Download - Christmas 2010 Partners in Giving

PARTNERS IN GIVINGDevelopment Office of the Salesian Sisters

Daughters of Mary Help of Christianswww.salesiansisters.org

PARTNERS IN GIVING

Joy to the World!

Sr. Mary’s Rinaldi’s

LetterDear Friends,

In this 120th issue of Partners In Giving, we mark 20 years of arriving in your homes and places of work with our story. Our cover photograph expresses our ongoing mission in the wondrous innocence and spontaneous joy of a child, nurtured in the knowledge that he or she is a child of God worthy of every dignity and blessing. We make a real difference in the lives of young people, every day – thanks to each and every one of YOU. On to the next 20 years!

One of our sustaining blessings is the Partners Circle, founded at the very beginning of our Development Office as the basis of unrestricted funds to help where the need is greatest. Next year, 2011, is the 20th year of its founding, and we will launch and encourage the next generation of Partners Circle members! In this issue of Partners in Giving, we begin the celebration with two new features: “Thank You, Partners!” (page 3) and “Partner Profiles” (page 12).

Our two annual celebrations, the Thanksgiving Basket in the South (pages 4-5) and the Mary Help Gala in the North (pages 6-9), were resounding successes – in fact, each set a fundraising record, reflecting your incredible generosity for our mission in spite of these challenging times. THANK YOU! An added bonus: Richard Gonzmart, of the Columbia Restaurant Family, decided to honor the legacy of his late mother, Mrs. Adela Gonzmart, with a memorial scholarship at Villa Madonna School. Hurray! See page 20.

There’s even more good news to share: the most magnificent opportunity has just been presented to us in the form of a matching gift directed entirely to help children. We need to hurry: this match expires on Christmas Day! See page 10 for details.

A blessed Christmas and a glorious New Year to all!

Peace,

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

In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the home of the Salesians Sisters (above) has been repaired. In Petionville, the Sisters and lay residents have moved into a new residence, dubbed “Casa Di Familia”

(Family House).

The Provincial House (below), which hosts an orphanage of boys and girls, has been repaired. In “Cité Militaire,” the home of the Sisters has been repaired, and the chapel and the computer room,

which collapsed during the earthquake, will be restored soon. All of this has been accomplished through the generosity of donors, including the Salesian Sisters Partners Circle.

Our Sisters in Haiti say with joy, “Grand Merci à nos Bienfaiteurs!”

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org Partners in Giving • Christmas 2010 • 3

Thank You, Partners!

When a massive earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, Salesian Sisters

across the world felt the loss deeply, and immediately mobilized to help the survivors and restore the Sisters’ mission in Haiti. Here in the Eastern Province, the Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle rallied, raising more than $175,000 in an emergency appeal.

Nearly one year since the earthquake, the Salesian Sisters in Haiti report much progress. Recently, Sr. Suzanne Garçon received news from Rhodes Jules Garçon, the mother of one of the girls from Haiti currently attending Mary Help of Christians Academy. “Haiti as a whole is still experiencing the unknown,” Rhodes says. “No one has seen the construction promised by the international financial aid. The lack of infrastructure, unsafe places, overcrowding in camps, and now cholera makes all solutions difficult.”

“But in contrast, the Salesian Sisters in Haiti have almost completed the construction of temporary facilities, despite the delays, as you can see from these photos. Fortunately our donors were mobilized from the very beginning, and we would like to thank all the people who support us.”

“The Salesian Sisters Partners Circle remains a key partner of the Haitian Salesian Sisters,” Rhodes says. “Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.”

Thank you, Partners! Won’t you join the Salesian Sisters Partners Circle to provide unrestricted funds for urgent needs of the Salesian Sisters and their mission? We are seeking the “next generation” of members in our 20th anniversary year. Please see pages 12-15.

Salesian Sisters Report Progress in Haiti

Thanks to support from our donors, three Salesian schools in Haiti which sustained damage during the January 2010 earthquake are being repaired,

and children have returned to school.

In Kenscoff, Haiti, the Salesian Sisters work at a school/orphanage which receives about 800 local boys and girls (over half of whom are orphans).


Making Headlines Around the Province

Thanksgiving – and Flamenco – in Tampa!

Above, the Thanksgiving Basket Committee who worked so hard for a great event: (left to right) Kathy Pedrero, Jamie McGrogan, Denise Cano, Dolly Duffy, Jenni Neal, Andrea Farrier, Christine Franco, Melissa Barile, Diana Ekonomou, Theresa Anderson,

and Yoli Buss. Not pictured: Christy DeNovellis.

