P artners in GivinG Autumn 2023 • www.salesiansisters.org
Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s letter Dear Friends, Our cover, showing the joy of a Salesian Sister greeting a child, brings to mind the words of St. John Bosco: “Without confidence and love, there can be no true education. If you want to be loved, you must love yourselves, and make your children feel that you love them.” This edition of Partners in Giving speaks to the future of our Province, our mission, and our Church. We rejoice in the vocational journeys of so many fine young women, including Sr. Pamela Rose Suresca on our cover. Special blessings to Sr. Kelly Schuster, the new Head of School at Mary Help of Christians Academy, who professed her perpetual vows in August. See pages 4-7. Autumn is here, and that means events to celebrate with us in Florida and New Jersey and support our ministries. A few of our events are listed at right, including a pair of 20s: our 20th Annual Thanksgiving Basket on November 18, and our 20th Annual Mary Help Gala on November 29. We hope to see you there!
Save The Dates! Saturday, November 18 Thanksgiving Basket
benefiting Villa Madonna School and the SYC Tampa, FL. Call (813) 205-3195 for details.
Wednesday, November 29 20th Annual Mary Help Gala Honorees: Swartzberg & Muller Families and Dr. Odette Harris, ‘87 benefiting the Academy Financial Aid Fund The Venetian, Garfield, NJ Call 973-904-0102 for more info & tickets!
Sunday, December 10 Annual Christmas Party
North Haledon, NJ Benefiting Mary Help. Details in the mail soon!
Thursday, December 14 K-2 presents “The Miracle of Christmas” St. Theresa School, Kenilworth, NJ Call 908-276-7220 for more info!
Blessings and 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 5
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
E
very six years, after much prayer and consultation with the Salesian Sisters of the Province, our Mother General in Rome appoints a new Provincial. This Sister is responsible for leading and guiding the Sisters of the Province as they live and fulfill their vocational commitments and respond to how God is calling them to serve the young people today. On August 6, 2023, Sr. Colleen Clair, FMA, was appointed the second provincial of St. Joseph Province, succeeding Sr. Joanne Holloman. Sr. Colleen was entrusted with a symbolic lantern (right) by Sr. Joanne, as she passed on the leadership role to her. Sr. Colleen asked for the prayers, advice, and encouragement of the Sisters as she humbly accepted the role with a disposition of service and prayer, entrusting herself to the Blessed Mother’s guidance. The Sisters, in turn, lined up to greet her (left). Welcome, Sr. Colleen, and God bless you!
B
lessed and dedicated in August 2022, our new St. Joseph’s Chapel in North Haledon, NJ, has a beautiful new addition: a Book of Memorials and Tributes. The leatherbound book contains all the names of remembrance from the renewed Chapel back in 2016 as well as 2022. It will be kept on display in a museum case in the Chapel foyer. Our book (right) is museum-quality to last. We chose an active way of bringing your loved ones to mind, as the book allows us to carry it to the altar during sacred moments of prayer. Since we have time, anyone can still submit a name for the Book of Memorials and Tributes by making a Chapel Dedication Gift. You may well ask, “Is there anything still left to dedicate?” The answer is YES! We still have about 40 pews with a suggested offering of $400.00, and 25 choir chairs with a suggested offering of $250.00. Please call us for more information: (973) 904-0102 or toll-free (877) OUR-NUNS. God bless you and thank you! – Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Autumn 2023 • 3
Our annual celebration of Salesian vocations
Sisters profess vows and say “Yes!” to God
O
n August 5, 2023, Sr. Kelly Schuster, FMA, the new Head of School at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, professed her perpetual vows as a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, a.k.a Salesian Sister, the final step in her vocational journey. We share her reflection here: “At the moment when you stand behind the altar and write your name below the vows that every FMA makes, every Sister says the following line: ‘For my life is joined forever to the sacrifice of Christ.’ “Now, I will be the first to admit, I have no idea of the sacrifices that are in store for me in my life ahead as a fully- professed FMA. What I do know is “Christ will be that Christ will be with me every step there, before me, behind me, beside me, of the way.” every step of the way. “This was made very apparent to me as I prepared for the day of my profession and looked over my years in formation. I realized that God did not spare me from what I was afraid of on the journey, but instead stood with me through each and every trial. He helped me to face the fears I had about entering and living religious life. It is with certainty of God’s faithfulness that enabled me to say ‘Yes’ so joyfully and profoundly on August 5th.
