P artners in GivinG Winter 2022 • www.salesiansisters.org
Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s letter Dear Friends, “Duc in altum – Put out into the deep,” Jesus told St. Peter as he cast his nets across the sea. At Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami, FL, the sea has also reaped great rewards, as the ILS sailing team beat rivals from across the state to win the Fourth District Sailing Regatta. With boats like the one on our cover, ILS crews won both the A and B divisions and seven of the day’s races. Congratulations, Royal Lions! A new year is unfolding, full of promise, expectation, and – please God – an end to the pandemic. We look forward to happier days, and two celebrations in particular. We expect construction of our new St. Joseph’s Chapel will be finished in the coming months (see page 3), as will the much-needed Pavilion on the Villa Madonna Campus in Tampa, FL (see pages 18-19). Thank you to all who have contributed to these two essential projects – your generosity is inspiring! There are still needs to cover in both places, so please be in touch if you can help. Temperatures may be plummeting outside (brrrr!), but the warmth and fervency of our Salesian outreach are as mighty as ever! God bless you! Peace,
PARTNERS IN GIVING is a bimonthly magazine published by the
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Development Office 659 Belmont Ave., N. Haledon, NJ 07508 Telephone: (973) 904-0102 Toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS E-mail: SalesianPartners@gmail.com Website: www.salesiansisters.org Social Media: https://linktr.ee/salesiansisters
“Missionary Society Salesian Sisters”
2 • Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 1
Mary Help of Christians returns to her pedestal beside the new St. Joseph Chapel!
Editorial Board Dr. Joe McAleer, Editor Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of Development Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA, Editorial Manager Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter, Theresa Anderson & Anna Anderson, Copy Editors Federal Tax ID # 22-6043753 © 2022 Missionary Society of Salesian Sisters, Inc. PRIVACY POLICY:
Your name, address, and other information are held in confidence by our ministry and will never be sold, rented, or given to any other organization. Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
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onstruction of the new St. Joseph Chapel at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, is now entering the home stretch, and with the return of Our Lady’s statue (left), removed for safekeeping during construction, we know that completion is not far off! Thanks be to God! There’s still time to make a donation to help us purchase essential furnishings and liturgical items for the new Chapel. Please consider a lasting memorial or tribute for those you hold dear. For more information, please call (973) 904-0102 or toll-free (877) OUR-NUNS, or e-mail Sr. Mary Rinaldi: sr.mary@salesiansisters.org. Thank you and God bless you!
Reconciliation Room for hearing confessions Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Winter 2022 • 3
Now more than ever On a school snow day in Port Chester, NY, Sr. Elfie Del Rosario, Sr. Lise Parent, and Sr. Liz Ryan do the only sensible thing: make hot chocolate!
Please Adopt a Sister!
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specially in these uncertain times, please consider joining our friends of all faiths who have experienced the transforming power of prayer and loving friendship with a Salesian Sister, every day of the year, through our Adopt a Sister Program. Whether the Adopted Sister is for yourself, a family member, or a friend in need of spiritual strength, you will find comfort knowing that your intentions will be remembered each day by your spiritual prayer partner. And it makes the PERFECT gift, especially for a wedding, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, birthday, anniversary – any occasion! Please complete the form below, visit us online at www.salesiansisters.org, or call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you, and God bless you!
CVV: _____________
4 • Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 1
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
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any happy returns! Sr. Rosalie Di Peri celebrated her 98th birthday on January 7 with a party at the St. Joseph Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ, complete with cake and balloons. When asked what she is looking forward to as a 98-year-old, she replied, “Turning 100!” See you in 2024! Above, Sr. Rosalie (seated behind her cake) is joined by Sr. Patricia Winterscheidt, Sr. Ines Valentin, Sr. Virginia Dickey, Sr. Carmen Morales, Sr. Domenica Di Peri, Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin, Sr. Teresita Teran, Sr. Esther Cruz, and Sr. Catherine Novo. At right, Sr. Domenica, 96, kisses her big sister Rosie. Sr. Domenica has been professed as a Salesian Sister for 76 years, one less than her sister. Amazing! Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Winter 2022 • 5
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n Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, the local Duc in Altum group (a group for accompanying young adults as they grow in their faith and discern their vocations) enjoyed a visit from Fr. Steve DeMaio, SDB, assistant vocation director of the Salesian priests and brothers. Fr. Steve discussed the topic of “Identity: Who am I?” and shared his discernment journey to the priesthood with the young adults. The Campus Ministry Leadership Team of Holy Cross Regional High School also enjoyed playing games and socializing with Fr. Steve. Sr. Cora Beboso and Sr. Hae-Jin Lim guided the activities. “We were so very happy to have a Salesian brother join us in ministry!” Sr. Hae-Jin says.
