Winter 2023 Partners In Giving

Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s letter

Dear Friends,

The young ladies on our cover from Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ are showing off a rite of passage: their Junior Year Rings. On December 8, the Academy school community came together for Mass in the new St. Joseph Chapel celebrated by Fr. Steve DeMaio, SDB. He encouraged everyone to remember that Mary, our Blessed Mother, is with us through all the ups and downs of our lives. Right before the final blessing, the Class of 2024 received their rings, as a symbol of dedicating themselves more fully to the Mary Help family. Congratulations, Juniors!

Kudos also to the oldest Salesian Sister in our Province, Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, who turned 99 years young on January 7. Although she is now in declining health and not able to communicate much, Sr. Rosalie remains an inspiration, with a twinkle in her eyes and a ready smile. Her blood sister, Sr. Domenica Di Peri, turns 98 this year and is always at her side. They are precious gems in our Salesian Family.

Rest assured of our continued prayers for you and your loved ones, especially during the holy season of Lent, when we prepare ourselves spiritually for the glory of Easter. God bless you and keep you safe and well.

Peace,

PARTNERS IN GIVIN G

is a bimonthly magazine published by the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Development Office

659 Belmont Avenue North Haledon, NJ 07508

Telephone: (973) 904-0102

Toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS

E-mail: partners@salesiansisters.org

Website: www.salesiansisters.org

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Federal Tax ID: 22-6043753

With cheers, cake, balloons, and lots of good wishes, Sr. Rosalie Di Peri celebrated her 99th birthday on January 7. Her blood sister, Sr. Domenica (above), joined in, as did Sr. Joanne Holloman (left).

Editorial Board

Dr. Joe McAleer, Editor

Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of Development

Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA, Editorial Manager

Theresa Anderson, Anna Anderson, and Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter, FMA, Copy Editors

© 2023 Missionary Society of Salesian Sisters, Inc.

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Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS

Academy of Our Lady Students dig in to save the planet Academy of Our Lady Students dig in to save the planet

“The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth. In many parts of the planet, the elderly lament that once beautiful landscapes are now covered with rubbish.” – Pope Francis

If a conversation is happening 5,447 miles away, typically your everyday person would not be impacted by its message. That’s the distance between Vatican City and Academy of Our Lady in Marrero, LA. However, one conversation is having a major impact in day-to-day lifestyles of students attending the Academy: Laudato Si’. The 2015 encyclical by Pope Francis calls us as Catholics and inhabitants of the earth to link our spirituality with our awareness of the environment and care for the earth.

Academy Environmental Science teacher

Sr. Janna San Juan (pictured above with her students) heard the Pope’s call to action and has implemented it in her classes.

“Laudato Si’ has definitely given words to my passion for the environment,” she says. “God has given us many gifts, and it’s our moral responsibility to care for them. I’m grateful I can share that with my students.”

The first step in this process was clearing out the few garden beds already on campus that were overgrown with weeds. Students were guided to salvage items that could be replanted in a newly refurbished bed. The

next step was building new garden boxes. “It was very important that the students had as much ownership as possible in this project,” Sr. Janna explains. “Having a literal workshop experience with power tools was something very different from what we typically do in class, and what they do in general.”

After the beds were placed, students filled them with dirt. They then decided what would be planted. Life lessons followed.

“I’ve learned that the earth is a beautiful planet and that we should take care of it,” senior Tristyn Landry says. Adds senior Angelina Verberne, “It was an amazing feeling knowing we started this and watched something come to life. It was so easy. We really need to teach people so they can start doing it themselves.”

“I am proud that the students have taken charge of this project from start to finish,” says Sr. Michelle Geiger, Academy principal. “Their learning goes beyond the simple textbook to the nitty-gritty practical aspects of growing food, sharing it with others, and understanding the environmental impact. Today’s learners need to be challenged to go beyond the four walls of the classroom. This is a way to make the learning come alive and help the young be responsible to make our world a bit more sustainable. Here at Academy of Our Lady, we are committed to forming our students to be good citizens in this world and the next.”

Our elderly Sisters in the St. Joseph Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ, were thrilled by the visit of Bishop Kevin Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson. The Bishop spent time with each Sister and offered his blessing, including Sr. Patricia Winterscheidt (above) and Sr. Louise Passero (right). You are most welcome to visit us anytime, Bishop Sweeney!

Abeloved annual holiday tradition returned on December 11, when the Salesian Sisters hosted their Christmas Party in-person for the first time since 2019 at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ. More than 400 guests gathered for a fun event filled with Christmas spirit: a joyous atmosphere, a delicious meal from The Market Basket, shopping at Santa’s workshops, and beautiful baskets.

“We were thrilled to resume our annual Christmas Party and see so many of our friends and family,” says Sr. Mary Rinaldi (pictured here with just a few of the amazing baskets).

Congratulations to the winners of the Christmas Challenge Sweepstakes: Jorge Rodriguez of Paterson, NJ; Cynthia Adamek of Centennial, CO; and Marguerite Cronrath of Clifton, NJ.