Above, Sr. Kelly Schuster receives the crown of roses from Sr. Joanne Holloman, a symbol of her union with Christ through perpetual vows.
“A strong moment for me during the Mass was hearing the Responsorial Psalm. It spoke of the trust I felt in God, of my desire to be with Him always, and of the sure hope of goodness He has in store for me, even in spite the sacrifices that will come. Read it and see how it speaks to you.” The Lord is my light, my help, my salvation. Why should I fear? With God, I fear no one. God protects me all my life. With the Lord, what should I dread? There is one this I ask of God, that I long for all of my days with God to be dwelling, gazing with all at the beauty of God and in wonder look at God’s house.
4 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 5
Sr. Kelly with her parents, Ann Ryan and John Schuster.
I know I will live to see the Lord’s goodness now, in this life. I’m sure I will see it. Trust in the Lord, be strong, and be brave. Wait in hope for God, our salvation. “The Lord is My Light” (Psalm 27) by Christopher Walker
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
I
professed my first vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience on August 5, 2023, with my two companions, Sr. Juliana Alfonso, FMA, and Sr. Jessica Castillo, FMA. Surrounded by friends and family from 13 different states and Canada, St. Joseph’s Chapel was filled with hearts open and ready to witness the faithfulness of God and our response to His love. Before entering the chapel, Sr. Juliana, Sr. Jessica, and I had a private moment with our parents. This special gesture embodied the Salesian Family spirit which embraces our families and honors the words of St. John Bosco, “Our parents are our first benefactors.” Arm-in-arm, we savored these precious moments with our parents as we prepared to walk “How do I down the aisle with them. Their “yes” to God in their vocation feel? Free!” made our “yes” to God in our vocation possible.
Sr. Pamela Rose Suresca, Sr. Jessica Castillo, and Sr. Juliana Alfonso join in song right before they make their vows during the Mass of First Profession. At right, Sr. Juliana with her parents, Julie and Cesar Alfonso.
At left, Sr Jessica with her parents, Cruz and Custodio Castillo. Below, Sr Pamela Rose processes in with her parents, MaDennie and Vedasto Suresca.
One-by-one we approached the sanctuary and professed our first vows to freely and entirely give ourselves to Jesus Christ as Salesian Sisters, for the salvation of young people. The three of us knelt in front of the altar as Fr. Pascual Chavez, SDB, presented to us our Constitutions and a crucifix, which is a sign and symbol of our union with Christ. This moment will forever be ingrained in my heart knowing that, 151 years ago to the day, St. Mary Mazzarello also received her Constitutions from St. John Bosco. Minutes after the Mass a dear friend and companion asked me, “Sr. Pamela Rose, how do you feel?” Without blinking an eye I proclaimed, “FREE!” Perhaps most people would find something ironic about associating freedom with the profession of vows, but it is a special kind of freedom. It is freedom to love the Lord with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my strength. Freedom from the things of this world that may lead me away from all that is True, Good, and Beautiful. Freedom to serve young people in the spirit of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello and form them to be good Christians and honest citizens. Freedom to love my Sisters with fraternal charity, knowing that with their support and prayers we can live our vows in fidelity. I have followed the Spirit of the Lord, and it has given me this freedom! As a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, I am filled with gratitude to Our Lady. It is she who has done it all, and I am humbled to be her daughter. – Sr. Pamela Rose Suresca, FMA
Now more than ever
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. Lillian Foxx, Sr. Myriam Meus, and Sr. Christina Chong, who entered the Salesian Sisters at the same time and made their vows together, pause for a photo outside of the St. Joseph Provincial House Chapel in Haledon, NJ.
