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Development Office of the Salesian Sisterrs, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians • www.salesiansisters.org
Partners in GivinG
2 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXII • Issue 6 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Dear Friends:
Solidarity was the reality during and after Hurricane Sandy. So many of our friends from around the country called, and our response each and every time was, “We were spared.” Thank God.
But our neighbors near and far were another story. Yes, we took some people into our convents, but what was that compared to losing everything? What we could do was offer constant prayer and intercession for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
One image stands forever in my mind and heart, and we’re sharing it below. There on Breezy Point in Queens, NY, amid the ashes and rubble stands a statue of the Virgin Mary, completely intact. That silent, beautiful image stirs our faith and reminds us that we have a Mother who carries our prayer and petition to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One faith-filled person went back and laid a bouquet of flowers at her feet. One person, just one person of faith made it possible to have Mary’s image shown to millions of viewers in one night. One person can truly make a
The Salesian Sisters at the St. Joseph Center in Haledon, NJ, would like all our Adopters and friends to know that you never left our prayers in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. We journeyed with you through the cold,
darkness, and many other inconveniences. We felt your pain as you called and asked for specific prayers. We are compassionate toward those who could not even call, who have lost so much more, life, safety, and security. We continue to ask God to be your help and open ways to support your needs as normalcy is restored to your lives.
difference!
And so can hundreds of persons! The happy photo on our cover of Sr. Danielle Gonzalez,
Principal of Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL, was taken at the “Thanksgiving Basket” fundraiser last month. You can more read more about it on pages 6-8. Among the donated items were amazing tomatoes and other fresh produce from Ernest “Cookie” Garcia, who owns the Crews & Garcia bay at the Farmers Market in Tampa. Thanks, Cookie! And that’s one of our faithful Adopters, Courtney Santorella of Jensen Beach, FL, next to Sr. Danielle. She won four baskets in our raffle!
In the name of our Provincial Superior, Sr. Karen Dunn, and all my Sisters, thank you for your loyalty and generosity throughout 2012. We have so much to be thankful for, and you are at the very top of our list of gratitude. We wish you and your loved ones a Blessed and very Merry Christmas!
Peace,
Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s Letter
Then and now: Pat Middendorf of Sanibel, FL, sent this little girl in our Salesian Sisters’ Orphanage a “top of the line” American Girl Doll in memory of
her own daughter, Ruthie Middendorf.
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org Partners in Giving • Holiday 2012 • 3
from North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, and Virginia also willingly and generously contributed to this worthy cause. Praise God! This project was a blessing to all of us.”
Praise God indeed, Lillie! Since then,
Making Headlines Around the Province
Our mission to help the Salesian Sisters in Haiti and the children they
serve continues! Hurricane Sandy hit the island, causing widespread destruction. Mercifully, our Salesian schools and orphanages were spared significant damage.
A new outreach to help our kids has taken the form of dolls! Recently we received a heartwarming letter along with several happy photographs from Lillie Head of Wirtz, VA:
“A picture in your ‘Hope for Haiti’ photo book of a little girl [shown at right] playing with an unclothed doll at the Salesian Sisters’ school inspired me to make a difference. I called my sisters Barbara and Joyce and shared my inspiration. The next day, I asked my good friend Ann and my beautician, Linda, to join us. Our initial goal was to collect 50 dolls, but with God’s blessings we collected 94 dolls within 30 days. Now there are enough dolls to share with young girls in the other Salesian Sisters’ orphanages in Haiti. Ladies
Joyce Christian of Gulfport, MS, and her sister, Barbara Wiggins (left) of Trinity, AL,
with dolls collected by our Southern ladies for the children in Haiti.
Dolls Show Support for Mission in Haiti
the movement has grown, and others have donated dolls. Our sincere thanks to everyone for their kindness in remembering our kids in need. God bless you!
4 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXII • Issue 6 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Making Vocation! Headlines Around the Province
The following article was published in the Florida Catholic, the newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando.
When a group of teen girls left Orlando and Melbourne to drive to Villa Madonna
School in Tampa, they had a single goal in mind: learn firsthand what life as a religious Sister was all about. . . .
“Nun runs” are a trend in the vocation community where single Catholic women are given a whirlwind look at religious life, without making a commitment. It also encourages and supports those who are discerning a vocation, whether it is a serious, concrete idea or even if that discernment is just an inkling of a notion. . . .
