P artners in GivinG Spring 2023 • www.salesiansisters.org
Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s letter Dear Friends, Our Foundress, St. Mary Mazzarello (18371881), had this advice for her Sisters: “To be cheerful we must go ahead in simplicity . . . Think only of doing your duty well for the love of Jesus and don’t think of anything else. If you are humble, you will have confidence in Him. He will do the rest.” I think of our Foundress when I gaze at our Salesian Sisters on our cover: how pleased she would be, as we are, with these joyful, humble young women eager to devote themselves to the glory of God and Our Lady, and the spiritual well-being of our young people. Please pray for these Sisters near their final vows, the glorious conclusion of their vocational journeys. What a blessing to our Order! The Sisters are standing before the new Oliva Family Pavilion at Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL, which will be dedicated on May 19. How exciting! See pages 16-17. Congratulations to our Provincial Superior-elect, Sr. Colleen Clair! When she began her Salesian journey, I was just starting out as Development Director – more than 30 years ago! Spring is here with the promise of rebirth and renewal. As always, the Salesian Sisters are grateful for your love and support, and keep you always in prayer.
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 2
It happens every six years! This is the official announcement letter shared on March 19. On the cover: Standing before the statue of Our Lady at the entrance of the new Oliva Family Pavilion in Tampa, FL, are: Sr. Janna San Juan, Sr. Kathleen Deighan, Sr. Anne Weis, Sr. Kelly Schuster, Sr. Marie Fe Tansioco, Sr. Molly Heine, Sr. Natasha Roig, Sr. Nicole Daly, Sr. Rachel Lauritsen, Sr. Boram Lee, Provincial Superior Sr. Joanne Holloman, and Sr. Amy Nguyen.
Editorial Board Dr. Joe McAleer, Editor Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of Development Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA, Editorial Manager Theresa Anderson, Anna Anderson, and Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter, FMA, Copy Editors © 2023 Missionary Society of Salesian Sisters, Inc. PRIVACY POLICY:
Your name, address, and other information are held in confidence by our ministry and will never be sold, rented, or given to any other organization. Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
Sr. Colleen Clair, FMA, new Provincial Superior
“I’m counting on everyone to pray for me”
O
n March 19, St. Joseph’s feast day, big news was shared in our Province of St. Joseph: Sr. Colleen Clair will succeed Sr. Joanne Holloman as the new Provincial Superior, beginning August 6. A 1988 graduate of Mary Help of Christians Academy, Sr. Colleen has been a Salesian Sister for 31 years. She has held a variety of positions in the U.S. and even Egypt, including Vocations Director and, currently, Head of School at Mary Help. Her brother, Dennis, is chairman of the board of the Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle. Partners in Giving sat down with Sr. Colleen to discuss the big news. What were your first thoughts after hearing the news? When our Superior General, Mother Chiara, called me from Rome, I was surprised! She has over 10,000 daughters, and I thought, “Why on earth is she calling me?!” I am counting on all of our Partners to pray for me as I step into this new ministry entrusted to me, grateful for the loving example of our present superior, Sr. Joanne Holloman.
holy parents. RoseMary and Joe Clair lived their faith in very practical ways, and helped my 15 siblings and me to grow as men and women of faith. I will entrust this work to their prayer, as I know they loved the Sisters very much and always supported our mission financially and with their work and ideas. I will also lean heavily on Blessed Sr. Eusebia Palomino, FMA. This holy Sister worked in the kitchens of our houses in Spain. I love her example. While people may look at the superior and say, “How holy…,” chances are that there are many Sisters behind the scenes, working hard and sacrificing themselves for the good of the young. This is the type of Sister I’ve always wanted to be: good, holy, and simple.