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 us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS, or visit www.salesiansisters.org. Thank you, and God bless you!
CVV: _____________
6 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 5
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
T
he Salesian Sisters of St. Joseph Province are blessed to have an abundance of new vocations, thanks be to God! Each year, the Sisters in the stages of initial formation (the 6-9 years before perpetual “forever” vows, shown above) renew their vows. We are grateful for the “yes” of these Sisters who are continuing their vocational journey as Salesians: Sr. Nicole Daly, FMA Sr. Kathleen Deighan, FMA Sr. Amy Nguyen, FMA Sr. Natasha Roig, FMA Sr. Anne Weis, FMA Sr. Janna San Juan, FMA Sr. Rachel Lauritsen, FMA Sr. Boram Lee, FMA Sr. Marie Fe Tansioco, FMA Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for the day they will make their perpetual vows!
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Sheer joy! Sr. Kelly Schuster, wearing her flower crown and fresh from making her perpetual vows, is enthusiastically embraced by friends Sr. Katie Flanagan, Sr. April Cabacang, and Sr. Christina Chong. Sisters in initial formation: your day will come, God willing! Partners in Giving • Autumn 2023 • 7
W
ho’s ready to try their luck? ImmaculataLaSalle High School in Miami, FL, celebrated the new school year with an amazing carnival hosted by the Student Government team, featuring refreshing Kona Ice on a beautiful hot Florida Day. Our new Provincial, Sr. Colleen Clair, FMA (center) joined Sr. Katie Flanagan for a fun afternoon with our students.
T
he Sisters of North Haledon as well as the Novices enjoyed an opportunity to attend “Catholic Underground” in New York City. Catholic Underground is a monthly young adult event hosted by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal that combines Eucharistic Adoration, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation with fellowship and some form of entertainment after the Holy Hour. The event was packed and the Sisters enjoyed the chance to speak with many young adults.
8 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 5
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 in our 32nd 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 • Autumn 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 5
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 • Autumn 2023 • 11
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 (at left) 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. Let this gift of time 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, and God bless you!
Give Us This
Day
Please give us this day/these days in 2023 or 2024 in honor of my special request(s):
Please detach and mail this form in the enclosed envelope. Thank you!
12 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 5
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
Dear Friends & Family: A message from Sister Colleen
Hope truly springs eternal!
T
he last time I wrote, I said we would explore the topic of hope. Hope is one of the characteristics of St. John Bosco and our Salesian Spirituality. This optimism is rooted in hope, which, for me, truly “springs eternal.” Even the most dire situations leave me thinking there is a way God can accomplish what our Salesian Sisters in Italy call “an American ending.” (They always laugh, because every film produced in Hollywood ends with everything working out just right!) Regardless of our origins, we all love a story with a happy ending.
contagious, because it is a gift filled with happiness; it is most enjoyable when you share it with others. As Catholics, we all hope for the prospect of salvation in Jesus. God loves us so much that He, Himself became one of us – to save us.
