2 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXIII • Issue 6 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS

Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s Letter

Dear Friends,

‘Tis the season! As families gather to celebrate Christmas, we Salesian Sisters are reminded of how blessed we are to have all of YOU as part of our extended family. We always enjoy hearing from you (our revised directory is on pages 16-17) and getting together, as we did in New Jersey at the Dames of Mary Help’s La Dolce Vita Gala (see pages 4-5), and in Tampa at the Southern Dames’ Thanksgiving Basket (see pages 6-7). Both were festive occasions made possible by our hard-working “Dames” and our donors. The happy family on our cover at the Tampa event includes Lauren Gonzmart Schellman, her husband, Chris, and their children. The Gonzmarts, owners of the world-famous Columbia Restaurant, donate the fabulous feast for our annual fundraiser.

Some news to report:

• Amid the holiday joy we are reminded of the terrible tragedy in the Philippines. From our General House in Rome, all of our Provinces around the world have been mobilized in securing aid for the suffering and homeless who have taken shelter with our Sisters. Children in our Salesian schools have already collected $14,650. Our Sisters can make anything we send go a long way. Please help if you can. See page 3.

• Every week I receive messages and notes of gratitude from those who have “Adopted a Sister.” One recently wrote, “I have been in the program since 1995 and each day I am able to face difficulties with calm and confidence knowing that ‘my’ Sister is praying for me.” Won’t you join this dynamic group? Hint: it makes a great Christmas gift! See page 18.

At prayer each morning, every Salesian Sister world-wide voices her prayer for family, friends, benefactors, and pupils past and present. These are powerful voices that go to Heaven and YOU are included. A blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year to all!

Peace,

If you call the switchboard at the St. Joseph Provincial Center (973-790-7966), it’s likely that either Sr. Frances Gumino or

Sr. Rosalie Di Peri – perhaps wearing holiday hats – will answer and happily direct your call. Sr. Frances recently joined Sr. Rosalie

in an exclusive club: the “Ninety Years Young Sisters”. Congratulations and God bless you both!

Save The Dates!

Spring Party

Saturday, April 12, 2014Mary Help of Christians

Academy North Haledon, NJ

Dames of Mary HelpWomen of Distinction

Luncheon

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

A benefit for Mary Help of Christians Academy. Watch for details!

Donate your unwanted Christmas gifts to the Spring Party, to benefit the Mary Help

Financial Aid Fund! Please call (973) 904-0102 for details. Thank you!

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org Partners in Giving • Christmas 2013 • 3

Making Headlines Around the Province

Remember the Victims in the Philippines

On November 8, one of the most powerful storms to ever hit land slammed into the Philippines, destroying everything in its path with wind, rain,

and storm surges. Seven Salesian Sisters’ communities were along the path of Typhoon Haiyan. While none of our Sisters were hurt, their pupils and their families report extensive loss and great hunger. We have 17 schools, youth centers, and women’s programs throughout the islands. Schools have to be rebuilt, but more importantly, lives must be rebuilt first. One voice expressed, “Thank God the Salesian Sisters were present to organize the tremendous rescue work and alleviation of those suffering victims.” The photos on this page tell the sad story.

We have just received a $50,000 end-of-year matching gift from two donors that benefits the education of children, the needs of our Sisters, as well as the needs in the Philippines. So far, we have raised $15,000, including an extraordinary gift from the Gatchalian Family (right).

If you would like to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, you may send your donation in the enclosed envelope, or you can donate online at www.salesiansisters.org. Thank you for your generosity and for your prayers.

At Mary Help of Christians School in Cebu City, 800 persons took refuge for two days. The Sisters and volunteers provided

food and other basic necessities.

In Pampanga, Mary Help of Christians School provided food and shelter for Typhoon Haiyan victims.

Dear Sisters: For months Gavin, 7 and Dylan, 4 have been

working and saving their allowance for an Eli Manning

jersey. When the Typhoon hit the Philippines, they

wanted to help out. They decided to give almost all their

savings ($47 each), letting go of their months-long goal!

We are bursting with pride at our kids’ generosity.

We tried our best to match this generous spirit.

Please accept our little contribution ($500) toward

relief efforts for the Philippines. We trust in God

that this will be put to good use.

– The Gatchalian Family, Union NJ

P.S. We let Santa know about the Eli Manning jersey...


Enjoying “La Dolce Vita”, the Italian good life? “Yes!” was the resounding response from

all who attended the gala presented by the Dames of Mary Help on October 4 at The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ. The $355,000 raised will benefit the operations and scholarship funds of Mary Help of Christians Academy.

A spectacular cocktail hour was followed by a dinner where 400 guests entered a room with beautifully adorned tables. Honorees Elsie and Ray Catena were introduced by none other than Academy Award-winning actor and dear friend of the Salesian Sisters, Joe Pesci, and were presented with their award by Dames Chair, Twinkie Polizzi.

Joe’s humorous speech was peppered with comments about Sr. Mary Rinaldi who cajoled him into inviting Ray to be the honored guest. Once Ray was convinced it really was Joe Pesci on the phone that day, he accepted with pleasure!

The program became more serious as a memorial tribute was paid to the late Pat McLaughlin, a charter member of the Dames. Pat’s many contributions were recognized as her beloved husband, Bill, and their children gathered, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. She is truly missed by all.

Dinner was followed by the quick sellout of our 100 donated Teddy Bears and a lively silent auction. Entertainment was provided by Tre Bella and Emil Stucchio and The Classics. Dancing ensued until it was time to say Arriverderci. It was indeed a night of enjoying the good life. Thank you for your generosity!

– Rosalie Stanton


Gala Offered a Taste of “La Dolce Vita”!

Twinkie Polizzi, Chair of the Dames of Mary Help, presents Ray and Elsie Catena with their award as Sr. Lise Parent, Principal of Mary Help, and Joe Pesci applaud.

