P artners in GivinG Spring 2022 • www.salesiansisters.org
Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s letter Dear Friends, Prayer is an integral part of the life of a Salesian Sister. You’ll not be surprised that, in recent weeks, we Sisters have been doubling up our supplications, appealing to our Lord and Mary Help of Christians for an end to the war in Ukraine and a lasting peace. We have a personal connection to the unfolding tragedy in Ukraine, as you will learn in this magazine, and can see on our cover, where a Salesian Sister in Poland is assisting a refugee family from Ukraine with twin girls. Heartbreaking! And so we continue to pray, along with the rest of the world. Our knees may be sore and our Rosary beads worn, but our hearts are overflowing with hope. Excitement is mounting as we approach completion of two major building projects: the new St. Joseph Chapel in N. Haledon, NJ (see page 7), and the Villa Madonna Campus Pavilion & Renovation Project in Tampa, FL (see page 17). We could not have attempted these projects without your generosity. Thank you! And if you would still like to help, please contact us! Rest assured of our continued prayers in this Easter Season. God bless you! Peace,
PARTNERS IN GIVING is a bimonthly magazine published by the
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Development Office 659 Belmont Ave., N. Haledon, NJ 07508 Telephone: (973) 904-0102 Toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS E-mail: partners@salesiansisters.org Website: www.salesiansisters.org Social Media: https://linktr.ee/salesiansisters
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“Missionary Society Salesian Sisters”
• Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 2
Salesian Sisters at Mass in the chapel of the St. Joseph Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ.
Editorial Board Dr. Joe McAleer, Editor Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of Development Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA, Editorial Manager Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter, Theresa Anderson & Anna Anderson, Copy Editors Federal Tax ID # 22-6043753 © 2022 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. Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
Rapid response to the ongoing refugee crisis
Salesian Sisters aid victims of Ukraine war
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he Salesian Sisters have a large presence in Eastern Europe, and with the war in Ukraine, we have been receiving news and photographs (many shared here) from inside Ukraine, and of the refugee situation in Poland and Slovakia. The Sisters who have remained in Ukraine continue their mission, offering the basic necessities of life – food, hot tea, clothing – to families, to children, and to the soldiers. They pray and stay close to them. In Lviv, western Ukraine, the Sisters prepare bandages for the wounded soldiers, cutting bedsheets into strips. It is a gesture that recalls Mama Margaret, St. John Bosco’s mother, who, during the 1854 cholera epidemic in Turin, gave young people beautiful altar cloths to use as bed sheets for the sick. In Slovakia and Poland, Sisters are helping the “The language of the steady stream of refugees. the heart helps.” They act as interpreters; provide travel directions; prepare and distribute hot meals; and offer shelter for one night or several days – whatever is necessary, day and night. The Sisters work with volunteers and other religious congregations, doing everything possible to help the refugees who are cold and tired. They are truly grateful for anything they receive. One of our Sisters in Poland shares, “Our communities have opened the doors of their houses: we have prepared about 100 places for families, especially for women with small children. Families can have a safe place, food, and everything they need. As a Province, we have been asked to welcome the children of the orphanages with their educators who have left Ukraine. The language of the heart helps us in the first contact with people.” Many of you have sent us donations for Ukraine; thank you. Let’s all do what we can in these days ahead, as we continue to pray fervently for an end to the war and a lasting peace, and the well-being of our Salesian Sisters and everyone in harm’s way. Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us! Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Spring 2022 •
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Dear Friends: A message from Sister Joanne
Decisions, decisions, decisions
S
ince mid-February I have been visiting our ministries in Louisiana and Florida. For the first time in my life, I was a “snowbird,” and I have to admit I enjoyed every minute of it!
Now we are seeing and hearing about the war in Ukraine – a decision was made that has caused death, the loss of homes, and millions of people to flee.