Thank you to all who supported this amazing event, which raised more than $90,000 for the Mary Help Financial Aid Fund.

SEEK is an event for college students hosted by FOCUS: the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. It features dynamic speakers, prayer moments, vendors, and opportunities to connect and socialize for young people with Catholic organizations and religious groups. This year’s SEEK conference was hosted in St. Louis, MO. The Salesians had a strong representation! It was a joy to see many past pupils from our Salesian works as well as Salesian priests, brothers, and Sisters (above) from both the Eastern and Western Provinces of the U.S. and Canada. Sr. Elfie Del Rosario, Vocation Director, enjoyed getting in the game (below, left) while all the Sisters hit the photo booth!

Now more than ever Please Adopt a Sister!

Please 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 your sacrificial gift will support our elderly Sisters. It makes the PERFECT gift, especially for a wedding, birthday, First Holy Communion, Confirmation – any occasion! Please complete the form below, visit www.salesiansisters.org, or call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you, and God bless you!

CVV: _____________

Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS

Spreading Christmas joy and smiles at the St. Joseph Provincial Center are Sr. Helene Godin and Sr. Arlene Rubino.

Birthday wishes at the St. Joseph Provincial Center, this time for Sr. Esther Cruz who celebrated her 89th birthday on December 2. Joining in the celebration are (from left) Sr. Catherine Novo, Sr. Ines Valentin, Sr. Teresita Teran, Sr. Bui Thi Bich-Huyen, Sr. Mary Louise Mazzocco (behind Sr. Esther), Sr. Anne Weis, Sr. Domenica Di Peri, and Sr. Mary Arciga.

Sr. Joanne Holloman (center) recently paid a visit to our Mother General, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, at our General House in Rome, which gave her the chance to see the Sisters from our Province who are in Italy for various missions. Sr. Emy DeFillipis (at left) is serving as the Economer in charge of Finances at the House of Mother Angela Vespa. A few miles away at Casa Canta, Sr. April Hoffman (at right) is studying Salesian Spirituality. We miss you, Sisters! You are in our prayers!

Sr. Catherine Novo celebrated her 96th birthday on January 22, with Sr. Helene Godin helping to cut the cake!

Provincial Superior Sr Joanne Holloman visited Immaculata –La Salle High School in Miami, FL, to view the new athletic construction under way. Past Pupil and current faculty member Gaston Arellano served as her tour guide.

The “Building on the Legacy” project includes grandstands with a modernized press box, public rest rooms, and concessions; a multipurpose athletic field to host football, soccer, baseball, and lacrosse; and a field house with locker rooms, state-of-the art training and rehabilitation facility, coaches’ offices, and a strength-training room. A new sports pavilion will provide a venue for dance, cheerleading, and other sports. Learn more at www. ilsroyals.com/buildingonthelegacy

How good are you at identifying the very-cold-looking Salesian Sisters (and priest) taking a stroll in the snow in the 1990s outside of Mary Help of Christians Academy? Houses across the street on Belmont Avenue are seen in the background. E-mail your answers to partners@salesiansisters.org.

The Salesian Sisters 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 (such as during the COVID-19 pandemic). 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.

32nd 32nd

The fire which destroyed St. Joseph Chapel in North Haledon, NJ, in 2018 underscored the vital importance of the Partners Circle Fund, enabling the Sisters to respond quickly in an emergency and begin the rebuilding process – now complete!

There are 8 levels of membership, starting at $250, which are listed on these three 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 in our 32nd year? Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you and God bless you!

FLORIDA

Dorothy & Dr. Vincent Bagli

Josie & Ray Campo

Anne & Joseph Garcia

Ann Lowry Murphey

Angel Oliva Family

The Dorothy Thomas Foundation

NEW JERSEY

Tony Amato Family

The Carini Family

Mr. Anthony Petrocelli

Ms. Roberta Ruocco

Ms. Celeste Tripi

Mr. Vincent Waraske

Annual gift of $5,500

FLORIDA

Mr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor

Lydia & John Oliva

Susan & Jeff Turner

NEW JERSEY

Joseph Batelli

Al Daloisio, Jr.

