Development Office of the Salesian Sisters, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians • www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in GivinG
Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s Letter
Save These Dates in 2019!
Dear Friends,
Friday, March 1, 2019
All Saints Day on November 1 is always a banner day at our Salesian Schools, when students select a favorite Saint, prepare a costume, learn his or her inspiring story, and proudly march in a school parade. It’s a wonderful, wholesome – and educational – contrast to Halloween. On our cover, second-graders at Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary School in Port Chester, NY, put on an exceptional display, with the help of their teachers, Christina Diaz and Sr. April Hoffman.
Adopt a Sister Luncheon Watch for details! Sunday, April 7, 2019
Salesian Sisters’ Annual Spring Party
This is a very festive issue! Our fundraisers in the North and South were great successes, thanks to the hard work of our staffs and volunteers, and the generosity of all of YOU. Enjoy the stories and photos of the Dames of Mary Help Gala (pages 4-7) and the Thanksgiving Basket (pages 8-9). And please consider donating your unwanted Christmas gifts for our 2019 fundraisers. Please contact the Development Offices in Tampa (813-205-3195) or New Jersey (973-904-0102). We can also provide you with an end-of-year tax letter!
Watch for details! Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Dames of Mary Help Annual “Sip & Shop”
On behalf of the Salesian Sisters, I wish you and your loved ones a Blessed and very Merry Christmas and a healthy, fruitful, and joyous 2019!
Watch for details!
Peace,
PARTNERS IN GIVING
Editorial Board Dr. Joe McAleer, Editor Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of Development Elsie DeJesus, Production Manager Theresa G. Anderson, Copy Editor
is a bimonthly magazine published by the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Development Office 659 Belmont Avenue North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397
Federal Tax ID # 22-6043753 © 2018 Missionary Society of Salesian Sisters, Inc.
Telephone: (973) 904-0102 Toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS E-mail: fmadevt@aol.com
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.
Website: www.salesiansisters.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ salesiansistersdevelopment
2•
Partners in Giving • Volume XXVI • Issue 6
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Making Headlines Around the Province
O
n October 14, Mary Help of Christians Academy held its Convocation for the Inaugural Board of Trustees, as the Academy establishes a new governance structure. During the ceremony, Sr. Joanne Holloman, Provincial Superior of the Salesian Sisters; Sr. Marisa DeRose, Head of School; and Frank Petruccelli, Chair of the Board, shared their vision, hopes, and dreams for the future of the school. Members of the new Board of Trustees (above) together made their pledge to “offer their talents, knowledge, and experience with generosity, to strengthen the Catholic identity and academic success of the Academy.�All present experienced a sense of hope and joy in the expectation of a promising future! Pictured above are (standing) Fr. John Serio, SDB, Virginia Gagnon, Chris Farrell, Scott Karcz, Courtney Peterson, Mary Wren, and Frank Petruccelli, and (seated) Cathleen Davey-Corbett, Theresa Cabrera, Sr. Helen Godin, Sr. Theresa Kelly, Sr. Joanne Holloman, Sr. Marisa DeRose, Sr. Margaret Wilhelm, Maria Stein, Maria Lopez, and Maria Losurdo-Colangelo.
Please make a Christmas gift to help rebuild St. Joseph Chapel! Please detach and mail to us in the enclosed envelope. Thank you, and God bless you!
Making Headlines Around the Province
A “Taylor”-Made Gala for Mary Help!
T
he “Dames of Mary Help” did it again! Our amazing volunteers organized this year’s fundraising gala for Mary Help of Christians Academy on October 19 at The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ. The $293,000 net proceeds – a new record! – will benefit the operations and scholarship funds at the Academy. This year’s honorees, Aleta and Rich Taylor, have a long legacy of dedication, service, and generosity as student sponsors at the Academy for more than a decade. Aleta and Rich met in the first grade at Our Lady of Assumption school in Woodridge, NJ. Married in 1974, they welcomed four children while Aleta worked as a nurse and Rich as a service technician at Rapid Pump & Meter Service Co., which he ended up purchasing in 1982.
Above, Genai Veal, Mary Help Class of 2019, joins her financial aid sponsors and Gala Honorees, Rich and Aleta Taylor. Genai paid tribute to Aleta and Rich with a beautiful dance (left) to the song “Wind Beneath My Wings.”
Rich, Aleta, and their children are involved in the operations of the company in various capacities. Their family continues to grow with the addition of two grandsons, Marc and Matthew.
Below, Sr. Catherine Altamura was pleased to spend the evening with her brothers, Michael and Leonard.
In 2004, Aleta and Rich began supporting the Student Financial Aid Fund at Mary Help of Christians Academy. As a result of their gifts, 18 young women have graduated from the Academy and have gone on to attend prestigious universities, becoming valuable, productive, and thriving adults. What a fantastic legacy! Thanks to the generosity of all who donated items for the silent and live auctions (Jill Doherty was our star auctioneer, as usual!), as well as everyone who bid, and purchased teddy bears, our annual Gala was a huge success. See you again next year! Photos by Lorraine Corsale
4•
Partners in Giving • Volume XXVI • Issue 6
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Above, George McClain won a grand prize with the purchase of his “grand” bear!
