Partners in Giving - Christmas 2022

P artners in G ivin G Christmas 2022 salesiansisters.org

Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s letter Dear Friends, Plastic plates and flowers, you may ask?

Our intriguing cover photo is from Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School in Port Chester, NY. It’s a novel way to teach students how to pray the Rosary: one plate for each bead, and once the Our Father, Hail Mary, or Glory Be is recited, a flower is placed, as fourth-grader Kevin is about to do. I’d like to think that St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello would be impressed by our inventiveness!

‘Tis the season for giving, as they say. For the Salesian Sisters, it is also the season for giving thanks, to each and every one of you, our Partners. Please know that we keep you in our prayers every day of the year.

And what an extraordinary year this was in our Province!

We emerged from the pandemic with a renewed commitment to the education of young people, in our schools and summer camps. St. Joseph Chapel, finally completed after four long years, is a daily reminder of your generosity and a source of countless grace and blessings. Thank you.

Our wish to you and your loved ones is a very happy, holy, safe, and enriching Christmas and New Year!

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

“Missionary Society Salesian Sisters”

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ur elderly Sisters have once again partnered with ladies from St. James of the Marches Parish in Totowa, NJ, to make prayer shawls, given to those going through a challenging time. The ladies invited those who know how to crochet or knit, or want to learn how, to make shawls with them.

Above, Anita Sesya assists Sr. Livia Setti.

Donations of yarn are welcome! Please call the St. Joseph Provincial Center: (973) 790-7966. If you would like to join us in person, call Anita Sesya or Ronnie Kopec: (201) 873-8921 or Ann Ricardo: (973) 790-0288. Thank you and God bless you!

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

Our annual Christmas Appeal

Please aid the advancement of our Sisters!

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ast year, in our Christmas Appeal, we asked you to help update our retired Sisters’ bedrooms, providing the comfort needed in old age. I’m happy to report that the renewal work is in motion and the Sisters (many of whom gathered for a community photo on page 23) continually offer prayers of gratitude.

preparing First Communicants to our most seasoned classroom Sisters, they all tell me that they need more preparation to meet the needs of young people today.

They need to go deeper, climb higher, and stretch more in order to give the best to our young people. As God’s missionaries to the young, we always feel compelled to prepare ourselves well.

This year’s Appeal focuses on “The need for higher This Christmas, it is in great confihigher education. Did you know that most of our Sisters have Master’s and faith that I appeal to your education is palpable. dence degrees? It’s part of our commitment generosity once more.

Our Sisters tell me they to self-improvement, ensuring that we are equipped with the knowledge Our goal is to raise $50,000, which need more training and skills to provide the very best will fund the tuition for our Sisters education to the children entrusted to climb even higher.” for Masters’ degrees in Theology, to our care, with confidence and Administration, and Catechesis. clarity. Our goal is the same as that of our founder, St. John Bosco: to prepare students to As I lay my pen down, I pick up my Rosary and pray for take their place as productive and positive members of you. God is never outdone in generosity, and your gift society, becoming good Christians and honest citizens. will live on in the good works of the Sisters, whom you have helped educate, for decades to come! Thank you, We’ve been blessed with a veritable army of young God bless you, and Merry Christmas!

Sisters! Though some had previous studies, the need for higher education is palpable. From the youngest Sister – Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA

2022 Christmas Appeal Please use the enclosed envelope!

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Christmas 2022 • 3

The 10th successor of St. John Bosco

Salesian Rector Major pays a special visit!

Sr. Rosalie Di Peri (seated) is so happy to meet Fr. Ángel, joined by Sr. Rufina Delgado, Sr. Domenica Di Peri, and Sr. Teresita Teran.

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xcitement, expectation, and joy only begin to express the emotions that filled the hearts of the Sisters of St. Joseph Provincial Community in Haledon, NJ, upon the visit of St. John Bosco’s 10th successor, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB, the Salesian Rector Major! This was an extra special event to be grateful for on Thanksgiving Day. It seemed to the Sisters another sign of Mary’s Motherly Presence, since it was also our special day, the 24th of the month.