Above, the McLaughlin family unveils the portrait of

Pat and Bill which now hangs in Mary Help’s McLaughlin Library.

At left, thanks to the chairs of our La Dolce Vita Gala, Maria Losurdo-Colangelo,

Patricia Franzetti, and Elizabeth Harkins.

Photos by Lorraine CorsaLe

Our Mary Help student volunteers are joined by

Joe Pesci (left) for a group photo. Thank you, Joe!

Above, our intrepid and hard-working Dames of Mary Help! Marta Gutierrez, Christina McAleer, Twinkie Polizzi,

Rita Haring, Lorraine Gunby, Linda Christiansen, Hilda Marmo, Sue Benson, Melanie Vespa, Rosalie Stanton, Beverly Rohde,

Maryann Harkins, Elizabeth Harkins, Patricia Franzetti, Maria Losurdo-Colangelo, Deborah Rohde, Rosemary DePinto, and Lisa Cammarota.

At left, Sr. Elfie del Rosario and Sr. Ramona Beltre cut a rug on the dance floor!

Below, our honorees, Ray and Elsie Catena.




On November 9, the 10th annual “Thanksgiving Basket” fundraiser for Villa Madonna

School and the Salesian Youth Center/Boys & Girls Club was held in Tampa, FL. More than 400 people came to support our wonderful honoree, Luis Garcia, who has given so much of himself to the Salesian Sisters and Tampa community. Adriana Colina, a graduate of Villa Madonna, was emcee for the evening.

Once again, we thank Richard Gonzmart of the Columbia Restaurant, who provided an outstanding Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings.

Guest speakers Dr. Jack Maniscalco and Sr. Mary Rinaldi shared stories of Luis Garcia’s life and his many good works. Luis was clearly overwhelmed and offered his love and gratitude to the Salesian Sisters and his many friends and family present.

The “Southern Dames,” our amazing fundraising committee, worked hard once again to make sure the evening was a success, and a success it was! $103,000 was raised from sponsorships, 80 beautifully themed baskets, and a silent auction. Congratulations to Laura DeLucia and Aggie Fernandez, who were the winners of the Publix and Home Depot gift certificates. Everything for the Thanksgiving Basket was donated, which allowed all funds raised to go directly to helping the children.

The event provides much needed funds for the Salesian Youth Center and Villa Madonna School. Thank you to all who helped make the evening a great night!

– Theresa Anderson

In Tampa, Giving Thanks for Salesians!

Luis Garcia shares a moment of joy with his wife, Mary, after he is honoredat the annual Thanksgiving Basket fundraiser.

At left, emcee Adriana Colina captivates the audience. At right, Dr. Jack Maniscalco, Tampa neurosurgeon and close friend of Luis Garcia, offers words of praise about the honoree.

Sr. Clare Kennelly, Sr. Janet Keller, and Sr. Arlene Rubino of Villa Madonna celebrate their winning baskets.

Fourth grade teacher at Villa Madonna School, Pamela Perhosky, is excited to try to win baskets.

Jesuit High School student Charlie Duffy

presents a winning basket to

Leo and Elaine Diaz of

Tampa, FL.

Photos by MarieLa GonzaLez

Mark Anderson and daughter, Anna, of San Antonio, FL pose with their winnings.

Ten-year-old Nydia Ford, Salesian Youth Center member, takes the microphone from Adri Colina and

presents her speech about the SYC.



MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, NORTH HALEDON, NJ – The McLaughlin Library was rededicated on November 14 with the unveiling of a beautiful portrait of its benefactors, Bill (above) and his late wife, Pat. Sr. Lise Parent, principal, and students were present and all heard Sr. Phyllis Neves offer some beautiful words. “Today, in a special way, our minds and hearts turn to our beloved friend, Pat McLaughlin,” she said. “May our young women here be forever inspired by the example of this great woman who spent her life touching the lives of others with gentle love, genuine concern, and great kindness. May our students continue her legacy to lead others, not merely by their words but, mainly, by their shining Christian example. And may this library always be a place where light shines in the darkness, where exciting new insights are gained, where both knowledge and wisdom are nurtured, and where many are inspired to live the solid, human, and Christian values learned here.”

ST. JOSEPH HOUSE OF FORMATION, BELLFLOWER, CA – Our four Aspirants have moved into the second year of their formation as Salesian Sisters: Katie Flanagan, Kristen Gawlik, April Hoffman, and Chelsea Schuster.

This stage of formation lasts ten months, and offers time to gain deeper insight into what it means to be a professed religious Sister. Now “Postulants,” these young women will continue their studies of Italian, music, and the lives of St. John Bosco and Mother Mary Mazzarello. They will also learn more about the Salesian charism and the way in which Salesians work with the young.

Congratulations, Postulants. We are all praying for you!

The 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.

There are nine levels of membership, starting at $500, and are listed on these three pages.

Won’t you consider joining this dynamic group in 2014, our 23rd year?

Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you!

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Partners Circle “Stewards” Annual gift of $10,000

texaSMrs. Betty Turner

Welcome

28new

Partners CircleMembers

in 2013!