Pamela Swartzberg jumped for joy when her number was called during the “March of the Teddy Bears”!
Left, Dick Stanton and Anthony Marmo – both married to “Dames” – were wowed once again by the hard work of the Dames of Mary Help.
The proud members of the Taylor family: Chrissy Wefers, Sean Wefers, Rich Taylor, Brian Taylor, Aleta Taylor, Jill Taylor, Hamed Farahani, and Teri Taylor.
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Christmas 2018 •
5
Susan Benson, a Dame of Mary Help, enjoyed the evening alongside Jim and Carol Cavaluzzi and Kathleen Toth.
Anthony Marmo congratulated his wife, Hilda, a Dame of Mary Help, on helping to organize another amazing fundraiser.
Dear friends Anthony and Phyllis Chernalis are all smiles at the Gala.
Above, Sr. Anna Swiniarska enjoyed a spin on the dance floor. At left, a happy table! Maureen and Keith Karsen, Michele and Bill Betz, Judi and Tim Dudgeon, Steve DePinto, and Deborah Rohde, a Dame of Mary Help.
6•
Partners in Giving • Volume XXVI • Issue 6
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Please Join Us: Adopt a Sister for Christmas!
P
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, and especially Christmas! Sr. Domenica Di Peri visits with Al Daloisio at the Dames of Mary Help Gala.
Please complete the form below, visit us online at: www.salesiansisters.org, or call us toll-free: (877) OURNUNS. Thank you, God bless you, and Merry Christmas!
CVV: _____________
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Christmas 2018 •
7
Making Headlines Around the Province
In Tampa, Giving Thanks for Salesians!
T
he 15th annual Thanksgiving Basket Dinner honored Dr. Emilio Echevarria, and it was one of the best ever! The fundraising dinner was held on November 17 in the gymnasium on Villa Madonna Campus in Tampa, FL. With more than 400 people in attendance, guests took their chances at winning over 100 themed baskets and prizes as well as 37 silent auction items, all while raising needed funds for the Salesian Youth Center and Villa Madonna School. Dr. Echevarria is a well-known general surgeon who was the chief of surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was honored for his friendship and support of the Salesian Sisters since the 1970’s. His son, Michael Echevarria, gave him a splendid introduction, while his other son, Dr. David Echevarria, and son-in-law, David Drysdale, offered a toast in his honor. Richard Gonzmart of Columbia Restaurant generously remains the founding title sponsor of the event by providing a seated dinner, complete with tapas, wine, and beer. “Our family is proud to be a supporter of Villa Madonna and the Salesian Sisters,” Richard said. “An investment in education pays the best interest and best return on investment.” We could not agree more! The Salesian Sisters thank you and your family, Richard, for your love and support.
Above, Sr. Mary Rinaldi presents a beautifully engraved cutting board in Thanksgiving to Dr. Emilio Echevarria for all that he has done for the Sisters and children. Left, emcee for the evening, Adriana Colina (right) shares a moment thanking Leslie Garcia (Southern Dame) for her hard work on the beautiful centerpieces, assisting with basket making, and many other parts that helped the event come together beautifully!
A heartfelt thank you also goes out to the “Southern Dames,” Emcee Adri Ciucio Colina (Villa Madonna alum), DJ Troy Bailey, our photographers Gabriella Hernandez and Roxana Harst, and countless sponsors and volunteers who work tirelessly for several months to make the Thanksgiving Basket a success. We exceeded our goal of $130,000! And congratulations to the winner of the $500 Publix gift card drawing, Cathy Bartolotti, and the $500.00 Amazon gift card drawing, Sam Corson.
It was a great evening to honor Dr. Emilio Echevarria! Joining the honoree were Lily Oliva, Michael Echevarria, Stephen Echevarria, Adam Prida, Dr. David Echevarria, Mary and Matt Klein, and Dr. Emilio and his wife, Kathy.
– Theresa G. Anderson
8•
Partners in Giving • Volume XXVI • Issue 6
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Sr. Gloria Machado, visiting from New Jersey, was thrilled to see her sister, Carmita Pelaez of Tampa, and her niece Cecelia Cacciatore. Longtime friends and previous honorees Joe Garcia and Riley Hogan enjoy the party and receive a warm hello from Villa Madonna Spanish teacher, Roxana Rodriguez Harst.
Above, John Oliva and Mark Oliva enjoy time with Javier Baldor. Both Mark and Javier sit on the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees. Left, Michelle Alessandrini was thrilled when her number was called as the winner of the movie-themed basket, presented by a Jesuit High School volunteer.
The Priede Family is excited to sit down and enjoy the famous 1905 Salad from Columbia Restaurant before the main meal is served.