How can we help you in your new role? The Salesian Sisters are still not that well known in the United States. “This is the most We are a growing order of Religious one of few orders in the U.S. beautiful life I could Sisters, with young women professed and young women in formation. have chosen.” The greatest thing our friends and supporters can do is to share the news about the work we do. Spread devotion to Mary, the Powerful Help of Christians! Let people know that there’s a group of Sisters who love the young and want only to What excites you most about your new role? help bring Christ to the young and the young to Christ. Our Province of the Eastern U.S. and Canada encompasses more than a dozen houses and many Sisters. Do you have a message for young women discerning I am humbled at the prospect of serving such a large a vocation to religious life? number of people, and invigorated by the opportunity to Never be afraid. The Lord can never be outdone continue the growth of our Sisters in North America. in generosity. You may think, “Lord, I’m giving you my When I was doing vocation work, people would whole life,” but this life is so small and so short to give often ask me if there were Salesian Sisters in Wyoming and the return offer is not just a life, but ETERNAL life. or North Dakota or some other place. I would regularly I was so scared before I entered, and then by enteranswer, “Not yet.” This new role allows me the possibiling, I found so much joy. I wish I could go back and tell ity to dream of all the things that the Sisters can do, all my younger self not to hesitate and not be afraid. This the places we can work, and all the paths, especially the is the most beautiful life I could have chosen, and given path of holiness, that we can travel! the opportunity, I would choose it again and again! Who has influenced you the most, or inspired you? – Anna Anderson I had the great fortune of being raised by two very Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Spring 2023 • 3
Festive luncheon in Tampa
A family reunion of Adopters and Adoptees
F
or the past 32 years, the Adopt a Sister Program has been connecting supporters with Salesians Sisters, and encouraging friendships. Annual donations are made, and Adopters are matched with Sisters who pray for them and connect with them. The funds raised provide much needed funding for our retirement home, the St. Joseph Provincial Center, in Haledon, NJ. On February 24, the annual Adopt a Sister Luncheon was held in Tampa to raise awareness of the program, and, of course, bring new Adopters. This was the first in-person event since 2019. Current Adopters brought friends to the lunch in the Villa Madonna School gym. Around 200 guests had the chance to visit with the Sisters based at Villa, as well as ones who flew in for the event. Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin, Sr. Florine Lagace, Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter, and Sr. Colleen Clair had not visited Tampa since before COVID. The lunch included a visit from the Sisters’ star mascot, “Sr. Marianette.” A fun time was had by all, with many saying how happy they were that it was back in person!
Sr. Florine Lagacé welcomes Adopters! Below, the Salesian Sisters’ pictures and decorations crafted by Leslie Garcia were simply beautiful!
To learn more about how to Adopt a Sister, please turn to page 6. Photos by Dana Rozance/Vidaroza Photography & Noah Choe, Villa ‘21
Above, Tyler Bosco, the son of the late Fortune Bosco who helped create the Adopt a Sister program, enjoys the event with Major Jacob Haider. Left, our very own “Sr. Marianette” greeted Leo Haggerty and Jason Natasi of the Knights of Columbus Council #13525, who presented a check to Adopt a Sister!
4 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
“We are Villa Madonna Strong!” Alumni who attended the luncheon gathered for a group photo.
Dr. Joe McAleer presents the beautiful flower bouquet by Bee in a Bloom’s Kathryn Krejci, honoring Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin and Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto. Left, Sr. Colleen Clair visits with Rosy Rodriguez, Liana Baldor, and Margarita Freire.
Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin visits with Robin Nasco. Right, Marie Cusmano, the Hon. Frances Perrone, and Sherisha Hills enjoy the luncheon! Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Spring 2023 • 5
Now more than ever
Please adopt us!
P
Happy Sisters! (standing) Sr. Amy Nguyen, Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter, Sr. Mary Rinaldi, Sr. Colleen Clair; (seated) Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin, Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto, Sr. Janet Keller, Sr. Florine Lagacé.
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. 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 – any occasion! Please complete the form below, call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS, or visit us online: www.salesiansisters.org. God bless you!
CVV: _____________
6 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
O
ur Vocations Director, Sr. Elfie Del Rosario, has been busy around the Province, hosting “Come and See” events where young women visit with the Sisters for a few days to see what our life and vocation are like. At right, the “Come and See” in North Haledon, NJ, had a lot of visitors who were joined by our Novices and Aspirants.
At left, young women visited our Sisters in Tampa, FL with Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto, Sr. Janet Keller, Sr. Amy Nguyen, and (in blue) Aspirant Lisa. Please keep all our visitors in your prayers as they continue to discern!
S
alesian Sisters who have taken their first vows (the last step in the vocational journey before final vows) recently came to Villa Madonna Convent and School in Tampa, FL, for a formation retreat weekend. As a high-school senior who has grown up with these Sisters as role models, it was awesome to see them again! Amongst much catching up and many pictures for social media, even including everyone’s BeReals, it struck me again as radical holiness, how these Sisters live such joyful lives and spread the joy of the Lord to all of the children through their actions and the personal connections they make along the way. “It was a grace-filled time with our Sisters and deeper appreciation for St. John Bosco’s family spirit,” said Sr. Amy Nguyen. Thank you, Sisters, for your “yes” to God’s plan for you, and for joyfully making an impact in the lives of so many! – Anna Anderson
Enjoying their visit to Tampa’s Riverwalk are temporary-professed Sisters (back row): Sr. Nicole Daly, Sr. Kathleen Deighan, Sr. Rachel Lauritsen, Sr. Marie Fe Tansioco, Sr. Molly Heine; (front row) Sr. Boram Lee, Sr. Natasha Roig, Sr. Anne Weis, Sr. Kelly Schuster, Sr. Janna San Juan.
To celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the International Day of Prayer for the Sick, many of our elderly Salesian Sisters were anointed with the healing Sacrament of the Sick by Fr. Frank Twardzik, SDB.
O
n March 25, the Salesian Sodalities from our St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, NJ, and Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School in Port Chester, NY, gathered at Mary Help of Christians Academy to enjoy a family retreat in the Salesian style. The theme was, “A Eucharistic Revival on the Solemnity of the Annunciation,” and Sr. Marisol Guzman Lopez, Sr. Boram Lee, and Sr. Kathleen Deighan facilitated. Children and their parents reenacted Eucharistic miracles through various skits, reflected on God’s presence in their lives, participated at Mass and Adoration with much devotion, laughed, ate, and did arts and crafts as a reminder of how to live in communion with God and family. After the conclusion, they spent time, sharing songs and stories with the elderly Sisters (above) at the Provincial House. It was beautiful to see them smile!
8 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 2
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 (such as during the COVID-19 pandemic). Your annual contribution to this fund empowers the Sisters to continue their mission: To Provide Financial Assistance and Volunteer Services to the Salesian Sisters and to the Young People in their Care for the Advancement of Education, Vocations, and Community Life.
32nd
The fire which destroyed St. Joseph Chapel in North Haledon, NJ, in 2018 underscored the vital importance of the Partners Circle Fund, enabling the Sisters to respond quickly in an emergency and begin the rebuilding process – now complete! There are 8 levels of membership, starting at $250, which are listed on these three pages. PC denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees, a group of talented lay people who advise the Sisters on distribution of the fund. Won’t you consider joining this dynamic group 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 The Dorothy Thomas Foundation
NEW JERSEY Tony Amato Family The Carini Family Mr. Anthony Petrocelli Ms. Roberta Ruocco Ms. Celeste Tripi Mr. Vincent Waraske
Partners Circle “Partners” Annual gift of $5,500
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 JERSEY Joseph Batelli NEW YORK Chris & Gemma Chong Mr. Silvio Alfeo Al Daloisio, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cangro Anthony & Geraldine Dell’Orto Beruta Dell’Orto Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Laino --VIRGINIA Mr. Bill McLaughlin Mr. & Mrs. Greg Mueller Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer Joseph & Rita Weiner
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Welcome
29
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 • Spring 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 Mrs. Kathleen Medore Robert Nocek NEW JERSEY Mr. Robert Eliseo Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hofmann
Marilyn & Dale Livi The O’Halloran Family Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Papetti Andrelisa Michel & Michael Russo --NEW YORK Jordon Carroll Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Scala --PENNSYLVANIA In Loving Memory of Sr. Adeline Salvetti, FMA --SOUTH CAROLINA Tom & Laurie Aldinger
Partners Circle “Benefactors” John & Diann Pinkowski ARIZONA Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Mrs. Ann Marie Forster Ramsey, Jr. --Rudy Rodriguez CALIFORNIA --Mary & Robert Obenberger MASSACHUSETTS Mr. & Mrs. Donald Onken Mr. & Mrs. Neil Holmes --Mr. & Mrs. Ted Reading COLORADO --Jamie & Paul Condit NEW JERSEY --Mrs. Theresa Cannarozzi CONNECTICUT Linda & Peter Christiansen PC Mr. & Mrs. James Cavaluzzi Ms. Debi F. Debiak, Esq. Mr. Michael Guarnieri PC Fabrizio & Barbara Zichichi Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Della Cerra Mr. & Mrs. Martin Flemming Mr. & Mrs. Tom Furey FLORIDA Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Mrs. Bernadine Ayer Miss Mary Jean Hayek Mrs. Liana Baldor, in memory James Construction of Carlos & Ana Maria Baldor Company, Inc. Joseph & Claudine Caballero PC Michael & Mary Losurdo Rick & Patti Caldevilla PC Mr. Joseph Massood Mrs. Patricia Driscoll Mrs. Faith Menard Maria Restrepo Forte Mary Ann Munson Dr. Giacomo & Judy Guggino Dr. & Mrs. Wayne Obetz Aida Yglesias Jurado Robert & Constance Sumas Greg & Lori Korte Mrs. Carolyn Young Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf --Mr. & Mrs. Rob Obbink NEW YORK Ms. Marianne O’Doherty Ms. Lea Battiato Mr. Fredy Padovan Jo Ann & Joseph Caracappa Gene & Linda Perez
10 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 2
Welcome new or upgraded members in Red! PC denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees.
