Partners in Giving - Early Summer

Dear Friends,

We’ve made it to June and do you know what that means for all those who serve in schools throughout our Province? School’s out and it’s time for summer fun!

In this issue, we highlight the end-of-year activities for many of our works. Congratulations go out especially to all the young people who graduated this year! We also enthusiastically enter into Summer Camp season! So many of our young people look forward to being able to splash around in the pool, meet new friends, or sing their favorite Camp songs. Your support is so important to them and we thank you for your generosity.

This issue also sees the introduction of a new “Catechetical Corner” section in which our Sisters share a ltitle something abour our beautiful Catholic faith. If there’s anything in particular you’d like to learn more about, please do write to us and let us know. Until then...

Blessings and peace,

P ARTNERS IN GIVIN G

is a bimonthly magazine published by the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco 659 Belmont Avenue

North Haledon, NJ 07508

Telephone: (973) 904-0102

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© 2024 Missionary Society of Salesian Sisters, Inc.

Jubilee Mass and Reception

North Haledon, NJ

Sunday, July 14, 2024

First Profession Mass

North Haledon, NJ

Monday, August 5, 2024

Perpetual Profession Mass

North Haledon, NJ

Monday, August 5, 2024

Editorial Board

Sr. Christina Chong, FMA, Editor

Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of Development

Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA, Editorial Manager

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.

Cover image: At the Academic Awards for St. John Neumann High School, Sister Susan Bagli helps to award honor cords for the Class of 2024.

Temperance Practiced & Perfected

Last time, we discussed prudence, the first of the cardinal virtues. Today, let’s explore temperance. Temperance is defined as moderation in action, thought, or feeling.

From a young age, I witnessed temperance in my own life. Specifically, I grew up knowing that my father was a former smoker. He decided one day that it was time to stop smoking, because he needed to set an example for his children. Plus, he knew it wasn’t a healthy choice; with so many people depending on him, he needed to stay healthy. (I may not have mentioned this before, so I’ll share with you here that I am the 14th of 16 children. And that’s an article for another issue; stay tuned…)

Back to quitting smoking. Growing up knowing that my dad had simply decided to stop smoking - and never smoked again for the rest of his life - was no big deal to me. After learning that about 75% of smokers who quit start up again within 6 months, I realized what a big deal it is. This kind of temperance—without a support group, or drugs to lessen the urge, or anything other than a simple decision carried out relentlessly by him—is a rare thing, indeed. I’d like to think I have the same ability to execute a self-improvement program as persistently as he did—but I’m pretty sure I didn’t inherit that gene.

As a Sister, I’ve had to do my fair share of driving. Not surprisingly, I’ve been in a car accident or two. As a matter of fact, I was pictured a few years ago on

the back of Partners in Giving, posed with a friend of the Salesians, Fr. Gregory Saroufeen, a Coptic Orthodox priest. Fr. Saroufeen and I met by accident when I rearended his car. He was getting on Route 3, and was going too slowly; those are the facts, and I will never waver from them.

This was the only time I have ever caused an accident, and I was nervous to inform Sr. Maria Colombo, then my Superior, about it. I shouldn’t have worried at

“Together, let’s commit to practicing temperance daily, so that in the clutch, we can demonstrate this virtue when it’s most needed.”

all—Sr. Maria was concerned only to know whether everyone involved was all right. Her moderated response embodied temperance in action.

Temperance is measured in the clutch—it’s visible in the immediate reaction to a stressful situation. However, it is practiced and perfected in countless mundane daily choices. Temperance is a denial of our instinctive responses and desires in the service of something higher. It is difficult to practice in the moment…but so gratifying in the past tense.

As Salesians, our work with children teaches us to practice temperance. (Some days, we have the “joy” of practicing temperance a lot more than others!) Your relationships likely teach you similar lessons. Together, let’s commit to practicing temperance daily, so that in the clutch, we can demonstrate this virtue when it’s most needed.

