Partners in Giving - Spring 2024

Dear Friends,

A Blessed Easter to you! As I look out the window, I am reminded that life is always ready to burst forth. The crocuses are already up and other flowers are soon to follow. The birds are chirping away and all of creation speaks of the wonder of life!

Here in this edition of Partners in Giving, we learn about several people who are giving the gift of their lives in a variety of ways. Lay volunteer Erin O’Neill reflects on her year of service - living and working alongside the Sisters. And we see the energy and joy of our young people as they journey on through the school year.

As always we thank you for your friendship, your prayers, and your support of our mission to bring Christ to the young. May God bless you and your families abundantly this Easter season.

Blessings and peace,

© 2024 Missionary Society of Salesian Sisters, Inc.

MHC Academy Sweepstake Drawing

North Haledon, NJ Thursday, April 25, 2024

Women’s Retreat Weekend at Sacred Heart Center - Newton, NJ Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2

Mornese Experience Retreat for women ages 18-30 - Newton, NJ Thursday, June 6 - Sunday, June 9

Jubilee Mass and Reception

North Haledon, NJ

Sunday July 14, 2024

Prudence in the Big and Small

Today, let’s begin a discussion of the cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. Unlike faith, hope, and love, these lesser-known virtues help us become, quite simply… good humans who are easy to live with. They also require some measure of wisdom - to practice them, you need to understand the WHY behind what you’re doing.

Since I’ve already listed them, let’s dive right in and start with prudence, and its definition: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. For so many of us, governing our actions is a bit of a challenge. Mastering our speech, and our words, though, … and knowing when to stop speaking is often the most difficult part of prudence. As St. James said, “If anyone does not fall short in speech, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body also.” (James 3:2)

I was blessed to see prudence embodied even before I began living the Salesian life. Growing up, I saw this in my own parents, who innately understood that the

greatest gift any parent can give their children is to love their spouse. They continually chose each other; marriage is one enormous choice, and they understood that it is underpinned by a series of small choices throughout the day - every day. They understood this, and they lived it.

I saw prudence again in my mother after my dad passed away. My mom (“Honey” to her family) had the wisdom to downsize her home, to move to assisted living - even to give up driving without any prompting from her children. Honey reliably made prudent decisions to ensure that her childrens’ lives - both during her life and after her passing - would be easier. Prudence can, indeed, be hard, and you don’t always get to see the long-term effects of your prudent choices.

Once I entered a Salesian house, I discovered that living here is, in many ways, like living with saints. Even saints are human, and they can get irritated from time to time. Even the holiest of us (sometimes especially the holiest of us) can rub others the wrong way. Sister Mary Louise Aguirre had a way of physically reminding others of their call to prudence when she heard something less than loving. Whether hearing about a teacher, a parent, a student or another Sister, she would make the Sign of the Cross over her lips as a personal and public reminder of our call to prudence. This small action was so powerful to witness, both in its silence and its demonstration of personal restraint.

While prudence is not my most salient strength, I, like you, am called to practice it. Seeing others make prudent choices like these serves as a clarion call to embody it myself. I hope it’s an invitation to you, too. Take a few minutes to think about the times you’ve seen others do the prudent thing. If you are willing, feel free to email us at partners@salesiansisters.org to share your stories. Together, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to guide us to prudence and live it in ways both big and small.

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

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

Sister Mary Louise Aguirre with a summer camper

VIDES Has Broadened My Horizons

Ifirst heard about Volunteers in Development, Education, and Solidarity (VIDES) through my roommate at the start of my senior year of college. At the time, my friend knew I was already looking into other service and mission programs, so she suggested I connect with the Salesians and explore the idea of doing VIDES. After learning about the program from Sister Elfie Del Rosario when she came to my college’s Newman Center and then discovering even more about the program from Sister Theresa Lee, I soon found myself applying to VIDES. Everything with the application process went smoothly and in June I found myself on a train from Massachusetts to New Jersey to begin my year with VIDES.

VIDES has helped me to grow more flexible and broaden my experiences. Going into the year, I never would have anticipated being a summer camp nurse, spending a month substitute teaching in Louisiana, or teaching my own Algebra I classes in a New Jersey high school. All of these experiences have pushed me past my comfort zone and helped me learn to be better able to ask for help when I am doing something new for the first time.

Through VIDES, I have also grown in my Salesian identity and spirituality. I’ve learned so much through witnessing how the Sisters interact with young people and from the Preventive System as a whole. As the year has progressed, I have not only learned more about Salesian spirituality and the history of the Salesians, but also how to better turn work done with love into an active prayer.

My contemplative prayer life has also grown through this year. Slowly from the beginning of this year, I have grown from attending daily Mass with the Sisters to also joining them for evening prayer and now being present for morning prayer and meditation. It’s been beautiful to witness and learn from this balance between prayer in action and prayer in the Chapel.

Even from the start of my VIDES experience and in times of stress or feeling so out of my depths, I have felt an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness living and praying with each community of Sisters I have had the privilege to stay with. During the beginning of my experience, I kept rationalizing that anyone would be happy and at peace in the situations in which I found myself. It took time for me to realize this was not the case and that from a logical point of view, some of the situations I found myself in (waking up at 4:35 am to teach History in Louisiana on a 100-degree day) should not have made me happy and at peace.

