in Giving magazine – a priceless gift to those you love. Give the gift that lasts forever. Enclosed is my Memorial/Tribute Gift of: ____ $25
____ $20
____$15
$
Memorial for Tribute for
Name – DECEASED Name – LIVING
Occasion Please send an acknowledgement to: Name Address
My Name Address
Sr. Claire Perino, FMA Mrs. Trudy Carey Mrs. Maureen O’Halloran Mrs. Palma Ferrarese Mr. Joe D’Amario Mrs. Elizabeth Tonner Mrs. Rose Marie Verno Mrs. Marie S. Sanvito Ms. Lynne B. Prommersberger Mrs. Rosalie Klaben Ms. Teresa Navarro Ms. Elizabeth Niemeyer Ms. Florence Weise Mr. & Mrs. Dan Montgomery Mr. Antonio Vassallo Mrs. Janet A. Wassum Mrs. Mary Risavy Mr. & Mrs. Ron H. Mackintosh Dr. & Mrs. Maurice Maccario Mrs. Dolores McIntyre Mr. Emmanuel Stissi Ms. Carol M. Nordquist Ms. Mary Ann Lombardo Dr. Emily J. Orlando Mr. & Mrs. Francis De Los Angeles Mrs. Diane Hillman-Arbitrio Ms. Bernadette Dugan Sr. Letizia Bocanegra, FMA Ms. Rose Ganci Sr. Jeanette Puglisi, FMA Dr. & Mrs. Anthony S. Puglisi Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Garcia
Sr. Antoinette Cabrera, FMA Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Lo Iacono Ms. Dorothy Kueller Mrs. Catherine Golding Sr. Lucy Balistrieri, FMA, Louis Ricci, Charlotte Kyle Davis Mrs. Rose Ricci Virginia Gutierrez Ms. Leonor Gutierrez Mrs. Marian R. Henry Mr. Thomas O’Keeffe Mrs. Joan Raitt Anna Polizzi Gamba Mrs. Dorothy Gangi Joe Guggino Mr. George Guida Pedro Rovellada Tessie and Vicki Giunta Aunt Julie Ms. Lorraine Van Assen Landino Capella, Concepcion Talavera, Juan Talavera, John Talavera, Christine Cavazos, Inez Capella Mrs. Victoria Capella
Tributes
Sr. Mildred Zanetti, FMA Mrs. Janet Pitchford Mrs. Geraldine A. Wolf Mr. & Mrs. Albert Conforti Mrs. Marilyn Bonfiglio Mr. Albert Schagen Mr. & Mrs. William A. Hayes Mrs. Maria Gloria
Sr. Colleen Clair, FMA Mr. William Donner
Julia LeFebure Mr. & Mrs. George Kingsley
Sr. Ramona Beltré, FMA Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Sabia
Nancy McDonald Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Sickler
Sr. Rosalie DiPeri, FMA Mrs. Marilyn Bonfiglio Dr. Joe McAleer
Maureen L. O’Brien Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Rusin Mr. & Mrs. Louis J. Fiorello
Detach & mail in the enclosed envelope to: Sr. Mary Rinaldi 659 Belmont Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397
Eileen Webb Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Stanton
Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS
Theresa A. Talerico Mrs. Josephine Gosman
Sr. Lillian Foxx, FMA Mrs. Linda Bertucci
Virginia Jones Ms. Louise Jones Jankovic Maria Marino & Gabriel Talabera Mrs. Victoria Capella
Rest in Peace, Sr. Antonia Cvetko
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r. Antonia Cvetko passed away on June 20, 2015, at St. Joseph Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ. She was 102 years old, and had been a Salesian Sister for 75 years. Sr. Antonia was born on April 20, 1913 in Bucecovci, Yugoslavia. She had known the Salesian family from her childhood. Her mother loved attending the Salesian parish and took her two daughters with her. It was during this time that Antonia, as an adolescent, found guidance in the development of her vocation from a holy Salesian priest. At age 24, after much prayer and reflection, she fled the Communist regime for Venice, Italy, where she began her formation. Sr. Antonia made her religious profession on August 5, 1940 and asked to be sent to the missions. She
houses and schools in Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey, fulfilling her duties with love, a spirit of faith, and diligence.
was assigned to Cuba. There she gave her best as a catechist and organizer of youth centers. Children and young people of all ages loved her dearly for her patient listening and compassionate heart. Sr. Antonia had already lived under the Communists in Yugoslavia, so when Cuba was taken over by Fidel Castro, she immediately foresaw what would happen. The new government confiscated all the Salesian schools and other educational centers, and the Sisters were forced to leave Cuba. Sr. Antonia arrived in the U.S. on June 1, 1961. She served in Salesian
Sr. Antonia was an intelligent woman, possessing much common sense; filled with faith and love for the needy, especially the young; and generous in her selfgiving. She is survived by her many grand nephews and nieces in Slovenia and Croatia. In recent years, despite her infirmity, Sr. Antonia was a cheerful presence in the Provincial Center, playing her harmonica with joy. She will be greatly missed by all.