I leave you in the heart and hands of Our Lady,

— Sr. Colleen Clair, FMA, is the Superior of the Province of St. Joseph

Sister Colleen Clair with her father, Joseph

Sacred Heart Center Spirituality Center

It’s the quiet before the storm at Sacred Heart Spirituality Center in Newton, New Jersey. Sixty young people are scheduled to spend the weekend on retreat, but before then, there are chores to finishrugs to vacuum, pantries to stock and prayer stations to organize. The community of Sacred Heart Center, consisting of five sisters and ten novices, get to workrendering these acts of service with a cheerful attitude for the salvation of souls.

Sister Theresa Kelly, Director of the retreat center says, “The hope is always that the retreatants experience God’s love and His presence through the beauty and tranquility of this place, and also through the welcoming community that they meet here. We want them to have a chance for prayer, peace, or healing— whatever it is that they need.” The demand for a quiet place to pray and reflect is so high that the center is booked for all of 2024 as well as most of 2025, with some regular groups already scheduling their weekends into 2026.

Many groups have been coming since the 1990s, with new groups calling frequently to look for availability as well. The center has become part of an anticipated annual routine for many people. As Sister Theresa relates, “Some people when they come back they say, ‘We’re home. We’re home!’ During Covid when they couldn’t come they missed being here. We had created a lot of online videos, but there’s something special about being here in person.”

The reason the ministry is able to flourish as it does is through the help of the community and a dedicated group of volunteers who give of their time and talents. Approximately 15 women dubbing themselves the “laundry ladies,” come every Tuesday to iron pillowcases, make the beds and prepare the rooms. Following their morning of service, they then share a time of fellowship - often with a cup of coffee and homemade cookies by Sister Carmen Morales. They’ve even started a Book Club and their own lending library among themselves.

“The hope is always that the retreatants experience God’s love and His presence through the beauty and tranquility of this place, and also through the welcoming community that they meet here.”

Several maintenance men volunteer their time, as well as an accountant who handles the bookkeeping for the center. As Sister Theresa says, “So many people help to keep us going. We can keep our fees reasonable for those who come because we have various benefactors and volunteers who come and support us.”

The novices, in class, with Sister Joanne Holloman, Novice Directress

Sister Theresa gives a talk at the women’s retreat

In addition to the retreat center, the community also houses the novitiate for the Provinces of Mary Immaculate and St. Joseph, gathering the young women of the United States and Canada who are in their final two years of study before making first vows.

These ten novices more intensely study Salesian spirituality and the evangelical counsels, while also serving in the retreat center. From tending to the many details before retreatants arrive, to greeting everyone with a smile, the novices are integral to the center and its atmosphere of welcome. They also offer visitors assurance that God still continues to call some to be His in a special way. “The presence of the novices brings hope to people. I remember one man with tears in his eyes saying, ‘I thought the Church was dying but I have hope for the Church seeing all these novices,’” says Sister Theresa.

The novices also contribute to the ministry of the center by offering sacramental retreats, with Sister Nivia Arias, both in Newton and at the various parishes that request them throughout New Jersey and even New York. These are special retreats prepared specifically for children who will be receiving the various sacraments.

As Sister Nivia shares, “the sacramental retreat ministry started in the early ‘90s. A Director of Religious Education asked if there was something for children; so one of our sisters wrote the first Eucharist retreat. That program came first and then variations of a Confirmation retreat. The Reconciliation retreats started in the mid ‘90s.” The retreats are typically staffed by teams of two or three novices or sisters, with the retreats being updated throughout the years. In the year 20232024 alone, over 1,000 young people within 29 parishes passed through the sacramental retreat program.

The community takes seriously the call from St. Mary Mazzarello, Co-Foundress of the Salesian Sisters, “Try to win many souls for Jesus through your work, vigilance and efforts, but even more by your good example.”

To stay updated on the Sacred Heart Center’s activities visit their website at sacredheartspiritualitycenter.org. The center offers two weekend women’s retreats a year and a “First Thursday” half-day retreat on every first Thursday of the month from 9:00am - 1:30pm. Daily Mass is also open to the public at 6:30am Mondays through Fridays, and 7:00am on Saturdays.