Eventually, I began actually examining the peace and happiness I had been experiencing and started to seriously consider if the Lord was calling me to religious life. I like to think God used VIDES to “trick” me into discerning, since I doubt I would have come on an official “Come and See” visit if left to my own devices. As a result of my VIDES experience and further prayer and fruitful conversations, I eventually asked for an application, and God-willing I will be entering as an Aspirant this fall.

— Erin O’Neill

Erin celebrates her birthday with the Sisters.

What is Vides?

VIDES (Volunteers In Development, Education, and Solidarity) is a Catholic Volunteer Missioner Program offering opportunities to young adults to share their time, talent, and treasure with a focus on children, youth, and women in poverty and vulnerable situations.

VIDES volunteers walk in solidarity with those they serve and accompany them in creating the necessary conditions for a better quality of life. They hope to help break the vicious cycle of poverty and accompany others to grow in faith as well. VIDES volunteers may be missioned to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, South American,

Who can apply for VIDES?

• Catholic or non-Catholicopen to living in community & living within a religious family

• Ready to uphold Catholic teaching and values as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church

• 21-35 years of age

• US citizen or resident

• Knowledge of language spoken in the mission site

• Attendance at formation/ service camp in January, June or July

Since 1872, the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters) has been a missionary Institute; and since 1987 the Institute has been providing service opportunities through VIDES to young adultsinviting them to be part of their worldwide apostolate.

(See page 20 in this issue, for another story on VIDES.)

• Experience in the desired area of service

Contact happynun@gmail.com for more information.

Central America and North America. Types of service vary and could include teaching in elementary or high schools, assisting at professional training centers, or leading after-school activities.

Left: Sister Christina Chong and Erin O’Neill accompany students from Mary Help of Christians Academy on retreat. Top right: Erin with an alligator in Louisiana, Bottom right: Erin with students from Academy of Our Lady.

Salesian Leadership Retreat

Every March and October, the Salesian Youth Ministry Office of the Salesians of St. John Bosco host Leadership Retreats for high school students across the United States. The five high schools where the Salesian Sisters are present, and the five high schools directed by the Salesian Priests and Brothers are invited to send students that represent the “best of the best” to attend the retreat.

For four days, the young people and their chaperones experience the Oratory as Don Bosco envisioned it. With heartfelt witness talks by their peers, time for adoration and confession, and small group discussions, they learn more about their faith and strenghtening their relationship with Jesus. And of course, they also have plenty of time to run around outside, show some school spirit, and dance with new friends.

“They are part of a family that exists throughout the world and is a large movement within our Church as a whole.”

The retreat is also an opportunity for our Salesian Family to come together, at the service of the young. The Priests, Brothers, Sisters and Cooperators create a family atmosphere so that all the young may feel and know that they are loved. Following the retreat, the young are challenged to go out among their peers to share the Good News. The hope is that these young leaders will be empowered to bring back what they have learned to the rest of their school communities and the world.

Sister Katie Flanagan, Province Delegate for Youth Ministry, who has been on eight Leadership retreats says, “The Leadership Retreats give the young people a sense of community - both with the young people they attended with and the larger Salesian family. That sense of community helps them know they are loved and supported and helps them have the courage to dive deeper into their faith and strive for virtue because they know they’re not alone on that journey. The Leadership Retreats also help them know they are part of something bigger than themselves. It’s not just their own journey of faith, it’s not just what they are trying to accomplish in their schools; but they are part of a family that exists throughout the world and is a large movement within our Church as a whole. So it connects our young people to the Salesian Family and the wider Church family. We want them to dream big; we need their witness in the world today.”

St. Francis De Sales High School Columbus, OH

Immaculata-La Salle High School Miami, FL

Academy of Our Lady

Mary Help of Christians Academy North Haledon, NJ

St. John Neumann High School Naples, FL

All photos on this page

courtesy of Salesian Youth Ministry Office, Macie Weaver

We like to hear from our readers! The Sisters received this beautiful letter from a longtime supporter. Is there anything you would like to see in the Partners in Giving magazine? Any questions you have about the Catholic faith, the Salesian Sisters, or our mission of evangelization of the young? Feel free to email us at: partners@salesiansisters.org. You may be featured on this page!

Nicholas from his Eagle Scout Court of Honor

Mrs. Angela Tillman - A Legend at Villa

Mrs. Angela Tillman, has taught at Villa Madonna School in Tampa for the past 34 years, and was the first African-American teacher hired at Villa. She is a legend at Villa Madonna — here, she shares about her time at Villa as she prepares to retire at the end of this school year.

There have been many students impacted by you. What do you consider the biggest key for a love of learning?

The biggest key for a love learning comes when you teach a lesson and all of a sudden you see the “light bulb” come on, and the student’s countenance say, “I got it!” Then, the students and I engage in fruitful conversations about what we have read and what they learned. Sometimes the students are surprised at the outcome of the reading. Sometimes, when students come back for a visit, they discuss assignments we had done, and it makes me smile that it has stayed with them. It brings pure joy to my heart!

