Partners in Giving - Christmas 2023

Sr. Kathleen Deighan, FMA, joins the “Saints” of the Second Grade at Corpus ChristiHoly Rosary School in Port Chester, NY

P artners in G ivin G Christmas 2023 salesiansisters.org

Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s letter Dear Friends, It was a Saturday in January 1996, and I remember it like it was yesterday. A young man came to the Development Office to install a fax machine (remember those?). I knew him and his family well; his Dad had founded the Salesian Sisters Partners Circle five years earlier. He expressed an interest in our humble black-and-white, 12-page magazine, Partners in Giving. The rest, as they say, is history.

With this issue, Dr. Joe McAleer closes a remarkable 28-year run as our Editor. He volunteered his time and talent six times a year to bring you a top-notch chronicle of our Salesian life and mission. You’ll read more about him in Sr. Brittany’s column on page 23.

For now, on behalf of Salesian Sisters present and past, I offer heartfelt thanks, prayers, and very best wishes.

Dr. Joe has done us proud in his swan song issue, with festive coverage of our Autumn Gala (pages 3-7) and the Thanksgiving Basket (pages 16-17).

Save the Date!

Saturday, February 3, 2024 Grove Nights 1958

benefiting Immaculata-La Salle High School on its 65th anniversary The Cruz Building, Coconut Grove, Miami, FL. For more information, call 305-854-2334, ext. 2211, or visit www.ilsroyals.com/grovenights

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year!

Thank you for supporting the Sisters and our mission throughout this year. Blessings to you and your loved ones this Christmas and in the New Year!

Peace,

PARTNERS IN GIVING is a bimonthly magazine published by the

Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Development Office 659 Belmont Avenue North Haledon, NJ 07508 Telephone: (973) 904-0102 Toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS E-mail: partners@salesiansisters.org Website: www.salesiansisters.org Social Media: https://linktr.ee/salesiansisters Federal Tax ID: 22-6043753

2 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 6

Editorial Board Dr. Joe McAleer, Editor Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of Development Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA, Editorial Manager Theresa Anderson and Anna Anderson, Copy Editors © 2023 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

Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA. joins in the jubilation at the 20th annual Autumn Gala!

In support of Mary Help of Christians Academy

Three cheers for a marvelous Autumn Gala!

T

he 20th annual Mary Help of Christians Academy Autumn Gala was truly a night to remember! More than 200 guests gathered on November 29 at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ, to honor the Muller-Swartzberg families for their legacy of service and charity, following in the footsteps of their matriarch, Diva Muller, who started the Academy’s Financial Aid Fund.

The Academy also awarded its inaugural “Alumnae of Distinction Award” to Dr. Odette Harris, MD, MPH. This new award will be given each year to an alumna who has made a positive impact on the world and who serves as a role model for current Academy students as they work towards achieving their dreams.

“What a beautiful evening!” said Pam Swartzberg.

“Mary Help, her students, and the Salesian Sisters sure know how to throw a party! Thank you!”

Special gratitude to the Gala Committee who organized

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Enjoying the evening are Sr. Eileen Joseph, Sr. Christina Chong, and Sr. Ramona Beltré.

a magnificent evening, which raised friends and funds for the Academy Financial Aid Fund.

Enjoy the photos on the following pages. Among the evening’s many highlights was when the Sisters and young people showed everyone their skill in dancing the “Church Clap”!

Partners in Giving • Christmas 2023 • 3

Sr. Mary Rinaldi holds up the award honoring the late Diva Muller for starting the Mary Help Financial Aid Fund.

Three of the five Muller daughters accept Diva’s award: Pamela Swartzberg, Judy Colburn, and Valerie Torkelson.

At left, honoree Dr. Odette Harris smiles with her fellow member of the Class of 1987, Elizabeth Hildago.

At right, honoree Mark Swartzberg with his children, Joshua, Joseph, and Anna.

Sr. Mary Rinaldi joins the Autumn Gala Committee members for a group photo: (seated) Maureen Farley, Sr. Mary, Kathleen Wicklund; (standing) Celia Galimi, Danesa Wojtowicz, Deneen Martinez, Maria Losurdo, Theresa Rehain, Debbie Rohde, Kari Nixon

4 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 6

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Mary Perillo joins Partners Circle Treasurer Mike Guarnieri.