Fr. Ángel, who oversees the Salesian priests and brothers around the world, was visiting the United States to mark the 125th anniversary of the arrival of Salesian priests and brothers in this country. He spent quality time with us, first speaking familiarly to the Sisters, Aspirants, and Novices from Newton, who filled our lovely chapel in the St. Joseph Provincial Center. After a rousing singing of “You Are All Beautiful, O Mary,” Fr. Ángel shared Salesian Family news with us and urged us to keep alive the flame of love in our hearts by “refueling” each day.

Fr. Ángel then greeted personally each of our elder Sisters over the age of 85, speaking graciously with each one

and blessing her. He also greeted those not yet 85, but close to it. After, in our community room, there were refreshments, sharing, spontaneous photo ops, and group photos, with those present thus filling a very happy hour.

This was followed by Mass and an encouraging homily right from the heart of Fr. Ángel, stressing love for young people and living as authentic witnesses to the Gospel. As Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, he said the litmus test of being a true daughter is having a deep devotion to Mary. Without that, we cannot call ourselves Salesians.

After Mass, Fr. Ángel went up the hill to see our new St. Joseph Chapel. He gave us another blessing and also blessed the edifice, the very heart of our Province and school campus. He encouraged us to allow the young, especially young adults, to come and pray with us.

What a wonderful, unforgettable Thanksgiving Day to be grateful for, and a wonderful surprise from Our Mother Mary! Thank you and God bless, Fr. Ángel!

– Sr. Mary Terzo, FMA

At left, Fr. Ángel blesses and greets Sr. Anna Ragogna during his visit to the Provincial House.

Sr. Carmela Termine looks on, smiling.

At right, Sr. Marisol Guzman is all smiles as Fr. Ángel, as he blesses the new St. Joseph Chapel.

At left, Sr. Patricia Winterscheidt receives a blessing from Fr. Ángel.

At right, Sr. Joanne Holloman and Fr. Ángel pose beside our co-foundress, St. Mary Mazzarello.

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Christmas 2022 • 5

Supporting Villa Madonna School and the Salesian Youth Center

The Thanksgiving Basket returns in style

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he 19th Annual Thanksgiving Basket returned in person on November 12! More than 350 people filled the Salesian Youth Center gymnasium on Villa Madonna Campus in Tampa, FL, to honor the Campo Family: Ray & Josie Campo, posthumously, and Diana Campo Ekonomou for their outstanding service to our young people. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner donated by Columbia Restaurant, and supported the SYC and Villa Madonna School by taking a chance on themed baskets and 46 silent auction items.

Thank you to our generous donors and sponsors who helped make this evening possible. More than $120,000 was raised for Villa Madonna Campus! And congratulations to the winners of our gift cards: $500 Amazon gift card, Kelly Nunez of Tampa; and $500 Publix gift card, Patty Camunas of Land O’Lakes, FL. Merry Christmas, and see you next year!

– Theresa Anderson

The Sisters at Villa Madonna are happy to greet their friends in-person at the Thanksgiving Basket! All smiles are Sr. Amy Nguyen, Sr. Lou Ann Fantauzza, Sr. Janet Keller, Sr. Marie Fe Tansioco, and Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto.

Thanksgiving Basket honoree Diana Campo Ekonomou and her husband Tony enjoy the evening with their family.

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

At left, Villa alumna Mari Loli Leal and her family enjoy the evening.

At right, Nelson Russo did a great job as emcee for the evening!

Photos by Robyn Walk Photography

Above, high schoolers from Jesuit, Academy of Holy Names, and Tampa Catholic worked hard volunteering for the evening!

At right, Sr. Mary Rinaldi calls out basket winners, assisted by Leslie Garcia and Villa alumnus Noah Choe.

At left, Avery Barse is thrilled to win a basket full of Christmas crafts!

All of our basket items were generously donated!

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hankfully, Tampa, FL, was spared a direct hit from Hurricane Ian, and damage was minimal. At Villa Madonna School, students volunteered to help the Sisters clean up debris on campus. Happy to help are eighth-graders Chloe Salgado, Aubree Treece, and Jack Armstrong.

We continue to pray for all of our Salesian family members and friends impacted by recent hurricanes, in Puerto Rico, Florida and the Southeast.

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n Naples, FL, St. John Neumann High School survived the wind, rain, and floods, but many families and friends were not so fortunate. Students were quick to help with the clean up. “Our Catholic faith calls each of us to reach out in time of need and to shine God’s light in the darkness,” says Sr. Pat Roche, principal. “These photos show our students in action out in the community, shining their light!”