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uring Catholic Schools week, Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL, celebrated Career Day, and students dressed up as their dream career. Firstgrader Flynn Fallon (below), sporting his racecar driver outfit, was thrilled to receive one of Aric Almirola’s actual NASCAR race helmets as a present from his parents! Flynn’s parents won it at the Thanksgiving Basket fundraiser when Aric, Villa class of 1998, donated it for the auction.
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ortitude means strength in the face of adversity or difficulty. This cardinal virtue to practice what it good and just, no matter the circumstance, is a hallmark of the Salesian Sisters. How appropriate, then, that the Salesian Novices, on a Christmastime visit to New York City, posed before the lion named “Fortitude” in front of the New York Public Library!
6 • Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 1
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
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he Development Office hosted the virtual Christmas Challenge Sweepstakes drawing for the benefit of Mary Help of Christians Academy’s Financial Aid Fund. Seniors Maya Watters and Sarah Hart (below) helped Sr. Mary Rinaldi announce the prize winners and closed the evening with a rendition of “O Holy Night.” Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you for your continued commitment to the future of our students!
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BACK IN THE DAY
uke Lothrop, a senior at St. John Neumann High School in Naples, FL, wanted to choose something meaningful for his Eagle Scout project. To help protect the bees and butterflies and in memory of our beloved Sr Carmen Peña, he built a garden on the edge of campus, a place of beauty for the school and the neighborhood to enjoy.
eading the Christmas sing-a-long in the 1960s at the former St. Michael School in Atlantic City, NJ, are Sr. Clare Kennelly, Sr. Rose McShane, Sr. Raquel Vargara, Sr. Angela Puppione, Sr. Amparo Uribe, and Sr. Agatha Cosentino. Are you in the photo? Please let us know! E-mail us at SalesianPartners@gmail.com
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Winter 2022 • 7
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r. Domenica Di Peri poses with Bishop Kevin Sweeney and priests from the diocese of Paterson, NJ, at the annual Christmas dinner for religious, hosted by local firefighters. One of Sr. Domenica’s Adopters is also one of the longest-serving members of the Salesian Sisters Partners Circle: Dr. Emilio Echevarria of Tampa, FL. Emilio and Sr. Domenica met in the 1960s when she was principal of St. Joseph’s School in Tampa, and he volunteered to be the physician for the Sisters there, free of charge. When the Partners Circle was founded in 1991, Emilio was among the first to join! He also served faithfully for many years on the National Board of Trustees, retiring last year. Thank you, Emilio! Annual membership in the Partners Circle over the past 31 years has helped the Salesian Sisters fund student financial assistance, brick and mortar projects throughout the Province, and Vocation Programs, to name a few. There are eight levels of annual membership, listed on the following pages. Please join this dynamic group and be part of the mission in action! Thank you and God bless you!
Yes! I wish to join the Partners Circle!
Please use the enclosed envelope. Thank you!
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he Salesian Sisters Partners Circle was founded in 1991 to provide unrestricted funds for urgent needs of the Salesian Sisters and their mission. These include support for capital needs, scholarship assistance, technology upgrades, and funds for those unforeseen situations that require immediate attention (such as during the COVID-19 pandemic). Your annual contribution to this fund empowers the Sisters to continue their mission: To Provide Financial Assistance and Volunteer Services to the Salesian Sisters and to the Young People in their Care for the Advancement of Education, Vocations, and Community Life. The fire which destroyed St. Joseph’s 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.