As you see in this magazine, we have Salesian Sisters While at Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami, serving in Ukraine. The Sisters the students were engaged in a “Social/ there have decided to remain Emotional Learning Week” where each Our Sisters are among to help treat the wounded, even day they were focusing on a different they are in harm’s way. skill that would help them in their many making heroic though Their decision to comfort the human formation. The day that choices in this war. afflicted is more important to I spoke to them, they were to spend them than their own lives. These time delving into decision-making. heroic choices don’t just happen in Decision-making is defined as an movies; they are real, and our Sisters are but a few of approach to problem-solving that involves learning many making similar choices. from others and past experiences, and using your values to guide your actions and accept responsibility We also have Sisters in Poland and other bordering for them. countries who are helping those suffering from the war by providing for the needs of the refugees. I received a As you well know, decision-making affects everything communication a few days ago from one of our Sisters we do, and it has a ripple effect on others and even the in Poland who lives 60 miles from the Ukrainian environment. We’ve just gone through a pandemic border. She wrote: that can prove this point very well.
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• Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
Dear Sr. Joanne, I am very grateful for your prayerful support. Tell the Sisters about my gratitude. We need a lot of prayers. The situation is very bad; every day brings new challenges. Today, the fifth group of refugees reached our house. They don’t stay a long time in one place. They are looking for better opportunities with accommodations and jobs. We are one of the first stops on their way. They stay sometimes for two nights, sometimes three, or even one. Those who came today say they will be with us for two weeks. When they arrive and you look into their faces, it is so hard to even say something; they look like they are frozen. They have no emotions on their face, only frightened eyes. The children are crying. I know we must be strong if we want to help them, but believe me, when I see those poor people, I just cry. This weird helplessness creeps into my heart. I thought that this was happening only to me and I blamed myself for not being strong enough, but today the whole community of Sisters and I were talking about this situation, and it turns out that almost everybody feels the same way. We are all overwhelmed by what is going on, although we don’t show it, and we are trying to be strong.
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Our only hope is Jesus. This Lent is truly a Way of the Cross with our crucified Jesus. I see Him in these people. Remember us in your prayers. Love, Sr. Ana. May God bless our brave Sisters and the people they are serving! Pray for peace and the end of war! During this Lenten season that just passed, we reflected upon Jesus’ resolute decision of love for us to undergo His Passion and Death. Luckily, the story doesn’t end there. He surprised everyone when He rose from the dead! His decision to suffer and die for us actually led to our salvation! How do our decisions affect others? What have we learned from past mistakes and experiences that help us make better decisions today? As we continue to pray for and assist the suffering people in Ukraine and Eastern Europe in this Easter Season, let us begin anew in Easter hope, knowing our decisions can be life-giving, even amid sorrow and pain. We are an Easter people. Alleluia must be our song! – Sr. Joanne Holloman, FMA, is the Superior of the Province of St. Joseph
Partners in Giving • Spring 2022 •
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Now more than ever
Please Adopt a Sister!
E You haven’t tasted Irish soda bread until you’ve had Sr. Liz Ryan’s specialty, baked with love at the Corpus Christi Rectory in Port Chester, NY.
specially in these uncertain times, 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 it makes the PERFECT gift, especially for a wedding, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, birthday, anniversary – any occasion! Please complete the form below, visit us online at www.salesiansisters.org, or call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you, and God bless you!
CVV: _____________
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• Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
F
or two years, the statue of St. Joseph (right) has not moved from its spot on the windowsill of Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s office, “keeping watch” as the new St. Joseph Chapel at Mary Help of Christians Academy rose next door. Every day brings new vistas and renewed anticpation for completion and dedication this summer! There’s still time to contribute to this project! Please consider a lasting memorial or tribute to those you hold dear. For a list of essential furnishings and liturgical items still needed for the new chapel or for more information, please contact Sr. Mary: (973) 904-0102 or tollfree (877) OUR-NUNS, or e-mail sr.mary@salesiansisters.org. Thank you and God bless you!
