Partners in Giving - Late Summer 2021

P artners in G ivin G Late Summer 2021 www.salesiansisters.org

Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s letter Dear Friends, Summer is traditionally one of the happiest – and busiest – seasons for Salesian Sisters. As soon as the school year ends, the real fun begins! The smiling Sisters on our cover were at Camp Auxilium in Newton, NJ, where one of our Salesian Summer Camps resumed in-person after last year’s virtual gatherings. Needless to say, girls and boys at camps in four states – and the Sisters! – had the time of their lives, thanks to your generosity. See pages 18-19.

It is always a joy to honor our Sisters who mark a jubilee of their profession, and since we could not gather last summer due to the pandemic, we assembled the 2020 and 2021 Jubilarians for a joint celebration with family and friends on July 11. It was a beautiful day filled with smiles, stories, laughter, and much gratitude. See pages 4-6.

In Tampa, we broke ground for the Pavilion Project on the Villa Madonna Campus! See pages 8-9. And work continues on the new St. Joseph Chapel, with many gift opportunities now available. See page 3.

Before we know it, a new school year will begin. Until then, blessings for the rest of summer!

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: SalesianPartners@gmail.com Website: www.salesiansisters.org Social Media: https://linktr.ee/salesiansisters

“Missionary Society Salesian Sisters”

2 • Partners in Giving • Volume 31 • Issue 4

Please pray to St. Joseph O Good and Holy St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, foster-father of Jesus and patron of the Universal Church, we beseech you to hear our humble petitions.

As the guardian of Mary and Jesus who trusted in God’s plan, we seek your intercession to protect the Church from all evils.

As a loving spouse to Mary, we ask you to teach us purity of heart.

As a nurturing foster-father to the child Jesus, we implore you for a greater respect towards all human life.

And when our earthly life nears its end, we pray that, like you, we may have a happy death and be welcomed by Jesus and Mary into the eternal joy of Heaven.

O Saint Joseph, our guide and patron, pray for us. Amen.

Editorial Board Dr. Joe McAleer, Editor Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of Development Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA, Editorial Manager Theresa Anderson & Anna Anderson, Copy Editors Federal Tax ID # 22-6043753 © 2021 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

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ork on the new St. Joseph Chapel at Mary Help of Christians Academy continues at a fast pace, with brickwork laid on the exterior and framing and sheetrock rising inside – complete with a hopeful sign (left) from one of the workers!

To enable us to purchase essential furnishings and liturgical items for the new Chapel, we have prepared a list of gift opportunities (right). Please consider a lasting memorial or tribute to those you hold dear. To obtain a copy and for more information, please call (973) 904-0102 or toll-free (877) OUR-NUNS, or e-mail Sr. Mary Rinaldi: sr.mary@salesiansisters.org.

Thank you, and God bless you!

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2021 • 3

Congratulations, Sisters,

on your blessed Jubilees!

Congratulations to our 2020 Jubilarians, who were unable to celebrate properly last year due to the pandemic: Sr. Catherine Altamura (now 61 years), Sr. Karen Dunn (41 years), Sr. Carmen Morales (66 years), Sr. Elizabeth Russo (61 years), Sr. Joanne Holloman (Provincial), Sr. Mary Anne Zito (61 years), Sr. Catherine Novo (71 years), Sr. Betty Ann Martinez (51 years), and Sr. Clare Kennelly (51 years). Missing from the photo: Sr. Rosalie Di Peri (76 years), Sr. Estelle Johnson (61 years), Sr. Catherine Hurley (51 years), Sr. Beatrice Valot (51 years), Sr. Susan Bagli (41 years), and Sr. Lou Ann Fantauzza (41 years). Sr. Inez Molano (71 years) passed away this year.

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In her words of gratitude after the Mass, on behalf ith joy and excitement the Salesian Sisters of all of the Jubilarians, Sr. Marisol Guzman Lopez were finally able to celebrate the Jubilarians reflected, “The journey of each Jubilarian to this day of 2020 and 2021 with a beautiful Mass and is different. Some came as children, others came as luncheon at Mary Help of Christians Academy on adults. Some came from Salesian works, July 11. Many members of the Salesian others did not. Some came as missionaries; family and friends were present, including “The Lord others are American or Canadian born or Fr. Tim Zak, SDB, the current Provincial of to the United States and Canada the Salesians for the Eastern Province. has done great moved with their families. Whatever the journey, things for us!” it has brought each of us to this day. The Fr. Tim Ploch, SDB, Director of the Provinfidelity we see before us is not based on our cial House in New Rochelle, NY, was the strength or merit – it is a continuation of main celebrant. He reminded the Sisters the call of God. For us to think we have reached this that his mother was a past pupil, and that he grew up moment on our efforts alone, would be foolish. Yet, in around “legends” like Sr. Frances Gumino. “I know the words of Mary, ‘The Lord has done great things for almost every Jubilarian with whom I have shared life us!’ – and for this we are also grateful.” and ministry in so many places,” he added.