8 • Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 6

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

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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.

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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 as we anticipate our 32nd anniversary? Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS. 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

NEW JERSEY Tony Amato Family The Carini Family Mr. Anthony Petrocelli Ms. Roberta Ruocco Ms. Celeste Tripi Mr. Vincent Waraske

Partners Circle “Partners” 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. Anthony & Geraldine Dell’Orto 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 --VIRGINIA Mr. & Mrs. Greg Mueller

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Welcome

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new or upgraded Partners Circle Members in 2022!

Shown in RED

Partners Circle “Stewards” Annual gift of $11,000 FLORIDA Sherry Millar --NEW JERSEY Anonymous

Partners Circle “Friends” Annual gift of $3,300

CONNECTICUT Mary Bridget Gaine --FLORIDA Idalia Lastra Barket --MASSACHUSETTS Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair PC

NEW JERSEY Chris & Gemma Chong Frank & Rosemary Lupo Family --NEW YORK Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cangro --PENNSYLVANIA Mr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow

Partners in Giving • Christmas 2022 • 9

Partners Circle “Founders” Annual gift of $2,200 CONNECTICUT Christina & David McAleer PC --DELAWARE Maria Sturchio --FLORIDA 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 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” John & Diann Pinkowski ARIZONA Rudy Rodriguez Mrs. Ann Marie Forster ----MASSACHUSETTS CALIFORNIA Mr. & Mrs. Neil Holmes Mary & Robert Obenberger Deirdre Kelleher Diane Onken Mr. & Mrs. Ted Reading Mr. & Mrs. Donald Onken ----NEW JERSEY COLORADO Mrs. Theresa Cannarozzi Jamie & Paul Condit Ms. Debi F. Debiak, Esq. --Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Della Cerra CONNECTICUT Linda & Peter Christiansen PC Mr. & Mrs. Martin Flemming Mr. & Mrs. Tom Furey Mr. Michael Guarnieri PC Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Fabrizio & Barbara Zichichi Miss Mary Jean Hayek James Construction Co., Inc. FLORIDA Michael & Mary Losurdo Joseph & Claudine Caballero PC Mrs. Faith Menard Rick & Patti Caldevilla PC Mary Ann Munson Mrs. Patricia Driscoll Dr. & Mrs. Wayne Obetz Maria Restrepo Forte Robert & Constance Sumas Dr. Giacomo & Judy Guggino Mrs. Carolyn Young Aida Yglesias Jurado --Greg & Lori Korte NEW YORK Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf Mr. Silvio Alfeo Robert Nocek Ms. Lea Battiato Mr. & Mrs. Rob Obbink Jo Ann & Joseph Caracappa PC Ms. Marianne O’Doherty Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri Mr. Fredy Padovan --Gene & Linda Perez

10 • Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 6

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 Msgr. Robert Carroll Dr. Allyson & Mr. Kevin Hardy

Mrs. Eileen Seeburger --TENNESSEE Mr. Leonard V. Ingrando

Partners Circle “Associates” Annual gift of $825

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

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

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 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Tomaino Ron Yates --GEORGIA Mr. Charles Fantauzza Mrs. Brooke McDonald --ILLINOIS The Mills Family The Rangel Family --INDIANA Andrea Dealynn --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

Annual gift of $550

Mr. & Mrs. Brian Clair Mrs. Rose Mary Clair Ms. Kate Clair Ms. Claire Dell Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski The Esposito Family --Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. Gerardi SOUTH CAROLINA Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Greene Mackenzie Clair Ms. Lena Huang --Mr. Walter Lazarcheck TENNESSEE Mr. Joseph V. Miressi Mr. Terence P. Clair Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec ----TEXAS NORTH CAROLINA Dr. Elizabeth Sledden Dybell Mr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard ----VIRGINIA OHIO Mrs. Dominique Faust Dale & Lynda Kovach Mr. Michael L. Mannoia In memory of Karl Zauner Mr. Fred Mastrogiovanni --Ginnie Stidham WASHINGTON --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 Kurt & Laura Badertscher Jon & Michelle Barry Amanda Clair Marilyn Collins 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 Mangin 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 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

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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 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.

