Winter 2012 Partners in Giving

Hope for

Haitisee pages 2-5

PARTNERS IN GIVINGDevelopment Office of the Salesian Sisters • Daughters of Mary Help of Christians

www.salesiansisters.org

2 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXII • Issue 1 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS

It’s Time to Give Haiti A “Big Push”!

Instead of my usual letter to you, my Friends and Partners, I invite you to come with me on a journey to another world. The trip doesn’t take very long, mile-

wise, but it is a distant, all-too-distant cry from the world we are used to living in. It is peopled by human beings just like you and me. However, they live a very different reality. It could be called the land that everyone forgot all too quickly, except for some daring people picking up the pieces to build a better tomorrow.

Where are we going? Only a hop, a skip, and a jump across some water to Haiti, two years after the terrible earthquake. We no longer hear much about the devastation. It is no longer newsworthy to much of the world. But, thank God, it is still getting loads of attention from our Salesian Sisters working there who are taking

care of thousands of children and seeking to educate them and help them grow up healthy and full of hope.

What are they doing? The best they can, and then some. Full of enterprising, Salesian creativity, they do miracles with next to nothing, making group homes and schools rise up out of the rubble. Not all at once, for as monies evaporate, work is halted until more comes in. But their

Two years after the earthquake, rows of tents donated by other charitable organizations still serve as schools for thousands

of children, who continue to smile amid the hardship.

The Salesian Sisters in Haiti

dreams do not evaporate nor their faith. They give these children a vision for the future. They nourish them with more than food.

The children – oh, the children! I have never seen so many truly happy faces and radiant smiles! Their joy is contagious and they seem oblivious to the lack of what we deem essential. A small pan of cold water suffices to bathe and wash their uniforms, which are always spotlessly clean. A bowl of rice and beans EVERY DAY satisfies them, especially when it has a microscopic

Above, little girls at peace with each other, and thankful for their meal of rice and beans.

At right, 5,000 children are fed every day using these pots in this outdoor kitchen!

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org Partners in Giving • Winter 2012 • 3

along. Others are educators, preparing the students for a better tomorrow. Young women are joining the ranks as vocations come to add new strength and vigor to all the activity for these forgotten ones. The vision of each one is on the future, a better one for the children.

It is difficult to express the impact this trip has made on me. I still see the children’s smiles in my sleep, their songs are still ringing in my ears, their joy still warms my heart. As I was going from town to town, I kept thinking

of all of you, our “Partners in Giving.” Two years ago we raised money to help build a school. What if we all pulled together again to give the dream of these Sisters and children another BIG PUSH? We have been God’s hands in working miracles before. Couldn’t we do a grand one for them? Jesus said, “Whatever you do for the least of My little ones, you do for Me.”

We may be struggling in these tough economic times here in the U.S. However, a little from many will go a long way for those who have nothing in Haiti.

So please help us. Turn the page to find out how. God bless you!

– Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA

piece of chicken in it. Just look at the girls on our cover, peeking out from their school tent! Yes, learning takes place in a tent or a roofed pavilion or old barracks without books or computers or any other learning tools except for a notebook, a pencil, and a courageous teacher with a chalkboard. Yet they are eager to read and write and do math, to learn geography and history and to sing. Oh, how they sing with all their voice and heart!

Nonetheless, the Salesian Sisters are educating thousands of children in conditions that are unthinkable for us.

Where do they live? Some are orphans or abandoned children or have been farmed out as housekeepers. Some are street children. The Sisters take in as many as they can to nurture them and give them a place to sleep and to call home. When possible, parents do all they can to have their children educated by the Sisters. It is a value for them. Some children live in slums that are nothing compared to what we call slums. There is no running water or plumbing, no electricity, no windows, no walls . . . just cast-off materials held together by nothing.

Life goes on. Hope continues to build the dream. The Salesian Sisters have rolled up their sleeves and are working miracles with their love and courage. One Sister feeds 5,000 (!) children every day using a trailer left by the Mexican government. She cooks the beans and rice in large vats sitting on five open burners fed by a flimsy gas line. She is the picture of joy! Other Sisters are planning new buildings to house schools and group homes and chapels and seeking the material assistance as they go

Sr. MaryClair Jean (second from right) and her courageous community of Salesian Sisters welcomed Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter (third from right) and Sr. Mary Rinaldi to the Provincial House in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Desperate poverty still grips Haiti. A typical sight of a

woman peddling her wares amid the rubble in the streets.