Annual gift of $1,100
Paul & Stephanie Gerardi Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri --PENNSYLVANIA Mr. & Mrs. Glen Berdela Msgr. Robert Carroll
Dr. Allyson & Mr. Kevin Hardy Mrs. Eileen Seeburger --TENNESSEE Mr. Leonard V. Ingrando
Partners Circle “Associates” Annual gift of $825
CONNECTICUT Dr. Joe McAleer PC --FLORIDA Declan & Shelly Mansfield Anne & Fred Michaels Rene & Phyllis Rodriguez Mr. & Mrs. Terry Wood --NEW JERSEY Joseph W. & Kathleen Buckley Mr. & Mrs. Greg Scott --NEW YORK Anonymous
INDIANA Sandra M. Freeman --VIRGINIA Dr. Evelyn Garcia & Michael Maurer
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
Partners Circle “Members” CALIFORNIA Joanne & Geraldine Rizzuto --CONNECTICUT Mr. 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 --NEW JERSEY Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Amatuzzi Tiziana Anello, M.D. Mrs. Rose Bielicki Mrs. Regina Calcagno Larry & Mary Anne Condit Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J. Dunn Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ferrito Dr. & Mrs. Lou Gambetta PC Joann Giamonco Teresa Gutto Vivian Isenberg Mr. James Lane Laura Cosentino Mannarino
George & Jeannie Pavlik Mrs. Christine Peragallo Twinkie & Michael Polizzi PC --NEW YORK Michael & Jeanette Altamura Mr. & Mrs. Jack Betwarda Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Clair Ms. Claire Dell The Esposito Family Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Greene Ms. Lena Huang Mr. Walter Lazarcheck Mr. Joseph V. Miressi Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec
Annual gift of $550
OHIO TEXAS Dale & Lynda Kovach Dr. Elizabeth Sledden Dybell In memory of --Mr. Fred Mastrogiovanni VIRGINIA Ginnie Stidham Mrs. Dominique Faust ----PENNSYLVANIA WASHINGTON Joseph & Joyce Boyle Mr. Keiran C. Clair Mr. & Mrs. Brian Clair Ms. Kate Clair Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski --SOUTH CAROLINA Mackenzie Clair
Partners Circle “Quarter Century Club” Annual gift of $250
CALIFORNIA Jeanann Davis Patrick & Kasia Gorman Rev. Paula T. Webb --CONNECTICUT Anonymous Mrs. Eileen G. Hahnenkratt Mrs. Concetta Luppino Mr. Patrick J. Waide, Jr. --DELAWARE Mr. & Mrs. Stevan Csanady --FLORIDA Kurt & Laura Badertscher Jon & Michelle Barry Amanda Clair Marilyn Collins Brig. Gen. & Mrs. Thomas V. Draude, USMC-Ret. Mr. & Mrs. Patrick C. Duffy Arthur & Maria Fierman Mr. & Mrs. Edward Gomez, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lebron Joan Palmer John & Pauline Pedrero Jim & Rita (Zoppo) Vietmeier --MARYLAND Arina O. Grossu PC Mrs. Josephine Savage
MISSOURI Jim Weis --NEW HAMPSHIRE Mr. & Mrs. Thomas DiMicelli --NEW JERSEY John Capeci PC Julie Caucino Collins & Hogan Families Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cronrath Mr. & Mrs. David Hess Msgr. Raymond Kupke Theodore & Lynda Leo Mr. & Mrs. Lindsay Logue Catherine Miller Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Nowak Mrs. Mary Ann Ryan Gene & Lorraine Signoretti Anna & Richard Spalckhaver Maura & T.J. Sullivan Maura & Michael Testa Mr. Eugene Veltri Mr. Edward M. Zambrano NEW YORK Mr. Patrick Clair Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Collison Mr. & Mrs. Charles Curcio Maria DaGrossa-Hanna PC
Megan & J.T. Hunt Ms. Peggeann Larywon Mrs. Carolyn Mesler Madeleine & Rene Perrin PC --NORTH CAROLINA Chester & Monica Michewicz --OHIO Anonymous --PENNSYLVANIA Bernadette & Fred Cairoli Mr. & Mrs. William Hayes --SOUTH CAROLINA Elizabeth Craig & Michael Reeves, Jr. Ed & Luciann Slomkowski --VIRGINIA Mr. & Mrs. Michael Deighan Wanda & Michael Pomatto Mrs. Shannon Whitmore --WISCONSIN Mr. & Mrs. Conor Clair
Please “Give Us This Day”!