Shown in RED

Angel Oliva FamilyThe Dorothy Thomas Foundation

indiana Mrs. Beatrice Lightfoot

new JerSey Tony Amato Family The Carini Family

Joseph J. McAleer, Sr., Heritage Society Major Bequests

California Richard Meissner,

Meissner Manufacturing

floridaDr. & Mrs. Vincent BagliMr. & Mrs. Ray Campo

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph GarciaMrs. Ann Lowry Murphey

Mr. Anthony PetrocelliMs. Roberta Ruocco

Ms. Celeste TripiMr. Vincent Waraske

new yorkMrs. Pearl Kalikow

Partners Circle “Visionaries” Annual gift of $25,000

floridaIn memory of Henrietta Veronica Schmoll Rauenhorst

CaliforniaMrs. Maryann Roman

ConneCtiCutMr. Michael Guarnieri

Mr. & Mrs. David McAleerDr. Joseph McAleer

floridaMrs. Janis Boyd

Anthony & Diana EkonomouThe Joseph J. Hermann

& Rose A. HermannCharitable Foundation

Mr. Fredy Padovan

new JerSeyMr. & Mrs. John Connors

Mr. Anthony GulinoMs. Ida Gulino

Ms. Nancy GulinoMr. & Mrs. Donald HoffmanMr. & Mrs. Joseph LaudoneMr. & Mrs. Joseph Massood

Mr. & Mrs. Michael MassoodKathleen & Vic MedoreMs. Antonia P. Meola

Mrs. Moira McBride MurphyMr. Stephen Papetti

Ms. Rose Perone

new yorkMs. Jordon Carroll

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Scala, Jr.

PennSylvaniaIn Loving Memory

of Sr. Adeline Salvetti, FMA

South CarolinaMr. & Mrs. Tom Aldinger

MiSSouriMs. Marianne O’Doherty

new JerSeyMrs. Rosemarie D’Alessandro

Ms. Debi F. DebiakMr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Laino

Mr. & Mrs. Dale LiviMr. & Mrs. Brian McAuley

Mrs. Arline MonacoMr. & Mrs. Michael Massood

new yorkMs. Lea Battiato

Mr. & Mrs. James Dell’OrtoMr. & Mrs. John W. Lombardi

Msgr. William T. RodgersThe Sabatine Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri

PennSylvaniaMr. & Mrs. Bob DanchAllyson & Kevin Hardy

CaliforniaMr. & Mrs. Robert

Obenberger

ConneCtiCutMr. & Mrs. Peter ChristiansenMr. & Mrs. Salvatore Zichichi

A Friend

floridaMr. & Mrs. John Anello

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph CaballeroTerrell & Joe Clark

Dr. & Mrs. Rod JuradoMr. & Mrs. H. Tyson Lykes, II

Mr. & Mrs. Jim MajorMr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf

John & Lydia OlivaMr. & Mrs. Gene Perez

GeorGiaMr. Robert Reiter

MaSSaChuSettSMr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair

Partners Circle “Benefactors” Annual gift of $1,000

Partners Circle

“Founders”Annual gift of $2,000

Partners Circle “Partners”Annual gift of $5,000

Mr. & Mrs. Rodger RohdeMr. & Mrs. Joseph Weiner

new yorkMr. Anthony J. Carroll

Mr. John Cassara

PennSylvaniaMr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow

floridaMr. & Mrs. James Millar

new JerSeyMr. & Mrs. Tony Chernalis

In memory of Mr. & Mrs. C.H. Church, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Robert Harkins

Mr. Bill McLaughlinMr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer

floridaMr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor

Dr. Idalia Lastra

Partners Circle “Friends”Annual gift of $3,000

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arizonaA Friend

CaliforniaMr. Ian H. Graham

Geraldine & Joanne Rizzuto

ConneCtiCutMr. & Mrs. Edward Goin

Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Mosey

floridaMr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson

Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Baldor, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Baldor, Sr.

Mr. James J. BurrowesMrs. Yoli Buss

Dr. & Mrs. Robert CanoMr. & Mrs. Joseph Capitano

Mrs. Trudy CareyDr. & Mrs. Antonio CastroMr. & Mrs. J.C. De Lotto

Dr. & Mrs. Emilio EchevarriaDrs. Andrea & Sean Farrier

Mr. & Mrs. Luis GarciaMrs. Rose Graziano

Mrs. Elsa Gutierrez-Janulionis Mr. & Mrs. James W. Lee

Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. ReynoldsMr. & Mrs. Rene Rodriguez

Hon. Judge & Mrs. E.J. SalcinesMr. Charles B. SchmalzMrs. Peggy Jones Theis

Mr. Joseph TomainoMs. Maria C. TorreiroMr. & Mrs. Ron Yates

GeorGiaMr. & Mrs. Charles Fantauzza

illinoiSJoseph & Adelaide Olivieri

MaSSaChuSettSMs. Patti Gauthier

Ms. Josephine PetrilloMr. & Mrs. Theodore Reading

new JerSeyTiziana Anello, M.D.Ms. Bernice Bednarz

Larry & Mary Anne ConditDr. & Mrs. Louis A. Gambetta

Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Giamonco

Mrs. Stephanie Goldberg Mrs. Teresa Gutto

Michael & Mary LosurdoMs. Laura Mannarino

Mrs. Diva MullerMr. & Mrs. Bob O’Halloran

Mrs. Christine PeragalloMr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski

Mr. & Mrs. Cameron ReidMr. & Mrs. John SoldoveriMr. & Mrs. William Stuart

new yorkMichael & Jeanette Altamura

Mr. & Mrs. Jack BetwardaMr. Charles Brown

Kevin & Kathy ClairMrs. Rose Mary Clair

Terence & Patricia ClairAlma & Charlie Curcio

Ms. Claire DellMr. Joseph Hill

Mr. Walter LazarcheckMs. Elizabeth Nardone

Mrs. Joan Oliver Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec

north CarolinaMr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard

Mr. Chester F. Michewicz, Jr.

ohioMr. & Mrs. Dan Clair

PennSylvaniaMr. & Mrs. Jack Hedgecock

South CarolinaAnonymous

texaSMr. & Mrs. Bill Locklier

virGiniaMrs. Dominique FaustMr. Michael Maurer

Mr. & Mrs. Karl Zauner

Partners Circle “Members”Annual gift of $500

Partners Circle

“Associates” Annual gift of $750

floridaMr. Declan MansfieldFred & Anne Michaels

louiSianaMr. John Keller

new JerSeyMr. Anthony B. Della CerraMr. & Mrs. Dominic Stimola

new yorkMrs. Helen Leahy

OUR MISSION

The Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle

provides Financial Assistance

and Volunteer Services

to the Salesian Sisters

and the Young People in their Care

for the Advancement of Education,

Vocations, and

Community Life.