Johanna Juarez (‘09) and her brother Oscar dressed their best!

Above, Mary Help students and Sr. Pamela Rose enjoyed speaking with Dr. Odette Harris and her sister-in-law, Tara Sharp.

Below, enjoying the Gala are Jamie and Carrie Nielsen, Eleanor Rigolosi, and John Capeci.

Head of School, Sr. Kelly Schuster, FMA, visits with Salesian Vocation Director Fr. Steve DeMaio, SDB, and Salesian Province Youth Ministry Delegate, Vicky Weekley.

At left, our students thank you for your support!

At right, Dr. Ron and Mrs. Shelli Rigolosi.

Photos by Mary Raleigh

Dancing Queens!

Above, Sr. Ramona Beltré and Sr. Elfie Del Rosario spin on the dance floor.

Sr. Anne Weis (below) joins students in dancing the “Church Clap,” a festive highlight of the evening!

Jack Ward imitates his Mom, our star auctioneer Erin Ward!

6 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 6

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

Dr. Odette Harris, class of 1987

“Mary Help empowers you to defy the odds” “If you’re here it’s because Our Lady chose you to be here. I really believe that. It’s empowering. If you ever doubt yourself, remind yourself that, ‘I was chosen to be here. I belong.’ Knowing that helped get me through many challenges.”

S

o said Dr. Odette Harris, Mary Help of Christians Academy class of 1987 and recipient of the inaugural “Alumnae of Distinction Award,” to students on November 29 as she recalled her journey from high-school student to neurosurgeon (right).

Students who have expressed an interest in the medical field (below) were engaged as Dr. Harris talked about

her life as an immigrant from Jamaica who thought of herself as shy until she came to Mary Help, and soon found herself in leadership positions on Student Council and National Honor Society. A glance at the 1984-1987 yearbooks reveals a young woman who was always smiling, focused on a science project, tuning a violin, delivering a rousing speech in a Forensics competition, or participating in a cheer.

Dr. Harris attended Dartmouth College, where she completed a B.A. in Biology. She went on to Stanford University School of Medicine. The first AfricanAmerican woman in neurosurgery, she is currently

the Paralyzed Veterans of America Endowed Professor of Spinal Cord Injury Medicine and Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford; the Vice Chair, Diversity; and the Director of Brain Injury.

Asked her advice for current students, Dr. Harris offered, “You can be super smart and be normal. One of the great things about going to a school like Mary Help is that it empowers you to defy the odds. You can surmount those odds and be successful. You can face them and succeed. Be empowered! Remind yourself that you went to Mary Help. The odds don’t matter.”

T

he Salesian Sisters hosted a popular booth at this year’s National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, IN. With a design featuring St. John Bosco’s dream of the “Two Pillars” of Our Lady and the Eucharist, the Sisters (including Vocation Directors Sr. Sydney Moss and Sr. Elfie Del Rosario, above) and interested adults (even Bishop Lou Tylka of Peoria, IL, above!) took turns sitting in a dunk tank filled with plastic balls! The young people had a great time trying their hand at dunking the Sisters and then getting to know more about the Salesian charism. More than 10,000 young people attended from all over the U.S. Sr. Elfie and Sr. Amy Nguyen (right) later visited the Archdiocese of Atlanta, GA to promote vocations. They were blessed to meet many wonderful young people at St. Pius X High School, Kennesaw University, Borromeo Discernment House, and the Cathedral of Christ the King. They even met Bishop John Nhàn Trần, a Salesian past pupil and an auxiliary bishop of Atlanta.

8 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 6

Truly, there are many young people who are open and interested in hearing more about Salesian life! Are you one of them, or do you know someone? Sr. Elfie would love to talk to you! E-mail happynun@gmail.com.

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

T

he Salesian Sisters Partners Circle was founded in 1991 to provide unrestricted funds for urgent needs of the Salesian Sisters and their mission. These include support for capital needs, scholarship assistance, technology upgrades, and funds for those unforeseen situations that require immediate attention. 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.