The beautiful handwriting of a student in a Salesian School. He writes, “I love my country and my wish is that it develops

and that all Haitians can live as brothers.”

Haiti’s kids thank YOU!


The Salesian Sisters in Haiti need $150,000 to construct

two new school buildings and move the children out of tents.

Let’s join together as Partners and make a BIG PUSH and raise this sum!

Above, Construction workers completing the framing

of a new Salesian Sisters’ school in Haiti.

At right, the model for the future: a village for orphans and schoolchildren at Croix

des Bouquets, Haiti, which will be called the “Children’s Center

of the Good Shepherd.”

At right, Sr. Rose Monique Jolicoeur goes over architectural

plans with benefactor Bob Greene of Buffalo, NY.


Sr. Mary Rinaldi, our amazing hostess, calls out gift basket winners, assisted by Ariane Nagrosst of the Salesian Sisters Development Office

and Nita Rajani, a Salesian Sisters’ Candidate.

Below left, Sr. Anna Ragogna enjoys the company of the Laino Family of Paterson, NJ.

Below right, Sr. Esther Cruz with Marilyn Karlich of Monroe, NY, and her daughter, Deborah, of East Greenbaum, NY.

Making Headlines Around the Province

Festive Fun for All at Our Christmas Party!

On December 11, more than 550 guests attended the annual Salesian Sisters’

Christmas Party at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ. The festive atmosphere, a delicious meal from The Market Basket of Franklin Lakes, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself amidst the many beautiful gift baskets made for a wonderful time filled with Christmas spirit.

Thank you to all who supported this amazing event – you helped raise $78,249 for the Mary Help of Christians Academy Financial Aid Fund!

Also, congratulations to the winners of the Christmas Challenge Sweepstakes:

A Trip to Walt Disney World: Geraldine DeRose,

Toms River, NJ (mother of Sr. Marisa)

1,000 VISA Gift Card: Samantha Scutieri,

Cranford, NJ


Above, Sr. Rosalie Di Peri and Sr. Domenica Di Peri were joined by family members!

Below, Sr. Christine Hellen with her long-time adopters, Michael and Mary Losurdo

of Saddle River, NJ.

Sr. Karen Dunn, Provincial Superior, with Dr. Allyson Hardy of Cresco, PA, and baby Brayden.

Sr. Guerline Joseph and Sr. Josiane Phanord with friends and family.

The gymnasium was filled with families and fun!Jeanne Jenusaitis of Chatham, NJ, Sr. Lise Parent,

Sr. Theresa Lee, and her mother, Edith, of Rivervale, NJ.


The Salesian Sisters have joined TD Bank’s “Affinity Membership Program,” which provides us with an opportunity to earn annual cash

donations. We are thrilled with how easy it is for our friends to participate in this program, and there is no cost to do so. Here’s how it works:

• If you are an existing TD Bank customer, you can call or visit any TD Bank location and tell a bank representative you would like your account linked to: Missionary Society of Salesian Sisters Affinity Program, Code: A1214.

• All checking, savings, money market, CD’s, and retirement accounts are eligible, as are brand new accounts.

• TD Bank will place a notation on your account(s),

known only to them. All balances and other account information are kept confidential; only TD Bank will have that information.

• No withdrawal is ever made from your account.

• At the end of the year, TD Bank will donate its own funds to the Salesian Sisters, based on a percentage of our members’ balances.

We need a minimum of 40 members to qualify, and there is no limit on the amount of TD Bank’s potential donation.

Have you joined TD Bank yet? We hope that you will participate!

Thank you, TD Bank!

Sr. Mary Rinaldi received a surprise phone call one chilly December morning, with wonderful news. A friend, who has chosen to remain anonymous, wanted to donate

40 pallets of disposable diapers to Mary Help of Christians Academy – that’s over 10,000 diapers! This donation could be a God-send for so many mothers and children in need – but the question was: How to share the wealth?

Immediately, the Sisters began reaching out to their students and families, friends and other community organizations who also served children in need. Soon, phone calls and text messages began coming from all over New Jersey! The Sisters at Camp Auxilium in Newton, NJ, need diapers for their new nursery school. In Kenilworth, NJ, St. Theresa School recently launched a new toddler program. And Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson, NJ, could share the diapers with the women and children they serve.

Bill McLaughlin, a trustee of the Salesian Sisters Partners Circle and for Oasis, remarked, “Every day, mothers ring the doorbell at Oasis and ask for food and diapers for their little ones. What an amazing blessing this donation is, and just in time for Christmas!” One young mother who received some diapers said, “Diapers are so expensive nowadays – I am so grateful to the Sisters for sharing this blessing with me, and with other mothers like me who are struggling.”