You could have made a difference at any school. What made you stay at Villa Madonna for so long?

When I first went on my journey looking for a teaching job, I tried public school, but I was turned down because they had already hired someone. Through divine intervention, my sister-in-law told me about Villa and I decided to send two of my sons there. I fell in love with the school. One day, I was asked to substitute for a teacher. The teacher mentioned she was leaving, and asked if I wanted her position. I said yes, and was interviewed that weekend by Sister Liz, and the rest is history.

Something that also made me stay were the Sisters, faculty and staff. We were and are a family. We all remember Don Bosco’s preventive system: reason, religion, and loving kindness. I stayed at Villa Madonna for so long because I felt love, joy, and most of all God was always present at Villa.

Any fun stories of Sisters that you recall?

I have several: One fun year Sister Liz Ryan suggested

we have a play set in the 50’s. The whole school was involved and dressed in 50’s attire, and all of the Sisters wore poodle skirts. They were so great! Another good one was the end of Sister Liz’s last year at Villa, Sherry Robare, another teacher, made an entertainment magazine for her with memories over the years. As the magazine was presented, I was pretending to be Oprah and was interviewing Sister Liz, and someone brought a dog out. I am so scared of dogs, and I ran faster than Flo Jo, and Sister Liz laughed so hard! Another time, I saw Sister Cecilia Besi jump up and click her heels! My best kept secret was how great a bulletin board designer Sister Kim Keraitis was. She gave me great designs so my boards looked good! I have so many fond memories of the Sisters that I will always cherish.

Is there anything else you want to share with us?

I would love to mention the great achievements of my students. I had several students win oratorical contests given by the Optimist Club. Florida had a Black History Month contest. The students had to write about an African-American teacher. A student wrote about me and won. She won a trip to meet the Governor and a four-year college scholarship, complete with a computer system. Two students won the Holocaust Contest with their art. Several students have had their poems published in a book. One year my students wrote the Christmas play, and it was a hit. Students entered a mayoral contest, and then the mayor of Tampa, Jane Castor came and spoke. When I was getting my Master’s Degree, my former students raised money to send me to teach in the UK.

My sayings remain with the kids for years after they leave and I get reminded often: “Get a tissue for your issues,” “Right church, wrong pew,” “This is not Burger King, you can’t have it your way,” “ I am like McDonald’s-I am loving it,” etc.

One blessing is the alumni who work/ed at Villa that I used to teach. I would like to also thank all my mentors, the office administrators, all the Sisters and my colleagues throughout the years. Thank you Villa Madonna and Sisters for all you have done for me!

Sr. Eileen Tickner, Sr. Mary Arciga and Sr. Ines Valentin

Please Adopt a Sister!

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

Whether the Adopted Sister is for yourself, a family member, or a friend in need of spiritual strength, you will find comfort knowing that your intentions will be remembered each day by your spiritual prayer partner, and your sacrificial gift will support our elderly Sisters. It makes the PERFECT gift, especially for a wedding, birthday, anniversary, First Holy Communion, graduation — or any occasion!

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

Rest in Peace, Sister Pat Winterscheidt, FMA

Sister Patricia Winterscheidt was born on March 26, 1929 in Horton, Kansas, United States. She was the sixth of eleven children born to Herbert John and Catherine Bindel. Her family was strong in their faith, with the eldest child, Leo, first becoming a Salesian of Don Bosco for some time. Her older sister, Sister Mary Winterscheidt, joined the Salesian Sisters and Patricia considered the vocation. On the day of her Confirmation, the Bishop asked Patricia if she had ever thought of being a religious. Patricia replied yes and expressed her desire to her parents who not only gave their consent, but encouraged her to follow the Lord’s call.

Sister Patricia joined the Salesian Sisters in 1947 and made her first vows in 1949. Her first mission was in Roseto, PA at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School. Her Salesian life also brought her to Holy Rosary in Port Chester, NY, St. Mary in Easton, PA, Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, St. Gerard in Paterson, NJ and Sacred Heart Center in Newton, NJ. Her various responsibilities saw her minister as a teacher, assistant, sacristan, and librarian.

After a lifetime of faithful service, she moved to St. Joseph Provincial Center in order to take advantage of the care offered to the Sisters. Although, over time, her vision and hearing weakened, she still offered all she could to help the community and serve her Sisters. Her days were filled with prayer, born of a grateful heart that never failed to thank those who helped her in her daily needs. For as long as possible, she remained a faithful pen pal to many of her adopters and friends, utilizing an electronic document magnifier. Sr. Patricia returned to her heavenly home after an unexpected stroke.

Reflecting on her experience of living with Sister Patricia, Sister Eileen Tickner shared, “When Sister Pat realized that she was slowly losing her sight, she asked to be moved to the Provincial House to learn where

everything was so as not to be a burden to others if she should lose her sight completely. She knew where all of her things were and she was able to direct you to the right spot without wasting a single movement. If she needed three paper clips, two rubber bands, a pen, pen-

“Her days were filled with prayer, born of a grateful heart that never failed to thank those who helped her in her daily needs.”

cil and an eraser, that’s all she had. It was all she needed. She was an organizer without being controlling, orderly without myopic precision.