3 2nd

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 four 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 emter our 33rd year? 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 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

INDIANA FLORIDA Mr. & Mrs. Judson Church Mr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor Patricia Connors --Lydia & John Oliva MASSACHUSETTS Susan & Jeff Turner Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair PC ----NEW YORK NEW JERSEY Joseph Batelli Mr. Silvio Alfeo Chris & Gemma Chong Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cangro Al Daloisio, Jr. Beruta Dell’Orto Anthony & Geraldine Dell’Orto Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Scala Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Laino --VIRGINIA Marilyn & Dale Livi Mr. & Mrs. Greg Mueller Mr. Bill McLaughlin Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer Joseph & Rita Weiner

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Welcome

64

new or upgraded Partners Circle Members in 2023!

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 --NEW JERSEY Frank & Rosemary Lupo Family

PENNSYLVANIA Mr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow

Partners in Giving • Christmas 2023 • 9

Partners Circle “Founders” Annual gift of $2,200 CONNECTICUT Christina & David McAleer PC --DELAWARE Maria Sturchio --FLORIDA Ms. Caroline Barnhill Anne & John Bedlek Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Clark Anthony & Diana Ekonomou Maria Restrepo Forte Robert Nocek --NEW JERSEY Mr. Robert Eliseo Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hofmann Mrs. Kathleen Medore The O’Halloran Family

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Papetti Andrelisa Michel & Michael Russo --NEW YORK Jordon Carroll --NORTH CAROLINA Mr. Sean Nassoly --PENNSYLVANIA In Loving Memory of Sr. Adeline Salvetti, FMA --SOUTH CAROLINA Tom & Laurie Aldinger

Partners Circle “Benefactors” Mr. Fredy Padovan ARIZONA Gene & Linda Perez Mrs. Ann Marie Forster John & Diann Pinkowski --Mr. & Mrs. Charles CALIFORNIA Ramsey, Jr. Mary & Robert Obenberger Rudy Rodriguez Mr. & Mrs. Donald Onken ----MASSACHUSETTS COLORADO Mr. & Mrs. Neil Holmes Jamie & Paul Condit Mr. & Mrs. Ted Reading ----CONNECTICUT NEW JERSEY Linda & Peter Christiansen PC Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Amatuzzi Fabrizio & Barbara Zichichi Mrs. Theresa Cannarozzi --Mr. & Mrs. James Cavaluzzi FLORIDA Ms. Debi F. Debiak, Esq. Mrs. Bernadine Ayer Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Della Cerra Mrs. Liana Baldor, Mr. & Mrs. Martin Flemming in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Tom Furey Carlos & Ana Maria Baldor Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Mr. Daniel J. Bardauskis Miss Mary Jean Hayek Joseph & Claudine Caballero PC James Construction Rick & Patti Caldevilla PC Company, Inc. Mrs. Patricia Driscoll Michael & Mary Losurdo Dr. Giacomo & Judy Guggino Mr. Joseph Massood Aida Yglesias Jurado Mrs. Faith Menard Greg & Lori Korte Mary Ann Munson Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf Dr. & Mrs. Wayne Obetz Mr. & Mrs. Rob Obbink Robert & Constance Sumas Ms. Marianne O’Doherty

10 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • 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

Mrs. Carolyn Young --NEW YORK Jo Ann & Joseph Caracappa Paul & Stephanie Gerardi Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri --PENNSYLVANIA Mr. & Mrs. Glen Berdela Ms. Kate Clair Msgr. Robert Carroll

Dr. Allyson & Mr. Kevin Hardy Mrs. Eileen Seeburger --TENNESSEE Patty & Dan Clair

Partners Circle “Associates” Annual gift of $825

CONNECTICUT Mr. Michael Guarnieri PC 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 --NEW YORK Anonymous --VIRGINIA Dr. Evelyn Garcia & Michael Maurer

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

Partners Circle “Members” CALIFORNIA Joanne & Geraldine Rizzuto --CONNECTICUT Mr. Edward F. Goin Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Mosey --FLORIDA Dr. Kenneth Alonso Theresa & Mark Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Baldor, Jr. PC Dr. Stephanie A. Canada Mrs. Trudy Carey Mr. & Mrs. Charles Corces, in memory of Charles J. Corces Dr. & Mrs. Emilio Echevarria Manny & Aggie Fernandez Mrs. Leslie Garcia PC Joseph Phillip, Jr. & Julia Jones Mr. James D. Leone Kelly Barcia Nunez PC Mark & Heidi Oliva PC Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Reynolds Rudy Rodriguez Hon. & Mrs. E.J. Salcines Ron Yates