Both St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello lived in hope. Working with children, as they did, we, too, are excited to witness the wonderful things that will I’m not the only person who hopes for the future. happen for our young people – what incredible events Sr. Ruth Stecker, who resides in Heaven these days, will take place in the world because of them. We definitely hoped for good things to happen. hope for the joy of being part of the amazing things Here’s a funny little story God holds in store for His about Sr. Ruth. Back in the “During winter, the season children…for our children. days before Caller ID on our of hope, let’s remember to be like telephones, we Sisters had a good time prank-calling Sr. Ruth – to hope with everything We are heading into winter, which is the season of hope. one another every so often. in us – to believe in the good that Faith, which we explored the (Some of us may or may not have engaged in this little will happen, and the good that we last time we visited, is the logical precursor to hope. pastime pretty frequently – can cause to happen. Let’s hope We all have hope because of I’m looking at you, Sr. Lou our faith. We have hope for Ann…) with the energy of children.” ourselves, for our families, and for our extended groups Shortly before the Super of loved ones. Bowl one year, Sr. Ruth received a call, ostensibly from Publishers Clearing In this season of hope, let’s remember to be like Sr. House. The caller even asked logistical questions like, Ruth – to hope with everything in us – to believe in the “Will we have to climb stairs to get into your building?” good that will happen, and the good that we can cause and, “Can we fit three cameras in any room in your to happen. Let’s hope with the energy of children. house if you were to win the grand prize?” and even, “Will your family be present for the event?” Sr. Ruth With the introduction of Caller ID, our practical jokes was so excited, telling everyone in our community naturally died out. But not completely – occasionally, about this amazing thing that was about to happen; she when the opportunity arises, one of us will still borrow was thrilled at the prospect of being able to accomplish a phone and make a prank call. Shenanigans, like hope, so much more good in the world with a huge bankroll. have deep roots. She firmly believed we would win! (And yes, she was a good sport when we broke down and told the truth.) I leave you in the heart and hands of Our Lady! Sr. Ruth embodied hope in that experience, and she – Sr. Colleen Clair, FMA, is the Superior was keen to spread her wonderful news for the brief of the Province of St. Joseph period she believed it would happen. Hope is truly Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Autumn 2023 • 13
Memorials
A Love That Lasts Forever
Received between August 1 and October 6, 2023 Caitlin Golaszewski Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Quinn
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
$
Thomas Spack Mr. & Mrs. Joe Caballero Mr. & Mrs. Rick Caldevilla Charles Minervino Mr & Mrs. Albert Docobo Mr. Santa A. Gregory Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Mr. & Mrs. George Lenormand Kauffman Mr. & Mrs. Charles Minervino Mr. Jeffrey Mount Mario and Lourdes Denis & Eileen Nadeau Gomez, Jr. Ms. Sandra M. Nadeau Mary K. Fox Ms. Clare R. Fox Mr. Raymond Planell Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Preston Mr. & Mrs. Gene Ceccarelli Jessie Surillo Aguilar Ms. Arlene F. Smith Joe Mains Mr. William Barone Josephine Hardart Ms. Angela T. Larca Kevin J. Quinn Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Quinn
Name – DECEASED
Lilian Brunetti Mr. & Mrs. Frank Di Piazza
Name – LIVING
Mary Ellen Seiz Ms. Dawn Hall
Occasion Please send an acknowledgement to: Name Address My Name Address
Detach & mail in the enclosed envelope. Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS
Mary Lateran Ms. Dawn Hall
Tributes Received between Aug. 1 and Oct. 6, 2023 Sr. Josephine Carini, FMA Gerald Marcial & Dale Renner Sr. Catherine Hurley, FMA on her 75th Birthday Ms. Barbara A. Krochta Sr. Domenica Di Peri, FMA on her Birthday Ms. Josephine Savage Sr. Kelly Schuster, FMA, on her Perpetual Vows Ms. Kathleen Chovanes Msgr. Robert on the 60th Anniversary of his Priesthood Mr. Stephen McBride, Esq.
On the Journey with Sister B
Making connections over Chinese food
“B
rittany, what is ‘Lo Mein’?” my brother texted me at 7:16 p.m. on a very random Friday night. I found it very strange, for I had just finished eating Beef Lo Mein. I hadn’t said anything about my dinner to him. How did he know?
Have you ever had an interaction like that with someone you love? Maybe they didn’t have a premonition or long-distance knowledge of your dinner, but an intuition that you were having a bad day, or perhaps you thought about someone right before they called you.
Some of you may recall from my previous columns that my brother Blake, although in his thirties, is mentally about 8 years old. He lives in a beautiful house with other men like him who have various developmental disabilities. They are friends and live a happy life together.