At right, along with the Flamenco dancers of the Columbia Restaurant, Villa Madonna School offered its own Flamenco dancer – the beautiful and graceful Maria Cacciatore, daughter of Mark and Cecelia Cacciatore!

The 7th Annual “Thanksgiving Basket” was held on November 6 at the Salesian Youth Center in

Tampa, FL. This year’s event honored Richard Gonzmart of Columbia Restaurant, who spoke with passion about the impact that the late N.Y. Yankees owner and Tampa resident George Steinbrenner had on his life, and encouraged the guests to make a difference for the children (an excerpt is included at right). Richard also brought along the Columbia Restaurant, complete with tapas and wine, a sit-down dinner, and flamenco show! After collecting items all year and putting together baskets and silent auction items, the Thanksgiving Basket Committee raised the most ever for the children of the Salesian Youth Center and Villa Madonna School! Thank you, all!

Honoree Richard Gonzmart and his wife, Melanie, presents a surprise to Sr. Helen Godin: a yearly scholarship in memory of his mother, Adela Hernandez Gonzmart, which will give a child from the Salesian Youth Center the opportunity

to attend Villa Madonna School.


I never like to use the words “I am realistic.” The fact is, great leaders and great achievers like Mr. George Steinbrenner are rarely realistic, at least by other

people’s standards. Somehow these people, often describedas “strange,” find their way through life, ignoring or nothearing negative comments or expectations. They accom-plish one great thing after another, never hearing the words, “It can’t be done.” This is why we should never tell a young person something can’t be done. God may have been waiting for centuries for their contribution to mankind.

Sooner or later every man of character will have his character questioned. Every man of honor and courage will be faced

with unjust criticism, but NEVER forget that unjust criticism has no impact whatsoever upon the truth. And the only way to avoid criticism is to do NOTHING and be NOTHING!

Public opinion often sways back and forth, but right and wrong does not. We must work to elevate people. We often wonder if God is on our side, but the real question we need to ask ourselves is whether we are on God’s side . . . God has blessed me beyond my dreams, and for this I am grateful. It’s important to share my blessing with others in need. Life is a privilege, but to live life to its fullest, well, that is a choice, too.

I greet each day with laughter. I try to smile at everyone I meet. I pray daily for a grateful spirit. I choose today and every day to be happy. I wake up each morning excited about the new day and all the opportunities that exist, and then I lay my head down on my pillow at night happily exhausted, knowing that I have done everything within my power to move the mountains in my path.

– Richard Gonzmart

Honoree Richard Gonzmart gave a motivational and very moving talk, beside a photo of him and George Steinbrenner.

Melissa Barile, Dolly Duffy, Colleen Duffy, Jenni Neal, and her mother, Marcia Williams, enjoy the party!

Everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving Basket, including A.J. Cacciatore and Dr. Jack Guggino.

Dr. Bill and Mrs. Jamie McGrogan won a beautiful print of the Columbia Restaurant!



The Mary Help Gala was the “Bees Knees”!

On October 27, more than 320 friends and supporters of Mary Help of Christians

Academy came together at The Venetian in Garfield, NJ, for their annual gala fundraiser. This year’s theme, “An Exciting Evening in the Roaring 20’s,” was the cat’s meow! Guests came adorned in flapper dresses, feather boas, 1920’s hairstyles and makeup, while enjoying “Prohibition cocktails,” the professional ballroom dancers who lit up the dance floor with the Jitterbug and Charleston, and fun musical hits from the era. The evening was surely “Puttin’ on the Ritz!”

The highlight of the night was the award presentation to the Gala’s distinguished honorees: Bishop Frank J. Rodimer of the Diocese of Paterson, NJ; and Jimmy and Ellen Greenbaum and Susan Greenbaum Gross of Greenbaum Interiors in Paterson, NJ. Both Bishop Rodimer and Susan Greenbaum commented on the great impact of the Salesian Sisters and their school, Mary Help of Christians Academy, located in North Haledon, NJ. Young women of every race, creed, and ability from Paterson and beyond are provided an invaluable education that otherwise would be out of reach. Proceeds from the evening benefited the Mary Help of Christians Academy Financial Aid Fund.

This Gala was a terrific success, and fun was had by all! Thanks to the inspirational leadership of Beverly Rohde, Gala Chair, and the tireless efforts of the Dames of Mary Help, Sr. Mary Rinaldi and the Salesian Sisters Development Office staff, and countless other supporters, the “Evening in the Roaring 20’s” was quite nifty! Thank you, one and all!