31st
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 as we celebrate our 31st anniversary? Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS, or complete the form on the opposite page. 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
FLORIDA Mr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor Ms. Caroline Barnhill Lydia & John Oliva Mrs. Beverly Rohde Susan & Jeff Turner --NEW JERSEY Joseph Batelli Al Daloisio, Jr. Mr. Robert Harkins Maria L. Lopez Mr. Bill McLaughlin Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer Joseph & Rita Weiner
INDIANA Mr. & Mrs. Judson Church --NEW YORK Mr. John Cassara Beruta & James Dell’Orto
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Welcome
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new or upgraded Partners Circle Members in 2022! 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 Anthony & Geraldine Dell’Orto --MASSACHUSETTS Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair PC
NEW JERSEY Chris & Gemma Chong Frank & Rosemary Lupo Family --PENNSYLVANIA Mr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow
Partners in Giving • Winter 2022 • 9
Partners Circle “Founders” Annual gift of $2,200 CONNECTICUT Christina & David McAleer PC --DELAWARE Maria Sturchio --FLORIDA Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Clark, III John & Pat Connors Anthony & Diana Ekonomou Lowry Murphey Family Foundation Mrs. Kathleen Medore NEW JERSEY Mr. Robert Eliseo Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hofmann Mr. & Mrs. Anthony M. Laino Marilyn & Dale Livi
Mr. Joseph Massood 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” ARIZONA Mrs. Ann Marie Forster --CALIFORNIA Mary & Robert Obenberger --COLORADO Jamie & Paul Condit --CONNECTICUT Linda & Peter Christiansen PC Mr. Michael Guarnieri PC Fabrizio & Barbara Zichichi FLORIDA Anne & John Bedlek Joseph & Claudine Caballero PC Maria Restrepo Forte Dr. Giacomo & Mrs. Judy Guggino Aida Yglesias Jurado Greg & Lori Korte Barbara & Jim Major Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf Robert Nocek Mr. & Mrs. Rob Obbink Ms. Marianne O’Doherty
Mr. Fredy Padovan Gene & Linda Perez Rudy Rodriguez Mr. Nick Suszynski --GEORGIA Mr. Robert Reiter --MASSACHUSETTS Mr. & Mrs. Neil Holmes Deirdre Kelleher Mr. & Mrs. Ted Reading --NEW JERSEY Ms. Debi F. Debiak, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Della Cerra Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell James Construction Co., Inc. Michael & Mary Losurdo Mrs. Faith Menard Mary Ann Munson Dr. & Mrs. Wayne Obetz Robert & Constance Sumas Mrs. Carolyn Young NEW YORK Ms. Lea Battiato
10 • Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 1
Welcome new or upgraded members in Red! PC denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees.
Our Mission: To Provide Financial Assistance and Volunteer Services to the Salesian Sisters and to the Young People in their Care for the Advancement of Education, Vocations, and Community Life.
Annual gift of $1,100
Jo Ann & Joseph Caracappa PC Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri
PENNSYLVANIA Dr. Allyson & Mr. Kevin Hardy
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 Theresa E. Unanue --VIRGINIA Dr. Evelyn Garcia & Michael Maurer
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
Partners Circle “Members” Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Reynolds ARIZONA Alina M. Roces Anonymous Rudy Rodriguez --Hon. & Mrs. E.J. Salcines CALIFORNIA Mrs. Joan M. Smith Joanne & Geraldine Rizzuto Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Tomaino --Ron Yates CONNECTICUT --Anonymous GEORGIA Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Goin Mr. Charles Fantauzza Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Mosey Mrs. Brooke McDonald ----FLORIDA ILLINOIS Dr. Kenneth Alonso The Mills Family Mr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson --Mrs. Liana Baldor, in memory INDIANA of Ana Maria & Carlos Sr. Andrea Dealynn Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sandra M. Freeman Caldevilla PC --Mr. & Mrs. Carlos LOUISIANA Baldor, Jr. PC Mr. & Mrs. George LeBlanc Mrs. Trudy Carey --Dr. & Mrs. Antonio Castro MARYLAND Mr. & Mrs. Charles Corces, Adrienne & Albert Marra in memory of Charles J. Corces --Dr. & Mrs. Emilio Echevarria MASSACHUSETTS Manny & Aggie Fernandez Ms. Josephine Petrillo Mrs. Leslie Garcia PC --Joseph Phillip, Jr. & Julia Jones NEW JERSEY Mr. James D. Leone Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Amatuzzi Kelly Nunez Anonymous Mark & Heidi Oliva PC
Annual gift of $550
Tiziana Anello, M.D. Mary Joan Collison Larry & Mary Anne Condit Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ferrito Dr. & Mrs. Louis 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 Mrs. Rose Mary Clair Ms. Claire Dell Mr. Walter Lazarcheck Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec --NORTH CAROLINA Mr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard --OHIO Dale & Lynda Kovach In memory of Mr. Fred Mastrogiovanni Ginnie Sitdham
Partners Circle “Quarter Century Club” CALIFORNIA Jeanann Davis Rev. Paula T. Webb --CONNECTICUT Anonymous Mrs. Eileen G. Hahnenkratt Mr. Patrick J. Waide, Jr. --FLORIDA Jon & Michelle Barry Amanda Clair Kurt & Laura Badertscher Mr. & Mrs. Edward Gomez, Jr. Amy & Kevin Jarman Mr. & Mrs. John Mangin, Jr. Joan Palmer
John & Pauline Pedrero Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schmid Mrs. Raymetta Stowers Jim & Rita (Zoppo) Vietmeier --MARYLAND Arina O. Grossu PC --NEW HAMPSHIRE Mr. & Mrs. Thomas DiMicelli --NEW JERSEY John Capeci Julie Caucino Collins & Hogan Families Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cronrath Mr. & Mrs. David Hess
Annual gift of $250
Msgr. Raymond Kupke Theodore & Lynda Leo Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Nowak Mrs. Mary Ann Ryan Anna & Richard Spalckhaver Maura & Michael Testa Mr. Edward M. Zambrano --NEW YORK Mr. Patrick Clair Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Collison Mr. & Mrs. Charles Curcio Maria DaGrossa-Hanna Megan & J.T. Hunt Ms. Peggeann Larywon Mrs. Carolyn Mesler Madeleine & Rene Perrin
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
PENNSYLVANIA Mr. & Mrs. Brian Clair Ms. Kate Clair Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski Mrs. Eileen Seeburger --SOUTH CAROLINA Mackenzie Clair --TENNESSEE Mr. Terence P. Clair --VIRGINIA Mrs. Dominique Faust Karl Zauner --WASHINGTON Mr. Keiran C. Clair
NORTH CAROLINA Chester & Monica Michewicz --OHIO Anonymous --PENNSYLVANIA Bernadette & Fred Cairoli --SOUTH CAROLINA Elizabeth Craig & Michael Reeves, Jr. Ed & Luciann Slomkowski
Partners in Giving • Winter 2022 • 11
Please “Give Us This Day”!