The Sisters were able to distribute diapers to families and fellow charities in the community, helping to make this Christmas a little happier. Thank you to the Friend who made this all possible. May your generosity be returned one-hundred-fold!

At left, Jannina Barros-Oblitas of Paterson, NJ, and a Mary Help alumna, helped distribute the 10,000 donated diapers.

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.

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

Won’t you consider joining this dynamic group in this, our 21st Year?

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

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Partners Circle

“Stewards” Annual gift of $10,000

FLORIDAMr. & Mrs.

Anthony Ekonomou

NEW JERSEYMarcalus Family

Foundation Robert R. Waitts

Foundation

NEW YORKThe Sabatine Foundation,

in memory of Philip & Josephine

Sabatine

TEXASMr. & Mrs. Fritz Duda, Sr.

Mrs. Betty Turner

INDIANA Mrs. Beatrice Lightfoot

NEW JERSEY Tony Amato Family The Carini Family

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph HoffmanMr. Anthony Petrocelli

Ms. Roberta Ruocco Ms. Celeste Tripi

NEW YORKMrs. Pearl Kalikow

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

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

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

NEW YORKMr. Anthony J. Carroll

Mr. John Cassara

PENNSYLVANIAMr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow

CONNECTICUTA Friend

FLORIDAMr. & Mrs. James Millar

NEW JERSEYMr. & Mrs. Tony Chernalis Mr. & Mrs. Robert HarkinsMr. & Mrs. Bill McLaughlin

CALIFORNIA Richard Meissner,

Meissner Manufacturing

FLORIDADr. & Mrs. Vincent Bagli

Mr. Ray CampoMr. & Mrs. Joseph Garcia

Angel Oliva FamilyMrs. Ann Murphey

Dorothy Thomas Foundation

ILLINOISMr. & Mrs. Larry Peterson

Welcome

2new Members

in 2012! Shown

in RED

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CONNECTICUTMr. & Mrs. Pete Barna Mr. Michael Guarnieri

Dr. Joseph McAleer

FLORIDAMrs. Janis BoydDr. Idalia Lastra

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 MassoodMrs. Kathleen Medore

Ms. Antonia MeolaMrs. Moira McBride Murphy

Mr. Stephen PapettiMs. Rose Perone

NEW YORKMs. Jordon Carroll

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Scala, Jr.

PENNSYLVANIAA Friend

SOUTH CAROLINA

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Aldinger

OUR MISSIONThe 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.

NEW JERSEYMrs. Rosemarie D’Alessandro

Mr. Alfonso DaloisioMrs. Rose Festa

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Mr. & Mrs. Anthony LainoMr. & Mrs. Brian McAuley Mr. & Mrs. Mario Monaco

Mrs. Diva MullerWeaver Marine Agencies

NEW YORKMs. Lea Battiato

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

Msgr. William T. RodgersMr. & Mrs. Matt Sabatine

NORTH CAROLINA

Ms. Marianne O’Doherty

PENNSYLVANIADr. Allyson &

Mr. Kevin Hardy

ARIZONAA Friend

CALIFORNIAGeraldine & Joanne Rizzuto

CONNECTICUTMr. & Mrs. Peter Christiansen

Ms. Mary GaineMr. & Mrs. David McAleer

FLORIDAMr. & Mrs. Joseph W. Clark

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

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

Mr. David MurpheyMr. & Mrs. John Oliva, Sr.

Mr. & Mrs. Gene PerezHon. Judge & Mrs. A. Rodnite

GEORGIAMr. Robert Reiter

MASSACHUSETTSMr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair

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

Partners Circle “Friends”

Annual gift of $3,000

FLORIDAMr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor

Partners Circle “Founders”

Annual gift of $2,000

LOUISIANAMr. John Keller

MASSACHUSETTSMs. Patti Gauthier

Ms. Josephine PetrilloMr. & Mrs. Theodore Reading

NEW JERSEYDr. Tiziana Anello

Mr. & Mrs. Gary BaccaroMs. Bernice Bednarz

Mr. & Mrs. Larry ConditDr. & Mrs. Frank De Maria

Ms. Debi DebiakDr. & Mrs. Louis GambettaMr. & Mrs. Jerry Giamonco

Captain & Mrs. Victor Goldberg

Mrs. Teresa GuttoMr. & Mrs. Charles LechnerMr. & Mrs. Michael Losurdo

Ms. Laura MannarinoMr. & Mrs. Anthony Marangi

ARIZONAA Friend

CALIFORNIAMr. Ian H. GrahamMr. & Mrs. Robert

ObenbergerA Friend

CONNECTICUTMrs. Suzanne

KremhellerMr. & Mrs. Robert Mosey

A FriendAnonymous

FLORIDAMrs. Pilar Alonso

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Bernardo F.