GEORGIA Mr. Charles Fantauzza Mrs. Brooke McDonald --ILLINOIS The Mills Family The Rangel Family --LOUISIANA Mr. & Mrs. George LeBlanc --MARYLAND Adrienne & Albert Marra --MASSACHUSETTS Amanda Clair Mr. Xavier Clair --NEW JERSEY Tiziana Anello, M.D. Mrs. Rose Bielicki Mrs. Regina Calcagno Christus Vincit, Christus Regnat, Christus Imperiat Larry & Mary Anne Condit Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J. Dunn Mr. & Mrs. Clement Farley

Annual gift of $550

OHIO Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ferrito Anonymous Dr. & Mrs. Lou Gambetta PC Dale & Lynda Kovach Joann Giamonco In memory of Vivian Isenberg Mr. Fred Mastrogiovanni Mr. James Lane --Laura Cosentino Mannarino PENNSYLVANIA Riley Obetz Joseph & Joyce Boyle & Corrinne Rieser Mr. & Mrs. Brian Clair George & Jeannie Pavlik Mr. Brennan Obetz Mrs. Christine Peragallo Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski Twinkie & Michael --Polizzi PC SOUTH CAROLINA --Mackenzie Clair NEW YORK --Michael & Jeanette Altamura TENNESSEE Mr. & Mrs. Jack Betwarda Pat & Terence Clair Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Clair --Ms. Claire Dell UTAH The Esposito Family Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Greene Dr. Elizabeth Sledden Dybell --Ms. Lena Huang VIRGINIA Mr. Walter Lazarcheck Mrs. Dominique Faust Mr. Joseph V. Miressi --Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec WASHINGTON --Mr. Keiran C. Clair NORTH CAROLINA The Hasher Family

Partners Circle “Quarter Century Club” Annual gift of $250 CALIFORNIA Patrick & Kasia Gorman --CONNECTICUT Anonymous Mrs. Eileen G. Hahnenkratt Mrs. Concetta Luppino --DELAWARE Mr. & Mrs. Stevan Csanady --FLORIDA Kurt & Laura Badertscher Jon & Michelle Barry Marilyn Collins Brig. Gen. & Mrs. Thomas V. Draude, USMC-Ret. Mr. & Mrs. Patrick C. Duffy Arthur & Maria Fierman Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lebron Joan Palmer John & Pauline Pedrero

Msgr. Raymond Kupke Jim & Rita (Zoppo) Vietmeier Mr. & Mrs. Lindsay Logue --Catherine Miller MARYLAND Gene & Lorraine Signoretti Arina O. Grossu PC Anna & Richard Mrs. Josephine Savage Spalckhaver --Maura Sullivan MASSACHUSETTS Maura & Michael Testa Mr. Seamus Clair Denise & Ken Trynosky --Mr. Eugene Veltri MISSOURI Ms. Joanne Williams Jim Weis Mr. & Mrs. Steven Wojtowicz --Mr. Edward M. Zambrano NEW JERSEY --Anonymous NEW YORK Julie Caucino Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Clair Collins & Hogan Families Mr. & Mrs. Charles Curcio Mr. & Mrs. Raymond P. The Halling Family Corbett Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cronrath Maria DaGrossa-Hanna PC Ms. Peggeann Larywon Ms. Patrice Enyart Mrs. Carolyn Mesler Mr. & Mrs. Paul Galimi Madeleine & Rene Perrin PC Mr. & Mrs. David Hess

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

NORTH CAROLINA Chester & Monica Michewicz --PENNSYLVANIA Bernadette & Fred Cairoli Mr. Pangor Cycles Mr. & Mrs. William Hayes --SOUTH CAROLINA Ed & Luciann Slomkowski --VIRGINIA Mr. & Mrs. Michael Deighan Wanda & Michael Pomatto Mrs. Shannon Whitmore --WISCONSIN Mr. & Mrs. Conor Clair

Partners in Giving • Christmas 2023 • 11

In the New Year

Please Adopt a Sister!