On the first leg of the teens’ two-day sojourn, they met Salesian Sr. Danielle Gonzalez, principal of Villa Madonna School. Two things stood out: She was dressed in a white habit and she was well versed on how to use her smartphone, typing a message quickly before putting it down to talk with the girls. Sr. Gonzalez sat among them and spoke in a comfortable, conversational tone about when she first felt called to the religious life.
She told them that, as she completed a degree in mathematics, she went to the small chapel located on the campus of the College of New Jersey in Trenton. She contemplated her choices after college. Maybe work for the FBI? Or work on Wall Street?
“Then I thought, maybe God wants me to be a Sister,” she recalled,
“Nun Run” Makes Headlines in Florida!adding she was surprised the thought popped into her head. “But I pushed it aside. I mean, there are so many other cooler things to do with life, right?”
Yet she couldn’t shake the idea. While she believed she might not be the type of person God would want as a religious Sister, she still felt called by God. She cried about it, prayed
about it, and
it became her journey. She took a job as a teacher at Mary Help of Christians Academy in New Jersey, and witnessed how religious Sisters do a lot of cool things in life. She formally pursued a vocation, choosing the Salesians (also known as the Sisters of St. John Bosco), who serve children in education.
“It is hard to make the decision to discern, but then it is tough to decide which community to enter, because there are so many good ones,” said
Sr. Gonzalez, who has been a Sister for eight years.
Rising from her seat, Sr. Gonzalez said it would be good for the girls to see a Sister in action, so the group ventured to the playground in front of the Salesian Youth Center next to the school campus. Keeping a watchful eye on the children playing near a gushing waterspout sat Sr. Clare
Kennelly, also dressed in a habit with a pocketed smock on top.
“You found me. A woman of leisure,” she laughed, as she greeted the youths. She asked each their name as a dozen children, ages 5 to 11, enjoyed splashing in cool water on a muggy August afternoon.
After the kids went inside to change into dry clothing, Sr. Kennelly took the teen visitors to a couple of picnic tables nearby and asked if they had questions. The first question mirrored the one asked of Sr. Gonzalez: “When did you first hear God’s call?”
“I experience God’s call every day, girls,” Sr. Kennelly said, then asked the girls their ages. When she was told they were all 16, it brought a
smile to Sr. Kennelly’s face. “I was 16, just like you are now, when I first heard a call,” she said.
The word “journey” was used again, and Sr. Kennelly added that, when discerning a vocation, women should never feel pressured to make a decision – not by their peers or family or even the Church.
“There is time,” she said, in a soothing voice. “You have a lot of options and it is very important to listen to what God
Young women are hearing God’s call! We are witnessing enthusiasm and joy as our Candidates (step 1), Postulants (step 2), and Novices (step 3) travel their formation journeys to become Salesian Sisters. There are 24 young women presently in formation,
ensuring a bright future for our Order and its mission, especially in the education of children.
Now here’s the Challenging News: We need financial assistance as we house, form, and educate these young women in their four years of preparation. Our expenses – $18,000 per year per person, covering tuition, room and board, and insurance – are great, but the rewards are much greater! Financial hardship must NOT stand in the way of their call! Please help us. Your gift for the new “Bride of Christ” is much needed. In turn, these young women keep you in prayer, especially during daily Mass. Please send a gift today with the coupon below. Thank you!
Please Help Our Future Salesian Sisters!
is telling you . . . It is about finding your path of happiness. You might see that your greatest happiness and your greatest service are here (in the religious life). And who wouldn’t want to find their greatest happiness?”
Sr. Kennelly said she was drawn to the Salesian Sisters because of the work they do with children. . . . “There is something for everyone in religious life. There is no reason not to answer God’s call. Take that leap. If it’s not your journey, God will show you
another path.”
The group talked for more than an hour and then took a tour of the facilities, a source of Sr. Kennelly’s greatest happiness. There was room after room of children on computers, chatting, taking afternoon naps, and playing games. By 3 p.m., the girls had to move to their next location – a 45-minute drive to St. Leo. They thanked and embraced Sr. Kennelly and asked her for her e-mail. “We will definitely be back,” said participant
Laura. Sr. Kennelly smiled and shared her information.
“Being with young people, young women, is a great privilege for us and a time we cherish,” Sr. Kennelly said. “Evangelization is for all of us, regardless of age or walk of life.”
To learn more about becoming a Salesian Sister, please e-mail the Vocations Director, Sr. Colleen Clair: [email protected], or visit www.salesiansisters.org or www.facebook.com/happynun.
Yes! I’d like to help a Salesian Candidate, Postulant, and/or Novice!