“Puttin’ on the Ritz” are Rodger and Beverly Rohde, Sr. (center) and family membersChris and Karen Rohde (left) and Rodger, Jr., and Deborah Rohde (right).

Our honoree, Bishop Frank Rodimer, receives his award from Sr. Kim Keraitis, Mary Help of Christians Academy Principal, joined by our Gala Emcee, Bill McLaughlin,

and Mary Help eleventh grader, Giovanna Mejia. (PHOTOS BY LORRAINE CORSALE)

Above, honorees Susan Greenbaum Gross (center) and her parents, Jimmy and Ellen Greenbaum, run the amazing Greenbaum Interiorsof Paterson, NJ. Thank you for your continued support of Mary Help!

Left, Dame of Mary Help Twinkie Polizzi and her husband, Mike, admire the amazing array of Silent Auction items.

Three cheers for the Dames of Mary Help (below), who organized our Roaring 20s fundraiser! Many Dames made the extra effort and

dressed up in the most beautiful period costumes! As we say, “There is Nothing Like the Dames!”

Dames of Mary Help Fiona Duffy (center) and Deirdre Ward (right) smile for the cameras with Lisa Ullman.


Amanda Dion and her father, Mike, join Roseanne James.Enjoying the Gala are Anthony and Hilda Marmo, and

Bobbie and Jack Dawson. Hilda and Bobbie are both Dames.

Pat McLaughlin, a Dame of Mary Help, and her husband and Gala emcee, Bill.

All smiles are Art and Mary Conway, and Nollaigin and John O’Brien.Jordan Christiansen visits with Joe Ward.


Dame of Mary Help Rosemary DePintoand her husband, Steve.

Dame of Mary Help Maryann Harkinsand her husband, Bob.


Heartfelt thanks to our many sponsors and friends who solicited or donated gifts for the Silent and Live Auctions at the Gala, and to our many friends

who supported our surprise Matching Challenge gift.

God bless you for all you do for Mary Help of Christians

Academy. Mary Help’s future is bright, thanks to your support!

2010 GALA SPONSORS

RADIANT LEVEL

The McAleer FamilyThe Rohde Families

The Sunshine Foundation

BRILLIANT LEVEL

Fr. George Hundt

SPARKLING LEVEL

AnonymousMr. & Mrs. Anthony Ekonomou

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Harkins Mr. & Mrs. Robert MarcalusMr. & Mrs. Richard Taylor

GLEAMING LEVEL

Mr. & Mrs. Peter ChristiansenMr. & Mrs. Sean Duffy

Greenbaum Interiors of Paterson, NJ

Mr. & Mrs. William McLaughlinThe Moglia Family FoundationMr. & Mrs. Rodger Rohde, Sr.

Mr. Thomas SantorelliTD Bank

Having a great time in the ballroom bathed in red light are Steve Crevani, Jr., Dame of Mary Help Lorrie Longo, and Carol and Steven Crevani, Sr.

Looking good, ladies! Above, Linda Christiansen and her daughter, Jennifer,

join Sandy Minnella and Beverly Rohde.

Linda, Jennifer, and Beverly are all Dames of Mary Help, and Beverly was Chair of the Gala.

Left, among the best dressed guests were Ginamarie Matta

and Maritza Robles.

(PHOTOS BY LORRAINE CORSALE)



Please Make Our Match Before Christmas!

As our Advent journey continues and Christmas draws near, we hear how it is more blessed

to give than to receive. I give you my heartfelt thanks in the form of fervent prayer for you and your loved ones. So much good has been done this year, and you are a very real part of it.

Great news: We have a miracle on Belmont Avenue!!

A friend of the Salesian Sisters for 30 years has promised to give us a Christmas gift of $50,000. He asks us to match this gift by Christmas Day, December 25. My heart and head are still spinning at the thought of what $100,000 will mean to the Salesian

just kept in prayer. The day after I received his letter, I said to his daughter, “Now I must set out to find it.” She replied, “No, it will come to you.” That evening, an elderly woman came to my door and donated $3,000. With great faith, we are on our way.

Please help us. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!

– Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA

P.S. To contribute to the Christmas matching challenge, please send checks/money orders using the attached envelope or use your credit card and call toll-free at (877) OUR-NUNS or locally at (973) 904-0102.

Please help us help our kids!