An exchange of love
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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 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 the bulletin board outside our chapel. The Sisters will pray for that intention and for the person who requests prayers for the day. Let this exchange of love be an example of our concern for one another. During the holy season of Lent, 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
To celebrate Sr. Joanne Holloman’s visit to the St. Joseph Provincial House, the Sisters held a very fair – but very competitive! – geriatric volleyball game, using a balloon as the ball. The teams, led by team captains Sr. Helene Godin (Team Don Bosco) and Sr. Joanne (Team Mother Mazzarello) fought a tough battle, but Team Don Bosco prevailed!
Please give us this day/these days in 2022 in honor of my special request(s):
Please detach and mail this form in the enclosed envelope. Thank you!
12 • Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 1
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
Dear Friends: A message from Sister Joanne
Truly, “Mary Walks in This House”
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ecently, when I went to visit my sister, she received a new laptop from my niece. Seeing her old laptop stored in the closet, I asked my sister if she wanted me to take it back to the Provincial House to have it recycled. My sister was very grateful and took me up on the offer. Knowing that one of our Sisters keeps spare parts to repair other laptops, I gave it to her. As she was cleaning the files off the computer, the Sister told me she found some pictures and asked if I wanted them. I gave her a flash drive so she could save the files for my sister and, obviously, I took the liberty to look at the photos. Much to my surprise, in the midst of the family photos, was a two-minute video clip of my mother during her 75th birthday! What a find that was! My mother passed away 11 years ago, so to see her laughing and enjoying the family felt like a gift from her.
Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, are celebrating the 150th anniversary of our founding as a religious congregation. The theme of our anniversary celebration is, “Mary Walks in This House.” This phrase has a lot of significance for us and is taken from a vision that St. John Bosco had near the end of his life when he visited one of our houses in Italy. While there, he actually saw Our Lady walking among us. Mary is truly present in our lives in so many ways. I would like to think that she is saying, “Thank you!” to us, too, but not just to the Salesian Sisters, but to you, as well, for being such an integral member of our family and for helping us to give glory to her Son, Jesus and helping Him save souls.
Seeing my mother again brought me great joy, along with a few tears. After we sang the traditional “Happy Birthday” song in the video, my mother said, “Thank you!” and the clip ended.
Our Lady isn’t a woman of words only; throughout Scripture she was always quick to act with faith, so not only does Mary thank you, but she is actively with you and your family. No matter the joys and sorrows, the challenges and rewards, or the good fortune and setbacks in life, she is there; she walks in your house.
Since viewing the video I have pondered the last scene of that clip and the final words of my mother saying, “Thank you!” I wondered – shouldn’t we, her children, be thanking her?
Don Bosco repeatedly told us to, “Trust in Mary and you will see miracles.” My prayer for each of you is that you see miracles in your life, as you trust in Mary, our mother, who is with you.
Mothers always seem to be so selfless. Their whole life is spent thinking of their family and others, making sure we have what we need, even if they have to go without. I am sure you would agree that our mothers are a great gift, and perhaps the greatest gift we can give our mothers in return is to pay our gratitude forward by imitating their generous service.
In the name of the Salesian Sisters, I say “Thank you!” for being a part of our family and for sharing in our mission, and “Thank you!” for being a way that Mary touches us in our ministry. Every day we strive to pay our gratitude forward in how we live our lives so that, with us and through us, Mary may continue to walk among us.