6 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXII • Issue 6 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Making Headlines Around the Province
On November 10, the ninth annual “Thanksgiving Basket” fundraiser for Villa Madonna
School and the Salesian Youth Center/Boys & Girls Club was held in Tampa, FL. Nearly 400 people filled the SYC gymnasium, which had been transformed into an autumn-hued wonderland of beautifully-decorated tables and prize baskets galore.
Adriana Colina was emcee of the gala which honored Sr. Mary Rinaldi for her dedication and devotion to the Salesian Sisters, the children they serve, and the Tampa community.
Richard Gonzmart opened with warm words of welcome. His generosity provided the delicious Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings from the Columbia Restaurant. The surprise guest speaker introducing Sr. Mary was her brother, Philip Rinaldi, who shared stories of “Little Mary’s” childhood. Six-year-old Anna Anderson offered special words on behalf of Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, who worked with Sr. Mary in the Development Office for many years. Then Sr. Karen Dunn, Provincial Superior, talked about Sr. Mary’s achievements throughout her years as a Salesian Sister. Sr. Mary was clearly overwhelmed and offered her love and gratitude to all!
The “Southern Dames” worked hard to make the evening a success. And a success it was! More than $80,000 was raised from sponsorships; 107 beautifully themed baskets; a silent auction; a 50/50 drawing; and Home Depot and Publix gift certificates. 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!
Giving Thanks in Tampa for Salesians!
Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s oldest brother, Philip, joined by his wife, Barbara, gave a heartfelt speech about his beloved sister whom he called “Little Mary.”
Above, Richard Gonzmart of Columbia Restaurant welcomes everyone to the
evening. The fabulous dinner was donated by the Columbia!
At right, Anna Anderson offers a special long-distance message for Sr. Mary from
Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, with help from Thanksgiving Basket Emcee Adri Colina.
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org Partners in Giving • Holiday 2012 • 7
“Southern Dame” Mrs. Jamie McGrogan (center) presents a Thanksgiving basket to a lucky winner!
The smiles say it all on Jamie and Miriam Cline of New Tampa, FL, with their daughter, Allie.
Rinaldi Family members turned out in force to celebrate
with Sr. Mary! (Left-right) Philip Rinaldi,
Kathy Sargent, Barbara Rinaldi, Jordan Lamar, Karen Rinaldi
Lamar, Tina Rinaldi, Kas Sargent, Sr. Mary,
William Greif, Jean Greif, Art Greif, Julia Greif,
and Nikki Sargent.
Above, the Salesian Youth Center gymnasium hosted nearly 400 guests for a sit-down dinner catered by the Columbia Restaurant.
At right, 107 beautifully-themed baskets – all filled with donated goods – helped to raise more than $80,000 for Villa Madonna and the SYC!
8 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXII • Issue 6 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Matching ChallengeMiddendorf Family Foundation
Event SponsorThe Columbia Restaurant
Platinum SponsorsTony & Diana EkonomouIn Loving Memory of Ana Maria Baldor-Bunn
Corporate SponsorsAnonymousChad Chronister & Nikki DeBartoloFee and Jeffries, P.A.Joe & Anne GarciaGulfShore BankDr. Rod & Aida JuradoDr. Bill & Jamie McGrogan
Table SponsorsPhil Alessi
Mark & Theresa AndersonBarbara Byars
Mr. and Mrs. Joe ChilluraTerrell & Joe Clark
Farrier & Cano FamiliesAngeles Ferlita
Ernesto “Cookie” GarciaMichael Guarnieri
Kenneth & Stacy LeikamNeal & Duffy Families
SunTrust Bank
Challenge Winners$500 Home Depot Certificate:
Denise Lorenz, Tampa$500 Publix Certificate: Cynthia Molloy, Tampa50/50 Raffle Winner: John H. Pedrero, Tampa
Thank You to Our Thanksgiving Basket Sponsors!
Three cheers for the “Southern Dames,” the fundraising group for the Salesian Youth Center and Villa Madonna School who did all the hard work for our successful Thanksgiving Basket event! (Left-right) Kathy Pedrero, Jennifer Reynolds (Development Office),
Dr. Andrea Farrier (Chairperson), Denise Cano, Jamie McGrogan, Diana Ekonomou, Jenni Neal, Leslie Garcia, Dolly Duffy, Theresa Anderson (Development Office), and Annette Sanchez.
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 2013, our 22nd year?
Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you!