Sister Nivia leads a Reconciliation retreat

Two novices enjoy the outdoors

Sister Carmen with her famous apple pies

Praying the rosary together at the Women’s Retreat in June

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, anniversary, First Holy Communion, graduation — or any occasion! Simply complete the form below, call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS, or visit www.salesiansisters.org. Thank you, and God bless you!

Sister Mary Jackson and Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin help to crown Mary at the Provincial House

It’s a Jubilee! Thirteen Sisters Celebrate Anniversaries

Thirteen Sisters in the St. Joseph Province are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. When added together, they have given a total of 720 years of dedicated service to the Lord! Thousands of young people have had the gift of being accompanied by them in the classroom, at summer camp, through parish catechetical programs, and more.

Sr. Colleen Clair, Provincial, says, “In the Sisters’ Constitutions—or “rule of life”—article 57 says, ‘...we grow in our capacity to share the joys and sorrows of our dear ones, by offering our prayers and our daily fidelity to the commitments of our vocation.’ When you see a Sister professed many years, remember that it is the presence of family and friends that has supported, encouraged, and upheld her in this commitment.” Partners in Giving asked each Jubilarian to share a few thoughts on their decades of fidelity. May their example of holy perserverance inspire us, too, to live our vocations with joy and commitment.

Clockwise from the top left: Sister Mary Terzo and Sister Josephine Carini at Christ the King in Tampa, FL; Sister Margaret Rose Buonaiuto in the classroom with students at St. Ann’s in Metairie, LA; Sr. Esther Cruz with a First Communicant pupil, Sr. Anna Ragogna working the fields at the Mary Help of Christians Youth Center in Corralitos, CA.

“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,”

John 15:16

CELEBRATING 70 Years OF PROFESSION

Sr. Esther Cruz, FMA

“As I celebrate my jubilee, I reflect on how God brought me from Cuba to the USA and I am grateful for my vocation as a Salesian Sister. I have been happy to serve the young people God sent to me. Now I offer my prayer for them each day.”

CELEBRATING 65 Years OF PROFESSION

Sr. Theresa Kelly, FMA

“My heart is full of gratitude to God, whose faithfulness has accompanied and sustained me in this beautiful and fulfilling vocation, and to Mary who walks with me each day! I also want to thank my family and parish community who nurtured and supported me in my vocation, all of my Sisters who have gifted me with their love and witness, and all the lay collaborators, adults and young people with whom I have shared ministry over the past 65 years.”

Sr. Anna Ragogna, FMA

“It has been a joy to spend my life for the Lord. It seems impossible that the years have passed so swiftly, and with so much personal satisfaction. I am deeply humbled to serve the Lord with all my heart, mind, energy, and talents.”

Sr. Florine Lagace, FMA

“I thank God every second of the day for my Salesian vocation. Every time I receive Holy Communion, I thank Jesus for coming to live in me.”

Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA

“With God’s help, I have spent over half of my religious life in Development. I give thanks to God for this opportunity to be of service to our sisters working in our mission with the children throughout our province. I pray with Mary, ‘the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.’”

Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto, FMA

“No words can express my great joy and gratitude to God, my family, my sisters and my extended family as I celebrate my 50th Jubilee of consecration. The Lord has been so good to me in many numerous ways and ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.’”

Sr. Nivia Arias, FMA

“My heart is full of joy and gratitude to the Lord who called me to join Him in His mission of love. It has been a wonder-filled journey and with Mary and the help of my sisters with whom I walk each day, may I remain faithful until I reach the Father’s house.”

Sr. Lillianne Roy, FMA

“I thank God for having called me to be an FMA. I am grateful to my parents for the faith I received and also to my superiors for accepting me into the Institute, and finally, I thank God for the gift of perseverance in my vocation and the support of all my sisters.