Anthony & Geraldine

Dell’Orto

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Laino

Mr. Bill McLaughlin

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer

Joseph & Rita Weiner

INDIANA

Mr. & Mrs. Judson Church

MASSACHUSETTS

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair PC

NEW YORK

Mr. John Cassara

Beruta Dell’Orto

VIRGINIA

Mr. & Mrs. Greg Mueller

$11,000

FLORIDA Sherry Millar

NEW

Annual gift of $3,300

CONNECTICUT

Mary Bridget Gaine

FLORIDA

Idalia Lastra Barket

NEW JERSEY

Chris & Gemma Chong

Frank & Rosemary Lupo Family

NEW YORK

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cangro

PENNSYLVANIA

Mr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow

The Joseph J. McAleer, Sr. Heritage Society Major Bequests

CONNECTICUT

Christina & David McAleer PC

DELAWARE

Maria Sturchio

FLORIDA

Ms. Caroline Barnhill

Anne & John Bedlek

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Clark

John & Pat Connors

Anthony & Diana Ekonomou

Mrs. Kathleen Medore

NEW JERSEY

Mr. Robert Eliseo

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hofmann

Marilyn & Dale Livi

Partners

ARIZONA

Mrs. Ann Marie Forster

CALIFORNIA

Mary & Robert Obenberger

Diane Onken

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Onken

COLORADO

Jamie & Paul Condit

CONNECTICUT

Linda & Peter Christiansen PC

Mr. Michael Guarnieri PC

Fabrizio & Barbara Zichichi

FLORIDA

Joseph & Claudine Caballero PC

Rick & Patti Caldevilla PC

Mrs. Patricia Driscoll

Maria Restrepo Forte

Dr. Giacomo & Judy Guggino

Aida Yglesias Jurado

Greg & Lori Korte

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf

Robert Nocek

Mr. & Mrs. Rob Obbink

Ms. Marianne O’Doherty

Mr. Fredy Padovan

Gene & Linda Perez

Mr. Joseph Massood

The O’Halloran Family

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Papetti

Andrelisa Michel & Michael Russo

NEW YORK

Jordon Carroll

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Scala

PENNSYLVANIA

In Loving Memory of

Sr. Adeline Salvetti, FMA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Tom & Laurie Aldinger

Circle “Benefactors”

John & Diann Pinkowski

Rudy Rodriguez

MASSACHUSETTS

Mr. & Mrs. Neil Holmes

Deirdre Kelleher

Mr. & Mrs. Ted Reading

NEW JERSEY

Mrs. Theresa Cannarozzi

Ms. Debi F. Debiak, Esq.

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony

Della Cerra

Mr. & Mrs. Martin Flemming

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Furey

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell

Miss Mary Jean Hayek

James Construction Co., Inc.

Michael & Mary Losurdo

Mrs. Faith Menard

Mary Ann Munson

Dr. & Mrs. Wayne Obetz

Robert & Constance Sumas

Mrs. Carolyn Young

NEW YORK

Mr. Silvio Alfeo

Ms. Lea Battiato

Jo Ann & Joseph Caracappa

Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri

Welcome new or upgraded members in Red!

PC denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees.

Annual gift of $1,100

PENNSYLVANIA

Mr. & Mrs. Glen Berdela

Msgr. Robert Carroll

Dr. Allyson &

Mr. Kevin Hardy

Mrs. Eileen Seeburger

TENNESSEE

Mr. Leonard V. Ingrando

CONNECTICUT

Dr. Joe McAleer PC

FLORIDA

Declan & Shelly Mansfield

Anne & Fred Michaels

Rene & Phyllis Rodriguez

Mr. & Mrs. Terry Wood

NEW JERSEY

Joseph W. & Kathleen Buckley

Mr. & Mrs. Greg Scott

INDIANA

Sandra M. Freeman

VIRGINIA

Dr. Evelyn Garcia & Michael Maurer

Partners Circle “Members”

CALIFORNIA

Joanne & Geraldine Rizzuto

CONNECTICUT

Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Goin

Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Mosey

FLORIDA

Dr. Kenneth Alonso

Theresa & Mark Anderson

Mrs. Bernadine Ayer

Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Baldor, Jr. PC

Mrs. Liana Baldor, in memory of Ana Maria & Carlos Sr.

Dr. Stephanie A. Canada

Mrs. Trudy Carey

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Corces, in memory of Charles J. Corces

Dr. & Mrs. Emilio Echevarria

Manny & Aggie Fernandez

Mrs. Leslie Garcia PC

Joseph Phillip, Jr. & Julia Jones

Mr. James D. Leone

Kelly Barcia Nunez PC

Mark & Heidi Oliva PC

Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Reynolds

Alina M. Roces

Rudy Rodriguez

Hon. & Mrs. E.J. Salcines

Mrs. Joan M. Smith

Ron Yates

GEORGIA

Mr. Charles Fantauzza

Mrs. Brooke McDonald

ILLINOIS

The Mills Family

The Rangel Family

LOUISIANA

Mr. & Mrs. George LeBlanc

MARYLAND

Adrienne & Albert Marra

MASSACHUSETTS

Ms. Josephine Petrillo

NEW JERSEY

Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Amatuzzi

Tiziana Anello, M.D.