ArenasMr. & Mrs. Carlos Baldor, Sr.

Mr. & Mrs. Carlos A. Baldor, Jr.Bianco & Mansfield, P.A.

Mr. James J. BurrowesMrs. Yoli Buss

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

Mrs. Trudy CareyDr. & Mrs. Antonio Castro

Mr. James J. DeignanMr. & Mrs. J.C. De Lotto

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

Mr. & Mrs. Luis GarciaMrs. Rose GrazianoMrs. Elsa Gutierrez-

Janulionis Mr. & Mrs. James W. Lee

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

Mr. & Mrs. Rick RussoHon. Judge & Mrs.

E.J. SalcinesMrs. Peggy Theis

Mr. Joseph TomainoMr. & Mrs. Ron Yates

Mr. & Mrs. Rene Zarate

GEORGIAMr. & Mrs. Charles Fantauzza

ILLINOISMr. & Mrs. Joseph Olivieri

Mrs. Christine PeragalloMrs. Ann Petrocelli

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph PiotrowskiMr. & Mrs. Cameron ReidMrs. Amanda Rodriguez

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

TD Bank

NEW YORKDr. & Mrs. Michael

AltamuraMr. & Mrs. Jack Betwarda

Mr. Charles BrownMr. & Mrs. Kevin ClairMrs. Rose Mary Clair

Mr. & Mrs. Charles CurcioMr. & Mrs. Charles Curcio, Jr.

Ms. Claire DellMs. Maria Rinaldi Gasparro

Mr. Joseph HillMs. Carol Martindale

Ms. Elizabeth NardoneMrs. Joan Oliver

Mr. & Mrs. Angelo SilveriMr. & Mrs. John Weaver

A Friend

NORTH CAROLINA

Mr. & Mrs. Paul LiotardMr. & Mrs. Chester

Michewicz, Jr.

OHIOMr. & Mrs. Dan Clair

PENNSYLVANIAMr. & Mrs. David Fusacchia

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hedgecock

Mr. Paul I. Sheaffer, II

SOUTH CAROLINA

Mrs. Sandra M. Freeman

TEXASMr. & Mrs. Bill Locklier

VIRGINIAMrs. Dominique Faust

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Annual gift of $500

Partners Circle

“Associates” Annual gift of $750

FLORIDAMr. Declan Mansfield

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Spada

NEW JERSEYMr. Anthony B. Della Cerra

Mr. & Mrs. Edward KornMr. & Mrs. Dominic

Stimola

NEW YORKMrs. Helen Leahy

Mr. John Lombardi & Family


On August 15, 2015, Salesians around the world will celebrate the 200th Anniversary of St. John Bosco’s birth. Last year, a four-year period of

prayer, reflection, and learning leading up to the Jubilee was launched, with the following themes:

• August 16, 2011 - August 15, 2012: First year of preparation: “Knowledge of Don Bosco’s History.”

• August 16, 2012 - August 15, 2013: Second year of preparation: “Don Bosco’s Pedagogy.” (Teaching Method)

• August 16, 2013 - August 15, 2014: Third year of preparation: “Don Bosco’s Spirituality.”

• August 16, 2014 - August 16, 2015: Year of Celebration: “Don Bosco’s Mission With and For the Young.”

“The preparation for the Bicentennial will be a time of grace in which we are called to a deep personal conversion and a qualified pastoral renewal, precisely to ensure the continuity of the implementation of the dream of Don Bosco, which is God’s dream,” says Salesian Rector Major Pascual Chavez, the ninth successor of Don Bosco.

Watch for activities and events in the year ahead! And please continue to pray to Don Bosco for the success of the mission of Salesian Sisters, Salesian Priests, and the extended Salesian family around the world!

Prayer to St. John Bosco

St. John Bosco, Father and Teacher of youth, docile to the gifts of the Spirit

and open to the reality of your times, you were for the young,

especially the little ones and the poor, a sign of the love and special care of God.

Be our guide as we walk the path of friendship with the Lord Jesus, so that we may discover in Him

and in His Gospel the meaning of our lives and the source of true happiness.