Sr. Mary Terzo, FMA

“My life has been woven with love from Heaven and earth, received and given. Gratitude to Jesus and Mary fills my heart!”

Sr. Angela Teresa Gutierrez, FMA

“Looking back on my years as an FMA, there is infinite gratitude in my heart to the Lord and His Mother. I thank You, Lord, for my vocation as an FMA, for my parents, family, friends, the Salesian Family, the young people who, in Your Providence, have strengthened Your call in my life.”

Sr. Patricia Melanson, FMA

“I say to the Lord, You are my Lord! I have no good apart from you.”

Psalm 16:2

Sr. Theresa Samson, FMA

“I’m so thankful to God because His love and fidelity makes mine possible. I’m so grateful for my parents who love and live their faith because they passed that love on to me long ago.”

Sr. Margaret Wilhelm, FMA

“Praise God, in whom we have trusted and bless His Mother who guides, protects, and teaches us to rejoice! They—and the loved ones, friends, and young people on our paths—have made this a journey of grace.”

Summer’s Here and So Are Salesian Camps!

Can you believe summer is here! The end of another wonderful, enriching school year brings new excitement among the Salesian Sisters as the Summer Camp season is upon us. Whether having fun in the sun or in the classrooms, our Sisters and camp counselors keep Summer Camp programs located in four states in perfect motion, through the goodness and generosity of friends like YOU! I am thrilled to say, for the 17th straight year, friends from Florida have promised a $50,000 matching gift challenge for camp. With your help, we can DOUBLE the number of children going to camp! Please help us, once again, to make a dream true for inner-city kids in need. A gift of $180 covers one week of camp for a deserving child. Thank you and God Bless you! - Sister Mary Rinaldi, FMA

Yes, S i ster, I am HAPPY to help!

I will send ___ child(ren) for ___ week(s) of camp. ($180 per week per child)

Accept my additional gift of $_________ towards snacks & activities.

Enclosed please find my tax-deductible gift of

$180 $360 $540 $720 $900

Other: $_____

CVV: _____________

Please detach & mail this form with your gift in the enclosed envelope. Thank you!

For the Present & Future of Salesian Education

By

Gabriel Suarez, Director of Curriculum at Immaculata-La Salle High School

Thirty years ago, the Salesian Schools of the Americas (known in Spanish as ESA) was founded, creating a collaborative network where priests, brothers, sisters, and lay people from across the Americas could connect, support each other, and collaborate on interprovincial initiatives. In that time, they have hosted five intercontinental conferences— the latest of which was held this May in Guadalajara, Mexico.

ESA V in Guadalajara brought together over 200 people from more than 40 provinces representing four different orders in the Salesian family. It was attended by five sisters from the Provinces of St. Joseph and Mary Immaculate: Sister Katie Flanagan, Sister Marisol Guzman, Sister Isabelle Garza, Sister Sydney Moss, and Sister Cynthia Salas.

Joining them were four lay people committed to Salesian education in FMA schools and works. The motto of the conference was, “Together for the present and the future of Salesian education.” It was opened

by Mother Chiara Cazzuola as well as Father Miguel Ángel García Morcuende, SDB General Councilor for Youth Ministry.

The conference events covered topics such as the importance of trust between teachers and students, how young people can find meaning in their lives in a rapidly changing world, the role that schools play

“Educommunication is about knowing how to best control and utilize technology, and not letting it control you.”

in helping young people find that meaning, the importance of Salesian identity and the preventive system, and the importance of all members of a school having a shared vision for their community and their young people.

The conference also explored how Pope Francis’s Global Compact on

Education, Laudato Si’, and Fratelli Tutti can be implemented in Salesian schools to help young people of all ages grow stronger in their faith. The last day of the conference focused on “educommunication,” a concept that has been in development since the first ESA conference in 1994.

The massive technological changes of the last thirty years have made it more relevant than ever before. As Dr. Ignacio Aguedad, from the University of Huelva in Spain, put it: “Educommunication is about knowing how to best control and utilize technology, and not letting it control you.”