Mrs. Rose Bielicki

Mrs. Regina Calcagno

Mr. & Mrs. James Cavaluzzi

Mary Joan Collison

Larry & Mary Anne Condit

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J. Dunn

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ferrito

Dr. & Mrs. Lou Gambetta PC

Joann Giamonco

Teresa Gutto

Vivian Isenberg

Mr. James Lane

Laura Cosentino Mannarino

George & Jeannie Pavlik

Mrs. Christine Peragallo

Twinkie & Michael Polizzi PC

NEW YORK

Michael & Jeanette Altamura

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Betwarda

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Clair

Ms. Claire Dell

The Esposito Family

Annual gift of $550

Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. Gerardi

Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Greene

Ms. Lena Huang

Mr. Walter Lazarcheck

Mr. Joseph V. Miressi

Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec

NORTH CAROLINA

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard

OHIO

Dale & Lynda Kovach

In memory of

Mr. Fred Mastrogiovanni

Ginnie Stidham

PENNSYLVANIA

Joseph & Joyce Boyle

Mr. & Mrs. Brian Clair

Ms. Kate Clair

Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski

SOUTH CAROLINA

Mackenzie Clair

TENNESSEE

Mr. Terence P. Clair

TEXAS

Dr. Elizabeth Sledden Dybell

VIRGINIA

Mrs. Dominique Faust

WASHINGTON

Mr. Keiran C. Clair

Partners Circle “Quarter Century Club”

Annual gift of $250

CALIFORNIA

Jeanann Davis

Patrick & Kasia Gorman

Rev. Paula T. Webb

CONNECTICUT

Anonymous

Mrs. Eileen G. Hahnenkratt

Mrs. Concetta Luppino

Mr. Patrick J. Waide, Jr.

DELAWARE

Mr. & Mrs. Stevan Csanady

FLORIDA

Kurt & Laura Badertscher

Jon & Michelle Barry

Amanda Clair

Marilyn Collins

Brig. Gen. & Mrs. Thomas

V. Draude, USMC-Ret.

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick C. Duffy

Arthur & Maria Fierman

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Gomez, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lebron

Mr. & Mrs. John Mangin

Joan Palmer

John & Pauline Pedrero

Jim & Rita (Zoppo)

Vietmeier

MARYLAND

Arina O. Grossu PC

MISSOURI

Jim Weis

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas

DiMicelli

NEW JERSEY

John Capeci PC

Julie Caucino

Collins & Hogan Families

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cronrath

Mr. & Mrs. David Hess

Msgr. Raymond Kupke

Theodore & Lynda Leo

Mr. & Mrs. Lindsay Logue

Catherine Miller

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Nowak

Mrs. Mary Ann Ryan

Gene & Lorraine

Signoretti

Anna & Richard Spalckhaver

Maura & T.J. Sullivan

Maura & Michael Testa

Mr. Eugene Veltri

Mr. Edward M. Zambrano

NEW YORK

Mr. Patrick Clair

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Collison

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Curcio

Maria DaGrossa-Hanna PC

Megan & J.T. Hunt

Ms. Peggeann Larywon

Mrs. Carolyn Mesler

Madeleine & Rene Perrin PC

NORTH CAROLINA

Chester & Monica Michewicz

OHIO Anonymous

PENNSYLVANIA

Bernadette & Fred Cairoli

Mr. & Mrs. William Hayes

SOUTH CAROLINA

Elizabeth Craig & Michael Reeves, Jr.

Ed & Luciann Slomkowski

VIRGINIA

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Deighan

Wanda & Michael Pomatto

Mrs. Shannon Whitmore

Please “Give Us This Day”! An exchange of love

Do you have a happy occasion you would like to share? The Salesian Sisters will celebrate with you for an entire month. Is it a time to mark a less-than-happy occasion? Our prayer for 30 days will commemorate 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, person, or situation that merits special attention will be publicized on a bulletin board outside our chapel. The Sisters will pray for that intention and for the person who requests prayers for the day, and whose sacrificial gift supports the endowment for our retired Sisters.

Let this exchange of time be an example of our concern and love for one another. During this holy season of Lent, know that you are special to us. Our prayers rise daily for you and your dear ones. Thank you, and God bless you!

Sr. Anne Weis and Sr. Teresita Teran spread Christmas cheer at the St. Joseph Provincial Center.

Dear Friends: A message from Sister Joanne A once-in-a-lifetime moment

Iam sure all of you had a “once in a lifetime” experience? I have been blessed to have had many! My most recent one happened on January 5, when I attended the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (shown below).

On December 30, I traveled to Rome to visit the Sisters

If we pause to reflect, we can probably list some of our own “once-in-alifetime” experiences. It could be going to a World Series Game and seeing your team win, or holding your first child or grandchild, or even taking that vacation to an exotic island. The truth of the matter is that each moment in our life is a “oncein-a-lifetime” experience.

One of our earlier Salesian Sisters from Italy, Sr. Clelia Genghini, used to repeat, “Live the present moment and live it in love.” That motto is one I try to live by and remind the Sisters to as well. Living the present moment to the best we can is a once-in-a-lifetime experience because we will never get that moment back. We only have the present to live well.

from our Province who are stationed there and to meet with our Mother General, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola. When I landed in Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on the morning of New Year’s Eve, I heard that Pope Benedict passed away. What are the chances of being in Rome for that moment?