Congratulations, Sisters,

on your blessed Jubilees!

Congratulations to our 2021 Jubilarians: Sr. Balbina Lopez (60 years), Sr. Isabel Garza (50 years), Sr. Louise Passero (65 years), Sr. Pauline Joss (40 years), Sr. Carmela Termine (60 years), Sr. Joanne Holloman (Provincial), Sr. Domenica Di Peri (75 years), Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin (65 years), Sr. Livia Setti (70 years), and Sr. Marisol Guzman Lopez (25 years). Missing from the photo: Sr. Carmen Peña (65 years), Sr. Raymonde Dery (65 years), and Sr. Claudette Parent (60 years).

At right, the Mary Help gymnasium was packed with family members and friends joining the Sisters for a special Jubilee Mass.

Photos by Sr. Fran Da Grossa

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2021 • 5

Sr. Marisol Guzman Lopez spends time with her mother and family members.

Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin visits with her Adopters, the Gambettas and the Freunds.

Sr. Domenica Di Peri.

Sr. Livia Setti and Margaret Hearn.

Below, Sr. Mary Ann Caspary and Sr. Maryann Schaefer.

Family reunions were abundant at the Jubilee luncheon, including one for Sr. Karen Dunn (above) and Sr. Louise Passero (right). Joining Sr. Louise is Sr. Luella Ramm, OP, Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell and an alumna of Mary Help.

Now more than ever

Please Adopt a Sister!

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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!

Sr. Maria Colombo and Jubilarian Sr. Betty Ann Martinez visited with Nancy Lopez, Diana Sanes, and Anna Fattorusso at the luncheon following the Jubilee Mass.

CVV: _____________

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2021 • 7

The Villa Madonna Campus project gets under way

A groundbreaking – sooner than expected!

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emember the story in the last edition of Partners in Giving about the Pavilion Project on the Villa Madonna Campus in Tampa, FL? “Keep an eye out for more information on the groundbreaking celebration in August!” we promised.

Turns out, some things are just too good and exciting to wait! With only ten days’ notice, my co-worker Cynthia Spano and I moved heaven and earth (well, some dirt at least) to plan a gala groundbreaking celebration on June 17 – even before Partners in Giving arrived in your mailbox!

many signs that the work we do is truly blessed by the hands of God. The Tampa community has embraced the Salesian Sisters at Villa Madonna as family since the 1930s, and people are excited to be a part of their continued growth. Together we will finish this project, for the kids, for the Sisters, for our family. With this new safe area for the kids, Villa Madonna will continue to flourish.

My first three calls were to the project’s biggest supporters, and all were enthusiastic and on board: Mark Oliva, Diana Ekonomou, and Leslie Garcia. My 15-year-old daughter, Anna, designed an e-mail invite. The word was spread far and wide. There were several surprises: Matt Nassif of Joe Photo Tampa asked if he could donate his photography services, as he loves the Oliva family. Steve Gonzalez of Catering by the Family also asked to cater the event as he loves the Salesian Sisters (his aunt was Sr. Wilma Sanchez).

Special guests on the day included Sr. Joanne Holloman, our Provincial; Sr. Nivia Arias, who is an alumna of Villa Madonna School (and remembers the basketball courts being added to the campus in the early 1980s); and, of course, Sr. Mary Rinaldi. A good number of students, parents, and friends gathered on the sunny morning. We were thrilled to welcome Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, who offered his blessing. Speeches were made, shovels overturned dirt, and the project was officially under way.

During the fun celebration featuring 150 guests and 50 children, Sr. Mary Rinaldi said it best: “We have all the money we need for this project . . . It’s just still in your pockets!” Everybody laughed, and many said, “She’s absolutely right. Now, how do we help?”

After 17 years of working for the Sisters, I have seen

8 • Partners in Giving • Volume 31 • Issue 4

Bishop Gregory Parkes (at 6’ 8”, the tallest Bishop in the U.S.!) is joined by Sr. Teresa Gutierrez, Sr. Nivia Arias, Sr. Eileen Tickner, Sr. Joanne Holloman, and Sr. Mary Rinaldi.

Please say “Yes!” and help us complete this Pavilion and the renovation of the North end of the campus. Since the groundbreaking, we still need $870,000 to finish the $2.8 million project. Every gift will help. Gifts of cash, stock, and pledges (up to five years) will count. Thank you!