Whenever these “strange” connections happen with my brother, it reminds me that we are more connected to each other than we realize. We think that cellphones, social media, and the social mobility brought by cars and planes bring us closer together, and sometimes they do. But these are just tools that can be used to increase the intimacy that we have to intentionally foster, through shared time and meaningful moments.
Ever since we were little, my brother and I have had a bizarre connection with each other, able to sense when the other one wasn’t feeling well or was upset. Blake was delayed in speech, walking, and most motor skills. I was determined that he would learn to walk and talk, so I made it my life’s goal to see him accomplish that, although we are less than two years apart. Now he walks faster than me and never stops talking; I only have myself to blame!
These tools can also distance us from one another, using phone calls to replace in-person encounters, and social media photos to substitute face“Whenever ‘strange’ to-face interaction. As technology swiftly changing, with computers connections happen, iseven becoming more conversational and designed to anticipate our every it reminds me we are need, thought, and desire, perhaps more connected our invitation in this rapidly-changing The Lo Mein text was so incredibly cultural landscape is to slow down, than we realize.” weird, but it made me laugh. It wasn’t make space to be present with each the first time we had a random other, and strengthen those heartthought about something connected to the other ties that allow us to sense one another’s needs and person. “Blake, why are you thinking about ‘Lo Mein’?” emotions, even at a distance. Technology offers an I texted back. He sent back a confused face emoji and abundance of gifts, but the Holy Spirit offers us replied, “I have no idea. I was taking a nap and woke far better ones for healing our communities and up and all I could think was ‘Lo Mein, Lo Mein, Lo strengthening our families. Mein’. I just kept repeating it in my head so I could ask you about it.” I texted him back a photo of my dinner. In our prayers and in our relationships, I hope we A surprised face emoji came back: “Brittany that is can all move from the functional to the fundamental weird. Why are you eating Lo Mein and I am thinking interactions that allow us to truly know and care about it?” I responded, “Why are you spying on me?” for one another – even to the point of sometimes, Shocked face emoji followed, “I am not spying! By the strangely, sensing when our sibling is having Lo Mein. way, can we go to Chinatown when you visit me? I want to try Lo Mein.” – Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Autumn 2023 • 15
Look! There’s my Salesian Sister!
Here’s how to find us around the Province
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t’s moving time! As many of our Salesian Sisters have received new assignments, here’s a handy reference to locate us across our Province of St. Joseph. Please write, e-mail, or call – we love to hear from you! FLORIDA Blessed Laura Vicuña Convent 226 S.W. 20th Road Miami, FL 33129-1429 Telephone: (305) 857-9186 Website: www.ilsroyals.com Sr. Kim Keraitis, Animator Sr. Katie Flanagan Sr. Myriam Meus Villa Madonna Convent 2611 N. Massachusetts Ave. Tampa, FL 33602-1306 Telephone: (813) 229-1322, ext. 393 Website: www.villamadonnaschool.com Sr. Lou Ann Fantauzza, Animator Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto Sr. Janet Keller Sr. Boram Lee Sr. Amy Nguyen St. Mary Mazzarello Convent 3000 53rd St. SW Naples, FL 34116 Telephone: (239) 348-2911 Website: www.sjnceltics.com Sr. Patricia Roche, Animator Sr. Susan Bagli Sr. Juliana Alfonso Sr. Nicole Daly