Sisters and the children in need we serve throughout our Province!

Our friend has asked not to be named,

Making Headlines Around the ProvinceBREAKING NEWS!Making Headlines Around the ProvinceBREAKING NEWS!Making Headlines Around the Province


Back in the early 1990’s, I was the principal of a small elementary school. Of all the items in my job description, my favorite task was directing

the annual Christmas play. Somehow I always found it a wonderful experience to rehearse with “my choir of angels” and to make sure that all the children had a part to recite, a dance to perform, or a song to sing.

A special part of the preparation was to set a goal for ourselves so that the Christmas program wasn’t just a show to perform, but rather an experience of God’s love that we wanted to share. On the night of one particular presentation, I went out in front of the curtain to greet all the families and friends in the audience. I told them that the children had prepared a beautiful program and had a very special desire in their hearts. I explained that the children had been praying for weeks so their songs and their message would touch the heart of the person in the audience who needed Jesus the most right now.

At the end of the program, instead of the traditional punch and cookies, we gave everyone a Christmas ornament in the form of a star that the children had made in school. In the center of each star was the name: JESUS. We invited all our guests to put the star somewhere that they would see it often and be reminded to make Jesus the center of Christmas.

A couple of weeks later, when all the Christmas decorations had been taken down and stored for another year, I received a card in the mail, addressed to me but with no return address. Inside was a check, and a small piece of paper on which a note was written:

Dear Sister, I really enjoyed your Christmas play. And by the way, I was the person in the audience that night “who needed Jesus the most.” Please accept this check and use it to do something special for your school. Tell those kids that God heard their prayer. Thanks, and Merry Christmas.

Do we sometimes need a Christmas star that leads us not away from ordinary things but straight to the very heart of them, a star that helps us to lift our gaze heavenward to contemplate the light that shines down to earth, to a stableyard, to a newborn child – to Jesus?

Or have we missed that star lately that God has put there to shine down on us and guide us to Him? Perhaps we’ve become part of the culture of people walking hurriedly down crowded streets while conversing on mobile phones. Perhaps our gaze is more often fixed on the clock because “time is money” and so it seems important to be able to do two or three things at once. We can talk on the phone while driving to the supermarket or taking the train to work. Thanks to cellphones, instant messaging, beepers, and call waiting, we are constantly available for interruption whether in the middle of another conversation, while sitting in church, or even as we sleep. The frenzy of texting and calling, even when driving, has even had tragic consequences, yet, the telephone companies report that now “we are all connected.”

If we are really connected, then we’ve noticed the star that is shining over the dark places in our world. The light of that star warms and unwraps our hearts and opens them to share God’s love. Is there space in our hearts to house the homeless, feed the hungry, clothe the

naked, visit the sick? Jesus tells us over and over when we do it for others, we do it for Him. When we can see and hear and reach out to those who need it the most, then the light of that star grows even brighter.

You might wonder how we can reflect on the bright star of Christmas when the dawning of a new year, ominous with economic shadows, seems to loom dark on the horizon. The Christmas story has its fear factors. There was no room in the inn, the shepherds were afraid. Yet the star over Bethlehem was a beacon of hope – hope in the face of fear, hope in the face of difficulties.

May this Christmas Season be a time of blessing for you and all your dear ones. May the bright star of God’s love help you to find Him and serve Him in the ordinary things of everyday. May His light guide you to recognize Jesus in everyone you meet, and discover that technology and mobile phones can be helpful tools, but God’s love is what really makes us all connected. A blessed Christmas!

The Center of the StarSr. Phyllis Neves’ Letter

“God’s love is what really makes us all connected.”


Joe Garcia has been a member of the Salesian Sisters Partners Circle since its founding in 1991, and served as Chairman of the Partners Circle Board. A native

of West Tampa, FL, he is a prominent attorney and community activist, currently with the firm of Trenam Kemker & Associates.

Joe is, in effect, “Mr. Tampa.” The Tampa Port Authority honored Joe’s dedicated service by naming its new building the “Joseph Garcia International Center.” In 2000, Joe was named Tampa’s “Citizen of the Year.”

Joe and his wife of 53 years, Anne, have been loyal supporters of the Salesian Sisters, and were instrumental in the founding of the Salesian Youth Center/Boys & Girls Club, next door to Villa Madonna School.

The Partners Circle, Joe says, has been a lifesaver to the Salesian Sisters.

“It has been a financial resource to the Sisters, as well as a source of professional advice.”