An exchange of love
D
o you have a happy occasion you would like to share? The Salesian Sisters will celebrate with you for an entire month. Is it a time to mark a less-than-happy occasion? Our prayer for 30 days will commemorate this event in your life. Have you someone to thank? All of us will help multiply this gratitude to that special person. Is there a special person or event to bring to the attention of your friends? Then please “Give Us This Day”! Any event, person, or situation that merits special attention will be publicized on a bulletin board outside our chapel. The Sisters will pray for that intention and for the person who requests prayers for the day, and whose sacrificial gift supports the endowment for our retired Sisters.
Enjoying St. Patrick’s Day at the St. Joseph Provincial Center are Sr. Elizabeth Russo and Sr. Helene Godin.
Give Us This
Day
Let this exchange of time be an example 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!
Please give us this day/these days in 2023 in honor of my special request(s):
Please detach and mail this form in the enclosed envelope. Thank you!
12 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
Dear Friends: A message from Sister Joanne
Open your eyes and look around
E
very time I get a notification that my article is due for this magazine, I begin asking the Lord to enlighten me to know what to share. It was three days before the deadline and I did not receive any divine revelation or inspiration until I was at the airport waiting for my flight to return to New Jersey, hoping that I would get home before we were hit with a Nor’easter!
world. Sometimes we get bogged down by the negativity and bad news coming at us, but if we intentionally open our eyes and really look at those around us, we will be surprised to see all the beauty hidden in the common people and mundane events we normally gloss over. I was blessed that God opened my eyes to see it on the day of my flight.
While I was sitting down with a cup of coffee, I overheard an airport worker on his break listening to a podcast about the generosity of God and the beauty of creation. I was edified. Glancing up, a family a few tables ahead of me sat down and bowed their heads in prayer to bless their food. Once they said an enthusiastic “AMEN,” they began eating their breakfast and enjoyed a pleasant conversation. They didn’t seem shy at all about praying in public. Later, as I approached my gate, I saw a young man casually holding his Rosary and praying to Our Lady as he waited for his flight.
We are now in the season of Spring, when the beauty of creation surrounds us. We are also in the Easter Season where the beauty of God’s love embraces us. Let us be part of that beauty as we go about our daily routine. Let us take time to enjoy our family and friends with pleasant conversation, and let us not forget to pray, not only all the needs we have but also in thanksgiving and praise to God for His unconditional love, never-ending forgiveness, and constant presence in our lives.
It didn’t take me long to realize that God was speaking to me through the worker, the family, and the young adult. The ease with which they lived their faith in a public space was a beautiful witness. I realized, yet again, there is so much goodness and wonderful people in the
In the name of the Salesian Sisters I wish you and your loved ones a blessed Easter Season. Be sure of our continued love and prayer for you, and please keep us in your prayers as well.
St. Joseph Chapel in North Haledon, NJ, glows on a Spring night.
– Sr. Joanne Holloman, FMA, is the Superior of the Province of St. Joseph
Memorials
A Love That Lasts Forever
Received between February 1 and April 3, 2023 Kenneth Hayden Ms. Shannon White
You can honor a cherished relative or friend with an everlasting gift of love – a memorial. Our Partners in Giving Memorials & Tributes give you the opportunity to comfort those who have lost a loved one or to commemorate a special occasion. This gift lives forever, joining our loved ones to the prayers of the Salesian Sisters while supporting their good works. The name of your loved one will appear in our Partners in Giving magazine – a priceless gift to those you love. Give the gift that lasts forever. Enclosed is my Memorial/Tribute Gift of: ____ $25
____ $20
Memorial for Tribute for
____$15
$
Name – DECEASED
Elaine Livi Ms. Constance Buhl Alma Auxiliary Curcio Mr. & Mrs. Peter Curcio Betty Ann Kiefer Mr. John w. Kiefer Diana N. Rodriguez Mr. & Mrs. Russell Malko Mr. & Mrs. Frederick S. Tietien, Jr. Mr. Raymond Federici Marie Sisco Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Scillieri
William Riordan Maryann Riordan
Tributes
John J. Connors Mr. & Mrs. Michael Corcoran Mrs. Donna Sarno
Sr. Virginia Dickey, FMA, on her birthday Mrs. Cheri Brinkman
Kathleen Levicky Mr. Allen Levicky James S. Napolitano Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mangani
Please send an acknowledgement to: Name Address
Detach & mail in the enclosed envelope. Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS
RoseMary Clair Ms. Elizabeth Bogert
Gloria Favata Mr. Nelson T. Alderman
Occasion
Address
Rosemary Zoppo Poecker Ms. Dorathea Zoppo
Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, FMA, 99th Birthday Mr. Charles Curcio Mrs. Maria Gloria
Name – LIVING
My Name
Fr. Albert D. Audette, Jr. Dr. Joe McAleer The Anderson Family
Sr. Patricia Winterscheidt, Sr. Catherine Novo, and Sr. Ines Valentin receive the Sacrament of the Sick from Fr. Frank Twardzik, SDB.