Witnessing so many people from across the Americas come together to recommit themselves to Salesian education reminds us of Don Bosco’s important words: “Do you want to do a good deed? Teach the young! Do you want to perform a holy act? Teach the young! Do you want to do a holy thing? Teach the young! Truly, now and for the future, among holy things, this is the holiest.”

Making the “Every Day” Holy

By Sr. April Cabaccang, FMA

How can I be holy? The ideal path to holiness has changed focus throughout the centuries in the Church, or so it seems. In the years right after Jesus’ death and resurrection, it was “red martyrdom:” those who suffered and died to be true to their faith. Shortly after, monasticism became an especially esteemed way of holiness: those who renounce the world so that they can dedicate more time to prayer, contemplation and charitable works. These are still esteemed paths to holiness today. These days, we seem to hear more about what the Second Vatican Council called “the universal call to holiness.”

The Imitation of Christ (1420) by An Introduction to the Devout Life (1609) by St. Francis de Sales promote lives of devotion, simplicity and holiness to everyone, not just clergy or monks. In the 1500s, St. Ignatius of Loyola promoted a spirituality of finding God in all things. The “little way” of St. Therese of Lisieux who lived in the 1800s encourages us to love God not in great gestures, but through the small sacrifices of everyday. Our very own St. John Bosco encouraged his boys and collaborators to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.

“All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity. All are called to holiness: ‘Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’” (CCC #2013) The term “universal call to holiness” might be fairly new, but the idea of everyday holiness in every walk of life has emerged several times in history, thanks to the contribution of holy men and women in the Church.

Perfection sounds daunting, but in fact all of us are called to be perfect, and to be holy. In baptism, the priest addresses the child now clothed in white: “N., you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven.”

So the question is, how do we do it? There are more than a hundred ways, but I want to suggest three ways by which we can sanctify our day.

IN THE BEGINNING OF THE DAY: A morning offering

St. Francis de Sales suggests a morning offering meditation. Choose a moment in the morning when you can think about your day. In this offering, you lay out your plan for the day with God. You anticipate the moments that you are looking forward to, and thank God for them. Is there a moment in your day where you can find an opportunity to serve him? Perhaps to offer to do something for someone to lighten their workload, or to spend extra time on the phone with someone who may be feeling very lonely lately. You also try to anticipate the moments of difficulties and weakness, and ask God for extra grace for those moments. In his book, Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales encourages us to practice the lowly virtues of “patience, cheerfulness, self-mortification, humility… kindness to our neighbour, forbearance towards his failings…” These are virtues that we have the opportunity to practice everyday.

SOMETIME DURING THE DAY: Pray the rosary

If you do not have the habit of praying the rosary, you can always start today. Our Blessed Mother is sometimes called the “highest honor of our race” because she was one of us, and yet she was chosen to be the bearer of God’s Son. We can ask her for help, so that we can also be bearers of God’s Son. She receives everything from her Son and keeps nothing for herself. Remember those little opportunities to grow in virtue that you identified in the morning offering? We can ask Mary for help when we are called upon to practice them. Now, you may think, “I just don’t have 20 minutes to stop during the day.” If this is the case, you can perhaps stop for a few moments before a meeting that you are dreading, and pray a decade then. You can pray another decade as you get in the car before you get home. Can you find other moments in the day when you can, or even need, to pray a decade?

AT THE END OF THE DAY: Examine your day

St. Ignatius of Loyola left us a treasure called the Examen. It is a way of looking back at our day, and trying to find God in it. There are many ways to do the Examen, but in its most basic form, you place yourself in God’s presence and pray for His help as you review your day. Briefly pause on the moments that may have brought you closer or farther away from God. You thank Him for the moments that drew you closer to Him, and ask for forgiveness for those that did not. Then, as you look forward to tomorrow, ask God for guidance. This is a beautiful way to “close off” the day, so that the next day can really be, as one Sister says, “another beautiful day for the Lord.”