Help us to respond with generosity to the vocation we have received from God,

so that in daily life we may be builders of communion,

and may collaborate with enthusiasm and in communion with the whole Church

in creating a civilization of love. Amen.


This year, the Salesian family is gearing up for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of St. John Bosco’s birth by taking a closer look

at his personal story. The unique charism of this 19th-century giant in the realm of everyday spirituality was certainly a gift of God to the Church. This gift, however, was cultivated and took form in a kitchen, the kitchen of Don Bosco’s widowed mother, Mamma Margherita (Margaret). Her cause of canonization is under way, and for good reason. Here we see a woman of strong faith who, with great purpose and care, gave herself to the raising and formation of her children. The influence of that effort is 200 years strong!

Hers was a style of parenting that was proactive, creative, and deliberate. Margherita helped her children to be self aware in the presence of a provident God, and to respond to life with the qualities of grace inherent in each of them.

Young John learned his prayers in the kitchen of their poor farmhouse in Becchi, Italy. He listened as his mother spoke of the closeness of a loving God. He watched as she fed a desperate refugee from their meager provisions.

As his inquisitive mind pounded her with questions, she respectfully listened, and then thoughtfully responded. When John spoke of his dreams, he could count on her endorsement, encouragement, and high hopes for him. And he saw her sacrifices in helping to realize them. He took note of Margherita’s patience and faith when tensions ran high in family conflict. He experienced forgiveness first hand as his mother would spare him punishment when she saw he realized his error and felt true remorse.

In that kitchen of his childhood Don Bosco learned a style with the young that today we call the “Preventive System,” an approach to the young building on faith,

respect, and a belief in the innate goodness within them. It charges the Salesians to create an environment that will make it easy, almost natural, for the young person to make the right choices. The friendly presence which, in loving trust of that goodness in

them, provides guidance and examples that call the child to faith, to relationship with God, to become his or her best self, to grow to that “full stature in Christ.”

So, what about our own “kitchens,” those places where we meet our children and young people? Do we harness the power of grace and the awesome responsibility of forming them?

Are time, warmth and life shared at our tables? Is our faith taught and cultivated?

Do we listen to dreams, whether childlike or mature, whether articulated or unspoken? Do we anticipate and applaud the very best in our children and in the young whom we meet while we are out and about?

Do we model patience, sacrifice, forgiveness? Do we help them aspire to greatness?

In an age when many worry that we are losing our children, parents can take comfort that, even today, the greatest influence on our young people is wielded by adults, especially parents. All of us who touch the young somehow in our day can take courage and inspiration from Mamma Margherita. We, too, can become agents of formation of the young, bringing them to holiness, great character, and faith. And this can happen right in our “kitchens” and neighborhoods.

In Our “Kitchens”Sr. Karen Dunn’s Letter

Statue of St. John Bosco and his mother, Venerable Margherita Bosco,

in Turin, Italy.


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 we Salesian Sisters and supports our 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

A LoveThat Lasts

Forever

Name – DECEASED

Name – LIVING

MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, NORTH HALEDON, NJ – Just before midnight on Sunday, January 22, more than 40 Salesian Sisters and students prepared to journey to Washington, DC, for the annual March for Life by gathering for Mass in St. Joseph’s Chapel. Fr. Richard Bay offered a special blessing for a safe four-hour journey and their selfless witness to the plight of the unborn and the scourge of abortion.

They joined the more than 100,000 people in Washington on January 23, the 39th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in this country. Great job, ladies!


Mary BagliMrs. Diva Muller

Mario BiagiMrs. Claire Feaster

Robert BisoglioSalesian Sisters

Stephanie BrockMr. & Mrs. George Gutierrez

Carole ByrdMr. & Mrs. Richard Gough

Fr. Clement CardilloMr. & Mrs. Robert Sprich

Camille D’Amato KornutickMs. Carol Kasper

Lawrence DeLorenzoMrs. Cheryl Cerna

Dan DeRoseMr. & Mrs. Thomas Hancewicz

Giuseppe DiCarianoMs. Anna Lisa Lombardi

Mary GarciaMr. & Mrs. William F. Meyer

Helene GuellaMs. Noreen Saywell

Juan Ramon GutierrezMr. Orlando Aleu

Mr. & Mrs. Alvaro S. AlfonsoHaydee & Josefina

BerasateguiMr. & Mrs. Wayne BromleyMr. & Mrs. Pablo Camarero

Mr. Angel CedeirasMr. & Mrs. Vincent L. Conti

Ms. Maria CosioMs. Nilda M. Cruz

Municipio De CamagueyMs. Lissette ElguezabalFederacion Exalumnas

Salesianas Inc.Mrs. Hilda Barro De Fernandez

Mr. & Mrs. Ramon FajinMr. & Mrs. Robert Gerard

Mrs. Laura MannarinoMs. Thalia Miehl

Mrs. Jennifer Demarzo NewtonNortheast Remsco Const.