P

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.

Sr. Fanny Florez celebrates her 92nd birthday with Sr. Carmela Termine.

Whether the Adopted Sister is for yourself, a family member, or a friend in need of spiritual strength, you will find comfort knowing that your intentions will be remembered each day by your spiritual prayer partner, and your sacrificial gift will support our elderly Sisters.

It makes the PERFECT gift, especially for a wedding, birthday, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Christmas – any occasion!

Simply complete the form below, call (877) OUR-NUNS, toll-free, or visit www.salesiansisters.org. Thank you, and God bless you!

CVV: _____________

12 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 6

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

Dear Friends & Partners: A message from Sr. Colleen

The greatest of these is LOVE

T

he last time I wrote, I said we would explore the topic of hope. We’ve arrived at the final Theological Virtue: Love.

St. Paul said that love is the greatest of these three virtues – faith, hope, and love. “So faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor 13:13). Only love will remain with us in Heaven.

(We will no longer need faith; we will see God, “face to face,” and we will no longer need to hope in the mercy of God, as we will have experienced it first-hand.)

Love in its truest sense is about self-giving. Often, though, people – especially young people – associate love with self-gratification. The greatest joy derived from love is in giving – as parents and caregivers know so well from their Christmas morning gift-giving activity.

from them; these were women who embodied selfless giving, which was manifested in their profound and constant joy!

I can’t help but think of Sr. Gerard Barattino, at 80-something years old, going to find my nieces and nephews, who were running around in our house in North Haledon. She wanted nothing more than to give them candy, bring them to visit Jesus in the chapel, and spend time with them.

Sr. Carmen Peña also comes to mind. She would come around and find those of us who were teachers up till all hours of the night correcting papers and watching CSI or Law & Order. Most superiors would have sent us One time in high school, I “St. John Bosco gave us a to bed, and maybe offered a remember talking with my What did she do?

Dad about marriage, and I reminder about loving the young: scolding.

She came in, sat down, took said something like, “Well, ‘Young people must not only a red pen, and asked for the each one has to give their part. answer key. THAT felt like Each spouse should contribute be loved; they must KNOW true love in action – because it 50%.” was. These Sisters knew how they are loved.’” to make us feel loved!

I will never forget my father’s answer. “No,” he said, “If that St. John Bosco gave us a reminder about loving the were the case, there would only be 100%, but for two young: “Young people must not only be loved; they people, there should be 200%. Each partner needs to must KNOW they are loved.” Don Bosco placed love at give 100%.” the very heart of his whole educational system, called “The Preventive System.” In fact, this system includes I remember my shock at recognizing that I thought three main components: Reason, Religion, and Loving 50% was giving your all!

Kindness. St. John Bosco knew what all of us knew when we were in school: we would do anything for the Later in life, looking at Sisters like Sr. Marie Therese teachers who loved us. As Aspirants and young Sisters Lebranche, who was the cook in our house when I was in schools, we knew how much these Sisters loved us, an aspirant, and Sr. Anita Durocher, who took care of and we would have done anything for them – and we our laundry, I got a sense from them of what giving still would – because of the lasting power of love.

100% looks like. These Sisters were in “with two feet”!

They had signed up to work with the young as their I leave you in the heart and hands of Our Lady, and goal, yet they never complained about all the housework wish you a most blessed Christmas and a happy, they did. They never conveyed any anxiety about having healthy New Year! to stay up late and make a special breakfast, or spend extra time doing sheets after a provincial gathering.

– Sr. Colleen Clair, FMA, is the Superior They were more than willing to scrub pots or mop of the Province of St. Joseph the floors. There was never a complaint or grumbling Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Christmas 2023 • 13

Memorials

A Love That Lasts Forever

Received between October 7 and December 4, 2023

You can honor a cherished relative or friend with an everlasting gift of love – a memorial or tribute.

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.