– Theresa Anderson Theresa Anderson is the Director of Development for the Salesian Sisters in Tampa. To learn more about the project and watch the video of the groundbreaking ceremony, visit www.villapavilion.com. For more information on making a gift and naming opportunities, please call Theresa: (813) 205-3195.

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

“Digging” their roles as official groundbreakers are: rising eighth-grader Joseph Anderson, representing Villa Madonna School; philanthropist Diana Campo Ekonomou; Mike Wichman of Wichman Construction; John Oliva of Oliva Tobacco; Mark Oliva of Mavilo Wholesalers; Villa Madonna alumna Sr. Nivia Arias; Rick Fee, Chairman of the Salesian Youth Center board; Sr. Joanne Holloman, Provincial Superior; and Ansley Roberts, representing the Salesian Youth Center.

At left, Bishop Parkes blessed the ground.

“The Pavilion which will be built here will not only serve our school but will also be a sign to the community that we are a place of hope and a place of faith,” he said.

At right, Christopher Anzalone, Assistant Principal of Villa Madonna, shared the Villa family’s excitement about the new Pavilion.

Unfortunately, outgoing principal Sr. Mary Jackson was unable to join us.

Below, Salesian Youth Center kids donned their “hardhats”!

Below, John Oliva and his family have responded generously to the Pavilion Project. Please join them!

Villa Madonna parents Lazaro and Jessica Diaz Noa and Marya Reynolds enjoyed catching up.

Photos by Joe Photo Tampa

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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.

The fire which destroyed the Chapel at Mary Help of Christians Academy in May 2018 underscored the vital importance of the Partners Circle Fund, enabling the Sisters to respond quickly in an emergency.

30th

There are nine 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 30th 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 --INDIANA Mrs. Beatrice Lightfoot

NEW JERSEY Tony Amato Family The Carini Family Mr. Anthony Petrocelli Ms. Roberta Ruocco Ms. Celeste Tripi Mr. Vincent Waraske --NEW YORK Mrs. Pearl Kalikow

Partners Circle “Partners”

35 Welcome

new or upgraded Partners Circle Members so far in 2021!

Shown in RED

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

Annual gift of $5,500

FLORIDA Mr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor Ms. Caroline Barnhill Lydia & John Oliva Mrs. Beverly Rohde Susan & Jeff Turner --NEW JERSEY Al Daloisio, Jr. Mr. Robert Harkins Maria L. Lopez Mr. Bill McLaughlin Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer Joseph & Rita Weiner

Christopher & Corinne Schiavo & The Shepherd & the Knucklehead Pub --INDIANA Mr. & Mrs. Judson Church --NEW YORK Mr. John Cassara Beruta & James Dell’Orto

10 • Partners in Giving • Volume 31 • Issue 4

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

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

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

Partners Circle “Founders” Annual gift of $2,200 CONNECTICUT Christina & David McAleer PC --DELAWARE Maria Sturchio --FLORIDA John & Pat Connors Anthony & Diana Ekonomou Lowry Murphey Family Foundation Mrs. Kathleen Medore NEW JERSEY Mr. Robert Eliseo Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hofmann Mr. & Mrs. Anthony M. Laino Marilyn & Dale Livi Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Massood

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Papetti Rose Perone 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” 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 FLORIDA Anne & John Bedlek Joseph & Claudine Caballero PC Terrell & Joe Clark Maria Restrepo Forte Dr. Giacomo & Mrs. Judy Guggino Aida Yglesias Jurado Greg & Lori Korte Barbara & Jim Major Dr. Patricia Mergo

Welcome new 2021 members in Red! PC denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees.

Our 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.

Annual gift of $1,100

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf NORTH CAROLINA NEW YORK Robert Nocek Chester & Monica Michewicz Ms. Lea Battiato Mr. & Mrs. Rob Obbink --Jo Ann & Joseph Ms. Marianne O’Doherty PENNSYLVANIA Caracappa PC Mr. Fredy Padovan Mr. & Mrs. Bob Danch John W. Lombardi Gene & Linda Perez Dr. Allyson & & Family Mr. Nick Suszynski PC Mr. Kevin Hardy The Sabatine Foundation --Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri GEORGIA Mr. Robert Reiter --MASSACHUSETTS Annual gift of $825 Mr. & Mrs. Neil Holmes Deirdre Kelleher CONNECTICUT VIRGINIA Mr. & Mrs. Ted Reading Dr. Joe McAleer PC Dr. Evelyn Garcia ----& Michael Maurer NEW JERSEY FLORIDA Ms. Debi F. Debiak, Esq. Declan & Shelly Mansfield Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Anne & Fred Michaels Della Cerra Rene & Phyllis Rodriguez Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Mr. & Mrs. Terry Wood James Construction Co., Inc. --Michael & Mary Losurdo NEW JERSEY Mrs. Faith Menard Joseph W. & Kathleen Buckley Mrs. Maureen O’Halloran Mr. & Mrs. Greg Scott Robert & Constance Sumas Theresa E. Unanue Mrs. Carolyn Young