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Partners Circle “Stewards” Annual gift of $10,000
Robert R. Waitts Foundation
new YorkThe Sabatine Foundation,
in memory of
FloridaMr. & Mrs. Anthony Ekonomou
new JerSeYMarcalus Family Foundation
Philip & Josephine Sabatine
texaSMr. & Mrs. Fritz Duda, Sr.
Mrs. Betty Turner
Welcome
21new Members
so far in
2012! Shown in RED
Dorothy Thomas Foundation
illinoiSMr. & Mrs. Larry Peterson
indiana Mrs. Beatrice Lightfoot
new JerSeY Tony Amato Family
Joseph J. McAleer, Sr., Heritage Society Major Bequests
CaliFornia Richard Meissner,
Meissner Manufacturing
FloridaDr. & Mrs. Vincent Bagli
Mr. Ray CampoMr. & Mrs. Joseph Garcia
Angel Oliva FamilyMrs. Ann Murphey
The Carini FamilyMr. & Mrs. Joseph Hoffman
Mr. Anthony PetrocelliMs. Roberta Ruocco
Ms. Celeste Tripi
new YorkMrs. Pearl Kalikow
Partners Circle “Visionaries” Annual gift of $25,000
new JerSeYIn memory of Mr. & Mrs. C.H. Church, Jr.
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CaliForniaMrs. Maryann Roman
ConneCtiCutMr. & Mrs. Pete BarnaMr. 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 MassoodKathleen & Vic MedoreMs. Antonia P. Meola
Mrs. Moira McBride MurphyMr. Stephen Papetti
Ms. Rose Perone
new YorkMs. Jordon Carroll
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Scala, Jr.
PennSYlvaniaA Friend
South CarolinaMr. & Mrs. Tom Aldinger
MaSSaChuSettSMr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair
new JerSeYMrs. Rosemarie D’Alessandro
Mr. Alfonso DaloisioMrs. Rose Festa
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Laino
Mr. & Mrs. Dale LiviMr. & 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. RodgersThe Sabatine Foundation
PennSYlvaniaAllyson & Kevin Hardy
In Loving Memory of Sr. Adeline Salvetti
arizonaA Friend
CaliForniaGeraldine & Joanne Rizzuto
ConneCtiCutMr. & Mrs. Peter Christiansen
Ms. Mary GaineMrs. Suzanne Kremheller
Mr. & Mrs. David McAleer
FloridaMr. & Mrs. Joseph W. Clark
Dr. & Mrs. Rod JuradoMr. & Mrs. H. Tyson Lykes, II
Mr. & Mrs. Jim MajorFrank & Pat Middendorf
Mr. David MurpheyJohn & Lydia Oliva
Mr. & Mrs. Gene PerezHon. Judge & Mrs.
A. Rodnite
GeorGiaMr. Robert Reiter
Partners Circle “Benefactors” Annual gift of $1,000
Partners Circle
“Founders”Annual gift of $2,000
Partners Circle “Partners”Annual gift of $5,000
FloridaMr. & Mrs. James Millar
MiSSouriMarianne O’Doherty
new JerSeYMr. & Mrs. Tony Chernalis Mr. & Mrs. Robert HarkinsMr. & Mrs. Bill McLaughlinMr. & Mrs. Joseph PfeiferMr. & Mrs. Rodger RohdeMr. & Mrs. Joseph Weiner
new YorkMr. Anthony J. Carroll
Mr. John Cassara
ConneCtiCutA Friend
PennSYlvaniaMr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow
FloridaMr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor
OUR MISSION: The Partners Circle provides Financial Assistance and Volunteer Services to the Salesian Sisters ...
Partners Circle
“Friends”Annual gift of $3,000
louiSianaMr. John Keller
MaSSaChuSettSMs. Patti Gauthier
Ms. Josephine PetrilloMr. & Mrs. Theodore Reading
new JerSeYTiziana Anello, M.D.