Rest in Peace, Sr. Claire Perino
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r. Claire Perino passed away on June 30, 2015, at St. Joseph Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ. She was 89 years old, and had been a Salesian Sister for 68 years. Sr. Claire was born on May 8, 1926 in Caselle Torinese, Italy. Her grandparents had known St. John Bosco, and her entire family had been close to the Salesians for years. Sr. Claire felt strongly called to religious life and at 18 years of age entered the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to begin her formation. “In my life, I owe everything to the protection of Our Lady,” Sr. Claire said. “Before I was born, my mother consecrated me to the Blessed Mother. This was done because my mother’s only sister had died at childbirth.” When she left her home and family to join the Salesian Sisters, her mother whispered to her, “I knew that Our Blessed
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Mother would take you for herself.” In 1947, Sr. Claire made her religious profession and left for Mexico soon after. There she remained until she had the opportunity to enter the U.S. Language was a challenge but she soon became fluent as she studied at Lone Mountain College and the University of California, Berkeley. Sr. Claire’s mission brought her to California, New Jersey, and New York where she formed many fond memories of her Sisters, students, and friends. She was a resourceful person, inventive, rich in common sense, and filled with deep faith and trust in the Lord and in Mary. She had a joyful, serene, open, and welcoming personality. She gave of herself generously to the ministries entrusted to her. Young people of all ages loved her dearly for her patience, understanding, and loving ways. She will be greatly missed by all.
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News from Adopters Like You!
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love hearing from Sr. Mary Ann Caspary, and I treasure her prayers. Your magazine, Partners in Giving, is wonderful – I am a Catholic school teacher, and how I wish I taught in one of your schools! Maybe it will happen yet, with the help of God. Denver, CO
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hank you for all your prayers throughout the years for our Kevin and Anna. You began as our prayer partner when Kevin was just beginning high school. He is now Dr. Kevin, an emergency room doctor at NYU Bellevue Hospital. Anna is a writer of young adult fiction. Her latest book, Blackbird, is doing well Please continue to pray with us to ensure both our children marry good people soon. Huntington Station, NY
is for the Adopt a Sister Program to assist you with your needs. Your acts of mercy and kindness, coupled with your work with youth, are truly appreciated by the members of our organization. Our prayers are with you for continued blessings and success in your mission. Andover, NJ
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t saddened me to hear the news of Sr. Mildred Zanetti’s passing; however, it comforts me to know she is now in the arms of our Lord where she belongs. Her prayers, as well as yours, have helped me greatly. Mark, my son, is now in a better place in his life and I know Sr. Mildred will watch him from above. Adopt a Sister has been a Godsend to both he and I, and I will continue with the program and pray that others will be helped as well. North Haven, CT
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n behalf of the Don Bosco Columbiettes, Auxiliary #7784, I would like to present you with our annual gift of $200. This donation
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have been praying to Sr. Antonia Cvetko in my morning and evening prayers since I first “adopted” her so many years ago. Her intercessions always see me through. I will continue to pray to her in Heaven. My family and friends constantly call me to pray to Sr. Antonia for them. Paoli, PA
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am still free of breast cancer after three years. Thank you all for your prayers. I look forward to each day, knowing how lucky I am. Sacramento, CA
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hanks to Sr. Mary Terzo and Sr. Mary Winterscheidt, who have written to me in place of our Adopted Sister, Sr. Claire Perino. They are also praying for my husband, Arthur, and have sent him beautiful gifts. We are all blessed by you good Sisters. Arthur is doing well on an FDA-approved cancer drug. As you say, “Prayers work along with good medicine.” Paramus, NJ
loved all her cards and motivational advice. Thanks for letting us know. We will miss her. Gunter, TX
Sr. Colleen Clair congratulates Sr. Rosalie Di Peri on her 70th Jubilee!
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am so fortunate to have adopted Sr. Rosalie Di Peri. My daughter, Diane, is doing extremely well 15 months after extensive cancer surgery and chemo. I attribute her recovery to the prayers of Sr. Rosalie and others in the community. Please continue your good work. God is listening. Somerset, NJ
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e were so sorry to hear about Sr. Claire Perino. We loved her. She prayed for my father during his chemotherapy and he is now cancer-free. She even called me to see how he was doing. We would like to make a donation in her honor to the ever-burning Sanctuary lamp by the altar. She was such an inspiration. We
Partners in Giving • Volume XXIV • Issue 4
ow saddened I was to hear about the closing of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School in Roseto, PA! The fond memories of Sr. Rosalie Di Peri and our wonderful, warm, and caring Salesian Sisters will always be a part of me, and those of us who were entrusted in their care. They taught us about our Heavenly Father and the saving grace of His Son, Jesus. They prepared us for our sacraments, giving us a firm foundation of faith. They taught us the importance of self-discipline and how to be all that we could be. We learned, by their example, how to live a good Christian life. In many respects, the Salesian Sisters, through the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, were the driving forces behind both our personal and professional development, for which we will always be indebted. Nazareth, PA
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hank you for “lending” us Sr. Claire Perino. Several years ago when we met it was like meeting an angel – her smile, sweet voice, kind words! Heaven is happier now. Please find us another nun to pray for us. Rensselaer, IN
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News from Adopters Like You!