She was simple and straightforward, sure of herself, her needs, and her abilities. If she needed help, she asked and if she saw you needed help, she gave it freely and quickly. Her virtue was humility. Her presence was gentle. Her purpose was to be as helpful as she could all the time.

One great thing about Sister Pat is that she was able to see the humor around her. It was easy for her to laugh and she enjoyed a light banter. She wanted to take part in all community activities and she did, always on time, always present to the moment. Sister Pat was definitely a good woman, a solid religious, and a faithful Salesian.”

Sister Patricia and Sister Mary

Rest in Peace, Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, FMA

Sister Rosalie Di Peri’s parents were married in Sicily and immigrated to Paterson, NJ during the Great Depression. They had five children, with Rosalie being the third and first girl. When she was very young, Rosalie’s mother died, leaving the father with the five children and few options. One son, John, was sent back to Italy, but he died shortly thereafter. The remaining four children went to boarding schools so the father could continue working. Rosalie, five years old, and her younger sister, Domenica, three years old, were sent to St. Michael’s Orphanage in North Haledon, NJ. It later became known as Mary Help of Christians Academy.

The young Rosalie loved sports and soaked up the care of the Salesian Sisters, who functioned as so many mothers in her life. She became a Child of Mary, part of an association of children devoted to Our Lady. It was not easy to join, as it required a child to demonstrate virtue, but Rosalie worked hard on herself in order to be accepted into the group.

As she grew with the Sisters, she not only learned to be responsible for her own duties, but also to look after the younger children. She would supervise the study hall, recreation, meals, and other events. All along, her younger sister, Domenica, was by her side.

With time, Rosalie started thinking about her vocation and she felt the tug in her heart inviting her to become a Salesian Sister, a vocation her young sister would also embrace. Although it is hard for any father to allow his daughter to become a Sister, her father was supportive

and assured her if she ever wanted to come home, he would be there for her.

Sister Rosalie’s religious formation took place during the years of World War II. She describes them as happy and full of an earnest desire to know herself better and learn how to become a good Salesian Sister. After her first religious profession in 1945, she was sent as a teacher to St. Anthony School in Paterson, NJ. Her educational career would span over 50 years as a teacher and principal, often serving her community as the animator. Sr. Rosalie also established Camp Auxiliium in Newton in 1960. Her Salesian vocation would find her in many states – New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, and California.

In 1995 she joined Sister Mary Rinaldi as a part of the Development Office. It was during this period that she became very fond of being “adopted” as a prayer partner through the Adopt-a-Sister program. She kept close contact with many adopters who became, for her, a second family.

“She felt the tug in her heart inviting her to become a Salesian Sister, a vocation her young sister would also embrace.”

At 100 years old, Sister Rosalie continued to follow, with great interest, the activities of the various places in which she lived her Salesian life. With her little sister, Sister Domenica, she kept a particular eye on her childhood home, Mary Help of Christians Academy.

On Holy Thursday, Sister Rosalie passed with a great number of Sisters around her, singing hymns and praying for her. Watching over her last moments, her younger sister, Sister Domenica, held her hand and whispered to her, “Rosie, when you enter heaven, find mom and pop and tell them that I love them!” It is indisputable that the love Sister Rosalie shared in her earthly life is now being transformed into that heavenly joy we all long to experience. Sister Rosalie continues to intercede for her many beloved friends, family members, and adopters and counts on our prayers for her. May she rest in peace.

We know that the good work we do in this life does not cease upon death. The relationships and love Sister Rosalie nurtured will echo into the future. As a lasting tribute to Sister Rosalie and her sister, Sister Domenica, we are setting a scholarship in honor of their 50+ years as educators and principals in more than 13 schools in our province. The Di Peri Scholarship will benefit students of their childhood home, Mary Help of Christians Academy. Gifts to the Di Peri Scholarship should be made out to the Salesian Sisters with her name on the memo line.

Goodbye to a Dear Friend, Anthony J. Scala Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anthony J. Scala Jr., P.E., age 71 of Port Chester, NY. Anthony was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed member of the community. He was also a dear friend of the Salesian Sisters.

Sister Lise Parent, remembers Anthony fondly and says, “He had such a generous heart and was always looking for ways to serve and was always available to help his Salesian Sisters. He was a man of honesty and integrity, always upholding his principles. Anthony was kind and compassionate and he will be grealtly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Anthony attended Xavier High School and graduated with a Bachelors of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College, class of 1974. He dedicated his life to his work in electrical construction, where he excelled as President of Lowy and Donnath. He was a Professional Engineer and Master Electrician in NY,

NJ, and Westchester. He sat on the NYC Department of Buildings Electrical Advisory Board and the NYC Code Rewrite Committee. Anthony also served as a Trustee at Manhattan College and Convent of the Sacred Heart.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Anthony found joy in spending time with his family, boating and restoring his Jeep. He was known as a great builder, from homes to hospitals and even to furniture.