Many happy returns, Sr. Angela De Capua!

Give Us This

Day

Let this exchange of time be an example of our concern and love for one another. Enjoy the Christmas Season knowing that you are special to us. Our prayers rise daily for you and your dear ones. Thank you, and God bless you!

Please give us this day/these days in 2023 in honor of my special request(s):

Please detach and mail this form in the enclosed envelope.

Thank you!

12 • Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 6

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

Dear Friends: A message from Sister Joanne

What do you want for Christmas?

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am sure most of us have a childhood memory of sitting on Santa’s lap waiting for him to ask us, “What do you want for Christmas?” I have such a memory.

and what I want I really can’t buy on Amazon. The gifts of health, happiness, holiness, family, vocations, and peace in the world are top on my list.

When my parents took my brother George and I to the local department store, we waited eagerly in line to get our chance to have some quality time with Santa. I looked at Santa and, with complete trust, asked for – a Barbie Dream House! With that child-like trust I just knew in my heart of hearts that I would get what I asked for.

Unfortunately, this story has a twist. Like any child, I would sneak around the house trying to find where the “elves” hid my gift. It just so happened that I managed to find a big box concealed in my parents’ closet. Of course I peeked in it and behold, there was a Barbie Dream House! I was so excited that I told my surprised brother the news.

I returned a second time to see the Barbie Dream House hidden in my parents’ closet and, much to my chagrin, there was a note: “Joanne, We had to return the gift since you found our secret hiding place.

Signed, Santa’s Elves.”

However, this year I am considering what legacy can I leave to future generations. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si, asked us the question: What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to the children who are now growing up? (#160) That question certainly gives us some food for thought.

“Joanne, we had to return the gift since you found our secret hiding place.

Signed, Santa’s Elves.”

Truth be told, my parents knew I was not really the “doll type”. That Christmas I got a chemistry set instead, and I have to admit I had a lot more fun with that than I would have had with Barbie, who would have quickly bored me. Years later, I found out that my brother told my parents about my discovery, and that the Dream House was actually a gift for my cousin that my parents were hiding for my aunt.

Recently, on YouTube Originals, a movie came out entitled “The Letter.” This movie comes from the Vatican and the Laudato Si Movement. It could almost be considered an updated version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It doesn’t show how the world would be if George Bailey never existed, but how the world will not exist if we are not agents of positive change.

I invite you to watch this movie and join in by making small, intentional, positive changes, so that together we can have a big impact on future generations. The film is available online at theletterfilm.org.

With that in mind, I ask: What do you want for Christmas?

As always, be sure of my prayers and those of the Sisters, especially on Christmas morning when we go to Mass. Please pray for us, as we meet you at the Christmas crib.

Merry Christmas!

As an adult, asking what you want for Christmas has a different meaning. Personally, I don’t need anything,

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

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Christmas 2022 • 13

Memorials

A Love That Lasts Forever

Received between October 1 and November 30, 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

Sr. Frances Gumino, FMA Ann Marie Hessenius

Sally Thomas Mrs. Rose Ricci

Sr. Lucy Balistrieri, FMA Mrs. Rose Ricci

Luigi Marciante, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Luigi Marciante

Candida Carusa Hall Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Purcia

Carmela Seminerio Ann Marie Hessenius

Patricia Ricci Ms. Maureen Brown Ms. Grace De Boer Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Balcof Ms. Allison Denver

Sam Seminerio Ann Marie Hessenius James Toner Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Quinn

Dorothy DeGraff Barbara Bogler Linda Hammann Mr. & Mrs. Jefferey Quinn James Dell’Orto Mr. & Mrs. John Cooke Mr. & Mrs. Gino Romitelli Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Mattone, Sr. James De Luna Ms. Carol Kasper Louis Ricci, Sr. Mrs. Rose Ricci

Tributes Received between October 1 & November 30, 2022 Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, FMA, on her 99th birthday Dr. Joe McAleer Sr. Domenica Di Peri, FMA, on her 98th birthday Ms. Josephine Savage

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

ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, Marrero, LA – We were blessed by a visit from Rome by Sr. Runita Borja, FMA, Salesian General Counselor for Youth Ministry.

She visited classes and prayed with us, and we presented her with an Academy jacket! Thank you, Sr. Runita!

SALESIAN SCHOOLS !