Mr. & Mrs. Gary BaccaroMs. Bernice Bednarz
Larry & Mary Anne ConditDr. & Mrs. Frank De Maria
Ms. Debi DebiakDr. & Mrs. Louis A. Gambetta
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Giamonco Captain & Mrs. Victor Goldberg
Mrs. Teresa GuttoMr. & Mrs. Charles Lechner
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Losurdo, Sr.Ms. Laura Mannarino
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Marangi
arizonaA Friend
CaliForniaMr. Ian H. GrahamMr. & Mrs. Robert
ObenbergerA Friend
ConneCtiCutMr. & Mrs. Edward Goin
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. MoseyA Friend
Anonymous
FloridaKenneth & 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 Graziano
Mrs. Elsa Gutierrez-Janulionis Mr. & Mrs. James W. Lee
Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. ReynoldsMr. & Mrs. Rene Rodriguez
Mr. & Mrs. Rick RussoHon. Judge & Mrs.E.J. Salcines
Mrs. Peggy Jones TheisMr. Joseph Tomaino
Mr. & Mrs. Ron YatesMr. & Mrs. Rene Zarate
GeorGiaMr. & Mrs. Charles Fantauzza
illinoiSJoseph & Adelaide 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 YorkMichael & Jeanette Altamura
Mr. & Mrs. Jack BetwardaMr. Charles Brown
Kevin & Kathy ClairMrs. Rose Mary Clair
Terence & Patricia ClairMr. & Mrs. Charles Curcio
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Curcio, Jr.Ms. Claire Dell
Ms. Maria Rinaldi GasparroMr. Joseph Hill
Mr. Walter LazarcheckMs. Carol Martindale
Ms. Elizabeth NardoneMrs. Joan Oliver
Mr. & Mrs. Angelo SilveriMr. & Mrs. John Weaver
A Friend
north CarolinaMr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard
Mr. Chester F. Michewicz, Jr.
ohioMr. & Mrs. Dan Clair
PennSYlvaniaMr. & Mrs. David FusacchiaMr. & Mrs. Jack Hedgecock
Mr. Paul I. Sheaffer, II
South CarolinaAnonymous
texaSMr. & Mrs. Bill Locklier
virGiniaMrs. Dominique FaustMr. Michael Maurer
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Annual gift of $500
Partners Circle
“Associates” Annual gift of $750
FloridaMr. Declan Mansfield
Fred & Anne MichaelsMr. Mark Spada
new JerSeYMr. Anthony B. Della Cerra
Mr. & Mrs. Edward KornMr. & Mrs. Dominic Stimola
new YorkMrs. Helen Leahy
Mr. John Lombardi & Family
... and to the Young People in their Care for the Advancement of Education, Vocations, and Community Life.
12 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXII • Issue 6 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
• •GIVE US THIS
Day
Please reserve this day/these days in 2013in honor of my special intention to support the Endowment for the St. Joseph Provincial Center for our Retired Sisters:
Day 1 (Month, day): Significance:
Day 2 (Month, day): Significance:
Day 3 (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 & mail this form 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, 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!
What a happy baby! Sr. Pauline Joss, Sr. Mary Terzo, Sr. Claire Perino,and Sr. Carmela Termine enjoy the company of Jonathan during a recent visit
to the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in Ringwood.
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org Partners in Giving • Holiday 2012 • 13
It’s been a few years now that popular Christmas décor for our homes and outdoor displays expresses itself sometimes in brilliant,
single words: “Faith,” “Dream,” “Rejoice.” This Thanksgiving, even the façade of Macy’s in Herald Square boldly imparted its greeting in glittered lettering to the millions of spectators and TV viewers during the parade. Its message? “Believe!”
In its utter simplicity that one-word theme evokes sentiments within that capture us. There’s a tug at our hearts. Here modern culture meets the deeper longings in each of us. “Believe” and “Faith” call us to realities beyond the visible parts of our days. Who does not desire a lasting peace, for more order and purpose to
our day, for some sense to be made of the tatters of life, for a finally satisfying answer to the joyful anticipation and hope in our spirit? “Believe!”
“Dream!”
Could this not be the Lord calling? Is it not He who is tugging at our hearts as we navigate our way through our lives and the shopping malls through this
Christmas Season?
We hear in the song from The Polar Express:
When it seems that we have lost our way,We find ourselves again on Christmas Day.You have everything you need If you just believe!
During this Year of Faith and, especially, during Christmas time, we are indeed called to Faith, to Believe, to Dream, to Rejoice. We are called to Christ. This Child celebrated and born to us is the answer we seek in face of the voids in life, of the world’s losses, and also of all its glories and joys.
By faith our lives are full and our dreams are validated, our sacrifices and trials have meaning. By choosing faith, we can live again as children do . . . in trust, in faith, in security, in hope, in promise.
When our heart is tugged this Season in face of these simple, trendy greetings, we can recognize the Lord Himself stirring within us. And we can turn towards that tug and find the Person of Christ. We say, “Yes! I Believe!”
Believe!Sr. Karen Dunn’s Letter
“We are called to Faith, to Believe, to Dream,
to Rejoice. We are called to Christ.”