All smiles at the 11th annual Fr. Peter Rinaldi Awards Dinner are Sr. Lise Parent, Sr. Fran DaGrossa, Maria DaGrossa-Hanna, Sr. Karen Dunn, Sr. Colleen Clair, Sr. Mary Rinaldi, Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter, Jo Ann Caracappa, Sr. Liz Ryan, Sr. Margaret Rose Buoniato, and Madeleine Perrin.
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he annual meeting of the National Board of Trustees of the Salesian Sisters Partners Circle was held on March 26. New officers were elected. Jo Ann Caracappa is our new chairman, the first woman to hold the post in the group’s 31-year history. Michael Guarnieri returns for another term as treasurer. “I look forward to continuing in an advisory role to assist with the mission of the Salesian Sisters and all of those in their care,” says Jo Ann. “In this new role, I also hope to visit schools in the North and South and help where needed or requested.” Three new board members were also elected: Business Development Executive John Capeci, Fitness Instructor Maria DaGrossa-Hanna, and Attorney Madeleine Perrin. Fun facts: Jo Ann, Maria, and Madeleine (shown above) are alumnae of Camp Auxilium; Maria is Sr. Fran DaGrossa’s sister; and John is launching our new grant writing initiative. Welcome aboard! Please join this dynamic group and be part of the mission in action!
Yes! I wish to join the Partners Circle!
Please use the enclosed envelope. Thank you!
T
he 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. The fire which destroyed St. Joseph’s 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.
31st
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 as we celebrate our 31st anniversary? Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS, or complete the form on the opposite page. Thank you and God bless you!
The Joseph J. McAleer, Sr. Heritage Society Major Bequests FLORIDA Dorothy & Dr. Vincent Bagli Josie & Ray Campo Anne & Joseph Garcia Ann Lowry Murphey Angel Oliva Family The Dorothy Thomas Foundation
Welcome
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NEW JERSEY Tony Amato Family The Carini Family Mr. Anthony Petrocelli Ms. Roberta Ruocco Ms. Celeste Tripi Mr. Vincent Waraske
new or upgraded Partners Circle Members in 2022!
Partners Circle “Partners”
Shown in RED
Partners Circle “Stewards” Annual gift of $11,000 FLORIDA Sherry Millar --NEW JERSEY Anonymous
Annual gift of $5,500
FLORIDA Mr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor Ms. Caroline Barnhill Lydia & John Oliva Susan & Jeff Turner --NEW JERSEY Joseph Batelli Al Daloisio, Jr. Maria L. Lopez Mr. Bill McLaughlin Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer Joseph & Rita Weiner
INDIANA Mr. & Mrs. Judson Church --NEW YORK Mr. John Cassara Beruta & James Dell’Orto
Partners Circle “Friends” Annual gift of $3,300
CONNECTICUT Mary Bridget Gaine --FLORIDA Idalia Lastra Barket Anthony & Geraldine Dell’Orto --MASSACHUSETTS Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair PC
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
NEW JERSEY Chris & Gemma Chong Frank & Rosemary Lupo Family --NEW YORK Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cangro --PENNSYLVANIA Mr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow
Partners in Giving • Spring 2022 •
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Partners Circle “Founders”
Annual gift of $2,200
CONNECTICUT Christina & David McAleer PC --DELAWARE Maria Sturchio --FLORIDA Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Clark John & Pat Connors Anthony & Diana Ekonomou Mrs. Kathleen Medore NEW JERSEY Mr. Robert Eliseo Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hofmann Mr. & Mrs. Anthony M. Laino Marilyn & Dale Livi 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
Partners Circle “Benefactors”
Welcome new or upgraded members in Red! PC denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees.