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BACK IN THE DAY

ST. THERESA SCHOOL, Kenilworth, NJ – Congratulations to the 2022 Catholic Youth Organization Champs!

Our very own Junior Varsity Volleyball team and their hard-working coaches bought home the trophy this year!

ifty years ago in Marrero, LA, “Santa Claus” paid a visit to the convent, much to the delight of Sr. Ann Cassidy, Sr. Martina Ponce, Sr. Nivia Campuzano, Fr. Sam Isgro, SDB, Sr. Domenica Di Peri, and Sr. Victoria Graziani.

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Christmas 2022 • 15

SALESIAN SCHOOLS !

VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, Tampa, FL – On Veterans Day, fourth-graders wait for their “own” veterans to arrive – their parents and grandparents!

The day is always a special one as students learn the importance of military service and celebrate their loved ones.

MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, North Haledon, NJ – Congratulations to senior Litzy Sanchez who has won the National Hispanic Recognition Award, which colleges use to identify academically competitive students and underrepresented students. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 test, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP exams, and are Hispanic American or Latinx. Well done, Litzy!

IMMACULATA – LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL, Miami, FL – Our school’s Association of Devotees of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) Youth Club visited Notre Dame d’Haiti church in Little Haiti in Miami and led a fun morning of activities for the Religious Education students. The kids enjoyed a time filled with laughter, music, and faith-based activities. ADMA members gave the kids a taste of the four components of a true Salesian Oratory: home, school, church, and playground.

16 • Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 6

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

VILLA MADONNA CAMPUS, Tampa, FL – Students are patiently awaiting the completion of the Pavilion Project!

At left, the Pavilion basketball court floor has been painted.

Above, much progress has been made on the running track and the playground.

Please help us reach the finish line! Naming opportunities are still available. For more information, please contact Theresa Anderson: (813) 205-3195 or visit our website: www.villapavilion.com. Thank you!

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL, Columbus, OH – Under the direction of Sr. Guerline Joseph, prior to the school’s All Saints Day Mass, students presented highlights from the lives of the saints, sharing how the holy men and women teach us how to love God, serve others, and become the unique people God made us to be.

SALESIAN SCHOOLS !

ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, Hawthorne, NJ – When Sr. Joanne Holloman, the Provincial Superior, visited St. Anthony’s, the theme of the day was “Rise and Shine to Your Best Self.” Students assured her they always try to do so, and not only when they get to wear pajamas to school!

They added that the school community has embraced Pope Francis’ invitation to “hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” As a school gift, they presented her with an Ecology Day, when students will go to the grounds of the Provincial House to clean up nature. A member of each grade also presented Sr. Joanne (at right) with a signed class pledge to pray and do little acts of love to protect our common home, and so make the light of Christ shine.

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n October. 22, members of the Class of 1992 of Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, had their 30th reunion. About 21 classmates attended, and everyone enjoyed fellowship and shared lots of memories. The girls – who are now ladies – brought with them pictures of the four members of the class who have died, so that they would be remembered.

Sr. Maryann Schaefer (above right), the class’ Senior Moderator at the time, presented each alumna with a statue of Mary Help of Christians as a token of appreciation for their faithfulness to the Sisters, to their high school, and to moral values. Wonderful seeing you, ladies!

18 • Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 6

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Salesian School Alumni Spotlight

“I really felt part of a family at Mary Help”

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n the five years since she graduated from Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, Nicole Pinuela, class of 2017, has been very busy! The native of Elmwood Park, NJ, graduated with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Wagner College. In October, she passed her board exam, and is now a Physician Assistant in the Orthopedic Surgery Department of New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Partners in Giving caught up with Nicole to discuss her journey from school to the workplace.

achieving the highest scores on exams, but maintaining compassion, humility, and perseverance through it all, while still doing what you love. I always strive to do my best, but I also was taught to have the proper perspective on success at Mary Help.

What inspired you to choose the path of a Physician Assistant?

My Mom and Dad are both in the health care field, and I’ve always known that I wanted to do the same, but I just wasn’t sure exactly what, until one day when I was introduced What are your memories of Mary to the PA profession. These are Help of Christians Academy? medical professionals who could I really loved my time at Mary diagnose, treat, and manage patients, Help. I loved the teachers, the Sisters, all the while not being restricted to my friends, and everyone in between. one specialty and place.