14 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXII • Issue 6 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
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 Gus SantorellaMrs. Courtney Santorella
Mrs. Rita BrownMr. & Mrs. James Haddon
Mr. Walter PodbielskiMr. & Mrs. Ted Durig
Mr. & Mrs. Doug ThomaMs. Patricia Plumb
Mr. & Mrs. John AnelloMr. Jack Ross
Mr. Robert BackesBoard of Directors
Mr. & Mrs. Don HarrisMr. & Mrs. Bill CirminielloMr. & Mrs. Daniel Krause
Mr. Galen GubermanMr. John O’Neill
Mr. & Mrs. Richard DiorioMr. Donald Krause &
Ms. Nancy KellerMs. Olga Fucile
Ms. Nancy ManningMr. & Mrs. Patrick Splitt
Mr. & Mrs. David McAleerMr. & Mrs. Thomas King
Yee Fatt Corp.Ms. Teddi Colucco
Mrs. Mary VittiMr. & Mrs. Paul Alvarado
Erma HeimMrs. Lenora Morgan
Mary FazioMrs. Rose Ann Sciscente
Genovefa ClarkMrs. Aleksandra Emory
George T. BurnsMr. & Mrs. Joe Fitzpatrick
Charles A. SaggeseMrs. Elizabeth H. Saggese
Agnes LotyczewskiMrs. Beatrice Cataldo
James MarcheseMr. & Mrs. Roger Marchese
Anna DeMaioMs. Carol Sano
Helen WoernerMr. Charles H. Breza
Captain Victor GoldbergMr. & Mrs. Andrew McAleer
Maria Dolores Quattrini Bastianelli
Ms. Rita Stevens
Anthony R. Miloscia, JrMrs. Beatrice Cataldo
Alice SalterMr. & Mrs. John H. Rice, Jr.
Mrs. Maria Losurdo-ColangeloMr. & Mrs. Lawrence StupskiMr. & Mrs. David McAleer
The Sarno FamilyMr. & Mrs. Royal Schiller
Mr. & Mrs. Stew SalterMs. Kerry Guerriero
Mr. & Mrs. Frederick MichaelsMs. Angela T. LarcaMr. Joseph Papa &
Ms. Marylee PratnickiMr. & Mrs. Neil SullivanMr. & Mrs. Kevin Richart
Ms. Mary SchnepfMrs. Donna M. Rice
Mr. & Mrs. Dale SteeleMr. & Mrs. Anthony Lobat
Pat & John ConnorsTerry & Joe Laudone
The Kelly FamilyBarbara Stack
In Memory of Erlean WilliamsThe Southern Dames:
Andrea FarrierTheresa Anderson
Denise CanoDolly Duffy
Diana EkonomouLeslie Garcia
Jenni NealKathy Pedrero
Jamie McGroganJennifer ReynoldsAnnette Sanchez
Ann PasquarielloThe Berardi Family
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph PrioloMs. Sandra MacolinoMs. Mary Baylouny
Mr. & Mrs. Michael FinerMr. & Mrs. Dennis Drasz
Mrs. Rosemary Ames
MemorialsReceived between September 27 and November 30, 2012
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org Partners in Giving • Holiday 2012 • 15
Patrick La MalvaMrs. Mildred Valletutti
Dr. Conrad ModicaMrs. Patricia Modica
Joshua KeleskeMrs. Lenora Morgan
Dr. Eugene TolomeoMr. & Mrs. Timothy Coleman
Francesca VollaroMrs. Giovanna Vollaro
Marie & Ziggy GorskiMr. & Mrs. David Diedrick
Sr. Antoinette Cedrone, FMAMr. & Mrs. Anthony Cedrone
Sr. Esther Cruz, FMAMr. & Mrs. Richard Murphy
TributesReceived between September 27 and November 30, 2012 You may now adopt
a Salesian Sister to pray for your deceased family member or friend for one year. It is a one-time gift; the suggested donation is $160. Adoption forms are posted online at: www.salesiansisters.org, or please call us, toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL, MARRERO, LA – Immaculate Conception’s kindergarten classes listened to a fire safety presentation from the Marrero-Harvey Fire Department. The lesson coincided with Fire Prevention Week in October. The students heard Fire Chief Don Robertson and firefighter Jason Lyons speak about the role of a firefighter and what to do if caught in a fire. As part of the presentation, the students toured the fire truck and watched as Sally Gaudet, one of the kindergarten teachers, was lifted in the air on the fire truck ladder!