SALESIAN SCHOOLS !
ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, Marrero, LA – On March 8, all Westbank Catholic schools with students in grades 5-12 gathered at Academy of Our Lady for a Young Salesian Celebration with the theme, “Together in Faith: Westbank Strong.” The goal of the event was to gather and celebrate as a Westbank family and remind the young of their call to holiness and happiness. The joy was evident during the day that began with Mass and included Olympic-style games and a singalong. It’s great to be Salesian!
ST. THERESA SCHOOL, Kenilworth, NJ – St. Theresa School kicked off Black History Month with a “visit” from pioneer aviator Bessie Coleman (1892-1926). Students from Grades 2-8 got to hear Coleman’s amazing life story through the reenactment and interpretation from Dr. Daisy Century. Dr. Century is from the American Historical Theatre, and portrays other historical figures such as Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. The entire auditorium full of students and faculty was mesmerized by the story of how Bessie Coleman was able to overcome obstacles in the early 1920’s, as the presenter took the everyone on Bessie’s journey from the cotton fields of Texas to aviation school in France. An enthusiastic question-and-answer session followed the one-hour performance. Who knows how many future aviators may have been in the audience that day?! Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Spring 2023 • 15
Beautiful messages are located on the east and west sides of the new Pavilion. This one, adorning the east side, proudly proclaims the mission of the Salesian Sisters: “Celebrating Youth, Building the Future.
Dedication day, May 19
Oliva Family Pavilion races to the finish line!
S
The scoreboard has been installed, in memory of David and Ann Lowry Murphey, who were instrumental to Villa Madonna’s prosperity. State-of-the-art flooring creates a “cool” place to play basketball!
16 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 2
od, landscaping, track lines, finishing touches, and that’s all folks! The north end of the Villa Madonna School Campus in Tampa, FL will be complete! Who would have thought that a $2.8 million project that was supposed to take 8 months to complete would end up at $3.9 million, taking just shy of two years? The children have been patiently watching and waiting, playing 4-Square daily on the pavement, begging their teachers for the hoops and playground to be open, to show off to their classmates with the skills they have been learning in PE, made more difficult without the space to learn. Our kids are beyond ready! The excitement of these children is unsurpassable, as the new Oliva Family Pavilion and playground offers lots of fun new opportunities and ways to play, safe from the Florida sun and heat. With the cost having risen significantly, there comes a great need, now more than ever. How do we finish paying for this project? We are thankful for Mark Oliva, who has given us a zero-percent interest loan to cover pledges and monies not yet raised. Now is the time to get it all paid back. We have been given a $100,000 matching challenge to be matched by the May 19th dedication. Will you please help us finish this project? We need YOU to help the Sisters end this project with no loan. Thank you! For more information, please call call Theresa Anderson at (813) 205-3195 or visit www.villapavilion.com. See you on May 19! Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
A beautiful playground has just been installed as well as a breezeway that connects the Pavilion to the school building. Parents are happy to see the news on the new electronic sign as they drive in for drop off and pick up.
Please help us cross the finish line!
Please use the enclosed envelope My gift is in honor of ___________________________________________________
SALESIAN SCHOOLS !
IMMACULATA–LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL, Miami, FL – The ILS Royals Debate Team dominated the competition in South Florida and advanced to the National Catholic Forensics League Grand Championship competition and the Harvard Invitational in Cambridge, MA. Juniors Patricia Quimby-Moro, Victoria Pla, Eva Ricci, and Isabela Puglisi, along with sophomores Joaquin Martinelli and AnaSofia Ibarra, will be representing ILS in Public Forum Debate. Congratulations to the Royals Debate Team for another very successful season!
ST JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, Naples, FL – Students celebrated Catholic School week by not only hosting on campus fun with games and a Mass in honor of St. John Bosco, but also by reaching out in service to the local community. Students served at a variety of places, including the Collier County Domestic Animal Service (right) and Grace Place for Children and Families.