I felt like I was really a part of a My goals as PA are simple: I want family, and that everyone knew and to be a support person for those who cared about each other on such a need someone, and also to speak and personal level. It was a place where we meet new people with new stories could laugh with one another. every day.

“I always strive to do One of the perks was the smaller I am beginning my career in student body, so we really got to know orthopedic surgery at New Yorkmy best, but Mary each other. When I went away to Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Help also taught me Hospital, but I would also love college, I didn’t realize how much I would miss laughing in the cafeteria about perspective.” to branch out and do emergency at those round tables with my friends medicine and psychiatry. I think as I ate the same tuna sandwich and focusing on mental health, especially chocolate chip cookie every day. within today’s youth and the surrounding stigma, is extremely important and often overlooked.

How did Mary Help empower you as a woman and assist you on your career path?

How do you stay connected with God in your The unique thing about Mary Help are all the busy life? talented and successful women out there who come My Mom and I stay connected to God through the from the school or will come from the school as it little things we do every day, even when life gets hard continues its educational mission. or busy. We continue to pray silent prayers throughout I was really involved on campus with different the day, and we still talk to Him and ask for guidance groups and extracurriculars, including Health when life often feels hopeless. We remind ourselves Occupation Students of America, the choir, student that He may have another plan for us and we trust in it. council, the yearbook, and school musicals. With “You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it the support of my teachers and peers, I was always only as waters gone by” (Job 11:16). I heard this in incorporating my singing, public speaking, theatrical, Theology class at Mary Help. I carry it with me dearly and medical skills into doing what I loved every day. to this day because, through every conflict, every As I began studying medicine, I learned that failure, every step of the way, time will pass, and we being successful was not knowing everything and will move on. It gives me strength.

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Partners in Giving • Christmas 2022 • 19

SALESIAN SCHOOLS !

ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, Marrero, LA – “A grandparent is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” On November 1, the Academy shared a wonderful afternoon welcoming grandparents remembering and honoring those who have passed away at our annual Grandparent’s Mass. Fr. Colm Cahill, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese, celebrated the Mass. He reminded grandparents to always be there for their grandchildren. Likewise, his message to the girls was to not be influenced or persuaded to be something or someone they are not, and to lean on their grandparents for guidance and support. Sound advice!

CORPUS CHRISTI HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL, Port Chester, NY – Congratulations to eighthgrader Valerie Irlanda, who won third place among 100 participants in the 2022 Young Writers’ Competition, “Breaking Barriers,” at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, CT. The competition was open to grades 6-8 in the tristate area. Students wrote an essay about a person, group of people, or an invention that is considered groundbreaking, pioneering, or innovative, especially one that broke barriers. For her essay, “Breaking Social Barriers,” Valerie wrote about Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old African-American who was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat for a white person, thereby inspiring a chain of protests against social injustice towards African-Americans, nine months prior to Rosa Parks’ famous refusal to do the same. Valerie beat 97 other applicants to take third place!

Valerie is pictured above with CCHRS teachers Yuri Vilasboas, Sr. Boram Lee, and Sam Dang.

Well done, Valerie!

On the Journey with Sister B

‘Tis the season for being a little too busy

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t’s the most wonderful time of the year – for most of us! For those of us tasked with prepping the parties and the eventual clean-up, it may seem like a seasonal chore, but during the actual celebrations that crown all the prep and cleaning, I always find a moment of pleasure in seeing the joy and happiness of those gathered. This time of year always seems to follow a cycle of preparation, anticipation, gathering, gratitude, clean-up, and then eventual return to daily life, each stage being a journey:

• Return to Daily Life. Every party must end for the next to begin, just as every suffering eventually is replaced by joy. We bring to our daily lives the happiness of the celebration, the memories and words exchanged. It buoys us as we go forward.

• Preparation. Shopping, wish-lists, menu-planning, booking venues, Christmas cards, and inviting guests begins the process.

• Anticipation. Tweaking the plans to be just right, deciding on décor, and picking the music, counting down to the date; butterflies in our stomachs as the thought of seeing loved ones after a long absence builds our excitement.

Don’t let the busyness of the season overshadow the beauty of its meaning.

• Gathering. The event has arrived. Pouring drinks, sharing food, laughter, stories, warmth, and smiles.