He was a loving husband to his wife, Mary Ellen, a devoted father to his three children, Anthony (Breamond), Christopher (Alicia), and Victoria (Derek) Cornish, and a proud grandfather to his five grandchildren, Jackson, Ali May, Annaleigh, Anthony W. and Evelyn. He is survived by his brothers Peter (Joyce), Christopher (Kerry), and James and predeceased by his brother William.

Anthony will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all. Rest in peace, Anthony J. Scala Jr. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Sister Domenica and Sister Rosalie with their brothers and father

A Love That Lasts Forever

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

Our Partners in Giving Memorials & Tributes give you the opportunity to comfort those who have lost a loved one or to commemorate a special occasion.

This gift lives forever, joining our loved ones to the prayers of the Salesian Sisters while supporting their good works.

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

Give the gift that lasts forever.

Enclosed is my Memorial/Tribute Gift of: ____ $25 ____ $20 ____$15 $ Memorial for Tribute for Occasion Please send an acknowledgement to: Name Address

Received between February 9, 2023 and April 5, 2024

Bill Donley

Mrs. Linda Donley

Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Ferrito

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Reda

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Ranalfetti

Ms. Barbara M. Robinson

Mr. & Mrs. Joel Wagoner

Mr. & Mrs. Ed Seminerio

Frank J. Middendorf Salesian Sisters

Ms. Christina Smith

Fred Betz

Mrs. Margarita Dominguez

Joe Chillura, Jr.

Mr. Brian Mahoney

Lorelie E. Perez

Ms. Vivien A. Oliva

Luigi Marciante Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Luigi Marciante

Maria C. Andaloro

Ms. Stephanie A. Buongiorno

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Vasquez

Mr. & Mrs. Carlo A. Andaloro

Mr. Steven Dodge

Ms. Diane Tamagni

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew M. Custer

Mr. Peter J. Healey

Marie Hess

Ms. Anna Steciw

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Oliva

Ms. Vivien A. Oliva

Normande Paquin

Ms. Louise Roberge

Robert J. Schaublin

Mrs. Elaine Schaublin-Allen

Lennox Romeo

Ms. Helen Romeo

Leonard Altamura

Ms. Teresita Perez

Anna Alfono

Mrs. Jennie Moretto

Joan Elia

Mr. & Mrs. John Terry

Janice Collins

Ms. Wendy Ellerman

Ms. Beth Hogan

Mary C. Spoto

Mr. & Mrs. Bob Lynn

William J. Riordan

Mrs. Maryann Riordan

Anthony J. Scala, Jr. Salesian Sisters

Rye Rangers Bantam

AA Team – Lisa King

Rani Mathura

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Pickard

Mrs. Joyce Scala

Mr. Anthony Scala, III

Ms. Sheila Pickard

New York Electrical Contractors Association, Inc (NYECA) – Peter Rescigno

Mr. James Boylan

Chubb Surety – Ross Grubin

Gaetana Acquaviva

Mr. & Mrs. Albert Conforti

Jack Connors

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Corcoran

Sr. Louise Passero, FMA

Mr. & Mrs. Todd Farrand

Mr. & Mrs. James T. Loughlin

Mrs. Loretta W. O’Neill

Ms. Karen Zarestski

Sr. Luella Ramm, OP

The McCullough Family

Sr. Rosalie DiPeri, FMA

Ms. Therese Grolly

Mr. & Mrs. John DiPeri, Jr.

Ms. Mary Tookmanion

Mrs. Bridget M. Cimilluca

Ms. Teresita Perez

Mr. & Mrs. Bart DiPeri

Ms. Concetta Luppino

Ms. Jacqueline D. Hoffner

Mrs. Patricia Kearns

Tributes

Received between Feb. 9, 2024 and April 5, 2024

Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, FMA

100th Birthday

Mr. Charles Curcio

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Godino

Evelyn Muhan & Eleanor Corcia

Mr & Mrs. Richard J. Corcia

Sr. Kim Keraitis, FMA

Ms. Cecilia Calleros

MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, North Haledon, NJ The Angeles T. Arredondo Foundation has chosen to partner with Mary Help of Christians Academy in awarding STEM Scholarships to high-achieving students.

The Angeles T. Arredondo Foundation was founded in 1981; since then it has had a long history of providing merit based tuition assistance to students. Currently, one of the foundation’s main objectives is to advance STEM studies in elementary and high schools to produce more college STEM graduates. The ATA Foundation is pleased to present a STEM Scholarship Award with a First Place Prize of $50,000, Second Place Prize of $25,000 and Third Place Prize of $10,000.

Mary Help of Christians Academy’s 2024 ATA STEM Scholarship Award winners were:

Isabella Facciolo                First Prize            $50,000

Grace Rusch                       Second Prize       $25,000

Catherine Hart                  Third Prize           $10,000

These winners were determined by their grades from advanced STEM classes taken in their freshman, sophomore and junior years. MHC Academy, Head of School, Sister Kelly Schuster, surprised the recipients by inviting their families to come on campus for an all-school assembly. But she also surprised the families, faculty, and staff by keeping the monetary amounts a secret. When the last award winner was called, the entire student body spontaneously rose to their feet and gave them the recipients a standing ovation!