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners Circle “Associates”

Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2021 • 11

Partners Circle “Members” Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Reynolds ARIZONA Alina M. Roces Anonymous Rudy Rodriguez --Hon. & Mrs. E.J. Salcines CALIFORNIA Mr. & Mrs. David Smith Joanne & Geraldine Rizzuto Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Tomaino --Ron Yates CONNECTICUT --Anonymous GEORGIA Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Goin Mr. Charles Fantauzza Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Mosey Mrs. Brooke McDonald ----FLORIDA ILLINOIS Dr. Kenneth Alonso The Mills Family Mr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson --Mrs. Liana Baldor, in memory INDIANA of Ana Maria & Carlos Sr. Andrea Dealynn Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sandra M. Freeman Caldevilla PC --Mr. & Mrs. Carlos LOUISIANA Baldor, Jr. PC Mr. & Mrs. George LeBlanc Jon & Michelle Barry --Mrs. Trudy Carey MARYLAND Dr. & Mrs. Antonio Castro Adrienne Marra Mr. & Mrs. Charles Corces, --in memory of Charles J. Corces MASSACHUSETTS Dr. & Mrs. Emilio Echevarria Ms. Josephine Petrillo Manny & Aggie Fernandez --Mrs. Leslie Garcia PC NEW JERSEY Mr. & Mrs. Luis Garcia Joseph Phillip, Jr. & Julia Jones Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Amatuzzi Anonymous Mr. James D. Leone Tiziana Anello, M.D. Mark & Heidi Oliva PC

Annual gift of $550

Mr. Fred Mastrogiovanni Mary Joan Collison Ginnie Sitdham Larry & Mary Anne Condit --Ms. Anita Cronk PENNSYLVANIA John J. Eccleston Mr. & Mrs. Brian Clair Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ferrito Ms. Kate Clair Dr. & Mrs. Louis Gambetta PC Barbara (Levings) Hedgecock Joann Giamonco Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski Teresa Gutto Mrs. Eileen Seeburger Vivian Isenberg --Mr. James Lane SOUTH CAROLINA Laura Cosentino Mannarino Mackenzie Clair Mrs. Diva Muller --George & Jeannie Pavlik TENNESSEE Mrs. Christine Peragallo Mr. Terence P. Clair Twinkie & Michael Polizzi PC --E.N. Sarantis VIRGINIA --Mrs. Dominique Faust NEW YORK Karl & Laura Zauner Michael & Jeanette Altamura --Mr. & Mrs. Jack Betwarda WASHINGTON Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Clair Mr. Keiran C. Clair Mrs. Rose Mary Clair Ms. Claire Dell Mr. Walter Lazarcheck Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec --NORTH CAROLINA Mr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard --OHIO Dale & Lynda Kovach In memory of

Partners Circle “Quarter Century Club” CALIFORNIA Sophia Suda Rev. Paula T. Webb --CONNECTICUT Anonymous Mrs. Eileen G. Hahnenkratt Mr. Patrick J. Waide, Jr. --FLORIDA Amanda Clair Kurt & Laura Badertscher Mr. & Mrs. Edward Gomez, Jr. Amy & Kevin Jarman Mr. & Mrs. John Mangin, Jr. 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 Julie Caucino Collins & Hogan Families Mr. & Mrs. David Hess Msgr. Raymond Kupke

12 • Partners in Giving • Volume 31 • Issue 4

Annual gift of $250

Theodore & Lynda Leo Ms. Mary Bernadette Mazauskas Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Nowak Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Obetz Mrs. Mary Ann Ryan Anna & Richard Spalckhaver Maura & Michael Testa Karla T. Villarin Mr. Edward M. Zambrano --NEW YORK Mr. Patrick Clair Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Collison Mr. & Mrs. Charles Curcio Megan & J.T. Hunt

Ms. Peggeann Larywon Mrs. Carolyn Mesler --OHIO Anonymous --PENNSYLVANIA Bernadette & Fred Cairoli --SOUTH CAROLINA Elizabeth Craig & Michael Reeves, Jr. --TENNESSEE Robert & Kathleen Greenwell

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

Dear Friends: A message from Sister Joanne

Summer musings and life lessons

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ow that life is regaining some normalcy, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to meet with the Sisters in person and once again share celebrations with our friends and benefactors. During the summer months, we had several celebrations that show us how God answered our prayers for vocations.