The irony is that, 10 years previously, I was in Rome when Pope Benedict retired and Pope Francis was elected. I happened to be at the last Angelus message of Pope Benedict and the first Angelus message of Pope Francis. What are the odds of being in Rome when yet another historic event was taking place in the Church surrounding Pope Benedict?

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

The holy season of Lent is upon us. It is a “once-in-alifetime” experience where we can show our love for Christ for all He did for us in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. We can only live it one moment at a time, one act of prayer at a time, one act of fasting at a time, and one act almsgiving at a time.

May your Lent be a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience where you can live the present moment in love as a sign of your love for Jesus’ amazing act of love for each of us. Blessings on your Lenten journey!

– Sr. Joanne Holloman, FMA, is the Superior of the Province of St. Joseph

Photo by Quirinale.it

A Love That Lasts Forever

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 $ Memorial for Tribute for Occasion

Name – DECEASED Name – LIVING

Please send an acknowledgement to:

Name Address

Memorials

Received between December 1, 2022 and January 31, 2023

John J. Connors

Mr. & Mrs. Robert McGrail

Mrs. Kathryn DeChiaro

Andrew Kavulich & Christine Papa

Christina Curry

Mr. & Mrs, Jim Rose

Mr. James Holihan

Mr. & Mrs. David McAleer

Ms. Elizabeth Quartermaine

Ms. Rita Longo

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel J. Belmonti

Ms. Maryanne Pierce

Mrs. Terry Laudone

Ms. Diane Britz

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Ford

Mr. & Mrs. Neil Sullivan

Ms. Virginia Foy

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Bacon

Ms Donna J. Andreassi

Mr. & Mrs. Ricahrd Beggs

Ms. Barbara Stack

Mr. & Mrs. William J. Bielefeld

Ms. Kathleen Elliott

Mr. & Mrs. George Dougherty

Ms. Mary H. Champlain

Mr. Joseph Siniscalchi

Mr. & Mrs. John C. Durtisch

Mr. & Mrs. Jim Zamparelli

Ms. Kerry Guerriero

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony S. Lobat

Ms. Eileen Mealia

Ms. Angela T. Larca

Ms. Clare Sasak

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Guerra

Ms. Claire Dembinski

McGurie Family

Ms. Joan Costa

Joseph Papa & Marylee Pratnicki

Mrs. Donna Sarno

Diana Rodriguez

Ms. Mary Falzarano

Ms. Nana LaBruna

Ms. Francoise Spano

Mrs. Rosemarie Saunders

RoseMary “Honey” Clair

Ms. Janice Collins

Ms. Elizabeth Bogert

Partners Circle National Board of Trustees

Hon. Judge McCaffery

Sunny Rapp

Myriam S. Roe

Ms. Stephanie Garzarella

Ms. Linda Schlachter

Angela Sledden

Dr. Elizabeth Sledden Dybell

William Bushnell

Ms. Patrice Enyart

Lillian Brunetti

Mr. Wally Brunetti

Oscar Sumange

Ms. Janice Collins

Phillip Clark

Mr. & Mrs. Larry A. Wilson

James DeLuna

Ms. Carol Kasper

Santo DeLuna

Ms. Carol Kasper

Aleta Abellar

Mrs. Dely Go

Donna Vitalino

Mrs. Frances Pellicione

Alma Auxiliary Curcio

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Curcio

Gloria Favata

Mr. Nelson T. Alderman

My Name Address

Detach & mail in the enclosed envelope. Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Morabito

Ms. Yolanda Doerr

Ms. Gabriella Hartpence

Ms. Nellie Danzi

Ms. Palma Quagliata

Mr. & Mrs. Russell Malko

Mr. Raymond Federici

Marie Sisco

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Scillieri

Tributes

Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, FMA, 99th Birthday

Mrs. Maria Gloria

Sr. Amy Nguyen, FMA

Mr. Peter Bui

Rest in peace, Sr. Roberte Johnson, FMA, who died on November 25, 2022 at age 90. She was a trailblazer, as the first professed Salesian Sister from Canada.

Sr. Roberte recalled her decision to join the Salesian Sisters. On June 24, 1951, when Roberte was 18, her home parish in St. Louis-de-Kent, New Brunswick, celebrated the canonization of St. Mary Mazzarello. The parish priest carried a portrait in a procession. “I can still see Mary’s eyes following me,” Sr. Roberte recalled. Shortly afterward, she left for North Haledon, NJ, to begin her postulancy. After her first profession, she taught for one year before returning to Canada in 1955 to join a new school in Pointe-Verte, New Brunswick.

Known for her radiant smile, Sr. Roberte lived a full life as a Salesian Sister. In her 68 years of religious life she served in many different roles as teacher, animator, bursar, coordinator for the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) and past pupils, and a catechist.

Rest in peace, RoseMary “Honey” Seifert Clair, the mother of Sr. Colleen Clair, FMA and Salesian Sisters Partners Circle National Board Chairman Dennis Clair. She died on December 19, 2022 at the age of 94.