LOUISIANA Immaculate Conception Convent care of: Academy of Our Lady 5501 Westbank Expressway Marrero, LA 70072 Telephone: (504) 341-6217 Website: www.theacademyofourlady.org Sr. Michelle Geiger, Animator Sr. Theresa Gutierrez Sr. Natasha Roig Sr. Janna San Juan NEW JERSEY St. Joseph Provincial Center and Provincial Offices 655 Belmont Avenue Haledon, NJ 07508-2301 Telephone: (973) 790-7966 Website: www.salesiansisters.org Sr. Colleen Clair, Provincial Superior Sr. Helene Godin, Animator Sr. Bui Thi Bich Huyen Teresa Sr. Catherine Altamura
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Sr. Mary Arciga Sr. Mary Ann Caspary Sr. Anoinette Cedrone Sr. Esther Cruz Sr. Angela De Capua Sr. Rufina Delgado Sr. Virginia Dickey Sr. Domenica DiPeri Sr. Rosalie DiPeri Sr. Anita Durocher Sr. Fanny Florez Sr. Ann Hottot Sr. Catherine Hurley Sr. Mary Jackson Sr. Pauline Joss Sr. Emilia Kassab Sr. Clare Kennelly Sr. Florine Lagace Sr. Theresa Lee Sr. Balbina Lopez Sr. Mary Louise Mazzocco Sr. Catherine Novo Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin Sr. Louise Passero Sr. Anna Ragogna Sr. Arlene Rubino Sr. Elizabeth Russo Sr. Maryann Schaefer Sr. Livia Setti Sr. Teresita Teran Sr. Carmela Termine Sr. Mary Terzo Sr. Eileen Tickner Sr. Ines Valentin Sr. Anne Weis Sr. Margaret Wilhelm, Provincial Economer Sr. Pat Winterscheidt Sr. Mary Ann Zito Mary Help of Christians Academy 659 Belmont Avenue North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397 Telephone: (973) 790-6200 Website: www.maryhelp.org Sr. Lise Parent, Animator Sr. Ramona Beltré Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
CANADA Our Lady of Good Counsel 10504 139th Street Surrey, British Columbia V3T 4L5 Telephone: (604) 584-0055 Sr. Cora Beboso, Animator Sr. Hae Jin Lim Sr. Marie Fe Tansioco Sr. Beatrice Valot
Sr. Christina Chong Sr. Elfie Del Rosario Sr. Brittany Harrison Sr. Eileen Joseph Sr. Mary Rinaldi Sr. Kelly Schuster Sr. Denise Sickinger Sr. Pamela Rose Suresca St. Theresa Convent 112 North 23rd Street Kenilworth, NJ 07033-1256 Telephone: (908) 276-5028 Website: www.mysts.org Sr. Marisa DeRose, Animator Sr. Isabel Garza Sr. Jessica Castillo Blessed Eusebia Palomino Convent 172 Washington Avenue Hawthorne, NJ 07506 Telephone: (973) 304-1243 Website: www.stanthonyschool.org Sr. Maria Colombo, Animator Sr. Lillian Foxx Sr. Betty Ann Martinez Sacred Heart Retreat Center and Novitiate 20 Old Swartswood Road Newton, NJ 07860-6221 Telephone: (973) 383-2620 Website: www.sacredheart spiritualitycenter.org Sr. Joanne Holloman, Animator Sr. Nivia Arias Sr. Fran Da Grossa Sr. Theresa Kelly Sr. Carmen Morales
NEW YORK Corpus Christi Convent 135 South Regent Street Port Chester, NY 10573-3510 Telephone: (914) 937-4405 Website: www.cchrs.org Sr. Karen Dunn, Animator Sr. Kathleen Deighan Sr. Rachael Lauritsen Sr. Liz Ryan OHIO St. Francis de Sales Convent 161 E. Patterson Street Columbus, OH 43202 Telephone: (614) 267-7808 Website: www.sfdstallions.org Sr. Loretta DeDomenicis, Animator Sr. Guerline Joseph Sr. Joo Yun Park Sr. Monique Huart
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Don Bosco Center 178 Steeles Avenue East Markham, Ontario L3T 1A5 Telephone: (289) 597-2208 Sr. Theresa Samson, Animator Sr. April Cabaccang Sr. Jeannine Landry Sr. Teresa Li Sr. Rosa Mak Sr. Pat Melanson Sr. Alphonsine Roy St. Dominic Savio Convent 9299 Ave. Pierre de Coubertin Montréal, Québec H1L 2H6 Telephone: (514) 351-6233 Sr. Lise Guitard, Animator Sr. Rejeanne Asselin Sr. Alphonsine Basque Sr. Pierette Carpentier Sr. Rena Cormier Sr. Pauline Cossette Sr. Raymonde Dicaire Sr. Francoise Fontaine Sr. Estelle Johnson Sr. Claudette Parent Sr. Ethel Rousselle Sr. Liliane Roy ITALY Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter Sr. Emy De Filippi Sr. Francine Guilmette Sr. April Hoffman Sr. Judith Suprys Sr. Hyunjoo Cecilia Park MEXICO Sr. Marisol Guzman Lopez Partners in Giving • Autumn 2023 • 17
SALESIAN SCHOOLS !