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• •GIVE US THIS

Day

Please reserve this day/these days in 2014in honor of my special intention to support the Endowment for the St. Joseph Provincial Center for our Retired Sisters:

Day 1 (Month, day): Significance:



Total enclosed@ $100 per day: $ ____________

Please make yourcheck payable to:Salesian Sisters

Name

Address

Telephone

Please Help Our Retired Sisters In Need!

Please detach and mail in the enclosed envelope. Thank you!

Please Give Us This Day for Christmas!

The season of giving is upon us! What better gift than a day of prayer? Do you have a happy occasion you would like to share?

The Salesian Sisters will celebrate with you. Is it a time to commemorate a less-than-happy occasion? Let the Sisters help. Have you someone to thank? All of us will help multiply this gratitude to that special person. So, then, please “Give Us This Day”!

Any and every event or person or situation that merits special attention will be publicized on a bulletin board outside our chapel on your special day. All the Sisters, on that day, will pray for that person/event and for the person who requests prayer for the day.

Our Lord has assured us, “Where two or three are gathered in My Name, I am among them.” What better assurance can we have?

Let this exchange of prayer be an example of our concern and love for one another. God bless you during this holy Christmas Season!

Peter Barna of Weston, CT, surprised his adopted Sisters with a visit:Sr. Claire Perino, Sr. Virginia Dickey, and Sr. Grace Ruiz.


There’s no choice. If the traditional Christmas Carols are to be learned and the

giggling sheep and cattle are to crawl near the Infant at the proper time during the Christmas pageant, then we must start early!

Halloween spooks might still be in the air when flyers go home with marching orders for elementary school parents who must devise those halos and trumpets for their little ones. Teachers start on the to-do lists formulated in their minds since August: roles auditioned for; songs, lines and places rehearsed until they can be done blind. Practices in the gym threaded through sports schedules. If the beauty and magic of the Christmas Play is to be ready for mid-December, then energies must be harnessed and coordinated early.

There’s no fending off Christmas. There’s no escape for its early coming with all its signature hype and busyness.

As someone who loves the Season of Advent, I once considered this forced immersion into all things Christmas to be in conflict with the experience of the hope, preparation, patience, and waiting that Advent suggests. How can you live in anticipation of the holiday reality in which you are already swamped?

My new take on this early launch of Christmas and the intruding preparations during Advent is not a weary surrender to the commercial or educational world. It is about an awareness of the truth of the “already here, but not yet” – that

is, the mystery of God’s saving work already under way in our world, but yet still to be fully accomplished. It’s an embrace of the reality of the mystery of the God who breaks into our lives now, at this moment, but not fully so. It is God’s transformation of this messy, cluttered, and broken world into the new heavens and the new earth that He promised.

It is a celebration of both present and future.

I gained this insight from the children. Even the youngest child longing for the arrival of Christmas can, with

a sparkle in his/her eyes, count the days, knowing full-well that there is no hurrying them. Children live in a hope of something that they can already taste. They enter into the joy of anticipation, savoring the thrill of increasing Christmas lights in the neighborhood, of treats and parties, of visits, of presents under the tree. Through all the days before Christmas they carry a sense of the sacred and of wonder for what they do not see. Santa will surely come. It might be twenty days out, and yet they do not feel deprived while they wait for him to come. Their faces tell of the joyful energy they are experiencing while they do the waiting.

And so children show us that patience and hope are not about the absence of

A Little Child Will Lead UsSr. Karen Dunn’s Letter

something, nor about waiting for what is missing. Hope is not waiting to be done with the present so that we can live in the future. Neither is it filling a void, or finally arriving at a defining moment. Hope is living where we are in the present situation, living the moment in full belief that God is already present and will continue to show Himself. It is about patience – the joyful patience – that stirs in us so that we live the present moment and live it fully with all attention and with love.

I still look forward to the Sunday liturgies which bring me to that quiet place of longing and waiting for God to come. But I am attentive to what the children have taught me about not fending off Christmas. I can even embrace the madness and clutter of classrooms and broken routines and the commercial world gone wild. While I look forward in hope to the celebration of the mystery of the Incarnation, I know that God is already in my world, even now in the midst of pre-Christmas chaos. God is already here and my life can be radiant, capable of wonder, faith, and anticipation that God is with me and is still much at work in the world. It’s all good!

A little child will, indeed, lead us!

May you live in certain and joy-filled hope this Season! May you savor God’s Presence anew! Be sure of the joy-filled prayers of your Salesian Sisters for you and your dear ones!

“Through all the days before Christmas, children carry a sense of the sacred

and of wonder for what they do not see.”


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. It joins your loved ones to the prayers of the Salesian Sisters and supports their good works.

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

Give the gift that lasts forever.