A Love That Lasts Forever Memorials

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

My Name Address

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

Received between April 6, 2024 and May 31, 2024

Anthony J. Scala, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Regan

Mr. and Mrs. Pat Barrese

Ms. Mary Doyle

Ms. Rani Mathura

Mr. and Mrs. Gene Ceccarelli

Ms. Alice Dematte

Ms. Jill D’Alessandro

Irene Damiano

Ms. Deborah Sanford

Janet Arias-Martinez and Eric Rodriguez

Robert J. Schaublin

Mrs. Joyce Schaublin

Leonardo Altamura

Mr. Claudio F. Ramos

Maria DeRosa Corrado

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Corrado

Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, FMA

Mrs. Sylvia Artz

Ms. Kathleen Corbett

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Anderson

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Alizio

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bonfiglio

Mr. William Barone

St. Theresa School

Mrs. Nancy Romano

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lupo and Family

Ms. Jessica D. Lupo

Janet Arias-Martinez and Eric Rodriguez

Sr. Letizia Sampo

Mr. Joseph P. Saline, Jr.

Sr. Patricia Winterscheidt, FMA

Mrs. Donna Schiereck

Mr. and Mrs. Jack R. Desmond

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nowak II

Sr. Mary Winterscheidt, FMA

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nowak II

Sr. Rosemary Kean, SSJ

Mrs. Patricia G. Lang

Tributes

Received between April 6, 2024 and May 31, 2024

Andrea Vahey’s 60th birthday

Ms. Elizabeth Mahoney

Rev. Msgr. Andrew Golias

Ms. Cecilia Heitzenrater

Sr. Florine Lagace, FMA

Margaret Lane

Mary Help of Christians

Ms. Ann Marie Torcicollo

Villa Madonna Past Pupil Wins Chopped

Villa Madonna School’s Class of 2006, Zakari Davila, won Chopped “Easy Breezy, Mac and Cheesy,” which aired on April 23, 2024. Partners in Giving asked him about his memories at Villa and the Sisters.

How does it feel to be a winner of the national TV show/food competition?

It feels great. It’s a huge accomplishment of my career, something I’ve striven for for a while.

What does it take to be able to think and create under so much pressure?

I would say it takes a lot of confidence as well as a lot of composure.

How did your education at Villa Madonna help shape who you are as an adult today?

I went to Villa from 5th to 8th grade. It helped me a lot. That’s where I started. I also went to the Boys and Girls’ Club. I met friends and teachers that I still keep in touch with. It helped me get ready for high school and was a good education and learning environment with good athletics.

Are there any particular Salesian Sisters you remember fondly from your days at Villa?

The one I remember the most is Sister Colleen Clair. She was just the most relatable person. Alway playing basketball with us, very authentic and very real.

What would you cook for her?

I like to use a lot of local ingredients. I’d probably ask her to give me a Chopped basket.

What message would you give to the Sisters and students?

To the Sisters, thank you for being there and helping me with my education. For the students, don’t let any obstacles stop you. There’s going to be tough times and you keep going. Never put your head down no matter how hard things get. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

If you were to dine with Jesus tonight, what would you cook for him?

Bread and wine. The most fabulous bread he has ever had… a seasonal focaccia. It’s a crowd pleaser.

MHC Academy Alumnae Retreat

On Saturday, April 27th Mary Help of Christians Academy held its first Alumnae Retreat. It was a beautiful afternoon centered around the faith of Biblical women. There was a talk, time for personal reflection outside, prayer, and group sharing. Those who were interested finished the retreat by praying the rosary and socializing with the Sisters at the Provincial House.

Davila on Chopped (photo from: Food Network)

MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, North Haledon, NJ

On May 13, the Feast Day of St. MaryMazzarello, the Sisters in North Haledon, renewed their vows before the entire school community. A special prayer moment was also prepared, by the students, in thanksgiving for Sister Mary Rinaldi’s 60 years as a professed religious. Sister Mary, with the Development office, has provided countless scholarships to students in need.