Sr. Catherine Novo, FMA Mrs. Henrietta A. Lovelock Mrs. Dominique Faust Mr. & Mrs. Robert Obenberger Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Devanney Sr. Kathy Keane, FMA Mrs. Sharon A. Snapp Anna Alfano Mrs. Jennie Moretto James Catillo Fidelians of America Dennis Lane Ms. Doris V. Loverich

The name of your loved one will appear in our Partners in Giving magazine – a priceless gift to those you love.

Lillian DiMartino Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Purcia

Give the gift that lasts forever.

Dr. Bel DeMille Mr. and Mrs. James Apoldo

Enclosed is my Memorial/Tribute Gift of: ____ $25

____ $20

Memorial for Tribute for

____$15

$

Name – DECEASED Name – LIVING

Occasion Please send an acknowledgement to: Name Address My Name Address

Detach & mail in the enclosed envelope.

Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS

Luigi Marciante, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Luigi Marciante

Mary Frances Lako Dr. Joe McAleer Thomas James Mr. & Mrs. Robert T. Hausler

Tributes Received between Oct. 7 and Dec. 4, 2023 Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, FMA, in anticipation of her 100th birthday Dr. Joe McAleer Sr. Kelly Schuster, FMA, in honor of her final vows Mr. Edward Zambrano Sr. Mary Terzo, FMA Dr. Teresa H. Litchfield, DC

Laura Olsen Mr. Roger S. Olsen

Sr. Margaret Wilhelm, FMA Mr. Joseph McKenna, OFS

Thomas J. Sullivan, Jr. Sullivan Foundation

John Vahey Mr. & Mrs. John Vahey

Walter Pukszta Mrs. Barbara Pukszta

Dr. Joe McAleer The Anderson Family

A Salesian Sister for 73 years

Rest in peace, Sr. Catherine Novo, FMA

O

n October 8, 2023, Sr. Catherine Novo, FMA, died after a long illness. She was 96 years old, and had professed 73 years as a Salesian Sister.

Catherine was born in Turin, Italy, the place where St. John Bosco began his mission with young. While still a young person herself, she worked as a rectory housekeeper to help support her family.

She attended the Oratory youth group of the Salesian Sisters on Sundays, where she enjoyed the games and faith formation.

She was attracted to the life and joy of the Sisters, and eventually became one of them on August 5, 1950.

BACK IN THE DAY

In 1952 Sr. Catherine was sent as a missionary to the United States and then to Pointe Verte, Canada, where she helped establish the first work of the Salesian Sisters. For more than 52 years she was a kindergarten teacher and catechist in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Writing of her many years of serving little children, Sr. Catherine shared, “Working with the little ones in the nursery was my passion. Not only did I teach them, but I loved them so much because I saw Jesus in their faces and in their eyes. It has been a privilege to serve the Lord in this way.”

Sr. Catherine was a woman of tenacious and strong-willed character, full of faith and prayer. In her later years when she could no longer teach or work with children, Sr. Catherine dedicated her energies to the apostolate of the pen through which she was able to comfort, encourage, and bring back to the faith many people who recommended themselves to her fervent prayers.

She was passionate about the Eucharistic Jesus and Mary Help of Christians, and passed on this uncontainable passion to others, both adults and children. What an example for us to follow!

I

n Pointe Verte, Canada, in the early 1950s, Sr. Suzanne Motte welcomes a new vocation, (now Sr.) Claudette Parent, with her mother and a trunk of belongings.

In 1953, the year of the canonization of Mother Mary Mazzarello, the St. Philip the Apostle Province of the Salesian Sisters went international when five Sisters moved across the U.S. border to Canada: Sr. Suzanne, Sr. Joanne Passarelli, Sr. Catherine Novo, Sr. Gabrielle Cottet, and Sr. Antoinette Beltramo. They settled in New Brunswick, near the Bay of Chaleur in the village of Pointe Verte.

Partners in Giving • Christmas 2023 • 15

Supporting Villa Madonna School and the Salesian Youth Center

The Thanksgiving Basket offers thanks to all

T

he 20th annual Thanksgiving Basket fundraiser was held on November 18 in the Salesian Youth Center gymnasium on Villa Madonna School campus in Tampa, FL. Around 350 people came together to celebrate each other’s commitment to helping children and making a difference.