Memorials
A Love That Lasts Forever
Received between October 2 and December 4, 2018
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, joining our loved ones to the prayers of the Salesian Sisters while supporting 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
$
Sr. Agatha Cosentino, FMA Mrs. Annamaria Graci Mrs. Teresa Gutto Mrs. Rosanne James Mr. & Mrs. Ray Colelli Mrs. Laura Mannarino Sr. Frances Gumino, FMA Mr. & Mrs. José Ortiz Mr. & Mrs. Francis Hoffman Ms. Mary Bridget Gaine Ms. Josephine Petrillo Ryan Paul Vassallo Ms. Debbie Fallon Mr. & Mrs. John Battaglia Ms. Nancy Buscema Mr. & Mrs. Nello Cappozello Mrs. Christiane De Filippis Mr. & Mrs. Mark Falcon Ms. Grace and Shirley Morello Ms. Patricia L. Newland Mr. Scott Peters Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Pitea Ms. Annmarie Rizzo Mr. & Mrs. James G. Rizzo Ms. Francesca Santoro Ms. Carol Vietrogoski Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Williams Mr. & Mrs. Mike Grady
Memorial for Tribute for
Anna Fitzgerald Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Quinn
Name – DECEASED
Maxine Doyle Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Quinn
Name – LIVING
Fredrick Mastrogiovanni, Jr. The McAleer Family Josephine Rowbotham Ms. Rosalie Polizzi Shirley Perez Mr. & Mrs. Rene Rodriguez Stella Barone Mr. William Barone Luigi Marciante, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Luigi Marciante Lillian Brunetti Mr. & Mrs. Donald Leak
Tributes Sr. Joo Yun Park, FMA, on her Perpetual Vows Ms. Joan Gourin Sr. Ruth Stecker, FMA, on her birthday Ms. Margaret Milishousky Gabriel Russo Anonymous Rosemary Clair, on her 90th Birthday Mrs. Rosemarie F. De Phillips Mr. & Mrs. William McGurn
Occasion Please send an acknowledgement to: Name Address My Name
N
ow you can “Adopt” your dearly-departed Salesian Sister who has reached the “Heavenly Shore” after a lifetime of service. By “adopting” them with your annual gift of $160 or more, you will be helping the next generation of Salesian Sisters with their needs. For more information, please visit www.salesiansisters.org or call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS.
Address
Detach & mail in the enclosed envelope to: Sr. Mary Rinaldi 659 Belmont Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397 Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS
10 •
Partners in Giving • Volume XXVI • Issue 6
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Rest in Peace, Sr. Agatha Cosentino
O
n November 3, 2018, at the St. Catherine of Siena Center in Caldwell, NJ, our dear Sr. Agatha Cosentino passed away. She died one day after her 80th birthday, and had been professed a Salesian Sister for 60 years, a jubilee she celebrated this past July. Sr. Agatha was born on November 2, 1938 to Nicolo and Agatha Cosentino. Her parents had married in Italy and for their honeymoon traveled to America in search of a better future. Sr. Agatha used to say that her parents practiced St. John Bosco’s Preventive System before she herself ever heard of it, because they never left their daughters unattended. The Cosentino’s went to Sunday Mass as a family. Mrs. Cosentino prayed the Rosary every day and every room of the house had a religious symbol. In 1952 Agatha enrolled in Mary Help of Christians Academy. Sr. Theresa Casaro was the Superior at that time. During her freshman year, Agatha confided to Sr. Theresa that she felt strongly the desire to enter the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Sr. Theresa advised her to wait a while since she was still very young. After some time, Agatha made again her request and Sr. Theresa this time encouraged her to speak to her parents and to pray much. It was not easy to get her parents’ permission, but, notwithstanding the tears, Mr. and Mrs. Cosentino brought the young Agatha to the Aspirantate in North Haledon. In saying goodbye Mr. Cosentino broke down and cried. Sr. Agatha said that it was the first and only time she ever saw her father cry. On August 5, 1956, Sr. Agatha entered the Novitiate and, two years later, made her first religious profession. Her first assignment took her to St. Michael School in Paterson. Since the Provincial, Mother
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Josephine Galassi, was in Italy for the General Chapter, Sr. Agatha was accompanied by Mother Antoinette Pollini, Provincial Vicar, who upon arrival told the community that she had brought “a Sister freshly arrived from the factory.”
new Sisters, children, parents, and ways of doing things. However, due to these changes, I have met many wonderful people who have enriched my life and hopefully I, too, have been God’s instrument in enriching theirs.”