“There was a sense of excitement at the founding of the Partners Circle,” Joe recalls. “It was important to bring supporters in the North and South together, as we had a lot of common goals. Together, we were stronger, and could help Sr. Mary Rinaldi and the Sisters achieve their goals.”

Take a look at Villa Madonna School, Joe notes. “It has changed like night and day. The Sisters reach out to kids in the neighborhood whom no one else cares for, at school and after school. They are transforming lives and the community for the better.”

The Partners Circle, Joe says, is special. “I’ve been on a lot of boards and community foundations. But the Partners Circle has a very special spiritual dimension. I encourage every friend of the Salesian Sisters to join us in the Partners Circle as we build a new generation of membership and service.”

Joe Pfeifer joined the Partners Circle in 1995, on the invitation of his friend and Partners Circle Chairman, Bill McLaughlin. Joe served as Treasurer of the Board,

and was Project Manager for the construction of the St. Joseph Provincial Center, the retirement home for the Salesian Sisters, which opened in 1999. He and his wife, Lya, are loyal friends and supporters of the Salesian Sisters.

Joe is the former President and Owner of the Wilds Baking Company in Englewood, NJ. After a successful business career, Joe has become an active fundraiser for many charities and a philanthropist.

“The Salesian Sisters are educated to be teachers. Their background is not in finance and business admin-istration,” Joe notes. “The Partners Circle helps them run the business side of the Development Office, and unrestricted funds raised through membership give them discretion at times when funds are needed for specific purposes.”

To Joe, the Partners Circle’s proudest achievement was playing a key role in the building of the retirement home. “I was on site every day, and used my accounting expertise to make sure the Sisters got their money’s worth,” he says. “We opened the home without a mortgage. Every penny was paid for through donations.”

Joe believes the original core group of Partners Circle members, led by Joseph McAleer, Sr., would be thrilled by its many accomplishments over the years, including support for Mary Help of Christians Academy, Villa Madonna School, and summer camps, as well as offshoot fundraising groups like the “Dames of Mary Help.”

“I was invited to be part of the Partners Circle, and it is important we extend the invitation in our 20th year,” Joe says. “We welcome enthusiastic people who love the cause to get involved, so we can further expand and enhance the mission of the Salesian Sisters.”

Joseph Garcia, Brandon, FL Joseph Pfeifer, Wyckoff, NJ

Partner Profiles

As we anticipate the 20th anniversary of the Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle in 2011, Partners in Giving profiles members of this special group, whose selfless gifts of time, talent, and treasure have enabled the Sisters to achieve the extraordinary

in their three-fold mission: education of young people; promotion of vocations; and support of the Sisters in their retirement. As the Partners Circle was founded by the late Joseph J. McAleer, Sr., we begin by profiling two Josephs, one in the South,

and the other in the North – and hope their experience will inspire YOU to join the Partners Circle!

Mr. Alfonso Daloisio Mr. Al De Vincenzo

Mrs. Rose FestaMr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Mr. & Mrs. Donald HofmannMr. & Mrs. Anthony LainoMr. & Mrs. Brian McAuley

Mrs. Wanda McMahonMr. & Mrs. Mario Monaco

Mrs. Diva MullerMr. & Mrs. Joseph Palladino

Weaver Marine Agencies

NEW YORKDr. & Mrs. Michael Altamura

Ms. Lea BattiatoMsgr. William T. RodgersMr. & Mrs. Matt Sabatine

NORTH CAROLINAMs. Marianne O’Doherty

OHIOMr. & Mrs. Albert Klaben, Sr.

PENNSYLVANIADr. Allyson & Mr. Kevin Hardy

ARIZONAA Friend

CALIFORNIAGeraldine & Joanne Rizzuto

CONNECTICUTMr. & Mrs. Peter Christiansen

Ms. Mary GaineMr. & Mrs. David McAleer

FLORIDADr. & Mrs. Rod Jurado

Mr. & Mrs. James W. LeeMr. & Mrs. H. Tyson Lykes, II

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

Mr. & Mrs. John Oliva, Sr.Mr. Fredy Padovan

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

GEORGIAMr. & Mrs. Michael Aquadro

NEW JERSEYMr. & Mrs. Richard Badenhausen

Ms. Bernice BednarzMrs. Rosemarie D’Alessandro

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

FLORIDAMr. & Mrs. Declan Mansfield

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Spada

NEW JERSEYMr. Anthony B. Della CerraMr. & Mrs. Edward Korn

NEW YORKMr. & Mrs. Bill LeahyMr. John Lombardi

& Family

Partners Circle

“Associates”

Annual gift of $750

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 donation to this unrestricted fund empowers the Salesian Sisters to continue their mission – the education and evangelization of today’s children.