Annual gift of $1,100
Rudy Rodriguez Mrs. Eileen Seeburger Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri ------GEORGIA TENNESSEE PENNSYLVANIA Mr. Robert Reiter Mr. Leonard V. Ingrando Msgr. Robert Carroll --Dr. Allyson & Mr. Kevin Hardy MASSACHUSETTS Mr. & Mrs. Neil Holmes Deirdre Kelleher Mr. & Mrs. Ted Reading Annual gift of $825 --NEW JERSEY Mrs. Theresa Cannarozzi CONNECTICUT Ms. Debi F. Debiak, Esq. Dr. Joe McAleer PC Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Della Cerra --Mr. & Mrs. Martin Flemming FLORIDA FLORIDA Mr. & Mrs. Tom Furey Anne & John Bedlek Declan & Shelly Mansfield Joseph & Claudine Caballero PC Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Anne & Fred Michaels Miss Mary Jean Hayek Mrs. Patricia Driscoll Rene & Phyllis Rodriguez James Construction Co., Inc. Maria Restrepo Forte Mr. & Mrs. Terry Wood Michael & Mary Losurdo Dr. Giacomo & --Mrs. Faith Menard Mrs. Judy Guggino NEW JERSEY Mary Ann Munson Aida Yglesias Jurado Joseph W. Dr. & Mrs. Wayne Obetz Greg & Lori Korte & Kathleen Buckley Robert & Constance Sumas Barbara & Jim Major Mr. & Mrs. Greg Scott Mrs. Carolyn Young Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf Theresa E. Unanue --Robert Nocek --NEW YORK Mr. & Mrs. Rob Obbink VIRGINIA Mr. Silvio Alfeo Ms. Marianne O’Doherty Dr. Evelyn Garcia Ms. Lea Battiato Mr. Fredy Padovan & Michael Maurer Jo Ann & Joseph Caracappa PC Gene & Linda Perez ARIZONA Mrs. Ann Marie Forster --CALIFORNIA Mary & Robert Obenberger --COLORADO Jamie & Paul Condit --CONNECTICUT Linda & Peter Christiansen PC Mr. Michael Guarnieri PC Fabrizio & Barbara Zichichi
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• Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 2
Partners Circle “Associates”
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
Partners Circle “Members” ANONYMOUS 3 --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. Mr. & Mrs. Rick Caldevilla PC 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 Nunez Mark & Heidi Oliva PC Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Reynolds Alina M. Roces Rudy Rodriguez Hon. & Mrs. E.J. Salcines Mrs. Joan M. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Tomaino Ron Yates --GEORGIA Mr. Charles Fantauzza Mrs. Brooke McDonald --ILLINOIS The Mills Family --INDIANA Andrea Dealynn Sandra M. Freeman --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
Annual gift of $550
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Clair Mr. & Mrs. Jack Betwarda Ms. Kate Clair Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Clair Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski Mrs. Rose Mary Clair --Ms. Claire Dell SOUTH CAROLINA The Esposito Family Mackenzie Clair Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. Gerardi --Ms. Lena Huang TENNESSEE Mr. Walter Lazarcheck Mr. Terence P. Clair Mr. Joseph V. Miressi --Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec TEXAS --Dr. Elizabeth Sledden Dybell NORTH CAROLINA --Mr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard VIRGINIA --Mrs. Dominique Faust OHIO Mr. Michael L. Mannoia Dale & Lynda Kovach Karl Zauner In memory of --Mr. Fred Mastrogiovanni WASHINGTON Ginnie Stidham Mr. Keiran C. Clair --PENNSYLVANIA Joseph & Joyce Boyle
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 Jon & Michelle Barry Amanda Clair Kurt & Laura Badertscher Brig. Gen. & Mrs. Thomas V. Draude, USMC-Ret. Mr. & Mrs. Patrick C. Duffy Mr. & Mrs. Edward Gomez, Jr. Amy & Kevin Jarman Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lebron Mr. & Mrs. John Mangan Joan Palmer John & Pauline Pedrero
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schmid Mrs. Raymetta Stowers Jim & Rita (Zoppo) Vietmeier --MARYLAND Arina O. Grossu PC --NEW HAMPSHIRE Mr. & Mrs. Thomas DiMicelli --NEW JERSEY John Capeci Julie Caucino Collins & Hogan Families Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cronrath Msgr. Raymond Kupke Theodore & Lynda Leo Mr. & Mrs. Lindsay Logue Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Nowak Mrs. Mary Ann Ryan Anna & Richard Spalckhaver 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 Megan & J.T. Hunt Ms. Peggeann Larywon Mrs. Carolyn Mesler Madeleine & Rene Perrin --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
Please “Give Us This Day”!