A Salesian Sister for 60 years, Sr. Agatha served the young lovingly and joyfully as a teacher, catechist, school principal, and community Animator at St. Michael in Atlantic City, NJ; St. Anthony in Paterson, NJ; Holy Rosary and Corpus Christi in Port Chester, NY; Mary Help of Christians in New York, NY; Holy Rosary in Reading, PA; St. Anthony in Easton, PA; and Villa Madonna in Tampa, FL. Students, parents, parishioners, and friends loved her genuine interest in their life and her willingness to help, to comfort, and to radiate God’s tenderness through her outstanding kindness. From 1991 to 2003 Sr. Agatha carried out the role of Provincial Treasurer with great diligence and exactitude. In 2003 she returned as principal at Corpus Christi School in Port Chester. She was later part of the communities of St. Theresa in Kenilworth, NJ; the Sacred Heart Center in Newton, NJ; and Mary Help of Christians Academy. In 2014 she retired at the St. Joseph Center in Haledon, NJ. Sr. Agatha wrote in her very short biography: “Throughout my religious life one of my biggest sacrifices has been to have to change location when being transferred from one place to another. When I get to the new place, I try to make myself at home with the
Many testimonies offered by the Sisters bring forth the kind personality of Sr. Agatha. “I can attest of having never heard her criticize anybody,” said one. “She was available, ready to listen to us with the heart and provide for the needs of the Sisters with solicitude.” Another wrote, “Sr. Agatha had a fine sense of humor. She would always find a way to make us relax and pick up our spirits when we were tired or a little discouraged.” Sr. Judith Suprys, who was Provincial when Sr. Agatha was Provincial Treasurer, recalled, “For Provincial meetings Sr. Agatha was always thoroughly prepared for her financial report. She would spend days and hours getting ready. Her report papers were meticulously done. She would support the information with explanations and, if there was anything she couldn’t answer, she said that she would have to look it up and get back to us. She always did.” Sr. Agatha had a great love for Jesus in the Eucharist and much trust in Divine Providence. Her love for Mary Help of Christians was simple, filial, and profound. In 2010 she began to experience the first symptoms of the debilitating Alzheimer’s illness. We love you, Sr. Agatha, and you will always remain in our hearts. Please pray for us!
Partners in Giving • Christmas 2018 •
11
Making Headlines Around the Province
S
r. Teresa Gutierrez and Sr. Maryann Schaefer (pictured above and at left) journeyed to the Dominican Republic in November to participate in the IV Intercontinental Congress of the Americas for Salesian Sisters’ Past Pupils. Approximately 300 past pupils and delegates from Central and South America, along with those from Antilles, participated. The days were spent listening to speakers on the use of technology in our society today and sharing the enthusiasm and joy of the past pupils. These past pupils have transmitted in their family, in the Catholic Church, and in society, the spirit of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello as they reach out to those in need. At left, the Eastern Province SEC representatives included Marie Carmen Acosta, Belkys Maria, Sr. Teresa, Sr. Maria Louisa Meranda, Kirsy Maria, and Sr. Maryann.
12 •
Partners in Giving • Volume XXVI • Issue 6
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
The Greatest Gift Dear Friends ... A Message from Sr. Joanne
I
don’t know about you, but I feel like Christmas, with all the excitement (and potential stresses!) of spending time with family, singing carols, mixing cups of cheer, and rich holiday foods can sometimes be overshadowed by pressure to give our loved ones the greatest gift possible. We might spend hours scrolling through Amazon or walking through stores and still not find the greatest gift. It can be a frustrating process. When my niece was celebrating her third birthday, my sister went out of her way to provide her with a birthday to remember. Unfortunately, I think Lauren was too young to have any lasting memories of the celebration, but we, the adults, fondly recall it. Lauren had a box that was colorfully wrapped with all the perfect trimmings – the greatest gift her mother could find. She cheerfully attacked the box, in the intense and blissful way that toddlers do, ripping at the paper, pulling the bows, and creating a mess. Finally, her father helped her open the box which contained a beautiful doll that talked and moved. Much to our surprise, and to my sister’s disappointment, Lauren put the doll aside and for the next twenty minutes played with the box, the paper, and the bows! Recently, when I was visiting one of our communities, I had the opportunity to meet the youth group. The group leader asked the teenagers what they felt young people today most need. I was touched by one young person’s answer: “We need family, especially
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
our parents, to spend time with us. It would be nice if they just took the whole family on an outing so we could spend time together.” This is a sentiment our Sisters often hear from young people, who harbor a great, but often unexpressed, longing for family time in an increasingly busy world. One Sister related to me the story of a student who showed her the brand new latest iPhone her Dad got her, but she wasn’t very happy about it. “I don’t need or want a new iPhone,” the girl confided, “I just want him to spend time with me.”
“I don’t need or want a new iPhone,” the girl confided. “I just want my Dad to spend time with me.”
bank account. Soon we will be celebrating the birthday of our Savior, Jesus. What gift do you think He may want from us? Could it be cooking a dinner for our loved ones; watching a movie with them; “wasting time” just hanging out and talking; inviting them on a small road trip; volunteering at a food pantry or another organization; going to church more often; going back to Confession, calling up a lonely person; or going out of our way to include someone in our celebrations who has nowhere else to go? Those actions, my friends, provide to others the greatest gift of our presence, the pure and simple gift of ourselves.