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lease consider joining our friends of all faiths who have experienced the transforming power of prayer and loving friendship with a Salesian Sister, every day of the year, through our Adopt a Sister Program. Whether the Adopted Sister is for yourself, a family member, or a friend in need of spiritual strength, you will find comfort knowing that your intentions will be remembered each day by your spiritual prayer partner. And it makes the PERFECT gift, especially for a wedding, Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation – any occasion!
Please complete the form below, or to learn more, visit us online at www.salesiansisters.org, or call us tollfree: (877) OUR-NUNS. On behalf of the Salesian Sisters, thank you for your generosity. God bless you!
Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin was delighted by her young visitor – perhaps a future Adopter?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Yes! I Would Like to Adopt A Salesian Sister! Enclosed is my yearly gift of: $ 160.00
$ 260.00
$ 500.00
Other $______
the enclosed
Enclosed is my quarterly gift of: $ 65.00
$ 40.00
Please used
$ 125.00
Other $______
envelope.
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________
Email: ___________________
City, State, Zip: ______________________
Birthdate (mm/dd/yy):
_____/_____/_____
This adoption is a gift. (Please write the recipients information below) Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________
Email: ___________________
City, State, Zip: ______________________
Birthdate (mm/dd/yy):
_____/_____/_____
Donation by: Check (Make check payable to Salesian Sisters.) Mastercard
Discover
VISA
American Express
Card Number: _________________________________________________
Expiration: ______________________
Signature: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
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Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2015 •
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Salesian CAMP! Report
CAMP MARY HELP, NORTH HALEDON, NJ – Happy faces among the 1,250 boys and girls who enjoyed a fun, safe, and wholesome experience at Salesian Camp this summer!
SALESIAN YOUTH CENTER/BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, TAMPA, FL –Many thanks to “Alive in You,” a Catholic Youth Service organization which donated time this summer to fixing up the SYC campus. Teens and their leaders worked hard in the heat, and even renovated the SYC children’s garden (above), which was growing plenty of weeds! Below, summer SYC campers enjoyed donning wet suits and taking a swim with sharks at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Above, these summer campers put their creative talents to work by creating these animal masks. Below, with many thanks to a new friend, campers have had a great summer becoming masters at playing pool on our beautiful new table!
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Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2015 •
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Salesian CAMP! Report
CAMP AUXILIUM, NEWTON, NJ – Happy faces among the 1,500 boys and girls who enjoyed a fun, safe, and wholesome experience at Salesian Camp this summer!
A Camper Remembers
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n the Spring 2015 issue of Partners in Giving, I was surprised by the lovely pictures and article of former campers from Camp Auxilium in Newton, NJ. I thought, 35 years ago, who are these people and why don’t I recognize them? After some simple math I realized I go back 47 years! I went to Camp Auxilium from 9-15 years old, and then was a counselor and lifeguard. Coming from Brooklyn, NY, the summers I spent at Camp Auxilium were the greatest of my life. Sr. Rosalie Di Peri and then Sr. Mary Rinaldi were the Directors. I feel so blessed today to be back in contact with both of them. I love being part of the “Adopt a Sister” program. You can ask anyone who knows me. They always hear about my devotion to Mary and my 1,000 Hail Mary’s! The foundation I received in my faith during those Marjorie reunited with her former summers is rock solid, Camp Director, Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, thanks to the Salesian at the Jubilee celebration on July 12. Sisters. I am also very grateful to my parents and the sacrifices they made to send me to camp. I could write a book about all the fun I had in camp. Our days were packed full from the moment we woke ‘til our heads hit the pillow at night. And Friday nights were pillow fights! The meals were great; Sr. Carmen Morales, our cook, made delicious cookies, which we sometimes had for a snack at the pool. The arts and crafts, swimming, boating, hiking, kickball, softball, Sunday night stroll down to the Novitiate, trips, talent shows, and even our morning chores, “Peepers pick up papers,” are all fond memories. I made some long-lasting memories with a lot of the girls, too. We kept in touch by writing letters. At camp everyone wrote a letter home by Tuesday during rest period. It’s because of that practice at camp that I still correspond with friends and family today. We started our mornings with Mass, the Angelus through the day, and the Rosary before dinner. It was so natural then for all of us to pray together, and I am so grateful that I continue on that same path today. Thank you, Salesian Sisters! Marjorie (Opperman) Di Bendetto Fleming Island, FL
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Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2015 •
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Salesian Youth Report
VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, TAMPA, FL – Villa Madonna parents, Laura and Kurt Badertscher of Valrico, FL (left) and Todd and Bobbi Simon of Tampa enjoyed the end-of-the-school-year event in May with Sr. Janet Keller and Sr. Elfie DelRosario. The cute cookies, decorated like Salesian Sisters and Villa students, were made by a talented Villa faculty member, Judy Perrone – and they were delicious!