Enclosed is my Memorial/Tribute Gift of:

____ $25 ____ $20 ____$15 $

Memorial for

Tribute for

Occasion

Please send an acknowledgement to:

Name

Address

My Name

Address

Detach & mail to: Sr. Mary Rinaldi

659 Belmont Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397

Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS

Name – DECEASED

Name – LIVING

A LoveThat Lasts

Forever Louis R. AgrestoMrs. Marie Agresto

Fiorentina AlonziMrs. Rosalba Di Palma

Jude BarcenasMs. Flora Barros

Julia Blair BobakMs. Catherine Kleinsmith

Joan CurryMs. Dennice Wong

Lawrence M. DeLorenzoMrs. Cheryl Cerna

Evelyn GrandoffMrs. Betty Hickey

Danielle Terry GrazianoMs. Doris Loverich

Shelley GrimesMr. & Mrs. Reynee

Dominguez

Anthony and Jennie GuminoMrs. Carmela Seminerio

Ruth and Ed HoytMrs. Jean Barkovitz

Geraldine HutchinsonMr. & Mrs. Reynee

Dominguez

John Latorella, Jr.Mrs. Mary Ann Latorella

Mary and Jimmy LavelleMrs. Jean Barkovitz

Pat McLaughlinMr. & Mrs. John F. Cummins

Gloria NadalMr. & Mrs. Reynee

Dominguez

Theresa PaventaMrs. Marilyn Bonfiglio

Braulio RamilMr. & Mrs. R. Dominguez

Salvatore SeminerioMrs. Carmela Seminerio

Maria SposaroMr. George Truppo

Mr. Thomas A. Ierubino Ms. Phyllis Bennett

Ms. Susan SiljeeMs. Janice S. WronkoMrs. Judith N. Crosta

Domenic TitmasMrs. Bernice Titmas

Venera VassalloMr. Antonio Vassallo

Peggy von HahmannMr. & Mrs. R. Dominguez

MemorialsReceived between October 2 and November 30, 2013

TributesReceived Oct. 2-Nov. 30

Sr. Esther CruzMrs. Marilyn Karlich

Ryan Patrick GallowayMr. & Mrs. Bill Galloway

Sr. Frances GuminoMrs. Teresa Shields

Rick KlauserMs. Marylee Puttre

Toni and Joe ScillieriMr. & Mrs. A. Amabile

Mr. & Mrs. Dean EmersonMr. & Mrs. Joseph Scillieri

Sr. Mary TerzoMr. & Mrs. James Devlin

Sr. Margaret WilhelmMr. & Mrs. James Devlin


Rest in Peace, Two Dear Mothers

Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to Sr. Brittany Harrison on the passing of her beloved mother, Janet, on November 13 in

Libertyville, IL. She was just 63 years old. Janet leaves behind her husband of 35 years, Edward.

Sr. Brittany, who teaches at St. John Neumann High School in Naples, FL, composed a beautiful poem in memory of her mother, which we share below.

TheWake

Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences also go out to Sr. Rosemary Cordes on the passing of her beloved mother, Rose, on November 24 in Dover,

NH. She was 93 years old. Sr. Rosemary is an assistant at St. John Neumann High School in Naples, FL.

“What wonderful memories I have of Rose during her visits to Camp Auxilium and to Tampa,” recalls Sr. Lou Ann Fantauzza, currently principal of Corpus Christ-Holy Rosary School in Port Chester, NY. “In her presence I came to now a person who knew how to age gracefully – yes, that’s it! She was a person of grace whose smile would light up the entire room.

“When she would visit, Mamma Rose kept to her schedule to the ‘T’: She had her prayer time, her walk time, her visiting time, her time to ‘help out,’ and – oh yes – her Scrabble time! I will miss Rose’s beautiful smile and her graceful, grace-filled living.

“Sr. Rosemary, your entire family has a great example to live up to, and I’m sure she is smiling down on each of you, in Heaven with your Dad, right now! May she be at peace knowing the loving, caring family that she raised will one day reunite with her in Heaven.”

Your soft, silvered hair ran between my fingersand I rememberedwhen you used to brush my hair,yanking tangles and making me wince, but it was okay because you loved me. You’re my mom.

I caressed your face and traced your wrinklesand I remembered when I first noticed the lines form by your eyes.I asked you what caused them;you said being happy, so I wanted to be happy, too.

I had to find your favorite lipstick for the wake,and I remembered when I used to steal it and put it on my dolls.I wanted them to be pretty like you,but nothing compares to a mother.You’ll always be beautiful to me.

The clothes I found for you flatter you, but it was so hard to find them. Everything I touched did

not seem good enough. I wanted to clothe you in gold and linen,and everything lovely,because I love you . . . oh how I miss you.

Once, when I was praying, I felt your hands on mineand I cried. Big, big tears. Your callouses and scarsseemed so many testimonies of love.and I never wanted to let go. Because I need you.

It was too soon.

Soon I will bury youbut these memories will live,deep in my heart. Sometimes causing tears,sometimes a smile. Always you.

Your soft silvered hair ran between my fingersand I said goodbye,but I know you’re still here.I know you’d never leave me. Someday I’ll see you again. I cannot wait.

It can’t be too soon.

Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, our close friend Joan Fontanella, Sr. Mary Terzo, Sr.

Anita Durocher, and Sr. Antoinette Cabrera gather around the work table putting together the Doves of Peace appeal for Christmas to help Sr. Mary Rinaldi and the Development Office staff in North Haledon, NJ. The basket of Doves with your prayer intentions sits by the altar in the Provincial House chapel the entire month of December. God bless you!


Wish Your Sister a Merry Christmas!NEW JERSEY

St. Joseph Provincial Center& Provincial Offices655 Belmont Avenue

Haledon, NJ 07508-2301Telephone: (973) 790-7966

Website: www.salesiansisters.org

Sr. Karen Dunn, Provincial Superior

Sr. Antoinette Cedrone, Provincial Secretary

Sr. Margaret Wilhelm,Provincial Treasurer

Sr. Pauline Joss, AnimatorSr. Dora Adames

Sr. Catherine AltamuraSr. Antoinette CabreraSr. Amelia CallegarinSr. Antonia Cvetko

Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter (in Rome)Sr. Rufina DelgadoSr. Virginia DickeySr. Rosalie Di PeriSr. Anita DurocherSr. Frances Gumino