MHC Academy’s Dance department choreographed the show “Strength and Sisterhood” with 12 dances and over 100 students involved. Styles of dance included a mix of contemporary jazz, hip hop, and ballet. At the same time, students also showcased the artwork they created throughout the year in a gallery set up in the cafeteria. Sculptures, painting and even videos were on display for guests to enjoy. The Arts are certainly thriving at MHC Academy!

ST. JOHN NEUMANN HIGH SCHOOL,

Naples, FL Sister Nicole Daly and Sister Juliana Alfonso accompanied Neumann students on a Service Week in Immokalee, FL. They partnered with local non-profit organizations to help with much needed work like painting Habitat for Humanity homes, assisting at a soup kitchen, and folding linens at a homeless shelter. They also attended daily Mass together in Haitian Creole and Spanish. Throughout the week, the group shared meals, stories, and lots of laughs together—all while helping others!

Personal Finance & Entrepreneurship students showcased their skills in Neumann’s own version of Shark Tank. There was fierce competition to find the best business idea and after intense pitches and deliberation, “Skate Capz” by Patrick Logue and Michael Ramundo emerged as the victorious venture! Sister Patricia Roche congratulates Michael on his and Patrick’s winning idea!

VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, Tampa, FL— What do 8th graders do on the last day at school? At Villa Madonna in Tampa, they have a picnic in the park! The students come together to show off some of the high schools they are attending: Tampa Catholic, Jesuit, and Academy of the Holy Names. Wishing you the best, 8th graders

ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, Marrero, LA—The Academy of our Lady graduated 85 members of the Class of 2024. Following the Baccalaureate Mass on May 14th, students received a variety of awards ranging from the Knights of Columbus Patriotic Award to “The Unheralded Senior” Award. In total, the senior class earned more than $12 million in scholarships and 558 college credit hours. Congratulations to all the newest graduates! Go Penguins!

Villa Madonna Staff and Sisters enjoyed the annual Parent-Teacher Fantasia Fundraising Gala on Saturday, April 27th. A great time was had by all, and close to $50,000 was raised! Thank you to all who donated and supported this annual event to bridge the gap between tuition and the cost of education.

SALESIAN SCHOOLS

ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, Hawthorne, NJ The St. Anthony School Middle School Drama Department presented Frozen, Jr. for two sold-out performances. Under the direction and choreography of Tiffany DellaCroce and the musical direction of Paula Kraft, the musical brought together talented students, teachers, parents, and community members for an unforgettable experience. Additionally, stunning costumes and sets were designed by their award-winning set director, Annette Murphy. The show’s sold-out audience was amazed by the students’ impressive performances, and the production was a true celebration of the school’s dedication to arts education!

Fourth and fifth grade students at St. Anthony School had the unique opportunity to virtually meet with Shevin Mccullough, Co-Founder, Executive Writer & Actor of Studio 3:16, a highly engaging Catholic supplemental religion instruction program that Sister Lillian Foxx uses in her classroom. Sister Mary Jackon, FMA, school principal, who had worked with Shevin in Tampa, FL, coordinated the online meeting. Students shared with Shevin how Studio 3:16 has affected their faith, made suggestions to improve the program, and asked deep questions of the creator, detailing his own faith journey. The sisters and their students are very grateful for the experience and hope to connect more with Shevin in the future!

The cast at the finale of Frozen Jr.

Sisters from nearby convents enjoy the show

Tiffany DellaCroce and Annette Murphy

Shevin Mccullough on Zoom

ST. THERESA SCHOOL, Kenilworth, NJ Mrs. Moribaldi and her PreK-3 class enjoyed nurturing caterpillars as a class activity. They were intrigued by the chrysalis which started to shake before the beautiful butterflies emerged.

Once the butterflies were ready, the children released them in front of the Blessed Mother statue trusting that they would find happy homes!

IMMACULATA-LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL, Miami, FL The S.A.L.T.T. club (Service and Leadership for Today and Tomorrow) rallied together the community to raise over $23,000 for the Kids & Salesian Sisters Mission Fundraiser. Their dedication and hard work demonstrate the power of collective action and compassion in making a difference in the lives of others. What an impact we can make when individuals unite for a common purpose!