Another time I was traveling to Toronto to see our Sisters and the lady at the customs’ desk asked me, “Why are you coming to Canada?” I responded, “To see my Sisters.” She asked, “Do you have any gifts?” and I replied, “No.” Looking at me with disbelief, she pushed, “You have no gifts for your sisters?” I smiled back and said, “I am the gift!” Unfortunately, she didn’t return my smile! Each of these experiences give us a different perspective about what the “greatest gift” could be. Sometimes it is not the elaborate gift or the trendiest device that our loved ones most want; sometimes we are the greatest gift, a gift that cannot be replaced by an iPhone, fine chocolates, beautiful earrings, a new car, or even a hearty
We don’t need to go to a shopping mall to get our greatest gift – we need only look in the mirror. Jesus would never ask us to give Him a gift that would make us miserable. Even though these “greatest gifts” may take us outside of our comfort zone or require a little extra effort, they offer us a return gift of peace, joy, and the warmth of love. And as my gift to you, you will be remembered in a special way in a Novena of Masses offered at our Motherhouse this Christmas season. Please pray for me, and know that your Sisters always keep you in their prayers. Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2019! Sr. Joanne Holloman is the Superior of the Province of St. Joseph.
Partners in Giving • Christmas 2018 •
13
On the Journey with Sister B
A Visit to the Cave Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.
H
ave you ever imagined the Christmas scene? When you imagine it, do you ever try to capture how it engages your five senses? Doing that is a style of prayer that often helps me to experience Biblical scenes and gain from them insight and understanding that only comes through the gift of my imagination. Teachers know that students retain information better if they experience it firsthand. The other day I sorted my students into a caste system, because we were studying Hinduism. For the length of the class they experienced the privileges (if any) and limitations of their caste. They can all articulate well the lesson because they lived it. Our spiritual life works similarly. It’s a good thing to read a book about the birth of Jesus, but have you ever entered into it? Join me. Maybe this style of prayer will appeal to you. Wherever you are, call to mind that you are in God’s Presence. Whether you are in the comfort of your home, or the mildly anxious setting of a doctor’s office, or on a long commute home, God is with you. His Presence isn’t something we enter and leave as if it’s a specific zip code we can avoid; for God is always with us, even if we choose to ignore Him. Growing in
14 •
our spiritual life involves growing in our awareness of God’s constant presence and love for us; a work for a lifetime. God is here. With you. Right now. Relax into His loving Presence and imagine yourself in the cave of Bethlehem, shortly after Jesus’ birth. As you quietly stand in the corner, the cool, muted light scatters through
bride and protect his son. Finally, everyone settles into a restful rhythm of breath, animals, and humans, and the faint and growing sound of angelic voices builds as Mary and Joseph open their heavy eyes, realizing their evening is not going to be as solitary as they thought. Rough, but humble men enter the cave, bowing to fit their stockiness through the entrance. Hands more accustomed to moving sheep than touching babies hesitantly reach out to touch the infant King’s swaddled feet; Mary encourages them, Jesus coos. It is a beautiful scene, bathed in the warmth of God’s Presence. Carry on your reflection. What else do you notice? What do you smell, hear, feel, sense? What taste is left in your mouth? What would you say to Jesus, to His mother, to Joseph?
the cave entrance, while dancing candlelight from Joseph’s lantern casts guardian shadows on the walls. You hear the soft huffing of cattle, sheep, and donkeys breathing in and out, their breath warming the air and giving it a distinctive earthy, grassy smell. As the animals shift their weight on their hooves, crunching the straw beneath them, Mary tightens the soft linen swaddling bands around the newly-born Jesus, who fusses in that small way babies do as they are falling asleep, the animals looking on with particular interest. Joseph shuffles their items around in the back of the cave, trying to feel useful, trying to find a way to comfort his
Partners in Giving • Volume XXVI • Issue 6
If God gives you any special insights or reflections, write them down to return to them when you find it hard to pray. Often the record we make of the consolations and insights God gives us in prayer during “light” moments helps us to find comfort during “dark” moments. If you have anything particularly beautiful to share, please write to me. I would love to experience how God is working in your life. God bless you and Merry Christmas! – Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA Sr. Brittany is the Campus Minister and Theology Department Chair at Mary Help of Christians Academy.
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
new or upgraded Partners Circle Members so far in 2018! Shown in RED
The fire which destroyed the Chapel at Mary Help of Christians Academy has underscored the vital importance of the Partners Circle Fund, enabling the Sisters to respond to an emergency. There are nine levels of membership, starting at $250, which are listed on these four pages. PC denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees, a group of talented lay people who advise the Sisters on distribution of the fund.
Won’t you consider joining this dynamic group for Christmas? Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you!
Joseph J. McAleer, Sr.