Sr. Emilia KassabSr. Balbina Lopez

Sr. Gloria MachadoSr. Inez Molano

Sr. Catherine NovoSr. Mary PalladinoSr. Louise Passero

Sr. Mary Bertha PaquinSr. Claire Perino

Sr. Jeanette PuglisiSr. Anna Ragogna

Sr. Grace RuizSr. Livia Setti

Sr. Denise SickingerSr. Ruth SteckerSr. Judith Suprys

Sr. Carmela TermineSr. Mary Terzo

Sr. Eileen TicknerSr. Mary Winterscheidt

Sr. Patricia WinterscheidtSr. Mildred Zanetti Sr. Mary Anne Zito

St. Mary Mazzarello Convent23000 53rd St. SW Naples, FL 34116

Telephone: (239) 348-2911 Website:

www.sjnceltics.comSr. Pat Roche, AnimatorSr. Rosemary CordesSr. Brittany Harrison

Sr. Jennifer Kane

ILLINOISSt. Patrick Convent

408 Cedar Street St. Charles, IL 60174

Telephone: (630) 338-8250Website:

www.stpatrickparish.orgSr. Liz Ryan, Animator

Sr. Isabel GarzaSr. Betty Ann Martinez

St. John Bosco ConventSt. John’s Catholic

Newman CenterUniversity of Illinois

Newman Hall604 East Armory Avenue

Champaign, IL 61820Telephone: (217) 255-6645Website: www.sjcnc.orgSr. Loretta De Dominicis,

AnimatorSr. Mary Arciga

Sr. Theresa SamsonSr. Maryann Schaefer

LOUISIANAImmaculate Conception

Convent2605 Crestwood Road

Marrero, LA 70072Telephone: (504) 347-4887

Website: icschargers.org/cms

Sr. Carmen Peña, AnimatorSr. Maria ColomboSr. Michelle GeigerSr. Hélène Godin

The holidays are nearly here! And here’s where to send your best to your Salesian

Sister as well as the young women in our formation program. We’ve made a few changes to the list. We love to hear from you!

CALIFORNIASt. Joseph House of Formation

9803 Muroc StreetBellflower, CA 90706

Telephone: (562) 866-7938Postulants

Katie FlanaganKristen GawlikApril Hoffman

Chelsea Schuster

FLORIDABlessed Laura Vicuña

Convent226 S. W. 20th Road

Miami, FL 33129-1429Telephone: (305) 857-9186

Website: www.lasallehighschool.com

Sr. Kim Keraitis, AnimatorSr. Fanny Florez

Sr. Marisol Guzman Lopez

Villa Madonna Convent 315 West Columbus Drive

Tampa, FL 33602-1306Tel: (813) 223-2209, ext. 393

Website: www.villamadonna.orgSr. Susan Bagli, Animator

Sr. Nivia AriasSr. Danielle Gonzalez

Sr. Janet KellerSr. Clare KennellySr. Arlene Rubino

Mary Help of Christians Academy

659 Belmont Avenue North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397

Telephone: (973) 790-6200Website:

www.maryhelp.org Sr. Phyllis Neves,

AnimatorSr. Ramona Beltré

Sr. Mary Ann CasparySr. Colleen Clair

Sr. Agatha CosentinoSr. Esther Cruz

Sr. Emy De FilippiSr. Marisa De Rose

Sr. Domenica Di PeriSr. Catherine Hurley

Sr. Mary JacksonSr. Lise Parent

Sr. Mary RinaldiSr. Teresita Teran

AspirantsMary DeMottKatie Nicosia

Jennifer PattersonKelly Schuster

St. Theresa Convent 112 - 23rd Street

Kenilworth, NJ 07033-1256Telephone: (908) 276-5028

Website: www.icatholiczone.com/SaintTheresa

Sr. Theresa Lee, AnimatorSr. Letizia Bocanegra

Sr. Monique HuartSr. Juliett Perez

Sacred Heart Retreat Center 20 Old Swartswood RoadNewton, NJ 07860-6221

Telephone: (973) 383-2620Website: www.sacredheart

spiritualitycenter.orgSr. Joanne Holloman,

Animator & Directress of NovicesSr. Theresa Kelly, Retreat Director

Sr. Guerline JosephSr. Florine Lagaçe

Sr. Carmen Morales

2nd Year NovicesSr. Lindsay DurhamSr. Brigette HanleySr. Theresa Khong

1st Year NovicesSr. Christina ChongSr. Marianne Cline

Sr. Lillian FoxxSr. Myriam Méus

Auxilium Center 14 Old Swartswood Rd.

Newton, NJ 07860Telephone: (973) 383-2621

Website: www.campauxilium.org

Sr. Teresa Gutierrez, AnimatorSr. Merissa Loucks

Sr. Mary Louise MazzoccoSr. Elizabeth Russo

NEW YORKCorpus Christi Convent 135 South Regent Street

Port Chester, NY 10573-3510Telephone: (914) 937-4407Website: www.cchrs.org

Sr. Lou Ann Fantauzza, AnimatorSr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto

Sr. Frances Da GrossaSr. Elfie Del Rosario

Sr. Joo Yun Park

And the Saints came marching in! A bright array of holy ones graced the St. Joseph Provincial Center on Halloween with their goodness and

shared their stories. How did we book them? Why the heavenly cast was

already here among us as each Sister chose her favorite Saint and donned

the corresponding outfit, or as close as it could be, to bring that Saint back to earth. What a lovely evening to

nourish the soul and body too, for the usual party was not lacking. After all, isn’t Heaven the wonderfully prepared

banquet for all those who faithfully follow the Lamb, decked out in their

most appropriate garments?

Pictured are Sr. Mildred Zanetti (as St. John Bosco!), Sr. Balbina Lopez, Sr. Amelia Callegarin,

Sr. Frances Gumino, Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, Sr. Rufina Delgado,

Sr. Mary Winterschiedt, Sr. Mary Bertha Paquin, and

Sr. Patricia Winterschiedt.