An exchange of love
Proud to wear the green on St. Patrick’s Day is Sr. Anita Durocher!
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o 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 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 the bulletin board outside our chapel. The Sisters will pray for that intention and for the person who requests prayers for the day. Let this exchange of love be an example of our concern for one another. During this Easter Season, know that you are special to us. Our prayers rise daily for you and your dear ones. Thank you, and God bless you!
Give Us This
Day
Please give us this day/these days in 2022 in honor of my special request(s):
Please detach and mail this form in the enclosed envelope. Thank you!
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• Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
C
ongratulations to Sr. Katie Flanagan, Sr. April Cabaccang, and Sr. April Hoffman, who were featured in a story in the Florida Catholic newspaper celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Salesian Sisters, and anticipating the trio’s upcoming final vows on August 5, the conclusion of their six-year vocational journeys. “It is beautiful to be a part of the continuing story of our Salesian family by making vows on the 150th anniversary along with many of our Sisters around the world,” Sr. April Hoffman says. The Sisters serve at St. John Neumann High School in Naples, FL. “As I grow in the religious life, I feel that my love for God has grown deeper, and my awareness of God’s love for me has grown deeper too,” says Sr. April Cabaccang. “My Sisters have also helped me. Together we help each other rise up through encouragement and through experiencing God’s mercy in each other.” Adds Sr. Katie, “I feel so ready. I’m excited to be able to make this promise to God with my whole life. I know it is who I was made to be.”
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BACK IN THE DAY
To read the entire article, visit www.thefloridacatholic.org and search for “Salesian Sisters.”
ey, Sisters, what’s for dinner? The community at St. Thérèse Convent in Succasunna, NJ, in the 1970s included Sr. Liz Ryan, Sr. Leonia Pascucci, Sr. Jerome Parinello, and Sr. Susan Bagli. Succasunna is dubbed “the icebox of New Jersey” because the temperature is ten degrees lower there than anywhere else in the state! The Salesian Sisters arrived in 1973, and Sr. Judith Suprys served as the first superior and principal of the school. Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Spring 2022 •
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Memorials
A Love That Lasts Forever
Received between February 8 and April 4, 2022
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
Memorial for Tribute for
____$15
$
Name – DECEASED Name – LIVING
Occasion Please send an acknowledgement to: Name Address My Name Address
Detach & mail in the enclosed envelope. Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS
Sr. Michelle Corrado, FMA Mr. & Mrs. Peter Corrado
Elizabeth Macolino Ms. Maria Elena DeGregorio
Ernest “Cookie” Garcia Mr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson Villa Madonna School
Philip Andrew Spada The J.M. Callahan Family Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Schiff Ms. Tonja Stewart Mr. David Kemper Mr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson
William Anzenberge Mr. & Mrs. George J. Rayack Victoria & Raymond Grodzki Lillian Brunetti Mr. Wally Brunetti Charles A. Artale Rosalie & Grace Polizzi Joan Fontanella Mr. & Mrs. George Innaconne Ms. Rose Corbo Hamilton and Babitts Ms. Jody Viviani Mr. Dan Fontanella Mr. Kevin Wolff Mr. Patrick Galligan Atlantic Technology Systems Ms. Nancy Shaw Mr. & Mrs. John Dickson Mr. & Mrs. Mike Mazza Financial Managers Society of NY & NJ Mr. Dennis Pandolfi Nicole Fried Donna Manzi Christine Schweighardt Mr. Ralph Rocco Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth McNeill Ms. Paige DiMaria Mr. & Mrs. George S. Dikdan MHCA Family Mary and Nicola Salemi Frances McDonald Mary Jane Tierney Mrs. Mary Rose De Sopo Mr. Christopher Corasio Mrs. Stephanie Budelman Mr. & Mrs. Philip Aguirre Mr. Kennedy Smith Sam Cousins Mr. Louis Marrone Lou Cousins Mr. Louis Marrone