In the last issue we shared with you about our Jubilarians. Their testimony of faith and perseverance are certainly an inspiration to us all.

Relationships. As religious we have dedicated our life to God and the Church for the salvation of souls. To do that we need to have a special relationship with Jesus and Mary, the Sisters we live with, and those whom we serve. How do we nourish our relationships? For God it is through spending quality time with Him throughout the day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes, letting Him know what is on our mind and in our heart. These are the same methods we use to nourish our relationships with our family and friends.

In August, we have our various ceremonies for the young women in Communication. We have so many Initial Formation: Entrance into the means of communication at our Novitiate, Renewal of Vows, and First disposal, yet these days we are the least and Perpetual Professions. All of these communicative. We share information, ceremonies happen between August 2-5.

YouTube videos and the like, but never They are days of a lot of prayer, gratitude seem to “share” on a deeper level with to God, and celebration, but they aren’t one another. Real communication is not the end of the story. Each young woman “God has given so much about “talking” all the time, who joins us is on a journey that she but about “listening” to what others are must continue for the rest of her life, each of us gifts saying or not saying. When we really building her continual “yes” to God, communicate with one another, we are to be used for moment by moment, day by day; a “yes” also growing in our relationships. we commemorate in a big way at Jubilees, His Glory.” and in small ways by supporting each Service. God has given each of us gifts other as Sisters in community (more on to be used for His glory, no matter what it is. As I meet these celebrations in the next Partners in Giving). different people, I see the many gifts and talents they use for others. We have those who are great with music, This summer, I had a beautiful experience with our sewing, cooking, even cleaning. Others are great in their Sisters preparing for their Final Vows. Normally, fields of medicine, law, sales, finance, or teaching. St. our Sisters travel to Italy to join many of the Sisters Paul reminds us, “If your gift is to encourage others, from around the world who are also preparing for be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God this big step in their vocational journey. They attend has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility conferences that enrich their understanding of seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to religious life, as well as visit the historical places where others, do it gladly” (Romans 12:8). These gifts, to me, our Institute began in Mornese and Turin, Italy. Due are among the greatest to share with those in need. to the pandemic, traveling overseas was not possible, so we did the next best thing and ran the program at As we continue our summer and prepare for a new Sacred Heart Center and Novitiate in Newton, NJ. school year, I assure you of my daily prayer. Please Using Zoom, from July 1-26, we had various speakers pray for me and for our Sisters who begin a new from our Province and from our General Council in ministerial chapter in a world forever changed by the Rome (the Sisters who are our international leaders), pandemic, but forever in need of the message of God’s including our Mother General, Mother Yvonne. love. God bless!

As I reflected on the conferences, I realized that what – Sr. Joanne Holloman, FMA, is the Superior we were hearing was not only for religious life, but for of the Province of St. Joseph life in general. And so, I share a few points with you: Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2021 • 13

Memorials

A Love That Lasts Forever

Received between June 1 & July 31, 2021 Sr. Inez Molano, FMA Mrs. Anita Giannini Mr. & Mrs. Tony Witczak

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:

Joseph “Joe” Garcia Ms. Evelyn G. Futch Mr. Rick Fee Ms. Catherine McEwen Ms. Kathleen A. Betancourt Joe Guidry & Lenora Lake-Guidry Mr. & Mrs. Frank Menendez The Aprile Family Rivero Gordimer & Company Mr. & Mrs. Alfonso A. Dato Mr. Ralph Lavandera, Jr. Mrs. Cecile Burnett James Mr. Michael S. Guarnieri Ms. Linda Scull Ms. Denise Genise Mr. Joseph Tomaino Mr. Djar Holmes Christina & David McAleer Mary O’Flaherty Mrs. Teresa Gutto Giustina “Chris” Morabito Mr. Rudolph V. Morabito Mr. & Mrs. Sam Morabito Mr. Rudolph V. Morabito Maureen O’Halloran Mr. Gregory Blazinski Mr. Charles G. Treloar

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Carella Mr. Rudolph V. Morabito Sophie “Sue” Mitsch Mr. Leonard Roginski Mr. & Mrs. John Osterlitz Ms. Lia Tearno Mr. George Stanwick Susan L. Capeci Mr. John Capeci, Sr. Sebastian Greco Ms. Ann Marie Torcicollo Carmela Greco Ms. Ann Marie Torcicollo Jean Eissman Mrs. Ann Marie Grady Jack O’Meara Donald & Lois Whipple Rebecca Gibby Mr. & Mrs. George Reber Barbara Ramsay Mr. & Mrs. Richard C. Anderson, Sr. D. Suzy Gumm Maureen Miller Mr. & Mrs. Richard Crater Dr. Edward Guy III & Mrs. Sherry Guy Diana Clark Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Burke

Name

Tributes

Address

Received between June 1 & July 31, 2021

My Name Address Detach & mail in the enclosed envelope.

Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS

14 • Partners in Giving • Volume 31 • Issue 4

Sr. Fanny Florez, FMA Ms. Elizabeth Bogert Sr. Mary Anne Zito, FMA Mrs. Laura Mannarino Sr. Domenica Di Peri, FMA 75th Anniversary Mrs. Laura Mannarino

Sr. Louise Passero, FMA 65th Anniversary Mrs. Laura Mannarino Sr. Carmela Termine, FMA 60th Anniversary Mrs. Laura Mannarino

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

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BACK IN THE DAY

very year on August 5, Salesian Novices take their First Vows, a major step forward on their decadelong vocational journey to become Salesian Sisters. Here’s the class of 1964 in Newton, NJ, wearing the distinctive old habits with the white “guimpe” in front. Among the Sisters you may recognize are (l-r) Sr. Mary Terzo, Sr. Guadalupe Medina, Sr. Mary Rinaldi, Emma Connelly, Sr. Lillian Roy, Sr. Adelina Gastaldo, Sr. Mary Mullaly, Sr. Grace Ruiz (who passed away this year), Marta Marie Lagace, and Sr. Guadalupe Arroyo.

We received some lovely letters from former campers about the Camp Auxilium photo in the last edition. Peter Curcio identified his late mother, Alma Coppola (circled).

Marjorie (Opperman) Di Benedetto recalled, “I attended Camp Auxilium for six funfilled, Mary-centered, friendship-centered, caring-centered and creative-centered years!

I am indebted to those wonderful Salesian Sisters and Novices back in the day for the devotion I have to our Blessed Mother and the Rosary! I remember the Salesian Sisters every day in my prayers!”

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2021 • 15

SALESIAN SCHOOLS !

VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, Tampa, FL – Students in the Summer Enrichment Program transformed into thespians for a day, acting out a Greek myth about Odysseus and designing sets for each scene. Ready to take their bows are fifth-graders Mia Mittag, Nora Riffer, and Jennifer Ramirez, and eighthgraders Domenica DeMayo and Arianna Torres.

ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, Marrero, LA – Just in time for a new school year, the Academy celebrated the completion of the new track on campus with a Blessing and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on July 1. “The completion of this project is another step in continuing to provide a multifaceted institution of learning for the young women of the Westbank,” says Sr. Michelle Geiger, principal. “This track provides a safe place here at home for our young people to meet as friends and grow in body and spirit.” Above, Fr. Steve Ryan, SDB; Associate Superintendent Dr. Mark Williams; and Academy Athletic Director Ken Marroccoli led a group of students and community members on the track for the first official inaugural lap.

16 • Partners in Giving • Volume 31 • Issue 4

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

Salesian School Alumni Spotlight

Mary Help grad returns as Head of School

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he old saying, “You can’t go home again,” does not apply to Sr. Colleen Clair. The 1988 graduate of Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, is returning to her alma mater this fall as the new Head of School. Sr. Colleen has been a Salesian Sister for 29 years and has held a variety of positions, including Vocations Director and, most recently, principal of St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, NJ. Her brother, Dennis, is chairman of the board of the Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle.

on a trampoline! Those sights made me realize I was in a school quite unlike my grammar school, where life would always surprise me – and that’s how it was. In fact, the surprises of God still take my breath away!

You come from a large family.

I do! I’m number 14 of 16 children. My parents, as people of faith, agreed that when they married, they would welcome any Sr. Colleen Clair today, child God entrusted to them. and in Mary Help’s They thought six would be a lot Class of 1988 yearbook. at first, but God decided to send them 16. I always say, I’m glad they didn’t stop at 10!

When did you first encounter the Salesian Sisters?

I first met the Sisters at Mary Help. I thought, because they were in habit, and the nuns at my grammar school were not, that the Salesians would be very strict with students, because they were so strict with themselves. I learned, later on, that they were just being true to one of their mottos, “Work and Temperance” – doing their best to win souls with kindness, while holding themselves to a high standard of excellence.

What was your time at Mary Help like?

I was a commuter, traveling back and forth from Suffern, NY each day (35 miles roundtrip!). At first, I did not want to go to Mary Help. I was “forced” by my parents, and had to work to pay the tuition for my Catholic high school, as was expected of all of my siblings. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that Mary Help was a great school that my parents had chosen for me and three of my sisters.

I remember walking into the gym on the first day and seeing a Sister shoot a basketball. I thought, “Wow – Sistah got game!” I also saw a nun jumping

How did God draw you to become a Salesian Sister?