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he first day of school! Above, at Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL, students and parents gathered for morning prayer and announcements, in front of the beautiful new Oliva Family Pavilion. Below, the first day of school at St. Francis de Sales High School in Columbus, OH, included a special gift: all students, faculty, and staff (including Sr. Guerline Joseph, FMA) received t-shirts with the 2023-24 school year theme, “Carry His Light.” This theme comes from a quote from Pope Francis: “Be joyful witnesses of His love, His gospel, and carry to this world a ray of His light.”
Salesian School Alumni Spotlight
Full STEAM ahead to his Cardiologist goal
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hen Jacques Calixte was starting elementary school, his parents surprised him with a doctor costume for Halloween. Jacques, whose parents immigrated to South Florida from Haiti, believes it was their way of encouraging him to excel in school. But it also piqued his interest in health care. That interest continued at Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami, FL, where he joined a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) program that allowed him to shadow doctors at Mercy Hospital in Miami. Following graduation in 2020, Jacques entered the pre-med program at the University of Miami, he became one of the first public health ambassadors during the pandemic. He then gained research experience in the University’s biology department that propelled him toward other clinical experiences and research labs at medical institutions across the country. Today, Jacques is even more passionate about medicine and hopes to become a cardiologist, treating patients from a variety of backgrounds, while also conducting research.
medicine. Jacques got involved with the organization before, but last year, he was asked to lead a team of international physicians, graduate students, and some pre-med classmates to research, write, and publish the medical textbook Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Drug Discovery. It gives an overview of many AI tools being developed for the medical field to help drive down the cost of creating therapeutic drugs in the United States. “Drug discovery is a lengthy and costly process that takes 10-15 years on average and millions of dollars, with a low chance of making it to market,” Jacques said. “But AI could expedite that process to potentially get more therapeutic medicines on the market at a lower cost.”
“Driving down the cost of medicine in the U.S. is one of my ultimate goals.”
“In college, I’ve been able to explore the medical field, experience patient encounters and see what doctors really do day-to-day,” said Jacques, a senior majoring in philosophy, with a minor in chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. “But after realizing that I wanted to be a cardiologist, I’ve also recognized that one day I would like to have a more dynamic lifestyle, where I also do research, serve my community, lead an organization, and teach the next generation.” Some recent experiences also have helped Jacques solidify his interest in medicine. One of them is his work with the Lumen Foundation, an organization that aims to study the role of artificial intelligence in Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Through his work on the book, Jacques said he was intrigued to learn about the drug discovery process because he knows that the costs of health care heavily impact communities of color.
“Driving down the cost of medicine in the U.S. is one of my ultimate goals,” Jacques said. “So, if AI can make the drug discovery process faster, it might alleviate that burden and help researchers uncover medications that could help more people recover quicker from illness.” He is in the process of applying to medical school and plans to focus on cardiology, with an interest in underserved populations. Toward that goal, last summer he was able to join the DIVERSE Network Center, a research collaboration between Stanford University and Morehouse University’s medical schools, to improve minority representation in cardiology-related clinical trials. Best of luck, Jacques! The Immaculata-LaSalle community is proud of you! – Janette Neuwahl, News@TheU, University of Miami Partners in Giving • Autumn 2023 • 19
SALESIAN SCHOOLS !