I mention this little story because this year, on August 5, 2022, the Salesian Sisters, also known as the Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
– Sr. Joanne Holloman, FMA, is the Superior of the Province of St. Joseph Partners in Giving • Winter 2022 • 13
Memorials
A Love That Lasts Forever
Received between Dec. 1, 2021, and Feb. 7, 2022
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
$
Sr. Rosemary Cordes, FMA Mr. John Schultz
Santo DeLuna Ms. Carol Kasper
Sr. Carmen Peña, FMA St. John Neumann High School
Gloria Turba Ms. Rosalie & Grace Polizzi
Sr. Felicia Tanzella, FMA Ms. Michele Tanzella
Katherine Saltalamahia Ms. Rosalie & Grace Polizzi
Judge Carl Hinson Adele S. Bernett Trust Memorial Fund Lewis & Jo Ann Barbon Dennis Diecidue Bob & Doria Gomez Sandra Guggino Debi Hudson A. Woodson Isom, Jr. & Claudia Isom Joe Kotvas Mr. & Mrs. Sam Lazzara Ron & Rose Llauget Kara McCullers Cathy Peek McEwen (Judge) Bruce & Margaret Peavler Felix & Linda Peterson William (Bill) & Betty Wynns
Josephine Gosman Ms. Amy Griffith Ms. Nancy Gosman
William Anzenberge Mr. & Mrs. John Pulitano Mr. Hank McMahon
Barbara C. Hedgecock Mr. & Mrs. Mark P. Billetta John Eccleston Ms. Debbie & Joann Doherty Ms. Carolyn Monroe Camille D’Amato Kornutick Ms. Carol Casper John Orzechowski Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Quinn Jeanne Theobald Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Quinn Catherine Sharenko Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Quinn
Name – DECEASED
Brian Baker Mr. & Mrs. James Bagli
Elizabeth Tutor Hill Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Quinn
Name – LIVING
Andrew Calcagno Mr. & Mrs. James Bagli
Thomas Zambito Mr. & Mrs. Rene Rodriguez
William Jenusaitis Mr. & Mrs. James Bagli
Virginia Massood Mr. Marie Palazzone
Occasion Please send an acknowledgement to: Name Address My Name Address
Detach & mail in the enclosed envelope. Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS
Vincent Bagli Mr. & Mrs. James Bagli Barbara Jackson Ms. Susan Gruber Andy Jackson Ms. Susan Gruber Elizabeth Macolino Mr. Thomas Hughs Mr. Thomas Reardon Ms. Janet A. Alaimo Acme Supermarkets Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Tarantino Mr. & Mrs. Thomas K. Purcia
Tributes Dec. 1, 2021-Feb. 7, 2022 Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, FMA, 98th Birthday Dr. Joe McAleer Mrs. Sofia Stuart Michael Mannoia Mr. & Mrs. Raimund Skrabitz Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA Mr. & Mrs. Dale Livi
On the Journey with Sister B
Keep your heart near God, like our patron
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e recently celebrated (Jan. 24) the feast day of St. Francis de Sales. St. John Bosco gave him to us as our patron saint and even named us after him because he wanted us to imitate his gentleness and down-to-earth spirituality. Admittedly, I initially wondered what a bald bishop who died in 1622 could say that would appeal to me, but after reading his writings, I must acknowledge he is one of the best spiritual writers I’ve encountered. His wisdom is timeless and easy to understand, and he is able to distill into a short message what takes me an entire essay to say.