Honey and her husband, Joseph, had 16 children. They made many sacrifices to give all a solid Catholic education and opportunities to develop their gifts.

Honey was a delightful, vivacious presence and a warm mother figure to many Salesian Sisters. Every Sister she met, she “adopted” into her wider Clair family, which at its most recent “Clair Family Vacation” gathering boasted more than 120 members, including 65 grandchildren and 68 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way.

Honey’s passing, having lived, in her own words, “a life filled with love and fun,” is truly one of Christian hope. Although it contains sorrow, it is full of confidence in God’s promise of heavenly reunion.

It was Sr. Roberte’s love for music and her ability to share this love with the young and old alike that gave her great joy. Even up to the last few months of her life, she would play the piano for the community during recreation.

“As our first Canadian Sister, I am sure that Sr. Roberte is putting a good word in for us and asking Our Lady to send many vocations to our Province, especially Canada,” shares Sr. Joanne Holloman, FMA, Provincial Superior.

Sr. Roberte is survived by her biological sister, Sr. Estelle Johnson, FMA.

Rest in peace, John J. Connors, one of the original members of the Salesian Sisters Partners Circle National Board. He died on December 12, 2022 at the age of 81.

John sat on the Partners Circle Board for one year in 1991-1992 before deciding he could be more effective for the Sisters “on the outside.” Many will remember John and his beloved wife, Pat, as hard-working volunteers at the annual Spring and Christmas parties in North Haledon, NJ, greeting everyone with a smile.

John’s career in the banking and financial services industry lasted 40 years and included serving as President of Boston Financial Data Services in Quincy, MA, and President and Partner of Colson Services Corp. in New York. He and Pat retired to Bonita Springs, FL, in 2014.

John was quick to light up a room with laughter, but even quicker to offer his friendship or a helping hand to anyone in need. “Gentleman Jack” will be lovingly remembered by many.

MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, North

Haledon, NJ – Brava! to the Mary Help choir who performed onstage at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City, before a performance of the Christmas Spectacular Show with the world-famous Rockettes. Toni Bilotti Cecere conducted the choir, who were joined by their counterparts at our brother high school, Don Bosco Prep. This was the first musical collaboration between the two schools and the students performed to great acclaim!

At left, Mary Help hosted a Giving Tree for Christmas, with much success thanks to the generosity of the school families and other local partner organizations. Toys were delivered in time for Christmas joy to the Catholic Charities Fr. English Community Center and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, both located in Paterson, NJ. The receiving organizations were happy to distribute the toys to the neediest families.

Villa Madonna Campus, Tampa

Villa Madonna Campus, Tampa

Pavilion readies to open before summer heat

Pavilion readies to open before summer heat

At right, Sr. Lou Ann Fantauzza, Villa Principal, is thrilled by the Pavilion’s concession room full of top-line equipment. Thank you, Richard and Melanie Gonzmart!

Excitement builds at Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL, as the Pavilion and Renovation Project comes close to being finished, just in time for a hot Florida summer! We are grateful to friends and the community who have come together to make this $3.6 million project a reality for the kids. We still have $433,000 to raise. Please help us cross the finish line by the first day of summer, June 21! Visit www.villapavilion.com or call Theresa Anderson: (813) 205-3195. Thank you!

Across from the new Pavilion, the new playground is in place (top), complete with swings.

Above, we now have an overhead walkway with lighting that connects the Pavilion to the school.

SALESIAN SCHOOLS ! ST. THERESA SCHOOL, Kenilworth, NJ

– To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, second graders did a writing assignment to explain Dr. King’s dream and write down their own dreams for the world.

They also learned a simple lesson in racial equality (left) using white and brown eggs. When the eggs were cracked open, the children noticed there was no difference on the inside. They learned that all people are the same and everyone looks different, but they should all be treated fairly. Showing off their projects are Mia Chaves, Benjamin Selemi, Nyah Harris, and Jacob Westervelt.

CORPUS CHRISTI

HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL, Port Chester, NY – The seventh- grade class hosted a “Mystery Bag” fundraiser on January 17 to support the Fr. Peter Rinaldi Gala, the school’s largest annual fundraiser, scheduled for this May. Using toys graciously donated by the Salesian Sisters’ Development Office during the Christmas season, students stuffed nearly 200 brown bags with toys and treats, making over $390.

Students labeled and decorated the brown bags in art class and stuffed them in the basement of the Sisters’ convent during study hall. They made order forms for the Pre-K, UPK, and kindergarten students, and promoted the fundraiser at the morning assembly. The fundraiser sold out after the first day.

“This was not only a formative teambuilding experience, but also a service-learning opportunity for my students,” says Sr. Boram Lee, FMA, the seventh-grade teacher. “They learned practical business skills while supporting our school that we all love so much.”

Salesian School Alumni Spotlight

would not leave Villa for anything!”