Ms. Teresa RiosecoMr. & Mrs. Carlos Rodriguez

Dr. & Mrs. George Rioseco, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Eduardo Sabates

Salesian Sisters

Steven IerubinoMr. Alexander R. Ierubino

Joseph Kennelly Salesian Sisters

Anne LarywonMr. & Mrs. Anthony Alizio

Rasheeda Ali Gary, Charlie, Chris, & Tyler Blumenfeld

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce J. FlanzMs. Kathryn Hornsby

Donna Johnstone-WalshJamaica Hospital Medical Center

Risk ManagementMr. & Mrs. John R. Kelley

Meredith Liebold

MemorialsReceived between December 2, 2011, and February 2, 2012

Martin, Clearwater & Bell, LLP

Daisy Mendez Mr. Olimpio A. Russo

Maggie WardMr. & Mrs. Bryan Wilson

& Family

Sr. Veronica Milyo, FMAMr. & Mrs. Stanley Richards

Robert RimmMs. Beatrice T. Giunta

Martina Roberts CegliaMs. Carol Roberts

Henrietta Veronica Schmoll

RaeunhorstJS Turner Family

Foundation

Claudia Clair SolewinKonikowski Insurance Agency

Mrs. Louise Porcelli

Domenic TitmasMr. & Mrs. Frank Di Martino

Mrs. Bernice Titmas

Walter SzydlowskiMrs. Dolores Szydlowski

Susan Agia’s 70th Birthday

Mrs. Lisa Aziza Agia

Linda HeffernanMrs. Elissa M. Krajewski

Virginia JonesMr. Ken Jones

Ms. Louise Jones

Sr. Teresita Teran, FMAMs. Elna R. Zeilinger

TributesReceived between Dec. 2, 2011, and Feb. 2, 2012

The Salesian Sisters extend their deepest condolences to Sr. Teresa Gutierrez on the

passing of her father, Juan Ramon Gutierrez, who died in Miami, FL, on December 20, 2011. He was 91 years old. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba, Juan lived as a responsible citizen, always grateful for the many opportunities of living in the U.S.A. He came to this country to reunite with his three older children whom he had sent to be saved from Communism. Juan was known by the Salesian Sisters as Sr. Teresa’s dad and “the man with 11 lives.” Every time he got ill, he was at death’s door. In the 1970s, he received blood from young women who were Salesian Sisters prospects. He fought to live, to be with his family, with nature, the trees, and his farm animals. Juan will be remembered as an honest, hard-working family man who even in his sickness worked to do his part to provide for his family. It was this “sickness” that allowed him to spend quality time with his many grandchildren.

Juan is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Angela Tellita Aragon; two daughters, Sr. Teresa Gutierrez and Elsa Janulionis; and two sons, Juan A. Gutierrez and Jorge Gutierrez. Any remembrances may be send to the Salesian Sisters for their continual work for youth.


• •GIVE US THIS

Day

Please reserve this day/these days in 2012in 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!

This New Year, Please Give Us This Day!

Do you have a happy occasion you would like to share? The Salesian Sisters will celebrate with you. Is it a time to celebrate a less-than-happy

occasion? Our prayer for you on your special day will celebrate this event in your life. Have you someone to thank? Then please “Give Us This Special Day”! All of us will help multiply this gratitude. 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/or situation and for the person who requests prayer for the day.

The Sisters enjoy taking part in your family’s joys and, also, sorrows. You have become part of our family, and that is a wonderful exchange of love and concern for each event. The 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 time be an example of our concern and love for one another. God bless you!

Sr. Mary Baroni ringing in the New Year with her Adopter and friend, Pat Connors of Wyckoff, NJ.

Please detach & mail this form to: Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, 659 Belmont Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508


Salesian Youth Report

On December 11, 22 ninth and tenth graders from Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, were able to attend the

the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s “Ready to Lead” (R2L) program in Brooklyn, NY, under the direction of Janet Arias, a Mary Help alumnae and an alumnae of CHCI’s internship programs.