“I cannot possibly explain the lengths to which my Villa Madonna School

family supported me when I needed it the most, but I can tell you that I would

not be here without them.”

Story here previewing Gala and Pesci auction items?

Please accept my donation to Mary Help of Christians Academy.

You may use it wherever you see the need. My granddaughter received scholarship help while at Mary Help and it was a huge help for us. The education she received was invaluable. It was not just the academics, it was the whole package. We will be forever grateful. We have now put seven children through Catholic Schools and none of them can compare to Mary Help. I pray God will continue to bless you for your work. I remain gratefully yours.

Elmwood Park, NJ

Thank you for all the great work the Salesian Sisters do with the

children. As an alumna of Mary Help, it “does my heart good” to know that my former teachers are being taken care of at St. Joseph’s Provincial Center.

Arroyo, CA

It is with great joy that I continue my pledge to adopt Sr. Catherine

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Altamura. The Salesian Sisters are like our national treasure. I have always felt a comfort in knowing that the Sisters are there, praying for us in our need. Now that we are aging and serious health issues have entered our lives, it is even more of a comfort knowing that there are legions of Sisters praying for you. This is a great program and I am happy to be part of it.

State College, PA

Please assure Sr. Claire Perino that we are praying for her. She

is a blessing in our lives – as all the Salesian Sisters are. To know that the Sisters hold us and our loved ones in

their daily prayer is a great comfort to us. We know you have our back – and that feels good. God bless all of you.

Paramus, NJ

Thank you for your letters! We love to hear from you! Please write to us c/o Sr. Mary Rinaldi, 659 Belmont Ave., North Haledon, NJ 07508, or e-mail [email protected], or visit us on Facebook: www.facebook. com/salesiansistersdevelopment.

Won’t you consider Adopting a Sister? Join 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. 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. Please complete the form below, or to learn more, visit www.salesiansisters.org or call toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS.


Salesian Youth Report

ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, MARRERO, LA – New Orleans City Business magazine recognized Academy of Our Lady as one of the Top Ranked Private Secondary Schools in its September 2013 issue. Congratulations! Academy Principal Sr. Michelle Geiger shows off the award with Mrs. Michele Coulon, assistant principal for curriculum, and Ms. Teri Verret, assistant principal for discipline.

The celebration continued with even more awards! Two Academy of Our Lady teachers were honored with Certificates of Merit by the Honorable Elton M. Lagasse for innovation in education. Mr. Joseph Bordlee has pioneered a dual-enrollment course with Southeastern State University allowing English V students to gain high school and college credit. Mrs. Carol Lessig has been accepted into the Engineer Your World program from the University of Texas at Austin and has piloted an engineering program at the school. Well done, teachers! You make us all very proud!

NEWMAN CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, CHAMPAIGN, IL – Imagine a place where college students can have easy access to food, supplies, and even friendship; a place where students do not have to pay for necessities, which they cannot afford; or a place where those in need are welcome and can have assistance getting on their feet. There is no need to imagine this world any more, as the Newman Shares! Food Pantry has opened. “My hope is to reach out to those in need, as a non-judgmental people, helping their physical needs and silently reaching to their deep spiritual needs,” says Sr. Maryann Schaefer, organizer of the food pantry.

When needy students arrive at the pantry, volunteers (above) greet them. Students then receive a shopping list with available items and select their items (below). “I hope the food pantry is able help all of those who wish to better themselves with education but can’t afford food all the time and support them in their pursuit of an education,” says Joel Sarmiento, sophomore.



MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, NORTH HALEDON, NJ – Fifteen students and four chaperones from Mary Help spent an unforgettable day at the United Nations on October 21 for the “Youth and Migration” conference. Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez, SDB, archbishop of Tegucigalpa and president of Caritas International, delivered the keynote address, noting the importance of having the young people working in their communities to change minds and hearts and welcome the migrants among them. Migrants, he reminded the audience, are our brothers and sisters. “We should reach out to them to provide for them a home, a school, a parish, and a place where the young can meet and share as friends,” the Cardinal said. Mary Help Senior Karrington Hamilton was impressed. “The Cardinal spoke with such excitement,” she said. “I learned how one out of every seven people are migrants and one out of every eight migrants are under the age of 25.” Mary Helpers expressed their gratitude for the experience and are eager to respond to the dilemma at hand.

Above, Sr. Mary Jackson with Carolina Otero, Sharlene Perez, and Miss Allison Oblen.

At left, Sharlene Perez meets Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez, SDB, a Salesian!

Taking their seats at the United Nations are Mary Help students Emily Homler, Amina Drame, Yamilez Catala, Carla Robles, and Rachel Rigolosi.


The Joy of Teaching in a Salesian School

“I entrust them to you.” These words resounded in the heart of Mary Mazzarello as she

struggled to find God’s plan for her life. They are the same words that continue to echo in the heart of every Salesian Sister whose vocation is to bring the love of God and the Gospel message to young people. The gift and joy of this vocation is lived in many different ways, roles, and places, but stems from the same love for Jesus and the passionate desire to share that love.

It is with gratitude in my heart that I reflect on all the experiences that the mission among the young has given me over these many years as a Salesian Educator. From teaching first graders and then junior high students in Roseto, PA in the 1960’s to high school theology teaching at Mary Help in the 1970’s, back again to high school in Miami and to Mary Help in the first decade of the new millennium, the joy of teaching and evangelizing has always been a most precious gift.

The “joys of teaching” included moments when, in a class of 1971 “cherubs,” a first grader’s Elmer’s glue wouldn’t come out of the bottle until he turned it toward me and it finally let the glue out, all over the front of my habit! Or when another first grader was crying because she couldn’t find her “pink and blue” book (otherwise known as the “Think and Do” book!). They included humorous moments when, for example, a high school sophomore, who had just come from biology class to our theology class, read aloud from the letter of Paul to the “amphibians”!