Sr. Mary Jackson puts it best: “The first step in being a Sister is NOT wanting to be a Sister!” I think the same was true for me.

But I grew into the idea after being at Mary Help. I realized that human motherhood rightly limits your ability to serve, because your first priority has to be your husband and children. As a Sister, I felt I could be a mother to many more.

After graduation, I decided to give religious life a try, and here I am!

What has been your greatest joy as a Sister?

That’s a hard question, because there are so many.

I’ve been a Salesian Sister for almost 30 years. In that time, I’ve always said “yes” to whatever has been asked of me, and this has always brought me joy. I’ve discovered talents I didn’t know I had, and developed skills that would likely have gone unearthed and undeveloped had I not been a Sister.

The greatest joy for me has been living with women I feel I am unworthy to live with, women much saintlier than me, and working with kids who are often smarter and holier than I am. St. John Bosco said that if people knew the joy of religious life, they would be knocking down the doors to get into our houses. He wasn’t wrong!

What do you look forward to as the new Head of School of the Academy from which you graduated?

I look forward to growing Mary Help, and growing from being at Mary Help. I can only hope to embody the simplicity of life the Salesian Sisters demonstrated to me, and to love the girls as much as we were loved!

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2021 • 17

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e did it! Suspended in 2020 and made virtual due to the pandemic, in-person Salesian Camps resumed this summer in New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, and Florida. The smiles on the faces of the boys and girls on these pages speak volumes! More than 2,000 children enjoyed a fun, safe, and wholesome camp experience, thanks to your generosity. In fact, we were were able to, once again, reach our goal of matching a $50,000 donation. Now on to the new school year!

Sr. Elfie Del Rosario

Sr. Joo Yun Park

Sr. Christina Chong

Sr. Guerline Joseph Sr. Rachel Lauritsen Sr. April Cabacang

Sr. April Hoffman Sr. Hae-Jin Lim Sr. Carmen Morales

Please “Give Us This Day”!

An exchange of love

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s there a better gift than a day of prayer? Do you have a happy occasion you would like to share?

The Salesian Sisters will celebrate with you. Is it a time to commemorate a less-than-happy occasion? Let the Sisters help. Do you have someone to thank? All of us will multiply this gratitude to that special person.

Then please “Give Us This Day”!

Any and every event or person or situation that merits special attention will be publicized on a bulletin board outside our chapel on your special day. All the Sisters, on that day, will pray for that person/event and for the person who requests prayers for the day. In turn, your donation will support the Sisters’ endowment fund.

Our Lord has assured us, “Where two or three are gathered in My Name, I am among them.” What better assurance can we have? Let this exchange of prayer be an example of our concern and love for one another.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Give Us This

Day

Enjoying the Jubilee lunch are (from rear) Sr. Katie Flanagan, Sr. April Cabacang, and Sr. Susi Mamani.

Please give us this day/these days in 2021 or 2022 in honor of my special request(s):

Please detach and mail this form in the enclosed envelope.

Thank you!

20 • Partners in Giving • Volume 31 • Issue 4

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

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uring the month of July, Salesian Sisters preparing to profess their Final Vows either this year or next year gathered in Newton, NJ for what is called the “Second Novitiate.” This is a special time of prayer, formative talks, and an opportunity to reflect on the upcoming “big step” each Sister is taking in making her “Forever Yes” through perpetual religious vows. It wasn’t all work, however – Sisters even made time for a boat race in the swimming pool!

The Sisters who professed their Perpetual Vows on August 5 (that’s the day in 1872 when St. Mary Mazzarello professed her vows before St. John Bosco) are Sr. Christina Chong, Sr. Lillian Foxx, Sr. Hae-Jin Lim, and Sr. Myriam Meus. The Sisters who are preparing for Perpetual Vows on August 5, 2022 are Sr. April Cabacang, Sr. Katie Flanagan, and Sr. April Hoffman.

Please remember these Sisters in your prayers, as well as all of our women in formation. Stay tuned for photos of the Perpetual Profession in the next issue!

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“Come & See” visit was held July 16-18 at Sacred Heart Spirituality Center in Newton, NJ for young women discerning Salesian religious life. The first held since the pandemic lockdown, the weekend offered an opportunity to share in our community life, prayer, meals, and fun, while getting a peek at our mission at Camp Auxilium. More opportunities for young women to come visit us and get to know our charism better are upcoming! For more information, please e-mail Sr. Theresa Lee: happynun@gmail.com.

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Late Summer 2021 • 21

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n Toronto, Canada, these refugees from Africa have good reason to smile, thanks to the generosity of VIDES (Volunteers in Development, Education, & Solidarity). Guided by Sr. Jeanine Landry, FMA and led by vice-president Bernadette Amam, VIDES hosted a clothing and household good distribution in the parking lot of St. Benedict Parish in mid-July.