All the hard work was worth it!

• Gratitude. We feel a glow in our hearts at the opportunity to be together, for what we share, for what we have, and what we can receive. Despite all the struggles of the past year, we realize we are still blessed in so many ways.

• Clean-up. A kind of processing and closure of all that happened, a letting go and releasing of expectations and hopes, treasuring the good and letting go of disappointments. Giving ourselves permission to move-on towards the next celebration.

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This cycle is really the Advent cycle that we find ourselves in during December – Mary and Joseph have to prepare for the coming of Jesus. The anticipation of His arrival is paired with a command to gather in Bethlehem. Despite their sufferings in travel and not finding a place at the inn, their hearts are still full of gratitude for the blessing of Jesus and the wonder of God-among-us.

Visitors like the shepherds, wisemen and angels round out the first birthday party of the God-King. Eventual cleanup finds them leaving in haste to Egypt to begin a new life as refugees from King Herod’s jealousy. They begin again to live a simple life, transformed by the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

This Christmas, we are invited to reflect on how Jesus’ birth will transform the simple every-ness of our lives.

How will the warmth, joy, and happiness of parties spill over into the rest of the year? How will the good wishes exchanged make us more generous and celebratory of the little gifts we find along our way, even when they are not wrapped in shiny paper and bows?

My wish for all of us is that the busyness of this season may not overshadow the beauty of its meaning, and that the invitation it offers leads us to not only welcome Jesus’ birth, but help bring Jesus to others as Christians transformed by His love. Merry Christmas!

– Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA Partners in Giving • Christmas 2022 • 21

Now more than ever

Please Adopt a Sister!

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lease consider joining our friends of all faiths who have experienced the transforming power of prayer and loving friendship with a Salesian Sister, every day of the year, through our Adopt a Sister Program.

Whether the Adopted Sister is for yourself, a family member, or a friend in need of spiritual strength, you will find comfort knowing that your intentions will be remembered each day by your spiritual prayer partner, and your sacrificial gift will support our elderly Sisters. It makes the PERFECT gift, especially for a wedding, birthday, anniversary, Christmas – any occasion! Please complete the form below, visit us at www.salesiansisters.org, or call us tollfree: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you, and God bless you!

On a recent trip to Virginia, Sr. Elfie Del Rosario was surprised and excited to run into her Adopter, Melanie Perello, at an event!

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

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1. Sr. Louise Passero 2. Sr. Helene Godin 3. Sr. Ann Hottot 4. Sr. Rufina Delgado 5. Sr. Maryann Schaefer 6. Sr. Mary Jackson 7. Sr. Anne Weis 8. Sr. Mary Terzo 9. Sr. Eileen Tickner 10. Sr. Antoinette Cedrone 11. Sr. Teresita Teran 12. Sr. Anna Ragogna

13. Sr. Livia Setti 14. Sr. Angela Di Capua 15. Sr. Esther Cruz 16. Sr. Elizabeth Russo 17. Sr. Arlene Rubino 18. Sr. Balbina Lopez 19. Sr. Fanny Florez 20. Sr. Patricia Winterscheidt 21. Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin 22. Sr. Domenica Di Peri 23. Sr. Mary Ann Caspary 24. Sr. Catherine Altamura

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25. Sr. Anita Durocher 26. Sr. Mary Arciga 27. Sr. Clare Kennelly 28. Sr. Mary Louise Mazzocco 29. Sr. Carmela Termine 30. Sr. Pauline Joss 31. Sr. Bui Thi Bich Huyen 32. Sr. Emilia Kassab 33. Sr. Virginia Dickey 34. Sr. Rosalie Di Peri 35. Sr. Mary Anne Zito 36. Sr. Catherine Novo Partners in Giving • Christmas 2022 • 23

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

alesian Sisters and Novices from our Newton, NJ, community enjoyed a visit to Liberty Farm in Sandyston, NJ, home to the largest sunflower maze on the East Coast, hosted by owner Raj Sinha and his family. The Sinhas chose to give back to the environment, planting more than one million seeds, producing flowers that attract bees, birds and other helpful pollinators, as well as agri-tourists like us! It was great a Pope Francis-Laudato Si moment of learning about how interconnected people, plants, and insects are in the environment.