Special recognition was given to Shelton Jones, who has been director of the SYC for more than 25 years.

Once again, Richard Gonzmart and Columbia Restaurant donated the delicious dinner, including passed hors d’oeuvres, ropa rieja, pollo amontillado, black beans, white rice, the famous 1905 salad, and Cuban bread, with flan for dessert.

There were themed baskets with donated items as well as more than 40 silent auction items, including dinner with WWE wrestler Titus O’Neil, a chartered fishing trip for 5, and even a guitar. Lorene Hall-Jennings of Tampa won the $500 Amazon gift card, and Carole DiAddezio of Dover, FL, won the $500 Publix gift card.

Sr. Kim Keraitis presents Shelton Jones with a personalized Thanksgiving cutting board in thanks for his 25+ years running the Salesian Youth Center/Boys & Girls Club.

Below, Adri Colina, Villa alumna, announces basket winners with the help of our hard-working volunteers.

A HUGE thank you to the sponsors and all who helped make this evening possible. Over $110,000 was raised for the Salesian Youth Center and Villa Madonna campus!

Photos courtesy of Vidaroza Photography, Dana Rozance

At right, a happy basket winner, Martha Permuy!

At left, Leslie Garcia surprises Theresa Anderson with a St. John Paul II picture in honor of 20 years of organizing the Thanksgiving Basket fundraiser.

16 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 6

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

At left, a Columbia Restaurant server offers delicious hors d’oeuvres to happy guests.

At right, Arthur Greif is excited to hear his number called as winner of a basket.

Our very special friend from Sou

th Florida

Gerod and Regina Hooper along with their family smile for the camera!

Joseph Anderson delivers a winning basket to Phyllis Ohlson of Chicago, IL, and Lillian Wiebeld of Brandon, FL.

Please “Give Us This Day”!

Our exchange of love

D

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 in your life.

Do you have 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 posted outside our chapel in our retirement home, the St. Joseph Provincial Center. 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.

Sr. Arlene Rubino pushes Sr. Fanny Flores, the popcorn vendors, for their pair costume in the Provincial House costume contest!

Give Us This

Day

Let this gift of time in the New Year be an expression of our concern and love for one another. Know that you are special to us. Our prayers rise daily for you and your dear ones.

Thank you, God bless you, and Merry Christmas!

Please give us this day/these days in 2024 in honor of my special request(s):

Please detach and mail this form in the enclosed envelope.

Thank you!

18 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 6

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

SALESIAN SCHOOLS!

IMMACULATA – LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL, Miami, FL – ImmaculataLa Salle students helped mothers in need with a Baby Bottle Campaign that raised more than $4,000! The students wrote touching letters to expectant mothers to show solidarity and gave monetary donations to assist with ultrasounds, peer counseling, and practical needs. Go Royals!

CORPUS CHRISTIHOLY ROSARY SCHOOL, Port Chester, NY – Building a strong family spirit is a key element of every Salesian school, and Halloween provides a great opportunity to do that. At Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School, the eighth graders took time to help the Pre-K 3 students make Halloween masks. At left, Angel Espada enjoys a few moments with Christina Hern, while above, Andre Chica works with Andrew Cando to create his Halloween mask. It can be seen by their smiles that they all had a great time!

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Partners in Giving • Christmas 2023 • 19

SALESIAN SCHOOLS!

MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, North Haledon, NJ – The brand new Athletic Center was officially opened on November 3, with a ribbon-cutting presided over by Sr. Kelly Schuster, FMA, Head of School (above).

“It’s going to be a great way for all our sports to begin pre-season conditioning, and as well for our physical education class to learn how to properly use all the equipment,” says Sr. Kelly. “Now MHC Academy can come together as a whole and use this new part of our school to strengthen our athletic program and take our game to the next level.

Many athletes are eager to get in there so they can prepare themselves for the competitive sport seasons ahead of them. We thank all those who helped make this dream become a reality!”

Above, Sr. Kelly Schuster, Head of School, leads the happy procession into the newly blessed Athletic Center.

At left, students were eager to get on the equipment and try it out! The watchful eye of the athletic trainer will ensure proper use and progress.