Toronto is known for its diverse immigrant population, and the drive was especially directed towards helping recent female African refugees, in collaboration with a religious organization in Toronto called “Becoming Neighbors.” Once a week the women meet with Sr. Jeanine and a VIDES member at St. Benedict’s for practical and spiritual support and formation, making vital personal connections that were not possible during the pandemic when meetings were held via Zoom.

All she could do was smile when diehard San Francisco Giants fan, Sr. Maryann Schaefer, found herself surrounded by New York Yankee legends, outfielder Roy White and pitcher “Goose” Gossage!

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n, July 12, a Salesian Sister, Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, FMA, the Under-Secretary of the Holy See Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, participated in a panel discussion at the 2021 United Nations High-Level Political Forum. Entitled “Faith Without Borders: Partnerships of Governments and Catholic Organizations to Reduce Inequalities for the Post-Covid Era in Spain,” the event drew a large online audience. It was jointly organized by the Justice Coalition of Religious and REDES/Spain (Network of Entities for Solidarity Development). Sr. Alessandra elaborated on the Vatican’s Covid-19 Commission set up by Pope Francis to respond to the devastating fallout of the pandemic, and discussed issues related to a post-Covid-19 society and world, including ecology, economics, labor, health care, politics, communications, and security. Among the other speakers was Fr. Timothy Zak, SDB, Salesian Provincial.

22 • Partners in Giving • Volume 31 • Issue 4

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

On the Journey with Sister B

Slow down, listen, and treasure the smiles

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used to think I was a hardcore introvert, but a year and a half of the pandemic has convinced me otherwise. Weeks spend in quarantine made me miss the company of others as much as I long for air when I hold my breath for too long. It took being locked away from others for me to realize that people are one of the places where I most experience God’s Presence.

As I am a convert, I often wonder why I had the good fortune of being invited by God to become a Catholic.

I could have become any religion, or none at all, but what I was drawn to was the Catholic faith. One of many reasons for that involved a positive experience of Catholic community in the Catholic school I attended for grades 7 and 8. Whenever I visit my hometown, I reminisce about the lay faculty whose dedication to make the school a safe and welcoming place for everyone gave me a chance to discover not only God, but myself as well.

born into families, as imperfect as they may be, that each reflect in some way the Trinitarian love of God, Who is constantly giving and receiving a love that generated and holds in existence all of Creation.

The pandemic ripped away from us the convenient communities we had built at our jobs and parishes.

Zoom meetings replaced in-person encounters, as we pushed the limits of technology and innovated new ways to connect, we realized perhaps there were better ways to structure our lives, instead of on the “9 to 5” grind most of us had numbed ourselves to. Now I find myself being more intentional about connecting with others, slowing down and listening more deeply; treasuring “When I choose to the smiles, stories, and little moments connect with others, of encounter through which we build not convenient communities, but God is revealed intentional ones, united through our anew.” faith in Christ and, for me, a common vocation with my fellow Sisters.

Catholic school was the first place my voice and intelligence were fostered and respected. Students were held to a higher standard of behavior, where kindness and forgiveness were not an optional approach to life, but the very foundation of the community. I remember, for some reason, wanting to take part in the annual Christmas play (highly unusual for me, as I sorely detest acting), and the most popular girl in the class actively campaigned for me to get one of the starring roles. I discovered that when you give another person encouragement and support, they are capable of doing things they never imagined they could do on their own. My peers, angsty teenagers as I was, were also the first disciples of Jesus I ever encountered, and each, in their own way, showed me that belief in something, Someone, greater can give life a beautiful and dynamic strength not found elsewhere.

My prayer each day is to embrace the opportunities for connection with others that I formerly let pass me by in favor of getting something done or choosing what felt more comfortable. I now experience those moments when I choose connection as a moment when God is revealed anew, the same God Who touched my heart in Catholic school all those years ago and Who continues to call me each day through my Sisters, family, friends and young people with whom I journey on the way to Heaven. Step by step, I believe we will get there, but never alone, for the path we trod has been walked by many Saints, but was first laid out by Jesus, the Creator of all community and all love. May we match our steps to His, and choose connection, for in those moments we touch Heaven and bring it to earth.

God created us to be a part of a community. We are 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 • Late Summer 2021 • 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

ongratulations to the 32 graduates of the Class of 2021 of Mary Help of Christians Academy! “While this time of Covid-19 certainly had its struggles, I truly feel like it brought out the best in us,” said Valedictorian Victoria Karcz (circled). “It was a time to explore who we are and who we would like to become. It was a time of sacrificial love and of social change. I am certain we will all change the world someday!”