wallet to give to the poor, but refuses to draw kindness from his heart to pardon his enemies. Still another person will pardon easily but refuses to pay his creditors unless compelled to do so by law. All these persons may pass for being “devout” [holy] but they are nevertheless not so. – from The Introduction to the Devout Life (1609)
All I could think after reading that was, “Yikes!” St. Francis de Sales is not saying anything new, for Jesus tells us repeatedly that even if we praise God with our lips, our hearts can be far from Him; a complaint stated by God in the Old Testament As we prepare for the start of in Isaiah 29:13 and Ezekiel Lent on March 2, I find myself 33:31 and echoed by Jesus considering how I can make this Himself in Matthew 18:7-9 Lent truly meaningful, without (some recommended reading for making it truly miserable. I think the The wisdom of Lent). How often I have found myself pandemic has subjected us to enough St. Francis de Sales being so patient and kind to people isolation, sacrifices, and suffering, but I don’t live with and then wanting to that is not what Lent is about! Lent is is timeless. bop (!) a fellow Sister over the head meant to be a kind of workshop on for some small annoyance? It’s a bit holiness, in order to give us strength to hypocritical of me, don’t you think? St. Francis de Sales zoom through the rest of the liturgical year with greater seems to think so. devotion. Of course, St. Francis de Sales has something to say about holiness and how to grow in holiness, so I Lent doesn’t need complicated, showy practices to prove yield a portion of my column to him: our Catholic-ness, but requires a “humble and contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17) in order to grow in holiness. All of us depict devotion [the path of holiness] according to our own preferences and fancies. With that in mind, I wish you all a simple, fruitful, The one who fasts, for instance, will believe he and holy Lent, lived in the Salesian spirit of St. Francis is devout [holy] simply because he fasts, even if de Sales. Please pray for me and know that I will his heart is full of hatred. For sobriety’s sake, he be praying for you as we struggle together to live will not moisten his tongue with wine or even God’s kingdom on earth, embracing both the Lenten with water, yet he will not hesitate to plunge it sacrifices and the Easter joys. God bless! into his neighbor’s blood through slander and calumny. Another esteems herself devout because – Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA, she multiplies prayers, and yet afterwards speaks is the Social Media Coordinator for the Province and arrogantly to her employees or to her neighbor. Editorial Manager of Partners in Giving. Another person will gladly take alms from his Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Winter 2022 • 15
SALESIAN SCHOOLS !
ST. JOHN NEUMANN HIGH SCHOOL, Naples, FL – The amazing YACHT (Youth And Christ Helping Together) Club of St. John Neumann High, joined by Sr. April Hoffman (left), gathered to make homemade Christmas cards for some of our military men and women serving overseas who could not make it home for the holidays. We are so incredibly grateful for these brave patriots and happy that our schools continue to support our military through concrete gestures of support.
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL, Columbus, OH – Sr. Monique Huart joins students following the annual holiday canned food drive to serve the people of the local community. This year the school community collected more than 22,000 items in a beautiful display of kindness and compassion for those in need.
16 • Partners in Giving • Volume 32 • Issue 1
Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, Marrero, LA – Right to Life representatives from Academy of Our Lady gathered with hundreds of thousands of pro-life people from across the 50 states at the annual March for Life in Washington, DC, marching up Capitol Hill to the Supreme Court building in protest of Roe vs. Wade and abortion. The girls started the day attending Mass with Archbishop Gregory Aymond, joining in prayer with their peers. We are so proud of our girls for standing up and being a voice for those who do not have one. An unexpected bonus: experiencing snow, a rarity in Louisiana! ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, Hawthorne, NJ – A “Bible ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, Hawthorne, NJ – Entrustment Ceremony” was held for students in grades Seventh-grader Evan Pidane and his brother, Justin 6-8 to instill in them a love of Sacred Scripture. Sr. Mary (class of 2021), have been on a mission to help Jackson, principal (below), was present to hand out the those in need. Their “Be the Key to Change” project Bibles to each student. involved selling their handmade paracord keychains after Masses. They raised an amazing $1025.50 for the parish food pantry and holiday food drives! The brothers have a history of concern for those in need. During the last five years they set up a drink stand at the annual Hawthorne town garage sale and used the proceeds to buy food for the food pantry. Once the pandemic hit, the garage sale stopped, so Evan and Justin turned to creating keychains to generate income for their project. Justin and Evan make their school proud as they demonstrate strong Salesian values through generosity, initiative, and caring for others.
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in Giving • Winter 2022 • 17
Salesian School Teacher Spotlight
“I come to work every day with a big smile”
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Standing proud under the new Pavilion now being built are Villa Madonna teachers of longstanding: Sherry Robare (31 years), Angie Tillman (32 years), Vicki Fabiano (35 years), Maria Rivera (30 years), Bertha Borroto (38 years), and Coach Oscar Laboy (42 years).