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he school year in Florida started with a joint workshop for the faculties of Villa Madonna School in Tampa, St. John Neumann High School in Naples, and Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami that was held in Naples. Sr. Mary Greenan, FMA and Ms. Ana Lourdes Garcia, Dean of Faculty at Immaculata-La Salle High School, shared insights on the “Salesian Matrix,” a new tool for evaluating the practical application of the Salesian educational style called the “Preventive System.” The Preventive System is based on reason, religion, and loving kindness. It is also is rooted in the “Oratory Criteria,” which ensures that every Salesian work is a
CORPUS CHRISTI-HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL, Port Chester, NY – On the first day of school, eighth-graders made their pledge to leadership and good example as they entrusted the new school year to Our Lady. Below, Mrs. Deirdre McDermott, principal, greets eighth-grader Emma Morocho in front of the statue of St. John Bosco.
home that welcomes, a school that prepares for life, a parish that evangelizes, and a playground where friends meet. The workshop/retreat gave the faculty time to reflect and deepen their commitment to Salesian education and formation by realizing that the Salesian Matrix is a tool that helps them “assess in an on-going manner the deepening and transformative practice of the Preventive System.” Teachers and administrators had a chance to use the tool to share their experiences and choose in what areas as a school, as a department, and as individuals they can strengthen their commitment to St. John Bosco’s educational philosophy – a philosophy of educating the whole person by using one’s whole heart. Now on to the new school year!
20 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 5
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, Tampa, FL – One of the happiest days of the school year is Grandparents Day! Students at Villa Madonna made cards for their grandparents, with a little help from Mom and Dad!
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illa Madonna’s Literature Teacher, Mrs. Angela Tillman (center), was awarded the Impact Award by Private Skool Village, a non-profit nationwide network of private school alumni creating opportunities for the next world leaders. Mrs. Tillman (flanked above by Sr. Amy Nguyen and Sr. Janet Keller, and family, alumni, and friends) was recognized for her more than 40 years of service, dedication, and commitment to Villa students. She was surprised to learn a literature program at Villa has been named for her! Congratulations Mrs. Tillman! We love you!
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, North Haledon, NJ – On a chilly September morning, Mary Help seniors (above, left) gathered for the annual “Senior Sunrise”. Wrapped in blankets, holding bagels, and cradling coffee, they welcomed the sunrise together while singing their favorite songs. The wholesome moment began their last year at the Academy, and seniors were joined by the new Head of School, Sr. Kelly Schuster, and the student council moderator, Sr. Christina Chong. Just as much fun was the Back-to-School Family Picnic (above, right), featuring delicious BBQ food and a dunk tank that proved bad luck for newly-professed Sr. Pamela Rose Suresca! At left, each year students at Mary Help participate in the Club Fair where they meet with club moderators and members and pick their clubs for the semester. The Academy boasts a number clubs across various artistic, athletic, and scholarly interests – something for everyone, including music and guitar-playing. At right, Sr. Ramona Beltré can be counted upon for the loudest cheers at volleyball games. Go Jays!
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Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
SALESIAN SCHOOLS !
BACK IN THE DAY
ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, Hawthorne, NJ – On September 11, 2001, FDNY Ladder 2 Engine 8 responded to the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. They lost 10 men that day. This year, on the 22nd anniversary, the second graders at St Anthony’s made cards to send to the firehouse, thanking the firefighters for their bravery and for being our everyday heroes. What a beautiful gesture!
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ack to school, back in the day! Sisters and students gather in North Haledon, NJ, in the 1920s. Seated front row, center, is the Provincial Superior, Mother Gemma Muttis, elected in 1923. She is flanked by one of her Provincial Councillors, Sr. Antoinette Pollini, and one of the first Salesian Sisters sent to the United States, Sr. Veneranda Zammit, who served as Provincial Treasurer.
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Autumn 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
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ongratulations to the Girls’ Junior Varsity Volleyball team at Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL – a 6-1 record this season, and a second-place finish in the jamboree competition! That’s enough to make their menacing eagle mascot smile!
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