An alumna of Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL, runs that city’s largest department outside of police and fire. Sherisha Hills, class of 1994, has been Director of Parks and Recreation since 2020, a department that oversees 32 recreation centers, 12 pools, and 190 parks for the city’s 300,000 residents.

After graduating from Villa Madonna, Sherisha attended the Academy of Holy Names, where she was a star on the basketball court. A full scholarship to Notre Dame University followed, then an M.B.A. from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in recreation leisure service management from the University of Florida. She began her career in local government as a team supervisor for the department she now leads, rising through the ranks.

In addition to her full-time job and community commitments, Sherisha also finds time to coach youth sports and mentor at-risk youth. She also sits on the board of the Salesian Youth Center/Boys & Girls club.

Partners in Giving asked this dynamic alumna to talk about her formative years at Villa Madonna.

How did Villa Madonna help you grow into the person you are today?

Villa Madonna means so much to me! If Villa Madonna had gone through high school, it would have been my only school!

In fact, my high school, Academy of Holy Names, which has all grades, asked me to leave Villa in seventh grade and said I could play high school basketball. I said no! I would not leave Villa Madonna for anything!

Attending Villa Madonna gave me a great foundation of life lessons and the importance of giving back. I was taught how to love your neighbor and how to live your life with values, and respect others in all walks of life as a person.

Who were you favorite teachers and Sisters?

Definitely Mrs. Angie Tillman, who taught English; Dr. Pozo (then Ms. Rodriguez), who was assistant principal; Mrs. Vicki Fabiano, our librarian; and of course Sr. Liz Ryan, who was our principal. Oh, and Coach Leslie Kanter and Coach Oscar Laboy! There were so many great teachers and Sisters. I am grateful to all who helped me learn the importance of helping and caring for others.

Do you have a favorite Villa memory?

The summer camps were so great! There was no Salesian Youth Center when I was there, but I liked the summer camps because I got to know people outside of school.

Two memories really stuck with me. The first was when one of our coaches, Coach Rivera, passed away. I was between fifth and sixth grade at that point, and it was my first real experience with loss. It was tough for everyone.

The second memory was when we went to Lithia Springs during summer camp to swim. We always brought our swimsuits and changed when we got there. After we were done swimming, we went back to change, and I couldn’t find my clothes. I’m guessing with all the different groups that were there swimming, someone had picked up my clothes! I had to come back wrapped in a towel.

Coach Laboy still teases me about that!

“I

“I am grateful to all at Villa Madonna who helped me learn the importance of helping and caring for others.”

Sherisha Hills was honored by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the recipient of the inaugural 2022 “Inspire Change Changemaker” Award.

VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, Tampa, FL – “Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for ....” no, not a Salesian Sister! But that didn’t stop Sr. Marie Fe Tansioco and Sr. Amy Nguyen from enjoying the family-friendly atmosphere at the annual Gasparilla Children’s Parade. They joined the Reynolds family (above), and Sr. Amy had a meet-n-greet (left) with a rather tall buccaneer!

“We Three Kings of Orient are ...” – make that six Kings who paid visits to celebrate Epiphany! At left, students Justin Brown, Ethan Perez, and Vincent Tirri brought gifts to the crèche at St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, NJ. At right, kindergartener Dax Tobar at Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL, is impressed by the “royal” visit of three students from neighboring Tampa Catholic High School: Brandon Alessi, Andrew Alessi, and Alex Zota.

IMMACULATALA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL, Miami, FL

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What happens when passion meets compassion? Two teachers at Immaculata-La Salle noticed that some students in the school’s music and band program were in need of opportunities for service. Inspired in part by St. John Bosco’s belief that “an Oratory without music is like a body without a soul,” they decided to take action.

Band Director Armando Alicandu and J.C. Moya, Director of the Applied Global Leadership Program, invited guitar-playing students to make a difference in the lives of middle school kids throughout Miami. The plan was simple: repair and refurbish used guitars, and donate them. The goal was to provide kids with quality instruments with which they can pursue a musical future – a national campaign called “Guitars Over Guns.”

On December 22, assisted by Juniors Patricia Quimby-Moro and Victoria Pla, Caleb Alcime from Guitars Over Guns arrived at Immaculata-La Salle to collect the guitars. Three classical and three acoustic guitars made it into the hands of six lucky kids, whose Christmas wish of owning a quality musical instrument came true. Pictured above are Juniors Isabella Puglisi, Victoria, Sefano Guigovaz, and Patricia, with Mr. Alcime, Mr. Alicandu, and Mr. Moya.

So, how do young people develop a service mindset and commit to a lifetime of giving? The answer is simple: Let their passion guide their compassion!

third grade. These happy students look ready to learn!

The 2023 March for Life Standing tall, changing hearts The 2023 March for Life Standing tall, changing hearts

Blue skies, joyful people, the pro-life population of the youngest to the oldest of society, united as one. That was the 2023 March for Life, celebrating the overturn of Roe v. Wade and calling for pro-life policies to be passed. Held on January 20 in Washington, DC, the March for Life has always been a sign of hope, joy, and peace, leaving participants with that high of lovingly standing up for what you believe in with faith.