Mary Help of Christians Academy’s Theatre Department presented their Spring Musical - Matilda. Inspired by Roald Dahl’s novel, the musical follows the story of an astonishing girl with intelligence and unusual powers. Matilda faces many obstacles, but with the help of good friends and mentors (Miss Honey being aptly named) she is able to overcome them all. The cast and crew performed three shows to packed crowds.

Isabella and her family react to the hearing the amount of the 1st place ATA Stem Scholarship.

The Scholarship winners with their familes: Isabella (left), Grace (center), and Catherine (right)

SALESIAN SCHOOLS

VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, Tampa, FL Fifth-graders at Villa had their retreat at the convent, spending time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Sister Margaret Rose Buonaiuto worked with the fifth-graders to make it an extra special, faith-filled retreat day!

Salesian Youth Center kids spent an afternoon of fun with Sister Amy Nguyen in the Ana Maria Park on Villa Madonna School’s campus in Tampa.

SALESIAN SCHOOLS

CORPUS

School in Port Chester, NY held a Kindness Campaign Week, coordinated by three faculty members. A team of students, as seen in the photo to the right, gave morning inspirational announcements and led a special assembly. Kindness Matters tee-shirts were donated by a friend of CCHRS; and Kindness Challenge sheets rounded out the week.

ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, Marrero, LA

The Catholic community on Louisiana’s Westbank - of seven middle schools and two high schools - gathered together as one to not only celebrate the youth, but also dedicate their celebration to St. Joan of Arc. Special guest Stuart Hall for Boys joined the Academy of Our Lady choir. In conjunction with the celebration of Mass, AOL hosted a “Penguin Explorers” day for all of the girls. AOL students and guests paired up, played games, and had lunch together.

CHRISTI HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL, Port Chester, NY Corpus Christi Holy Rosary

AOL students (in blue) and guests enjoyed their time together outside. The choirs of AOL and Stuard Hall for Boys

Mass with the Catholic community of Louisiana’s Westbank.

ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, Hawthorne, NJ St. Anthony School held their annual STEM Expo in February to culminate Engineers’ Week. The expo highlighted work from pre-school through eighth grade as the students did a school-wide study on sustainability, natural resources and clean energy.

Examples of projects the students participated in included kindergarteners who observed the effect of sunlight on Earth and built a structure that would reduce the effect of the sun’s rays. The students also imagined constructing an ice pop stand that would protect their popsicles from melting.

The 3rd and 4th graders dove deep into the religious side of sustainable energy. They researched climate change through the lens of “Laudato Si,” Pope Francis’

letter to the world that emphasized the need to protect the environment. They created posters that educated others about ways to actively help protect the environment and save our natural resources.

The 7th graders created wind turbines to generate enough electricity to power a motor and light an LED. The 8th graders designed and built a one-bedroom model house that utilized passive solar heating designs to warm up the house as much as possible and then sustain that temperature. In ELA classes they learned hexagonal thinking, worked on timelines for solar energy, and the 8th graders even created “Shark Tank” presentations for their solar homes. The “Sharks” were teachers, administration from the school and Diocesan office and the Superintendent of schools. It was a beautiful day for children, parents and faculty.

The “sharks” to whom the 8th graders pitched their solar homes.

Riley Reinoso teaching a parent about wind turbines.

First graders enjoying topographical maps created by the second grade.

Henry Mulholland explaining his solar water heater.

ST. THERESA SCHOOL, Kenilworth, NJ

Mrs. Michele Keating’s  2nd grade class celebrated “Women in History” during the month of March. The children learned about Eleanor Abbott, the inventor of the famous board game Candy Land. They designed their own board games and then played against each other in hopes that maybe someday a toy company will make and sell their games.

ST. JAMES THE LESS SCHOOL, Columbus, OH

For the March Salesian Kids Club gathering, Sister Joo Yun Park gave a lesson on the history of pretzels and Lent. Sister Guerline Joseph, Sister Joo Yun, and her sister, Susan Park-Yoo, helped the children make pretzels and blessing bags. The pretzels in the blessing bags were to be given to someone outside their home such as a homeless person, a neighbor, or a church family. The children also colored prayer cards and wrote their own prayers for the blessing bags. They prayed a special Lenten pretzel prayer and enjoyed the pretzels together. The group finished by going outside and playing a Lent-themed game of Ships and Sailors.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

HIGH SCHOOL, Columbus, OH

St. Francis de Sales High School, which is enriched by a beautiful mix of cultures, held its annual culture fair. Students wore the traditional clothing of their countries. Sr. Guerline (photo to the left) helped coordinate costumes for the Haitian students and even danced with them!

DON BOSCO CENTER, Markham, Ontario

The Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco Center welcomed Sister Annecie Audate, Director General of VIDES International from February 28 to March 4, 2024. VIDES is a non-profit organization founded by the Salesian Sisters to form and send volunteers to help in the development of the rights of women and children in Salesian works around the world.