ST. THERESA BIBLE CAMP, KENILWORTH, NJ – Among the many highlights for the 75 campers this hot summer was Watermelon Day, provided by the generosity of good friend Bob Reiter of Atlanta, GA. Thank you!
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Partners in Giving • Volume XXIV • Issue 4
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Salesian Youth Report
ILS Club Promotes “The Good Life”
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uring graduation season, as faculty members and co-moderators of a service club at Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami, FL, we were invited to a celebratory dinner at La Perla Escondida, a small Mexican restaurant in Lake Worth, FL. The two-room restaurant held over 75 people, all there to celebrate the graduation of Juana Domingo from Lake Worth High School.
always pushing them to focus on their studies. She also wrote about her father, who never complained about his job. “For 17 years I lived in ignorance,” Juana wrote. “I didn’t know what my father did. Then one day, I saw him working. He was in a tree cutting branches, supported only by a rope tied around his waist.” Juana’s dream is to be the first in her family to finish college. She wants to complete the pre-med program at UF and plans to major in chemistry.
We have known Juana and her family for over 10 years. She and her sisters are alumni of the Escuelita Maya, an afterschool program sponsored by the Guatemalan Maya Center. Our school club, SALTT (Service and Leadership for Today and Tomorrow) trains students from ILS to run a summer camp for students of the Escuelita Maya, inspiring them to achieve in school, support their culture and community, and resist the pressure to join gangs. For over five years, the Salesian Sisters have generously supported our work with children like Juana. Through your support, each year we have been able to help 120 elementary school children believe in the grace of God’s love and kindness in their lives and their community. Juana has always been a good student. It was no surprise when Juana elected to take dual-enrollment classes and enroll in a selective medical sciences program curriculum while in high school. But when she applied to Florida State University and did not get in, she was dismayed. “FSU was my dream school,” she
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Juana Domingo celebrates her graduation with her proud parents.
Inspiring students to achieve in school, support their culture and community, and resist the pressure to join gangs. recalled. “All my friends in the medical program were applying to the University of Florida, so I wrote the essay, filled out the application, and turned it all in on the the last day. I didn’t expect to get in – but I did!” Juana’s essay focused on “The Good Life” – UF’s most recent college admissions essay topic – and what that meant to her and her family. Juana wrote about the strong values her mother raised her and her sisters with,
“My dream is to become a doctor and come back to help people in my community,” Juana said. Mindful of “the good life,” she added, “I also want to be able to walk into a grocery store and not worry about the prices.” Juana’s tuition, room, and board are being fully paid through scholarships, grants, and financial awards. In applying for scholarships and grant money, she realized that she had received more than she needed for her time at UF. Her first impulse was to approach the Guatemalan Maya Center to give it back. Her hope is that one day another young person from her community may get the support they need to attend college. Truly, Juana is well on her way to “the good life.” – Maria de la Guardia and Timothy Gamwell Maria and Timothy are teachers at Immaculata-La Salle High School. For more information, visit www.ilsroyals.com
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Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Development Office 659 Belmont Avenue North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397
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PARTNERS IN GIVING is a bimonthly magazine published by the
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Development Office 659 Belmont Avenue North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397 Telephone: (973) 904-0102 Toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS Fax: (973) 904-0041 E-mail: fmadevt@aol.com Website: www.salesiansisters.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ salesiansistersdevelopment Editorial Board Dr. Joseph McAleer, Editor Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of Development Melissa Esposito, Production Manager Sr. Mary Terzo, FMA, Editorial Assistant Federal Tax ID # 22-6043753 © 2015 Missionary Society of Salesian Sisters, Inc. PRIVACY POLICY: Your name, address, and other information are held in confidence by our ministry and will never be sold, rented, or given to any other organization. Partners in Giving welcomes letters, articles, and photos from contributors. We reserve the right to edit for publication.
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Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2015
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hanks to the Dames of Mary Help, five young women at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, received scholarships, enabling them to continue to receive an outstanding Salesian education. Above, Dames Deborah Rohde and Rosemary DePinto present a scholarship to Natalia Guzman, entering her senior year in September. Congratulations, ladies!