Nearly 170 students from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and from across the greater New York area gathered at the Genovesi Center at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights to learn about key concepts regarding college planning, financial aid, and leadership development. The participants were joined by a variety of inspiring and influential leaders and celebrities including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman and R2L spokesperson, Nydia Velasquez, and actor Wilmer Valderrama and singer Kat DeLuna, who surprised the students with an impromptu performance.

Attendees were able to participate in three powerful

workshops that will add to their success when they enter the college application phase. To further encourage high school completion, college attainment, and introduce students to the importance of developing professional relationships, Brian Duron, Region Executive for the New York Metro Region & Director of Governmental Affairs of Banco Popular North America introduced the Mentoring Power Hour. During this activity students were able to interact with over fifty recognized leaders and professionals from the greater New York City including representatives from Banco Popular, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, CHCI Alumni Association, MTV Networks’ Latino/Hispanic Employee Affinity Group, and members of the Brooklyn Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for generously underwriting the bus transportation for the entire group. It was a day that the girls will never forget.

Hope to see you next year!

Mary Help Students are “Ready to Lead”!


discovered that there is no orchestra or Broadway voice more beautiful than the sound of young people enjoying the simple things of life.

Our eighth grade class has become an historic one. They are the first class to be enrolled in the middle school since sixth grade. This is the school’s third

year in existence. Here are some of their thoughts and sentiments:

Being at Mary Help has given me respect towards others and has shown me the positive way of life. – V.A.

Mary Help builds confi-dence. One of my classmates was shy and didn’t talk to anyone. Now she has friends and talks in class. We all know how nice she is. Mary Help is a family. – T.S.

I have been going to Mary Help’s summer camp since I was six years old. As soon as the Middle School opened, I came running and brought my friends with me. The faculty has been like a second set of parents and the students, my sisters. For this I am eternally grateful. –V.T.

During my first week as Assistant Principal, I found a book that was left on my desk, entitled How to Survive Middle School. Now well into the year, I could write a book called Middle School: The Time of Your Life! Our young ladies are creating memories and learning values that will be the foundation for their adult life. It is our mission to make these memories positive, fun, and Christ-centered.

– Sr. Mary Jackson, FMA

Middle School: The Time of My Life!

In early August, I arrived in North Haledon, NJ, to begin yet another adventure. Being the Assistant

Principal of Mary Help of Christians Preparatory Middle School definitely carries much responsibility; yet, it also carries with it the advantage of being among the young during a particularly formative time in their lives.

One question that came to mind was: How are the days going to flow without being in the classroom with the young people? Then I realized that I would be present in the classroom, just in a different way.

I have learned more from our students in the past six months than I ever could have taught them. Frequent classroom visits have afforded me the opportunity to see our young ladies in action. As I spend time in the classrooms, I hear the students answering questions in French or Spanish, watch them solve complex algebraic equations, witness their presentations, skits, speeches, and projects. What talent is demonstrated here at Mary Help of Christians Middle School! The students shine brightly in the classroom and that light continues to sparkle beyond.

Through school the young ladies have numerous opportunities to discover their diverse God-given gifts. When many middle schools in our area have cut their sports programs, our school families and benefactors have made the necessary sacrifices to keep our sports program alive. It is a thrill to watch the girls as they create a

The Joy of Teaching in a Salesian School

team and improve their skill level. They also enjoy clubs such as sign language, photography, guitar, drama, Wii, and the Salesian Club (a service-based club). Our dance program is another highlight. The girls perform in concerts and recitals. Our Student Council members have brought new ideas and new activities to the school.

It’s amazing how these young ladies can motivate their peers. Our new National Junior Honor Society members who exemplify Leadership, Service, Character, and Scholarship were inducted at the end of January. The faculty and I are delighted to help our young ladies grow into confident and caring young women.

At times it can get loud in the hallways between classes. The noise travels as they greet one another, celebrate a test score, or simply get excited because they are passing each other in the hallway. (Remember those days?) I hear the noise and look at their faces: they are happy! I have

At the annual Christmas Party, Sr. Mary Jackson was joined by her parents,

Andrew and Barbara Jackson of Painted Post, NY.



ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, MARRERO, LA – Academy of Our Lady students in Family and Consumer Science’s Clothing and Textile class not only learn sewing techniques as a class requirement, they use those skills to make a difference. Thanks to a $1,200 service learning grant from the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, the class was able to put its sewing skills to use and make fifty warm blankets that are now in the hands of needy community residents. Under the direction of Linda Draggon, home economics instructor, 19 students selected cloth in a variety of patterns, measured and made the blankets, and then delivered them to the St. Jude Community Center in New Orleans. The center, which provides a food bank and other services to residents in need, distributed the blankets to its clients. This project has become an annual event for our Clothing and Textiles class and is only one of the many ways our students put their faith into action by helping their community.