During her visit, she met with youth leaders of schools and youth groups to speak to them about VIDES, and the importance of serving others. She also gathered with VIDES members and collaborators and together reflected on how to help the younger generation open their hearts to the important work of volunteerism and service. Sister Annecie spoke about what is being done globally, including helping displaced children from the conflict in Ukraine. VIDES is also involved in education for peace in countries where there is deep social unrest.

Sister Annecie emphasized the importance of reciprocity in empowering the volunteers and those that they serve. She said, “No one is too rich to receive, and no one is too poor to give.” After a wonderful encounter in Ontario, Canada, Sister Jeannine Landry together with three VIDES Canada members and Sister Annecie participated to the UN Session on the Commission on the Status of Women from March 10-11 in New York City.

ST. DOMINIC SAVIO CONVENT, Montreal, Quebec On Wednesday, March 13 the Sisters in St. Dominic Savio Convent had the joy of receiving His Excellency Msgr. Christian Lepine, archbishop of Montreal. He celebrated the Eucharist in the Sisters’ new chapel, had lunch with them, visited the convent, and spent some time answering their questions and sharing his vocation story. As a young adult, he never thought of becoming a priest but his call became clear when one day while sitting in a rocking chair. It came suddenly and irrevocably at the age of 25 years old. As he told the Sisters this story, he was actually sitting in a rocking chair in their living room! The Sisters truly enjoyed his visit, the depth of his spirituality and his great simplicity.

Sister Jeannine Landry (center) with Sister Annecie Audate (second from the right) with three VIDES Canana members

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

There are eight levels of membership, starting at $250. PC denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees, a group of talented lay people who advise the Sisters on distribution of the fund. Won’t you consider joining this dynamic group? Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you and God bless you!

PARTNERS CIRCLE “STEWARDS” - $11,000

FLORIDA

Patricia Connors

Sherry Millar

NEW JERSEY

Anonymous

MASSACHUSETTS

Mr. & Mrs. Ted Reading

PARTNERS CIRCLE “PARTNERS$5,500

FLORIDA

Mr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor

Mr. David Jacobson in memory of Joe Chillura, Jr.

Lydia & John Oliva

Susan & Jeff Turner

NEW JERSEY

Chris & Gemma Chong

Al Daloisio, Jr.

Anthony & Geraldine Dell’Orto

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Laino

Marilyn & Dale Livi

Mr. Bill McLaughlin

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer

Joseph & Rita Weiner

INDIANA

Mr. & Mrs. Judson Church

MASSACHUSETTS

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair PC

NEW YORK

Mr. Silvio Alfeo

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cangro

Beruta Dell’Orto

Mary Ellen Scala

VIRGINIA

Mr. & Mrs. Greg Mueller

PARTNERS CIRCLE “FRIENDS” - $3,300

CONNECTICUT

Mary Bridget Gaine

FLORIDA

Idalia Lastra Barket

Mr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow

NEW JERSEY

Frank & Rosemary

Lupo Family

PARTNERS CIRCLE “FOUNDERS” - $2,200

CONNECTICUT

Christina & David McAleer PC

DELAWARE

Maria Sturchio

FLORIDA

Ms. Caroline Barnhill

Anne & John Bedlek

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Clark

Mrs. Patricia Driscoll

Anthony & Diana Ekonomou

Maria Restrepo Forte

Robert Nocek

NEW JERSEY

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hofmann

Mrs. Kathleen Medore

The O’Halloran Family

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Papetti

Andrelisa Michel & Michael Russo

NEW YORK

Jordon Carroll

The Esposito Family

NORTH CAROLINA

Mr. Sean Nassoly

PENNSYLVANIA

In Loving Memory of

Sr. Adeline Salvetti, FMA

SOUTH CAROLINA

Tom & Laurie Aldinger

PARTNERS CIRCLE “BENEFACTORS” - $1,100

ARIZONA

Mrs. Ann Marie Forster

CALIFORNIA

Mary & Robert Obenberger

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Onken

COLORADO

Jamie & Paul Condit

CONNECTICUT

Linda & Peter Christiansen PC

Fabrizio & Barbara Zichichi

FLORIDA Anonymous

Mrs. Bernadine Ayer

Mrs. Liana Baldor, in memory of

Carlos & Ana Maria Baldor

Mr. Daniel J. Bardauskis

Joseph & Claudine Caballero PC

Rick & Patti Caldevilla PC

Aida Yglesias Jurado

Greg & Lori Korte

Anne & Fred Michaels

Mrs. Patricia Middendorf

Mr. & Mrs. Rob Obbink

Ms. Marianne O’Doherty

Mr. Fredy Padovan

Gene & Linda Perez

John & Diann Pinkowski

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Ramsey, Jr.

Rudy Rodriguez

MASSACHUSETTS

Mr. & Mrs. Neil Holmes

NEW JERSEY

Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Amatuzzi

Mrs. Theresa Cannarozzi

Mr. & Mrs. James Cavaluzzi

Ms. Debi F. Debiak, Esq.

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Della Cerra

Mr. & Mrs. Martin Flemming

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Furey

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell

Miss Mary Jean Hayek

James Construction Company, Inc.