Salesian Youth Report
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, NORTH HALEDON, NJ – Each year, Le Séminaire Salésian, a Salesian school in Sherbrooke, Canada, prepares a cultural exchange for their students in which they visit a different country and are completely immersed in the language and culture. This past October, 25 girls and 25 boys from the junior and senior class were handpicked to participate and travel to Washington D.C. and New York City. The students made a special stop on their way to New York where the girls visited Mary Help and the boys went to Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, NJ. At Mary Help, the girls from Le Séminaire Salésian met with the French Club for some musical fun, and then caught a special preview of the cheerleaders’ routine for Mary Help’s “Gridiron to Full-Court” event (see page 18). They were also given an exclusive tour of the school where they enjoyed a visit to the school’s Chic Boutique for a little shopping. Au revoir, girls!
16 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXII • Issue 6 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Salesian Youth Report
ST. THERESA SCHOOL, KENILWORTH, NJ – For show and tell most kids bring in their favorite toy . . .but not first-grader Gavin Gatchalian (center).When the lights went out due to Hurricane Sandy, Gavin decided to make his own power plant with his Dad, Gilbert. He built the battery- operated device including stadiums that lit up when the connection of wires were made. The children in his class were all intrigued with the light show, including Brandon Quach and Noah Veiga. Well done, Gavin!
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org Partners in Giving • Holiday 2012 • 17
Salesian Youth Report
ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, MARRERO, LA – Academy of Our Lady High School recently held its annual Fall Open House for prospective students and their families. Ready to introduce guests to the Salesian hospitality and spirit Academy of Our Lady is known for are student ambassadors Flora Pham (left) and Codi Gauthier, shown here with a middle school student.
Below, the annual Academy of Our Lady Golf Classic was a huge success! Funds raised from this event are used help defray the cost of tuition for our families. Our Principal, Sr. Michelle Geiger, joined the AOL cheerleaders in front of the “Hole in One” car, sponsored by Banner Chevrolet of New Orleans.
18 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXII • Issue 6 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Salesian Youth Report
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, NORTH HALEDON, NJ – Who says football players can’t play basketball? Mary Help hosted “From Gridiron to Full-Court,” where current and former NFL players, such as former N.Y. Giants stars Brandon Bing (playing one-on-one with Sr. Mary Jackson, above) and Kevin Brock, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Kareen Huggins, played basketball against the North Haledon Mayor’s Office, United States Army, Don Bosco Preparatory High School, and Mary Help. The night kicked off with a VIP Dinner in which guests had a chance to meet with and greet the players, and soon after, the games began. Local businesses such as Big Jim’s, Belmont Grill, Metro Grill, and others participated as vendors along with an NFL store that sold memorabilia. There was a 10K half-court shot and Mary Help’s cheerleaders were the half-time act. The night was a great success and all proceeds went to Dreams for Kids and the Athletic Department at Mary Help.
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org Partners in Giving • Holiday 2012 • 19
The Joy of Teaching in a Salesian School
St. John Bosco is known for having said, “It is not enough to love the
young, they must KNOW that they are loved.” That is a joy-filled mandate for our youngest Sisters, our oldest Sisters, and all those Sisters in between. Nothing will ever stop a dedicated Salesian Sister from being that instrument of love to the young . . . nothing! And I really mean NOTHING!
Twenty-four years ago, during a visit with my family, I had a life-changing automobile accident. I suffered a C2 vertebrae fracture, commonly known as the “hangman’s break” because it was equivalent to the fracture that would be caused if a person were to undergo a hanging. The prognosis was not good: a person with this type of injury often is no longer able to walk or move freely. Yet, I was determined!
I am not one to accept a negative prognosis lying down (pun intended). I had spent days, weeks, and months undergoing treatment and physical therapy at the renowned Burke Rehabilitation Center in New York. Not only did I NOT accept the prognosis, but I also sent it packing!
As a Salesian educator, every day is a new beginning full of wonder and excitement, enthusiasm, and joy. Today, I am walking, driving, teaching classes, and am presently the director of parish religious education at Corpus Christi Church in Port Chester, NY, home to Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary School.
What was my strength and inspiration for all this? My commitment to the Lord and the support of my Sisters, along with my dedication to the
young, and helping them understand that, as Don Bosco would want, they are loved. This is, perhaps, one of the greatest joys of my life!
The children full of energy and life seem to fire the flame inside which
burns to share with them the fullness of LIFE. In their faces one can see the eagerness to know and be filled even when they are noisy and seemingly not listening. They do desire to be guided and formed, led to become the beautiful person they can be, and what joy when you get to see that little bit emerge and open as a beautiful flower!