Above, preparing the blankets for distribution at the St. Jude Community Center are seniors (clockwise from left to right) Arielle Andrew, Ashlyn Taylor, Taylor Sperandeo, Sydney Lassere, Alyssa St. Amant, Taylor Tassin, Laura Theriot, and Han Vo.

ST. THERESA SCHOOL,KENILWORTH, NJ – St. Theresa’s celebrated St. John Bosco’s Feast Day on January 31 with a Children’s Mass and a “visit” from Don Bosco, a.k.a. sixth-grader Manuel Grova.



MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, NORTH HALEDON, NJ – On January 25, parents, teachers, and fellow students gathered in St. Joseph’s Chapel to watch the annual induction of Mary Help students as members into the Regina Mundi Chapter of the National Honor Society. At right, Vice Principal Dominic Stimola hands the NHS certificate to Jessenia Rodriguez, a senior, as proud Principal Sr. Lise Parent looks on. Congratulations to this exceptional group of young ladies – this achievement is a true testament to their commitment to academic excellence at Mary Help, and beyond!

Below, middle school students from Mary Help brought Christmas cheer to the retired Sisters at the St. Joseph Provincial Center, including Sr. Inez Molano. Save The Dates!

Salesian Sisters’ Spring Party

Sunday, April 22, 2012Mary Help of Christians Academy

North Haledon, NJ

Dames of Mary HelpInaugural Women

of Distinction Luncheon

Tuesday, May 1, 2012The Brownstone, Paterson, NJ

Villa Madonna School’s75th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, June 9, 2012Tampa, FL



ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC PRESCHOOL, ST. CHARLES, IL – Students sang like angels in December, when the 2, 3, and 4 year-olds performed a Christmas pageant. The children sang beautiful songs and performed a short reenactment of the night our Savior was born. After the performance, parents and special guests gathered in the downtown school cafeteria for cookies, cake, and company. Also, Santa stopped by to deliver hugs and a small treat for all preschoolers and children in attendance. A wonderful time was had by all!

SALESIAN YOUTH CENTER, TAMPA, FL – It looked like Santa’s Workshop when, in conjunction with the Christ the King Parish Toy Drive, the CKS (Tampa) Dads Club hosted a school-wide toy drive in December to benefit children. More than 500 toys were collected for distribution to the Salesian Youth Center, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and St. Peter Claver. Sr. Clare Kennelly and all the SYC family and friends thank you!



MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, NORTH HALEDON, NJ – Mary Help’s student choir paid The Dames of Mary Help, the volunteer fundraising auxiliary group, a beautiful compliment this Christmas Season. The students dedicated their annual “Christmas Concern” concert to the Dames, and gifted each with a poinsettia and even a special song! Mrs. Lucia Cardona, Mary Help’s music teacher, personalized the lyrics of the Christmas classic “Jingle Bells” so the girls could sing their appreciation: “Thank you Dames, thank you Dames, thanks for all do!” Great job, ladies!

Dames of Mary Help present for the concert included (left-right) Marie Hess, Lisa Cammarota, Liz Harkins, Carol Bevilacqua-Gentile, Maryann Harkins, Hilda Marmo, Pat McLaughlin, Beverly Rohde, Rosalie Stanton, Maria Colangelo, and Patty Franzetti.

Not pictured: Janet Arias, Susan Benson, Linda Christiansen, Bobbie Dawson, Rosemary DePinto, Diana Dolling-Ross, Christina McAleer, Ariane Nagrosst, Twinkie Polizzi, Debbie Rohde, Sr. Mary Rinaldi, Maryann Riordan, and Deirdre Ward.

Make an Investment in the Future! A CHILD’S EDUCATION • NEW VOCATIONS

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Make an Investment in the Future!

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 • Winter 2012 © 2012 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

Every year, Pat and John Connors and Terry and Joe Laudone host a Christmas/New Year’s Party

for the elderly Salesian Sisters at St. Joseph’s Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ, and it’s one of the happiest days of the year. Thank you so much!

Editorial BoardDr. Joseph McAleer, Editor

Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of DevelopmentMrs. Janet Arias-Rodriquez, Production Manager

Sr. Mary Terzo, FMA, Editorial Assistant

Federal Tax ID # 22-6043753Missionary Society of Salesian Sisters, Inc.

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We reserve the right to edit for publication.

Winter 2012 Partners in Giving

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