Ernest “Cookie” Garcia Mr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson Villa Madonna School John Eccleston Mr. & Mrs. Ken Smith Ms. Nonie Kelly Mr. & Mrs. Walter Nadolny Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Cernecaro Marie M. Pecoraro Mr. Vincent Pecoraro Edward P. Puzio Kathy Adamczyk Genevieve Dzwilewski Kathy Adamczyk Karen Benanti Kathy Adamczyk Mrs. Hope McAleer, 35th anniversary The McAleer Family
Tributes Received between Feb. 8 and April 4, 2022 Sr. Virginia Dickey, birthday Mrs. Cheri Brinkman Sr. Patricia Winterscheidt Mr. & Mrs. Donald Svachula Sean Farley, birthday Mrs. Tara Farley Joseph B. Anderson, on his Confirmation Dr. Joe McAleer
On the Journey with Sister B
“Empty nest syndrome” is for the birds
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may never know what it feels like to be an “empty nester,” but I did witness a nest empty once. I found the whole experience rather traumatic, although the baby robins seemed rather confident in what appeared to me to be a plunge to certain doom. The screeching of the entire robin community to alert their parents didn’t allay my anxiety. I felt like I had stumbled upon something I wasn’t supposed to witness; some sacred robin rite of passage and I was in their way. Being the well-intentioned human that I am, I initially thought the baby birds had fallen, not leapt, out of the nest that I had been watching from the window by my office from the moment their mother had sat on her eggs. When I was walking outside, a few feet from their nest, and I heard their little peeps that seemed directed more at me than the world at large, I looked at them. We made eye contact – beady black eye to my blue eyes – and when the first baby took a dive to the ground I panicked. Was it ok? Was it hurt? He or she hopped into a bush. Another followed, and then another. What to do? This was no flight!
plan I was totally foreign to, and in which I was an annoying interloper. I really didn’t want my daily entertainment to fly off. The nest would be empty. I felt sad, but also curious. The robin parents led the babies, wholly ignoring the monstrous human observing them with no discretion, from bush to bush, peeping and tittering out what I assume were initiatory robin flight instructions. What a strange and wonderful process to witness.
The robin parents knew what they were doing.
So I interfered with nature. I picked them up and plopped them back into the nest. The adult robins probably gasped because they went oddly silent at this point. The babies, however, were indignant. PLOP! Out they went again! I begged. The three fluffy lint balls hopped into the bush, ignoring me, as if following orders. “Fine. Go to your bush. I’m just going to watch and see what happens next,” I said to them. I was afraid the wandering cat would make a snack of them. Everything seemed to be going according to some
I realized I had to let the babies go. “So this is what ‘empty nest syndrome’ kind of refers to, eh?” I mused to myself. It had a familiar feeling. We Sisters feel it at the end of every school and camp season as we say goodbye to the children and families we’ve journeyed with and prepare for the next year. There’s a bittersweetness to preparing for our next “nest,” or year in ministry, but if we don’t let go, we cannot welcome what is new.
The Easter Season is upon us, and many baby birds and young humans will prepare to leave the nest soon. Parents, both feathered and not, have to ready themselves and their young for a world fraught with many dangers and uncertainties, but also great wonders and possibilities. With each letting go, a space opens for something new. I find myself pondering what I should let go of, make space for, and welcome as we move forward in this year. For each of us the answer will be unique, exciting, perhaps a little scary, but carry with it the potential for something new.