illa Madonna School in Tampa, FL is blessed Ms. Fabiano: “Taking eighth graders to with wonderful teachers, six of whom who Washington, DC was always a highlight, and our have been at the school for more than 30 years! graduates walking the track in their graduation cap Together they total 208 years of service: Coach Oscar and gown for the May crowning of Mary Help of Laboy (42 years), Ms. Bertha Borroto (38 years), Christians. The heat was always unbearable!” Ms. Vicki Fabiano (35 years), Mrs. Angela Tillman Mrs. Tillman: “In my Literature class and Ms. (32 years), Ms. Sherry Robare (31 years), and Fabiano’s Reading class, we discussed how we wanted Mrs. Maria Rivera (30 years). Partners in Tampa, our home, to become alive. Giving invited these dedicated teachers to class wanted downtown to be open “There’s no place The share their memories and their hopes for and not shut down in the evening. In Villa Madonna’s future. 1993 we invited city officials to our like Villa!” presentation on, ‘Wake Up Tampa What’s your favorite Villa memory? Bay.’ Everything the students presented Coach Laboy: “It has to be the expansion of became a reality! For instance, they suggested the school in the 1980s. It was a total facelift and it improvements in Ybor City, the police department, made Villa Madonna one of the ‘Big Schools.’ Our the school system, and parks and recreation. We had enrollment increased tremendously. Sr. Agatha a Tourism Committee that discussed the Lowry Park Cosentino promised me a nice office and she delivered. Zoo and a River Walk. The Entertainment Committee One year our office was in the foyer!” discussed the need for more sports teams, clubs, and Ms. Robare: “My favorite memories include all the additions to the museum.” school plays; school Masses; Octoberfest; the 50’s, 60’s 70’s, and 80’s Dance Parties; the Halloween Parade and What brought you to Villa, and why did you stay? Fair; projects students did in class; and so much more!” Ms. Borroto: “When I came to Villa, I felt I
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Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS
belonged here, I am blessed to see my former students return with their children or as a staff member. The Family Spirit is evident.” Mrs. Tillman: “My mom encouraged me to be a teacher, but I wanted to be a Broadway star. Well, Villa is better than Broadway! It’s one of the few Catholic schools that has Sisters present who ignite the Salesian spirit and that reflect the real world, thanks to Villa’s diversity. I am the first AfricanAmerican educator at Villa and felt welcomed by all Sisters, students, and staff. Villa operates as family! Ms. Fabiano: “When I was first hired by Sr. Agatha, I knew this was where I belonged. I never looked back. Working with the Salesian Sisters has been a blessing all these years. I learned so much from them and the philosophy of St. John Bosco. I could never imagine spending my teaching career anywhere else.” Mrs. Rivera: “I came to Tampa from Puerto Rico. I interviewed at Villa and was hired on the spot. I was given a warm welcome and a tour of the school, which I fell in love with. I come to work every day with a big smile, looking forward to what the day will bring. Just like Dorothy says in The Wizard of Oz, ‘There’s no place like home.’ Villa is my second home!” How exciting is it to watch the transformation of the Villa campus, including the new Pavilion? Coach Laboy: “With the change in the neighborhood, and downtown workers moving close, Villa will be an awesome option for these new families, and the physical grounds will be a huge selling point to come and see what Villa Madonna is all about: a great school open to all races and socio-economic backgrounds.” Ms. Borroto: “Watching the evolution of the basketball courts brings back so many memories. One year we had our Christmas Show and Wonderland at night on the courts. It was beautiful!” Ms. Fabiano: “Want to know how long I have been here? Our basketball courts were nothing more than a concrete slab used for dismissal. It was hot, sandy, and Sr. Liz Ryan and I, along with the students, would do a lot of sweating!” Mrs. Tillman: “What an evolution! I feel honored to be still here to observe this phenomenal transformation. I thank the Oliva family for their vision and improvements to Villa, and appreciate all the donors for this blessed gift.” Ms. Robare: “I have so many happy memories of events we had on the old basketball courts. But the
Pavilion will offer new, exciting experiences for the students at Villa for years to come.” Mrs. Rivera: “I have been honored to see many changes at Villa: the school entrance; the computer lab in the Salesian Youth Center; laptops in every classroom; Ana Maria Park, and so much more. The Pavilion will be a safer environment for our teachers, staff, and students where we can all gather as a family.” – Anna Anderson, class of 2019
The Oliva Family Pavilion is rising fast, with $550,000 of the $2.8 million cost left to raise. Please help!
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absolutely love going to Villa Madonna School. The Salesian Sisters are the best. They’ve been teaching at Villa since 1936. I’m happy the campus is being fixed up so children can play for many more years and the Sisters won’t have to worry so much.