Michael & Mary Losurdo

Mr. Joseph Massood

Mrs. Faith Menard

Mary Ann Munson

Dr. & Mrs. Wayne Obetz

Robert & Constance Sumas

Mrs. Carolyn Young

NEW YORK

Anonymous

Jo Ann & Joseph Caracappa

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Clair

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” - $825

CONNECTICUT

Mr. Michael Guarnieri PC

FLORIDA

Declan & Shelly Mansfield

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

PARTNERS CIRCLE “MEMBERS” - $550

CALIFORNIA

Joanne & Geraldine Rizzuto

CONNECTICUT

Mr. Edward F. Goin

Dr. Joe McAleer PC

Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Mosey

FLORIDA

Dr. Kenneth Alonso

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

Dr. & Mrs. Lazaro Hernandez

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

Teresa & Ravi Sharma

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.

Adam & Psichos & Clelia Biamonti

Mrs. Rose Bielicki

Gerard & Phyllis Brew

Mrs. Regina Calcagno

Christus Vincit, Christus Regnat, Christus Imperiat

Larry & Mary Anne Condit

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J. Dunn

Mr. & Mrs. Clement Farley

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ferrito

Dr. & Mrs. Lou Gambetta PC

Joann Giamonco

Mr. James Lane

Laura Cosentino Mannarino

Riley Obetz & Corrinne Rieser

George & Jeannie Pavlik

Mrs. Christine Peragallo

Twinkie & Michael Polizzi PC

Mr. Paul Rinaldi

NEW YORK

Michael & Jeanette Altamura

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Betwarda

Ms. Claire Dell

Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Greene

Ms. Lena Huang

Mr. Walter Lazarcheck

Mr. Joseph V. Miressi

Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec

NORTH CAROLINA

The Hasher Family

OHIO

Anonymous

Dale & Lynda Kovach

In memory of

Mr. Fred Mastrogiovanni

PENNSYLVANIA

Joseph & Joyce Boyle

Mr. & Mrs. Brian Clair

Mr. Brennan Obetz

SOUTH CAROLINA

Mackenzie Clair

TENNESSEE

Pat & Terence Clair

UTAH

Dr. Elizabeth Sledden Dybell

VIRGINIA

Mr. & Mrs. William L. Carpenter

Mrs. Dominique Faust

WASHINGTON

Mr. Keiran C. Clair

PARTNERS CIRCLE “QUARTER

CENTURY CLUB” - $250

CALIFORNIA

Ms. Jackie Edelman

Patrick & Kasia Gorman

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Hoover

Rev. Paula T. Webb, Ph.D.

CONNECTICUT

Anonymous

Mrs. Eileen G. Hahnenkratt

Mrs. Concetta Luppino

DELAWARE

Mr. & Mrs. Stevan Csanady

FLORIDA

Kurt & Laura Badertscher

Jon & Michelle Barry

Marilyn Collins

Mr. & Mrs. James M. Desmond

Ms. Annabella Montoya

Brig. Gen. & Mrs. Thomas

V. Draude, USMC-Ret.

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick C. Duffy

Arthur & Maria Fierman

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lebron

Joan Palmer

Jim & Rita (Zoppo) Vietmeier

MARYLAND

Mrs. Josephine Savage

MASSACHUSETTS

Mr. Seamus Clair

Ms. Sandra M. Nadeau

MISSOURI

Jim Weis

NEW JERSEY

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Choma

Mr. & Mrs. Raymond P. Corbett

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cronrath

Ms. Patrice Enyart

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Galimi

Mr. David Hess

Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Josephson

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Konzelmann

Msgr. Raymond Kupke

Catherine Miller

Mrs. Rae Rinaldi

Gene & Lorraine Signoretti

Maura Sullivan

Maura & Michael Testa

Denise & Ken Trynosky

Ms. Joanne Williams

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Wojtowicz

Mr. Edward M. Zambrano

NEW YORK

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Clair

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Curcio

The Halling Family

Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Forta

Maria DaGrossa-Hanna PC

Ms. Peggeann Larywon

Mrs. Carolyn Mesler

Hon. Madeleine & Rene Perrin PC

NORTH CAROLINA

Chester & Monica Michewicz

PENNSYLVANIA

Ms. Robin Bernstein

Bernadette & Fred Cairoli

Mr. Pangor Cycles

Mr. & Mrs. William Hayes

TEXAS

Mr. & Mrs. John F. Kruzel

VIRGINIA

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Deighan

Wanda & Michael Pomatto

Mrs. Shannon Whitmore

WISCONSIN

Mr. & Mrs. Conor Clair Please

Do 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 even. Do you have someone to thank? All of the Sisters will help multiply your gratitude. When you “Give Us This Day” the Sisters will pray for your intention and for the person whose sacrificial gift supports the endowment for our retired Sisters. Let this gift of time be an expression of our concern and love for one another. Know that you are special to us. Thank you, and God bless you!

Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco

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

Sister Florine Lagace and Sister Domenica Di Peri celebrate the feast of St. Joseph outside of the Provincial House by visiting the large statue of St. Joseph that welcomes guests.