Immaculata-La Salle Seniors paraded around in their cars as they celebrated the last day of classes! All the best, Seniors, as you embark on your next chapter!

The Humble Yet Indispensable Honeybee

When I was a child, I realized that fat honeybees are basically winged puppies. I developed a skill for petting their furry backs. They barely acknowledged my presence but if I put out little seashells of water for them, sometimes they would stop for a drink and I could inspect them more closely. While observing them the other day, I wondered what the humble bee would think if it knew that Science magazine recently named it “the single most important being on the planet”. Responsible for 30% of food production, to a whopping value of $235 to $577 billion annually, the loss of the bee would mean the loss of most pollinated foods like avocados, almonds, strawberries, vanilla and even coffee and tea.

Perhaps if the humble bee knew how vital its role was in the support of the world, it would become lazy, demanding compensation for its labors and exploiting our dependency upon it. But bees are not like humans, often looking for profit. Bees just go about doing the good entrusted to them. Quietly. Faithfully. Flower by flower feeding the world.

“Our day-by-day little acts of kindness, generosity, and virtue matter very much, as does every flower a bee visits.”

The bee must work incredibly hard to make honey, a precious substance in medicine and cooking. A pound of honey takes 2 million flower visits and 55,000 miles of bee flight to produce. Honeybees even taught humans some architectural tips with their honeycomb hives, which support 25 times their own weight, while only having walls that are a mere 2/1000 of an inch thick. All said, bees are quite amazing!

Yet, the bees have no idea of their importance. They go about their day gathering pollen and nectar, making honey and wax, until the end of their short lives.

Many of us are like bees. We do not realize our importance in God’s great plan, nor will we understand it until it pleases Him to reveal it. We go about our day, not feeling like our lives are particularly inspirational or important, but little do we know God has infused a great purpose into our existence. All creation is interdependent, like members of the honeybee hive, and what happens to one, affects the others. Through the fidelity of our lives, God can sanctify the world and draw it into closer unity with Himself, producing the honey of goodness. Our day-by-day little acts of kindness, generosity, and virtue matter very much, as does every flower a bee visits. We may not be a queen bee, but the hive still needs us and without us, there would be less honey and our particular purpose would be left unaccomplished. So if anything, if the bee knew of the greatness of its role, perhaps it would be encouraged to keep busy doing good and to not underestimate its importance. We each matter very much, just like the bee.

The Salesian Sisters Partners Circle was founded by Joseph J. McAleer Sr. in 1991 to provide unrestricted funds for urgent needs in our mission. Your annual contribution to this fund empowers us: To Provide Financial Assistance to the Young People in our Care, and to support Education, Vocations, and Community Life.

There are eight levels of membership, starting at $250. 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? Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you and God bless you!

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Please “Give Us This Day”!

Our exchange of love

DThe Halling Family

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o you have a happy occasion you would like to share? The Salesian Sisters will celebrate with you. Is it a time to mark a less-than-happy occasion? Our prayer for your special day will commemorate this event. Do you have someone to thank? All of the Sisters will help multiply your gratitude. When you “Give Us This Day” the Sisters will pray for your intention and for the person whose sacrificial gift supports the endowment for our retired Sisters. Let this gift of time be an expression of our concern and love for one another. Know that you are special to us. Thank you, and God bless you!

Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco

Province of St. Joseph of the Eastern U.S. & Canada

The Provincial Youth Council, composed of students from the high schools where the Sisters are present in the United States and Canada, joined together in Newton, NJ. They were asked to share with the leadership of the Province their dreams, fears and hopes as young people in an ever-changing world. They also helped plan a unifying theme for the next academic year. The Youth Council was joined by Gabe Suarez, Coordinator of the Provincial Youth Council and Sister Katie Flanagan, Sister Pamela Rose Suresca, and Sister Juliana Alfonso.