18 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
Salesian School Alumni Spotlight
“I get constant reminders of how good life is”
“O
ur nursing profession is as taxing as it is rewarding, and sometimes even more taxing than rewarding,” admits Gabriella Corbo, a pediatric oncology and hematology nurse and alumna of Mary Help of Christians Academy (Class of 2017). “I always say that we cannot be expected to take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves. I remind myself of this almost every day I am at work; we, too, are humans, who need to be cared for.” After graduating from Mary Help, Gabriella attended Fairfield University. She vividly remembers the moment she knew she was called to work in pediatric oncology. “During my time at Mary Help, I was part of the Healthcare Program, which gave me early exposure to the field of nursing,” she recalls. “I was always drawn to the relationship that the nurses fostered with their patients at the bedside. I have a distinct memory of being on our weekly visit to St. Joseph Hospital in Paterson, NJ, and that week I was on their pediatric oncology unit. While there, I had a strong, unshakable feeling that I was meant to be in the shoes of the nurse that I was shadowing. And now, seven years later, I am that nurse!”
nurse,” she adds. “I still hold the light of the Salesian spirit in my heart and bring it to work with me every day so I can share it with my patients and their families through what is probably the darkest time of their lives. I regularly aim for my patients to experience their hospital stay, no matter the length, a sense of connection that brings them comfort, faith, joy, and the education they need to make the best decisions they can. My patients are fighting a big battle, so any prayer or glimmer of faith that I can offer them to ease their fight, I do. I hope that my patients see me as a symbol of Christ’s mercy and love as I attempt to play a role in their healing.” In terms of developing herself as a professional, Gabriella credits the solid foundation she received at Mary Help of Christians Academy for helping her not only academically, but as a woman striving to find herself.
“While the classroom education I attained at Mary Help set the foundation for me to succeed in “At Mary Help, college and now my nursing career, being Salesian was it was the education I received much more than just outside of the classroom through the relationships I developed, that made attending school.” my experience even more worthwhile,” Gabriella says. “The values and morals that Mary Help instilled in Although working at Hackensack University Medical me continue to pay dividends in my interactions with Center’s Joseph Sanzari Children’s Hospital oncology others as I try to treat everyone I meet with an open and hematology unit comes with its unique set of heart and respect. In my experience at Mary Help, challenges, Gabriella finds joy and strength in her being Salesian was much more than just attending a patients. “My patients treat me with as much love as I school. I quickly learned that being Salesian meant treat them, which is a lot!” she says. “Knowing these putting my faith into action. children are battling cancer, but seeing them wake up with a smile and ready to play every day, is the “Now that I am now a pediatric oncology and purest form of joy I experience. I never walk into work hematology nurse,” Gabriella concludes, “I find myself thinking it’s going to be a bad day because my patients fostering the Salesian qualities of service, work, prayer, give me constant reminders of how good life is.” and play every day with my patients. Attending Mary Help granted me the gift of becoming a well-rounded Faith plays a big part in Gabriella’s life. “My woman by instilling in me the school’s values of Beauty, relationship with God supports me in my work as a Truth, and Joy, for which I am forever grateful.” Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Spring 2023 • 19
ST JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, Naples, FL – She’s got game! Sr. Nicole Daly takes to the basketball court during a recent practice session. Put her in the next game, Coach!
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, North Haledon, NJ – The annual Mary Help Winter Semi-Formal dance was a great success! Open to all grades and to the guests of our students, there was plenty of dancing, food, and fun with even the Sisters joining in some of the dances! Nice dance moves, Sr. Kelly Schuster and Sr. Elfie Del Rosario! Photos by Mary Raleigh
20 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
SALESIAN SCHOOLS !
To benefit Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School
Fr. Rinaldi Awards Dinner set for May 20
T
he 12th annual Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi, SDB, Awards Dinner, “Be an Anchor for Our Students in This World of Shifting Values,” will be held on Saturday, May 20, at Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, CT. Proceeds from the gala will benefit Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School in Port Chester, NY. The Fr. Rinaldi Award, named for the beloved pastor and founder of the school, is presented to someone who exemplifies his generous spirit through gifts of time, talent, and contributions to the Salesian family’s mission to youth. This year’s honoree is Hope Vespia, Town Clerk for Rye, NY.
“Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School continues to shines a bright light on our students’ lives – academically, socially, and personally,” says Sr. Lise Parent, FMA, president. “Thanks to generous benefactors, the 2022 Gala raised funds to enrich programs, technology, and curriculum, and provide vital financial aid. This year we add the renovation of the play areas to our goals. Fr. Rinaldi, who inspires everything we do, would be so pleased!” All are welcome! For ticket information, please call Judi DeSouter: (646) 633-5575 or e-mail cchrsdevelopment@ gmail.com.
ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, Hawthorne, NJ – St. Anthony’s Salesian Kids Club and Salesian Junior Apostles participated in praying the Stations of the Cross with much devotion during the holy season of Lent. At left. eighth-grader Justin Pidane carries the Cross as Jesus. Above, students reflected on the challenges, or crosses, in their lives. After creating origami crosses containing their reflections, they devoted themselves to carrying their crosses while praying the living Stations of the Cross for all the children in the world, especially those in difficult circumstances. Assisting them are their moderators, Sr. Bui Thi Bich Huyen, Aspirant Michelle, and Sr. Arlene Rubino.
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, North Haledon, NJ – “Servant Leadership” was the theme of this year’s Student Council Retreat. Through games and activities, students explored their leadership styles as well as the gifts and talents that they bring to their roles on the Student Council. They prayed together the Gospel passage of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, drawing inspiration on what it means to be a true servant leader. “The retreat was a great opportunity for students to get to know their fellow Student Council members and to be inspired for the second half of the year’s activities,” reports Sr. Kelly Schuster, FMA (above).
22 • Partners in Giving • Volume 33 • Issue 2
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
On the Journey with Sister B
Learn to dig deep and nurture your future
G
rowing pinto beans is not something I ever thought I’d add to my resume at this point in my life, but according to the “Mission to the Moon” unit I am following for our STEM science class, my students needed to build a hydroponic garden (since there is no usable soil in space), and pinto beans would be one of our plants. Having successfully grown and harvested two years of wheat grass while in college – before it was trendy to juice it – I felt confident I could conquer a pinto bean, but had serious concerns about my students’ enthusiasm and patience. As we all know, growth takes time, and young people are living in a digital-instant culture. I wondered how they’d handle the slow growth of a pinto bean.
“Can we plant more things?” I was asked with eager eyes, so I brought out seed trays, radish sprouts and a type of plant that moves when you touch it. The garden expanded further down the hallway windowsills. It was wonderful to see my students playing in dirt, gently handling their plants as they moved them into soil, creating planters for them, excitedly checking on them and notating their growth in their lab notebooks at every class. I think Jesus was familiar with all of this. His mother must have taught him how to grow plants, too, because Jesus passed on the same knowledge to His students and to all of us in the parable of the mustard seed: “What is the kingdom of God like? ... It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and ‘the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches’” (Luke 13:18-19).
I had the thankless job of also prepping the pinto beans; a pinto bean coach, if you will. Soaking them Mary must have in warm water over two nights and speaking motivational phrases to the taught her Son, beans so that they might grow a great Certainly a good reminder not to stalk up to the heavens, took much of Jesus, how to grow underestimate people, the smallness my available mental space, while I also of our faith, or the value of our tiniest plants, too. planned a backup in case they flopped. efforts towards good. For that, I secured some never-fail wheatgrass seed with a quick germination rate. As I thought about Jesus’ parable, the STEM project left me pondering about the patience I need to have I gave the students a mix of pinto beans, wheat grass with my own growth; the tender care we need to give seeds, and some corn kernels for variety. We discussed each other as we move through phases of learning and germination rates, hydroponic growth methods, development; and the opportunities for expanding and how to build a very simple hydroponic growth ourselves, if only given the right support. These are chamber for their “moon greenhouse.” lessons I hope my students will gain from this unit, that sometimes we can only learn from life by putting our What happened next surprised me. Within three days, hands into the dirt, digging deep, and being willing to everything was showing some growth, even a few pinto put in the patience required to nurture a small seed. beans. A solid week later, the wheat grass was ready to harvest, and some ate their plants, declaring them It may initially seem insignificant, but given what it “sweet and lemony!” The pinto beans had two leaves needs, can grow into a great and mighty plant. and shed their shells, looking very elegant, and the corn finally started sending out a strong, thick stalk. – Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Spring 2023 • 23
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Province of St. Joseph of the Eastern U.S. & Canada Development Office 659 Belmont Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage P A I D Hanover, NH Permit No. 8
C
ity parks in New Orleans are a lot cleaner these days, thanks to students at Academy of Our Lady in Marrero, LA. As part of their Service Week activities, students were led by Sr. Janna San Juan to pick up trash and beautify the area.
Connect
with us!
Facebook.com/ Salesian.Sister
Instagram.com/ SalesianSisters
YouTube.com/ SalesianSisters
SalesianSisters.org