Heritage Society
Major Bequests California Richard Meissner, Meissner Manufacturing
Florida Dorothy & Dr. Vincent Bagli Josie & Ray Campo
Anne & Joseph Garcia PC Mrs. Ann Lowry Murphey Angel Oliva Family The Dorothy Thomas Foundation
Indiana Mrs. Beatrice Lightfoot
New Jersey
Partners Circle “Stewards” Annual gift of $11,000 Florida Mr. & Mrs. James Millar
New Jersey Anonymous
Texas Mrs. Betty Turner
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
The Carini Family Mr. Anthony Petrocelli Ms. Roberta Ruocco Ms. Celeste Tripi Mr. Vincent Waraske
New York Mrs. Pearl Kalikow
Tony Amato Family
Partners Circle “Partners” Annual gift of $5,500 Florida
Mr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor PC Mrs. Beverly Rohde
New Jersey Mr. & Mrs. Tony Chernalis In memory of Mr. & Mrs. C.H. Church, Jr. Joanne & Al Daloisio Mr. Robert Harkins PC
Mr. Bill McLaughlin PC Christopher & Corinne Schiavo & The Shepherd and the Knucklehead Pub Joseph & Rita Weiner
Welcome New 2018 Members in RED!
25 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. 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 York Mr. John Cassara Beruta & James Dell’Orto
Partners in Giving • Christmas 2018 •
15
Welcome New 2018 Members in RED!
Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle 16 •
Partners Circle “Friends” Annual gift of $3,300
PC = denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees
Connecticut
New Jersey
Mary Bridget Gaine
Mario & Arline Monaco
Florida
Pennsylvania
Dr. Idalia Lastra
Christopher & Gemma Chong Mr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow
Partners Circle “Founders” Connecticut
Annual gift of $2,200
Massachusetts
Mr. Michael Guarnieri PC Christina & David McAleer PC
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair PC
Florida
Marilyn & Dale Livi Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Massood Mr. & Mrs. Michael Massood Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Papetti Rose Perone Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer PC Maria Sturchio
New Jersey
Mr. & Mrs. Cooper Carlisle John & Pat Connors Anthony & Diana Ekonomou Lowry Murphey Family Foundation Mrs. Kathleen Medore Mr. & Mrs. Mark Oliva PC
New York Jordon Carroll Anthony & Geraldine Dell’Orto Mr. Ian H. Graham Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Scala
Pennsylvania In Loving Memory of Sr. Adeline Salvetti, FMA
South Carolina Mr. & Mrs. Tom Aldinger
Partners Circle “Benefactors” Annual gift of $1,100 Arizona
Mr. Fredy Padovan Gene & Linda Perez Mr. Charles B. Schmalz Mr. Nick Suszynski PC
Mrs. Ann Marie Forster
California Mr. & Mrs. Robert Obenberger
Georgia
Connecticut
Mr. Robert Reiter
Linda & Peter Christiansen PC Dr. Joseph McAleer PC Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Zichichi
Florida
Joseph & Claudine Caballero PC Terrell & Joe Clark Dr. Andrea & Sean Farrier PC Aida Yglesias Jurado Mr. & Mrs. Jim Major Dr. Patricia Mergo Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf Robert Nocek Lydia & John Oliva
Massachusetts
New York
Mr. & Mrs. Neil Holmes
Ms. Lea Battiato Jo Ann & Joseph Caracappa PC John W. Lombardi & Family The Sabatine Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri
Missouri Ms. Marianne O’Doherty
New Jersey Ms. Debi F. Debiak Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Della Cerra Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hofmann James Construction Co., Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Anthony M. Laino
Partners in Giving • Volume XXVI • Issue 6
Mr. James Lane Michael & Mary Losurdo Mrs. Faith Menard Mrs. Maureen O’Halloran A.J. & Mindy Papetti Robert & Constance Sumas Mrs. Carolyn Young
North Carolina Chester & Monica Michewicz
Pennsylvania Mr. & Mrs. Bob Danch Dr. Allyson & Mr. Kevin Hardy
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Florida
New Jersey
Dr. & Mrs. Emilio Echevarria PC Declan & Paula Mansfield Anne & Fred Michaels Rene & Phyllis Rodriguez Mr. & Mrs. Terry Wood
Mr. & Mrs. George Pavlik Theresa E. Unanue
South Carolina Sandra M. Freeman
Partners Circle “Members” Arizona Anonymous
California Joanne & Geraldine Rizzuto
Connecticut Mr. & Mrs. Edward Goin Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Mosey Anonymous
Florida Dr. Kenneth Alonso Mr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Baldor, in memory of Ana Maria Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Baldor, Jr. PC Mrs. Trudy Carey Dr. & Mrs. Antonio Castro Mrs. Leslie Garcia PC Mr. & Mrs. Luis Garcia PC Dr. Giacomo & Mrs. Judy Guggino Joseph Phillip, Jr. & Julia Jones Mr. & Mrs. Rob Obbink Ms. Maria Restrepo-Forte Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Reynolds Alina M. Roces Rudy Rodriguez Hon. & Mrs. E.J. Salcines PC Mr. & Mrs. David Smith Ms. Maria C. Torreiro Ron Yates
Georgia Mr. Charles Fantauzza
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Illinois The Mills Family Adelaide Olivieri
Indiana Andrea Dealynn
Louisiana Mr. & Mrs. George LeBlanc
Massachusetts Ms. Josephine Petrillo Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Reading
New Jersey Tiziana Anello, M.D. Larry & Mary Anne Condit Ms. Anita Cronk John J. Eccleston Mr. & Mrs. Michael G. Ferrito Dr. & Mrs. Louis Gambetta PC Joann Giamonco Teresa Gutto Laura Cosentino Mannarino Dr. Kerry R. McMahon Mrs. Diva Muller Mrs. Christine Peragallo E.N. Sarantis
New York Michael & Jeanette Altamura Mr. & Mrs. Jack Betwarda Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Clair Mrs. Rose Mary Clair Ms. Claire Dell
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.