I’m so excited about the Pavilion and Renovation Project! I got to meet Mr. Mark Oliva at the groundbreaking last year, and he and his family have done so much to make this happen. He is such a smart man! It will be a safe and cooler place for students to hang out, play sports, run, and spend time. We can even have Mass out there and special events, too. I heard the basketball courts were put in in the 1980’s. My Mom was just a kid then, like me. My Mom says there’s still more to raise to finish the project. Can you please help us? Please visit www.villapavilion.com to make a donation, or call my Mom, Theresa Anderson, at (813) 205-3195 to send a check, make a pledge, or for more information. Mom’s working really hard on this project, and I want her to get it finished, maybe in time for my graduation in May! On behalf of students like myself, THANK YOU! – Joseph Anderson, grade 8
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, North Haledon, NJ – These Blue Jays mean business! The Mary Help Varsity Basketball Team, coached by Albie Schlageter and assistant Katie Church (class of 2014), is half way through their season. They are currently 4-3, with five weeks of games left. The team started the season with three straight victories, outscoring their opponents 119-38. Cheering them on is the Varsity Dance Team, coached by Hannah Batista. All games are live-streamed on the Mary Help YouTube channel. Go Blue Jays! Finish strong! Meanwhile, the Varsity Swim team wrapped up their season, excited to be back in the pool this winter after not being able to swim last season due to the pandemic. This year’s team was coached by Angel Lopez and assistant Shirley Clarke and made up of swimmers from all four grades.
SALESIAN SCHOOLS ! IMMACULATA–LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL, Miami, FL – Congratulations to ILS football coach Helder Valle for being honored as a Junior Dolphins Coach of the Week during halftime of the New England Patriots game on January 9 at Hard Rock Stadium! He was also one of nine honored as Top Coaches of the Year in South Florida. Coach Valle is a first-time head football coach for the ILS Royal Lions. He led his players to an incredible 10-0 regular season,
advancing ILS to the FHSAA Class 4A playoffs for the first time since 1976. In an article in the Florida Catholic newspaper, Coach Valle said, “I have such love for ILS because they gave me a shot. Sr. Kim Keraitis and athletic director Nicholas Fernandez are why we’re successful. They believed in the plan I had, and backed me up.” Congratulations, Coach Valle, for leading our young people to excellence!
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES HIGH SCHOOL, Columbus, OH – Sr Guerline Joseph (second from left) recently joined the St. Francis de Sales’ Ski Club on one of their practices. Completely new to skiing, the students helped Sr. Guerline to learn the basics and soon she was (fairly) confident on the slopes. She sure looked like she had a great time! Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
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SALESIAN SCHOOLS !
ST. THERESA SCHOOL, Kenilworth, NJ – Our first annual “Pictures with Santa” was a big success, attended by 110 children and family members. The laughter of surprise rang down the decorated halls (above) when the children saw Santa, and volunteer elves and other festive helpers gave out bags of holiday candy. Our families also spread joy to the local community by donating more than 400 food items to the St. Theresa Church Food Pantry. Fifty extra bags of holiday candy were donated to Bernice’s Place, a shelter in Elizabeth, NJ for children in need. The idea to combine a photo opportunity with food donation came from Megan Malone, Secretary of our Home School Association and a parent, who brought the school together to celebrate in a safe and friendly environment. ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, Marrero, LA – It was “Take Your Mother to School Day” when Academy students and their mothers enjoyed a holiday social together, hosted by the PTO. “We just wanted to host an event where mothers and daughters can enjoy each other, laugh together, and make memories together,” explains PTO president Melissa Bourg. There were fun games to play and a gift swap, plus a visit from Santa. “The social was a fun way for mothers and daughters to take a break from the crazy reality we are living in and to just take time for each other and create lasting memories with their Moms,” says Sr. Michelle Geiger (left), principal.
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To benefit Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School
Fr. Rinaldi Awards Dinner set for April 2
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he 11th annual Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi Awards Dinner, “Family! A Link to the Past, A Bridge to the Future,” will be held on Saturday, April 2, at the Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, CT. Proceeds from the gala evening for Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School in Port Chester, NY, will raise much-needed funds to enhance technology, provide tuiton assistance, expand the curriculum, and bring in additional resources for students.
exemplify his generous spirit through their gifts of time, talent and contributions to the Salesian family’s mission to youth. This year’s honorees are Neri’s Bakery and the Neri Family.
The Fr. Rinaldi Award, named for the beloved pastor and founder of the school, is presented to those who
All are welcome! For ticket information, please call (914) 937-4407 or e-mail cchrsdevelopment@gmail.com.
“We are proud to recognize a family who has been linked to Port Chester for almost 112 years, and to our school for decades,” says Sr. Lise Parent, school president. “The trust the Neri Family has placed in our school and our students is extraordinary.”
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Province of St. Joseph of the Eastern U.S. & Canada Development Office 659 Belmont Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397
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n honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and the Unborn, students at St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, NJ, performed a play, recreating the moment when St. Juan Diego (third grader Matthew Barone, center) saw Our Lady (Matthew’s sister, sixth-grader Maria), and then reported the experience to the Archbishop (Matthew’s brother, fifth-grader Jason), when roses cascaded from the tilma. “It was fun acting,” Jason says. “The play was all about reminding us of our past and the wonders that Mary works.”
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