Whether in the classroom, as a principal in Paterson, Tampa, and Clifton, or as a parish catechist and

scripture to our novices and other religious and lay people at the college level, and being involved for many years in catechist, parent, and adult faith formation, enable me to continue to share this gift with others who will, in turn, hand on the faith to many more young people.

Everywhere and in every situation, being a Salesian educator as part of an educating community is a source of joy and an energizing challenge. In addition to the support experienced in our religious community, so many wonderful lay collaborators and benefactors support our work, and this has been and is a wonderful gift for me.

Let us all look for guidance to Mary, the Star of Evangelization, and continue to embrace the challenge of being a Salesian Educator with loving fidelity and joyful enthusiasm.

– Sr. Theresa Kelly, FMA

A Most Precious Gift

DRE in several parishes over the years, the system of education taught by St. John Bosco has always proven to be right on target. Ministry in summer camps, youth centers, and retreat experiences have provided other

avenues of reaching the young in our Salesian style. So many young people have been changed for the better, helped to develop their potential, and have grown into young men and women ready to take their places in the Church and in society, thanks to time spent in our Salesian environments.

Currently teaching theology and

“So many young people have been changed for

the better, thanks to time spent in our Salesian

environments.”

Sr. Theresa Kelly visits with students at Mary Help of Christians Academy.



CAMP AUXILIUM, NEWTON, NJ – Camp Auxilium Learning Center had their annual Halloween Fun Night & “Trunk or Treat” on October 25. It was a wonderful way to celebrate Halloween for the Camp Auxilium families and staff. The night was filled with child-friendly games and prizes. The “Haunted Classroom” was decorated in a fun, colorful way with little children in mind. The children enjoyed the fun obstacle course, and families opened their decorated trunks for “Trunk or Treat.” Every year Camp Auxilium hosts this event for families to enjoy the fall festivities in a happy and safe environment.

For more information on Camp Auxilium Learning Center (caring for infants to full-day Kindergarten) please call 973-383-2621 or visit www.campauxilium.org.

Mrs. Lupo and her daughter, Gia. Our Little Angel Ella and Kaya Teta. The Teira Family.

Under the Black Cat, the Anderson Family!



STEM Education Thrives in Miami!

A favorite adage of mine frequently used by my father is, “Don’t throw the baby

out with the bath water!” As news reports come and go in their affinity for embracing more focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Immaculata La Salle High School (ILS) in Miami, FL has developed a unique and diverse approach to STEM without losing its focus of growing strong, academically skilled, and socially-conscious young adults.

According to the National Academy of Engineering, STEM careers will grow at twice the rate of other types of employment over the next six years. With more than one out of 18 workers employed in STEM, it is crucial that Catholic social values are represented in that burgeoning population.

We found that STEM skills were already being taught in many of our courses, ranging from the management of software in Sound and Video Engineering courses and computer-aided drafting skills in our 3D Animation class, to work with remote- operated vehicles in Marine Science and the geometry and measurement skills necessary in our Costume Design classes. Likewise, challenge-based-learning, a key engineering skill, has long been taught through our school-wide group projects focused on social or environmental concerns in our local or the global community.

How to frame student participation in Immaculata La Salle’s STEM rich learning environment remained as the final leg of our journey into 21st century education for the Catholic high school student. We contacted a number of universities to determine the best form of recognition for

students completing a concentration of STEM courses and activities.

As a result, we developed our STEM Concentration Program. In addition to successfully completing work in a variety of STEM courses, students need to complete an “Introduction to Engineering” class where project-based learning skills including team building and collaboration are reinforced. Students in this program are also required to reach out and find opportunities to work in the community through internships, professional certification, or competitions such as in First Robotics,

where “gracious professionalism,” a behavior reinforcing our Catholic conviction to support and consider others, is the key focus of event coordinators.

Literacy, both academically and spiritually, is the prime objective of our faculty and administrators. “Technology plays a major role in our lives, but we must also educate our students to be responsible digital citizens,” says Federico Padovan, Executive Director of the Department of Technology and Development.

The administration and faculty at Immaculata La Salle are committed to sending our students into the 21st century world without washing away their Catholic identity!

– Sr. Kim Keraitis, FMA, Principal

Courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) thrive at Immaculata La Salle High School. Above, Costume Design

students learn the geometry of fabric patterns. At left, Marine Science students engineer an

underwater remote-operated vehicle.

Salesian Sisters of St. John BoscoDevelopment Office659 Belmont AvenueNorth Haledon, NJ 07508-2397

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

P A I DHanover, NHPermit No. 8

Partners in Giving • Christmas 2013 © 2013 Missionary soCiety of saLesian sisters, inC.

PARTNERS IN GIVING is a bimonthly magazine published by the

Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Development Office659 Belmont Avenue

North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397

Telephone: (973) 904-0102Toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS

Fax: (973) 904-0041E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.salesiansisters.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/salesiansistersdevelopment

Editorial BoardDr. Joseph McAleer, Editor

Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of DevelopmentMelissa Esposito, Production Manager

Sr. Mary Terzo, FMA, Editorial Assistant

Federal Tax ID # 22-6043753Missionary 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.

Partners in Giving welcomes letters, articles, and photos from contributors.

We reserve the right to edit for publication.

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Sixth-grade students at St. Theresa School in Kenilworth, NJ, including Madison Hnatowski (above), are studying forces and motion. To better

understand and visualize how gravity affects objects, they made paper helicopters and attached paper clips to them. They gave them a toss to let them fly and observed how quickly they fell to the ground. The students discovered that helicopters will speed to the floor because of acceleration due to gravity. Well done, future engineers!

Partners in Giving Christmas 2013

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Transcript of Partners in Giving Christmas 2013