I remember a child who saw the Sisters dressed in white asking her mother with delight, “Where do the angels live?”
I am not an angel, but one whose delight is to be among the young. They know I love them!
– Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto, FMA
Nothing Will Ever Stop Our Sisters!
“The children full of energy and life seem to fire
the flame inside which burns to share with them
the fullness of LIFE.”
Students at Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary School in Port Chester, NY just love Sr. Margaret Rose!
20 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXII • Issue 6 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
It’s always fun time when our Adopters and friends, John and
Pat Connors and Terry Laudone, host the annual Halloween Bingo at the St. Joseph Provincial Center. “Sandy” may have delayed the event, but November brought an added theme. The Sisters’ partisan and patriotic loyalties welcomed the entry of the Republican Elephant (Pat), the Democratic Donkey (Terry) and, most importantly, the red, white, and blue Voting Ballot Box (John). Their costumes were really great! Finally, “citizens” were settled in our “town hall” for the agenda of this meeting. All were quiet and attentive as the Candidates read bingo numbers and allowed each citizen to speak her right . . . “BINGO!” – Sr. Mary Anne Zito, FMA
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Yes! I Would Like to Adopt A Salesian Sister!
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This adoption is a gift. (Please write the recipients information below)
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Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org Partners in Giving • Holiday 2012 • 21
Salesian Youth Report
ST. JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, NAPLES, FL – It was a day to celebrate when students, faculty, friends, and family members gathered for the dedication of the magnificent new Justin Holecek Student Life Center at St. John Neumann Catholic High. At right, Fr. Tom Zalewski, School Chaplain, led the prayers during the dedication ceremony, joined by Sr. Patricia Roche, Principal, Bishop Frank Dewane, and students José Castillo and Callie McFee.
ST. PATRICK PRESCHOOL, ST. CHARLES, IL – St. Patrick’s participated in the annual Scarecrow Festival, where students and parent volunteers came together to build and decorate the fun and festive scarecrow entitled “10 Apples Up On Top.” The children colored the apples and the leaves and the parents assembled the scarecrow. The preschool’s scarecrow won FIRST PLACE in the Children’s Category. What a wonderful example of our school and church communities working together!
22 • Partners in Giving • Volume XXII • Issue 6 Please call us toll-free: 877-OUR-NUNS
Salesian Youth Report
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL, MARRERO, LA – Immaculate Conception fifth and sixth graders participated in a “Big and Little Reading Day” with the kindergarten and first grade classes. The older students in Carmel Hebert’s English class took the class period after exams to read to the younger classes. The older students paired off with a younger student and read children’s books with them. The Big and Little Reading Day was an opportunity for the younger students to practice reading and gain experience with taking the Accelerated Reader tests for reading comprehension. Above, first-grader Lena Tran listens to sixth-grader Thien Dinh read “If You Give a Dog a Donut.” To the right, Chloe Nguyen listens to “Fancy Nancy,” read by Asia Pierce.
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, NORTH HALEDON, NJ – Give a Dog a Bone! The young lady chefs at Mary Help baked goodies to help raise funds for Friends of Wayne Animals, Inc., an all-volunteer, non-profit, rescue organization based in Wayne, NJ that is dedicated to sheltering and placing homeless animals. Looks delicious, ladies!
Make an Investment in the Future! a Child’S eduCation • new voCationS
Yes! I/we wish to help and make a difference!Please complete this form and return in the enclosed envelope. All donations are tax-deductible.
Amount enclosed: $100 ____ $250____ $500 ____ $1,000 ____ Other: $ _________Please direct my gift to: Salesian Students _____ Vocations _____ Greatest Need _____
______ Check enclosed (Please make payable to Salesian Sisters) ______ Credit Card: MasterCard ______ Visa ______ Discover ______ Card Number: _____________________________________ Exp. Date: ________ Signature: _______________________________________________________ ______ My gift can be matched by my employer (please call and let us know: 973-904-0102)
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Our students depend on
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Schools. And the education costs of our Sisters in training depend
entirely on donations.
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 • Holiday 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
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.
Mrs. Furlong’s PreK-3 class at St.Theresa School in Kenilworth, NJ learned all about the importance of
the firefighter’s job and his/her responsibilities as well as basic fire safety rules during Fire Prevention Week. Above, Mason Chango and Abby Han show that they are ready to assist when duty calls, with a little help from Clifford, the Big Red Dog!
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