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
– Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA, is the Social Media Coordinator for the Province and Editorial Manager of Partners in Giving. Partners in Giving • Spring 2022 •
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SALESIAN SCHOOLS ! OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada – Students enjoyed spending time with Archbishop Michael Miller, CSB, of Vancouver during a “Duc in Altum: A Year for Your Life” meeting on the Eucharist. Duc in Altum (Latin for “Put out into the deep”) is a life path discernment group led by Sr. Hae-Jin Lim and Sr. Cora Beboso. And why the letters, you ask? Put together, they spell Duc in Altum and Vancouver!
CORPUS CHRISTI-HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL, Port Chester, NY – The 11th annual Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi Award Dinner, the school’s primary fundraiser, was held on April 2 at Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, CT. The honorees, Neri’s Bakery and the Neri Family, led by CEO Dominick Neri, helped to ensure that CCHRS students in need continued their Catholic education, uninterrupted, during the pandemic. That’s typical of the kind and g enerous support they have given our pupils over the years – along with a lot of tasty baked treats! Above, Sr. Lise Parent, school president, and Deirdre McDermott (right), school principal, present the award to the fourth generation of Neris active in the family business: Anthony Neri, Brett Neri Ferraro, Sal Neri, and Anthony Frank Neri. (Photo by John Raiola)
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• Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
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uch work has been accomplished on the Villa Madonna Campus Pavilion and Renovation Project in Tampa, FL, this winter! These photos tell the story. The main structure is complete, and some of the smaller, more detailed work, such as the brickwork and forming of rooms like the concession stand and coaches’ office, is taking place. It won’t be much longer until the work begins on the track, walkways, and playground. The surrounding area has been transformed thanks to the removal of trees that were hollow on the inside due to rot, or full of bees!
We have a little over $500,000 left to raise to pay off the project. We hope you will be a part of it and help us finish it for our students at Villa as well as Salesian Youth Center kids! Naming opportunities are listed below. Please visit villapavilion.com for more information, or call Theresa Anderson: (813) 205-3195.
SALESIAN SCHOOLS !
ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, Hawthorne, NJ – Students in the Salesian Kids and Junior Apostles Club enjoy a well-rounded experience of Oratory in the style of St. John Bosco, where they learn the importance of parish, home, school and playground through wholesome activities, games, and prayer (joined at right by Sr. Ines Valentin). Moreover, the students are reminded of the core elements of their Salesian identity, as well as their duty to live out their Catholic faith in their daily life. The club meets every Friday after school.
Salesian School Alumni Spotlight
“I am a better teacher today thanks to SALTT”
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ne of the most beloved teachers at Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami, FL, Timothy Gamwell, class of 2005, is known for his kindness and humor which gets every student laughing. He’s helped many kids throughout his years teaching, but that doesn’t just include the students at ILS. Mr. Gamwell is also a moderator of the SALTT (Service and Leadership Today and Tomorrow) Club. SALTT is a mentoring program for children of migrant farm workers in Palm Beach County. This is one of ILS’s biggest and most popular clubs due to the close interaction with the children that can be experienced by going on one of the many field trips. Mr. Gamwell has been part of this club since 2004, when he was a junior at ILS. “I was first encouraged by my friend to go on and just try out a couple of the field trips,” he recalled. “The next year, I went back again and fell in love with the experience because I met the kids. It was a totally life-changing moment for me.”
SALTT kids filled their bags with candy during the Halloween field trip, one of many trips organized by club moderator, Timothy Gamwell, ILS class of 2005. (Photo by Mia Huidboro)
able to interact and truly bond with a migrant child who doesn’t have the same opportunities. “You’re actually seeing the people you’re working with, and that in itself is something that will forever be treasured,” explained Mr. Gamwell.