Annual gift of $550 Mr. Walter Lazarcheck Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec
North Carolina Mr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard
Ohio Mr. & Mrs. Dale Kovach Dr. & Mrs. George H. McAfee Ginnie Sitdham
Pennsylvania Mr. & Mrs. Brian Clair Ms. Kate Clair Barbara (Levings) Hedgecock Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski
South Carolina Mr. & Mrs. John Bedlek
Tennessee Mr. Terence P. Clair
Virginia Mrs. Dominique Faust Dr. Evelyn Garcia & Michael Maurer Karl & Laura Zauner
Welcome New 2018 Members in RED!
Annual gift of $825
OUR MISSION
Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle
Partners Circle “Associates”
Washington Mr. Keiran C. Clair
Washington, DC Ms. Arina Grossu PC
Partners in Giving • Christmas 2018 •
17
Welcome New 2018 Members in RED!
Partners Circle “Quarter Century Club” Annual gift of $250 California Mr. Richard Suda Rev. Paula T. Webb
Connecticut In memory of John R. Glover Mrs. Eileen G. Hahnenkratt Mr. Patrick J. Waide, Jr. Anonymous
Florida Mr. & Mrs. Jon Barry Kurt & Laura Badertscher Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Fernandez Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Fierman Mr. & Mrs. Edward Gomez, Jr. Mrs. Elsa Gutierrez-Janulonis Amy & Kevin Jarman Mr. & Mrs. John Mangin, Jr. John H. & Pauline Pedrero Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schmid
New York
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Stowers Jim & Rita (Zoppo) Vietmeier
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Collison Mr. & Mrs. Charles V. Curcio Megan & J.T. Hunt Ms. Peggeann Larywon Mrs. Carolyn Mesler
New Hampshire Mr. & Mrs. Thomas DiMicelli
New Jersey
Ohio
Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Amatuzzi Collins & Hogan Families Mr. & Mrs. David Hess Theodore & Lynda Leo Ms. Mary Bernadette Mazauskas Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Nowak Gregory & Stephanie Monaco Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Obetz Mrs. Mary Ann Ryan Anna & Richard Spalckhaver Mr. & Mrs. Michael Testa Karla T. Villarin Mr. Edward M. Zambrano
Anonymous
Pennsylvania Mr. & Mrs. Fred A. Cairoli Mrs. Judith Falcone Lichty Mrs. Eileen Seeburger
South Carolina Elizabeth Craig & Michael Reeves, Jr.
Tennessee Mr. & Mrs. Robert Greenwell
Salesian Youth Report
SALESIAN YOUTH CENTER/BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, TAMPA, FL – It was a fun day for the 9 and 10-year-old girls at the Salesian Youth Center as Sr. Guerline Joseph took them to the convent to learn how to bake cookies! The girls did it all, from reading the recipe, gathering the ingredients, mixing, putting the mix on the pans, and joyfully watching the oven intensely to see their creations turn into a wonderful treat! At left, Kyla Underwood, Inubia Ferguson, and Marveayah Ford carefully scoop the dough onto pans. At right, anxiously awaiting their cookie creations are Santana Vasquez, Kamen Standley, Mariah Vernonia, and Sophisticated Santiago. All they need now is milk!
18 •
Partners in Giving • Volume XXVI • Issue 6
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Salesian Youth Report
O
n the annual Rodger Rohde Service Day at Mary Help of Christians Academy, students packed “Goodnight Bags” for the children of Don Bosco Youth Center in Port Chester, NY. Most of those children come from low-income situations and rely upon the Center for dinner five times a week. Students visited and played games with them after presenting their bags containing a blanket, winter hat, gloves, handmade scarf, toiletries, a book, and a stuffed animal. All told, the Academy was able to pack 175 Goodnight Bags, a kind-hearted gesture typical of our dear late friend, Rodger Rohde.
VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, TAMPA, FL – Sr. Joo Yun Park’s fifth-grade Theology class was in charge of preparation of the school Mass for All Saint’s Day. Not only did students write a report and dress up as a Saint, they participated in all the parts of the Mass, even marching in the Entrance Procession to “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Sr. Rosemary Cordes joined Maya Benitez (St. Gianna Molla), Madesyn Dicken (St. Lydwine), Emily Perez (St. Clare of Assisi), Torrance Lee (St. Jude), and Joseph Anderson (Blessed Philip Rinaldi).