20 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 6

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ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, Hawthorne, NJ – Students participated in Veterans’ Day events that honored servicemen and women of the community. Veterans were invited to a special ceremony featuring prayer, a parade of flags, patriotic songs, and a moving slideshow conducted by principal Sr. Mary Jackson. On November 11, students joined Hawthorne’s Veterans’ Day service, where eighth grader, Kianna Sadati, led the Pledge of Allegiance. “It is our hope that by honoring these local heroes, our children will continue to listen to their stories, understand their great sacrifices, and value their service,” says Sr. Mary.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL, Columbus, OH – Sr. Monique Huart, FMA, and members of the high school’s St. Vincent De Paul Club filled a truck with non-perishable items during their canned food drive.

The young people were excited to help gather food for those in need in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday.

SALESIAN SCHOOLS!

VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, Tampa, FL – Villa Madonna is a School of Rock! Ms. Roxana Rodriguez, Spanish and Performing Arts teacher, worked with the first through fourth grades to teach them how to drum. Using simple buckets and dressing in their very best “rock” outfits, the kids put on an early morning performance for parents in the new Oliva Family Pavilion.

Rock on, Villa Madonna!

Below. Veterans’ Day never disappoints at Villa Madonna. Students in every grade worked hard to put on their best performances for invited Veterans to celebrate them – even our three-year-olds, guided by Sr. Janet Keller, FMA.

On the Journey with Sister B

Making peace, not war, for 28 amazing years

O

ne of the longest single books I ever read (and which most people complain about the length) is Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. At 1,296 pages (in English), it is a hefty volume that sounds the depths of the human experience through multiple characters in Russia at the time of the 1812 Napoleonic Invasion.

For those not interested in history, War and Peace is full of lively quips such as, “Because of the self-confidence with which he had spoken, no one could tell whether what he said was very clever or very stupid.” I can think of several times I could have applied that very sentence to myself.

War and Peace is the kind of novel that engrosses you in the story and then smacks you with insight when you least expect it, leaving you a bit dented but wiser by the last of the 1,296 pages.

With this issue Dr. McAleer completes his service as Editor, and we are sad to see him go. How do you say thank you for 3,888 pages and 162 magazines over those 28 years?

Throughout these 28 years, Dr. McAleer and Sr. Mary Rinaldi have shared with you the story of many ventures in the Province: building projects, new schools, expansions, summer camp sponsorships, tuition appeals, Christmas sweepstakes, Adopt-ASister gatherings, Galas, professions of new Salesian Sisters, and jubilees of those who have remained faithful.

“How do you say thank you for 3,888 pages and 162 magazines over those 27 years?”

I mention the length of War and Peace because I was reflecting on another long volume, namely the 3,888 total pages of Partners in Giving that Dr. Joe McAleer has edited and designed over his 28 years of generous service as our Editor – that’s equivalent to three copies of War and Peace!

Our readers may not realize this, but Dr. McAleer is the mastermind behind the interior appearance, cover layout, and the overall feel of each issue of Partners in Giving. It’s a lot of work and as our team races against the publisher’s deadline with each issue, Dr. McAleer is the one sweating through the technical details that make this magazine possible.

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You’ve responded with your generous financial support that keeps us serving and focused on our mission to young people.

Each person gives what they can to support our mission, and we are so thankful for the talents Dr. Joe McAleer shared with us and which made each issue of Partners in Giving shine.

Going forward, we will strive to offer you a magazine that maintains Dr. McAleer’s standards of excellence and honors his legacy of service with Partners in Giving.

We know that God rewards generously those who are generous with us, so please join us in asking God to bless Dr. McAleer and his family, and please look forward to the next era of Partners in Giving.

– Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA Partners in Giving • Christmas 2023 • 23

Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Province of St. Joseph of the Eastern U.S. & Canada Development Office

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage P A I D Hanover, NH Permit No. 8

T

he Salesian Sisters of the Provincial House in Haledon, NJ, had a great time dressing up on Halloween.

They brought out the costume stash and came up with the most creative costumes – even a U.S. Postal Service airplane! From royalty to honey bees, the Sisters played games, answered trivia questions, and had a costume fashion show. They sure know how to party! Can you identify your favorite Sister?

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