The feeling that comes from participating in the March for Life is something that one cannot fully understand until being part of it. Smiles are unceasing. While there are people of all faiths and no faith united to stand up for the most vulnerable in society – the unborn – if you ever need a large Catholic family reunion, this is the time. That weekend, there’s at least one priest everywhere you turn, and Sisters of different orders, including the Salesian Sisters. We tried to meet up with Sr. Kelly Schuster and the group from Mary Help of Christians Academy, but when you’re marching next to 500,000 of your best friends, it’s not easy! We all prayed as one, united in our dedication to such a great cause. It is so affirming to see so many Catholic religious and families everywhere.

At the March itself, my group was loudly praying the Rosary, and we quickly realized that five other groups around us where also praying the Rosary together, everyone at different times, even nuns singing their own Rosary. It was so cool, as a Catholic, to have people

praying the Rosary loudly at such a large scale! Our group was also lucky to meet sympathetic Members of Congress, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (right).

When I was at Villa Madonna School, the Salesian Sisters taught us to stand up for the unborn, the defenseless, and the most vulnerable in society, while being strong in our faith. Now, as a senior at the Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa, I have the amazing opportunity to lead our Respect for Life club, having conversations constantly about the protection of the unborn.

We need legal protection of the unborn. But the only way to truly end abortion is through love. We have to love the mothers, their children, and the fathers who are often forgotten but are very impacted. We have to change hearts. Women need to know the truth of who they are in the eyes of the Father, which will set them free to say YES to the gift of life and to be able to heal in His mercy from the pain of abortion. Please join me in praying for women, their unborn children, the legal protection of the unborn, and a greater love and respect for the unborn!

– Anna Anderson, Villa Madonna class of 2019

A large Catholic family reunion, defending life.

On the Journey with Sister B Practicing the pause, with life and the mail

When I was a child, my brother and I used to race to the mailbox that sat atop a very high hill, to be the first to get the mail. It wasn’t that either of us got mail very often, but the potential of mail and being the first to touch it was a competitive opportunity that we siblings could not pass up. Should our mother be driving us home from her errands, a squabble would ensue as to whose day it was to check the mail. Sometimes it came down to who could get their seatbelt off and out of the car the fastest. The person who got the mail also got to snoop through the mail and announce to everyone what they got. As I got older, the snooping was more satisfying than being first to the mailbox.

Now, as an adult, I find the mail a bit exhausting. My brother still loves getting mail, and I am happy when I get something meaningful, but since my parents passed away, a lot of my mail became perfunctory. I am especially annoyed with the car dealership that continually sends me an “IMPORTANT NOTICE” to “OPEN IMMEDIATELY” in big red letters every few weeks, causing my blood pressure to spike – only to realize it’s junk mail about the car my father used to have and which I have no had responsibility for in over two years (and yes, I have tried to get off the mailing lists … and it’s impossible). I also get other cleverly-disguised mail to my father’s name that looks important. After being an executor of an estate, you never know what is coming next. I learned, however, to check the stamp, and anything that isn’t first class or says “pre-sorted” means junk! Nice try, but this woman is on to you, scammers!

In life there are a lot of things competing for our attention and declaring they are “IMPORTANT NOTICE”, and we must “OPEN IMMEDIATELY”, but it’s up to us to live reflectively and with a peaceful heart

discern between what is pressing and what is not. If we have a reactive disposition, every “letter” that comes through the “mailbox” of our life has the potential to cause us to lose our equilibrium.

As a child, all mail was seen as good mail because it contained the excitement of new experiences. But with age, we realize that not every experience leaves us happy or thrilled. If we are willing, we learn coping mechanisms that fit our personality, sometimes setting the mail aside until we are ready to open it, having someone open the mail with us, or giving it to someone else to open for us because the mail is overwhelming. We also learn to discern between those pieces of mail that are authentically important, and those which are crafted to elicit emotional reactions we don’t need to give.

What I write about mail, we can also apply this to life in a more broad sense. I think the most valuable skill I’ve learned in my Salesian life and am still refining is “practicing the pause.” As each letter comes to me, or person, or experience, I try to pause before responding or reacting. Sometimes it’s very difficult, but that pause gives me that space to move from reaction to response, and responding is very different from reacting. A peaceful person knows how to respond, and that is what I believe St. Paul meant when he wrote, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).

I pray that, as we move into Lent, we may all live from a place of power and love, responding to the mail that arrives from a place of peace and self-control, living reflectively, and responsively, on our journey towards Easter and, ultimately, Heaven.

– Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA

As we move into Lent, may we all live from a place of power and love.

Is it Gaspar, Melchior, or Balthasar paying an Epiphany visit to the Sisters in the St. Joseph Provincial Center?

It’s Sr. Eileen Tickner, leading a camel she crafted herself! She brought good news and gifts in honor of the Baby King, Jesus.