He was so captivated by SALTT that when he became a teacher, he re-joined the club as a moderator. “I don’t think I would be a teacher without my Watching the migrant kids grow up and being experience in SALTT,” he continued. “I alongside them on this journey truly never realized back then just how much inspired Mr. Gamwell. He knew that he “SALTT is more I enjoyed helping and spending time would always want to be there as a role model for the children, to inspire them than charity.” with the kids. Being a part of SALTT has shaped me into the teacher I am today.” just as much as they’ve inspired him. “What’s different about SALTT is that it’s so much more than charity,” he said. “It’s also about relationships. Seeing the students I teach enter into the same relationship that I entered so long ago is a really beautiful thing.” SALTT field trips are opportunities for direct service, full of special moments where a student is
The impact that SALTT has left on Mr. Gamwell is something that he will always cherish. It’s an impact like no other, one created through love, kindness, and hands-on community service. It inspires all ILS faculty and students who take part in this service, making itself a home in each heart it reaches.
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
– Allison Perez, ILS senior Partners in Giving • Spring 2022 •
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ST. FRANCIS DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL, Columbus, OH – St. Francis de Sales celebrated its 5th Annual World Cultures Assembly to honor the unique and wonderfully diverse student body at their school. Sr. Guerline Joseph, who is Haitian-American, poses with students who represented some of the African nations. The high school has a very diverse and unified student body and this annual event has become a treasured way to honor their cultures.
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, North Haledon, NJ – Glow-in-the-dark volleyball is a blast!
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• Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, Tampa, FL– The Sisters had a ball at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City and enjoyed many culinary delights. Most of all, they had fun posing for this cheery photo! Seen below are Sr. Anne Weis, Sr. Marie Fe Tansioco, and Sr. Janet Keller.
ST. THERESA SCHOOL, Kenilworth, NJ– St. Theresa’s held a pizza day and raised $3,500 for the Salesian Sisters in Poland and Slovakia who are helping refugees from Ukraine, especially mothers and children. Thank you to the families and children (including Jalyzia Carrion)!
ST. JOHN NEUMANN HIGH SCHOOL, Naples, FL – Student leaders, joined by Sr. April Cabaccang, started bright and early to collect canned goods for distribution by Catholic Charities to families in need. They collected more than 5,000 cans!
SALESIAN SCHOOLS ! ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, Marrero, LA – “A parish that evangelizes” and “a playground where friends meet and enjoy themselves.” These two aspects of St. John Bosco’s Oratory were present when Academy of Our Lady partnered with their Salesian brother school at Archbishop Shaw High School to celebrate the feast day of St. John Bosco. The day began with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond (right). He spoke about St. John Bosco’s dream and how he was led to be a peacemaker. “Do you see yourselves as peacemakers of today?” he asked. “Are there things we see in the world and through social media that we can help to make peace between people?” Archbishop Aymond said we should “swim against the tide” to get to the ultimate dream. After Mass, the 8th, 9th, and 10th graders (below) returned to Academy for lunch and games. The day ended with a short assembly to remember everything St. John Bosco has done for Catholic education and for us as Salesians. This was a wonderful afternoon sharing with our Salesian family where we were able to live St. John Bosco’s Oratory of meeting friends on the playground.
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• Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
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ello everyone! We want to give you an update from Bellflower, CA, and our experience in the postulancy, which is the second step of training as a Salesian Sister. Lately we have been busy growing each day in the Salesian charism. We assist the students at St. Dominic Savio School when they arrive each morning and during lunch. We attend their sporting events and concerts to help build relationships. On Saturdays, we teach First Communion classes to students in grades 2-8. We learn more about the Salesian Family as we plan for the launching of a new youth outreach program in Bellflower this spring. We are grateful for your prayerful support as we continue our formation journeys! – Kaitlin Trokan, Natalie Doummar and Jazmin Rangel
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Province of St. Joseph of the Eastern U.S. & Canada Development Office 659 Belmont Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397
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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage P A I D Hanover, NH Permit No. 8
he hills are alive with Salesian Sisters who serve in Kenilworth, NJ! On a crisp Winter’s day, Sr. Molly Heine (above) climbed Bear Mountain in New York, and later explored the boulders with Sr. Joyce Bermejo (left) during a fun recreational outing.