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Christmas 2018 •
19
Salesian Youth Report
T
here are smiles aplenty these days at the Academy of Our Lady in Marrero, LA, as the Academy Robotics Team was named the House Team by NASA for 2019. This means the Academy will have direct participation by genuine NASA engineers as team mentors. The “Power Struck Girls” have also been awarded a $5,000 grant to utilize in preparation for the annual Bayou Regional robotics competition held in the spring. Additionally, the team has received grants from DOW and Leidos. They are sponsored by numerous local businesses throughout the Greater New Orleans area including Olive Branch Café, Chick-fil-A Clearview Parkway, BHL Construction, Geico, Diamond Food Distributors, and Intralox. Pictured above are Junior Gillian Decossas; Alumna Heaven Cooper, AOL ’17; senior Olivia Bernard; Team Mentor Mary Trauth, IHS ’77; Senior Bailey Ziegel; Team Mentor Irwin Langhoff; junior Madelynn Rossi; senior Michaela Thaibinh; Moderator and Academy faculty member Amy Morriss; Alumna Hannah Gegenheimer, AOL ’17; and junior Grace Hudson. Congratulations all!
20 •
Partners in Giving • Volume XXVI • Issue 6
ST. THERESA SCHOOL, KENILWORTH, NJ – “Glowing” with excitement are second-graders in Mrs. DeMaio’s class who made “Spooky Mummies” out of mason jars. A simple craft project involving gauze, glue, and “eyes” did the trick for Joseph Napolitano, Milania Lopez, Madison Johnson, and Faith Forenza.
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Salesian Youth Report CORPUS CHRISTIHOLY ROSARY SCHOOL, PORT CHESTER, NY – During the month of October, the Salesian Club sponsored a “SOCKTOBER” to collect socks for the homeless and less fortunate. In three weeks, students students collected an amazing 1,222 pairs of socks! Hat’s off – make that, shoes’ off! – to Sr. April Hoffman and her Salesian Club members!
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL, MARRERO, LA – A procession of Saints joined Immaculate Conception School on November 1 for All Saints Day. Middle school students in the sixth and seventh grade portrayed their favorite Holy Men and Women. Students dressed up and gave a brief reflection on their life before the school celebration. Pictured above are Reece Breaux as St. Lucy, Evan Phillips as St. John Bosco, Hazel Walker as St. Agnes, Addison Monaghan as Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Brooke Ritter as St. Peregrine, Jaidyn Dwyer as St. Augustine, Ava Damico as St. Katharine Drexel, and Kirsteen Massey at St. Monica.
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Christmas 2018 •
21
Salesian Youth Report
S
ebastian Richiez, Elizabeth Martella (at bottom), and Jack Martella, students at St. John Neumann High School in Naples, FL, were so impressed by the food pantry run by Catholic Charities that they went next door to Walmart and purchased a car trunk full of cereal bars, protein bars, chips, and water. “They stocked an entire section (below) just with their donation!” reports Emily Hughes, Advancement Office assistant. “Two of the older women with Catholic Charities were overwhelmed by their act of kindness and began hugging and crying a bit as we unloaded the car.” There are more than 1,000 children considered “homeless” in Collier County, and every week the items in the pantry are packed in bags for those kids to collect. “In all honesty, 14 Neumann students had already surprised me by just showing up at 8 a.m. on a Saturday to volunteer in the sun for a ‘Family Fun Day,’” Hughes concludes. “These three surprised me even more by their kindness and desire to do more than what was being asked of them.”
Contact Sr. Theresa Lee: happynun@gmail.com
22 •
Partners in Giving • Volume XXVI • Issue 6
Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Please Give Us This Day for Christmas!
T
he season of giving is upon us! What better gift than a day of prayer? Do you have a happy occasion you would like to share? The Salesian Sisters will celebrate with you. Is it a time to commemorate a lessthan-happy occasion? Let the Sisters help. Have you someone to thank? All of us will multiply this gratitude to that special person. So, please “Give Us This Day”! Any and every event or person or situation that merits special attention will be publicized on a bulletin board outside our chapel on your special day. All the Sisters, on that day, will pray for that person/event and for the person who requests prayer for the day. Our Lord has assured us, “Where two or three are gathered in My Name, I am among them.” What better assurance can we have? Let this exchange of prayer be an example of our concern and love for one another. God bless you during this holy Christmas Season!
Give Us This
Day
Always keeping busy, Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, who turns 95 years young on January 7, sews the hem on a Sister’s habit at the St. Joseph Provincial Center.
Please give us this day/these days in 2019 in honor of my special request(s):
Please detach and mail this form in the enclosed envelope. Thank you!
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Christmas 2018 •
23
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Province of St. Joseph Development Office 659 Belmont Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397
N
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage P A I D Hanover, NH Permit No. 8
eha Padikkal, a second-grader at St. Theresa School in Kenilworth, NJ, tries out the 19th-century version of the iPhone at the historic Oswald J. Nitschke House. Mrs. Karen DeMaio and her second-grade class at St. Theresa’s took a field trip to the nearby living museum and cultural arts center. Mrs. DeMaio is a member of the Historical Society and spoke to her class about what it was like living in the 1800’s. The children enjoyed it when the house telephone rang and Neha answered it!