There are eight levels of membership, starting at $500, and these are listed on these three pages. Won’t you consider joining this dynamic group in our 20th Anniversary Year? Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you!

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

A new membership level, “Visionaries,” has been established with an inaugural gift of $25,000 by a cherished friend and supporter of the Salesian Sisters, in loving memory

of her late husband.

GEORGIAMr. & Mrs. Charles Fantauzza

ILLINOISMr. & Mrs. Joseph Olivieri

KENTUCKYMr. & Mrs. Jack Danehy

MASSACHUSETTSMs. Josephine Petrillo

Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Reading

NEW JERSEYDr. Tiziana Anello

Mr. & Mrs. Gary BaccaroMr. & Mrs. Larry ConditMs. Elizabeth Crovella

Dr. & Mrs. Frank De MariaMs. Debi Debiak

Mr. & Mrs. Robert FoxDr. & Mrs. Louis GambettaMr. & Mrs. Jerry Giamonco

Captain & Mrs. Victor Goldberg Mrs. Theresa Gutto

Mr. & Mrs. Charles LechnerMr. & Mrs. Doug Leonard

Mr. & Mrs. Michael LosurdoMs. Laura Mannarino

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony MarangiMr. & Mrs. John Peragallo Jr.

Mrs. Ann PetrocelliMr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski

Mr. & Mrs. Cameron ReidMrs. Amanda Rodriguez

Mr. & Mrs. John Soldoveri

ARIZONAMs. Tonia Kempfer

A Friend

CALIFORNIAMr. Ian H. Graham

Mr. & Mrs. Robert ObenbergerA Friend

CONNECTICUTMrs. Suzanne KremhellerMr. & Mrs. Robert MoseyA Friend • Anonymous

FLORIDAMr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson

Mr. & Mrs. Bernardo F. ArenasMr. & Mrs. Carlos Baldor, Sr.

Mr. & Mrs. Carlos A. Baldor, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Javier BaldorBianco & Mansfield, P.A.

Mr. James J. BurrowesMrs. Yoli Buss

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Capitano, Sr.Mrs. Trudy Carey

Dr. & Mrs. Antonio CastroMr. & Mrs. J.C. De Lotto

Dr. & Mrs. Emilio EchevarriaMr. & Mrs. Luis Garcia

Mrs. Rose GrazianoMrs. Elsa Gutierrez-Janulionis Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Reynolds

Hon. Judge & Mrs. E.J. SalcinesMrs. Peggy Theis

Mr. & Mrs. Ron YatesMr. & Mrs. Rene Zarate

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Mr. & Mrs. William StuartTD Bank

Deacon & Mrs. Asterio Velasco

NEW YORKMr. & Mrs. Jack Betwarda

Mr. Charles BrownMrs. Rose Mary Clair

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

Ms. Claire DellMr. & Mrs. James Dell’Orto

Mr. Edward DeLucaMr. Joseph Hill

Ms. Carol MartindaleMs. Elizabeth Nardone

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

A Friend

NORTH CAROLINAMr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard

Mr. & Mrs. Chester Michewicz, Jr.

PENNSYLVANIAMr. & Mrs. David FusacchiaMr. & Mrs. Jack Hedgecock

Mr. Paul I. Sheaffer, II

TEXASMr. & Mrs. Bill Locklier

VIRGINIAMrs. Dominique Faust

Bob and Maryann Harkins

join daughters Liz (center) and

Caroljean and her husband, Luis, at the Thanksgiving Basket celebration

in Tampa, FL. Bob is President of the Partners Circle North

Board, and both Maryann and Liz are members of the

Dames of Mary Help.

INDIANA Mrs. Beatrice Lightfoot

NEW JERSEY Tony Amato Family The Carini Family

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph HoffmanMr. Anthony PetrocelliMs. Roberta Ruocco

Ms. Celeste Tripi

NEW YORKMrs. Pearl Kalikow

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ed!Joseph J. McAleer, Sr.,

Heritage Society Major Bequests to the Partners Circle

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

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

NEW YORKMr. John Cassara

PENNSYLVANIAMr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow

CONNECTICUTA Friend

NEW JERSEYMr. & Mrs. Tony Chernalis Mr. & Mrs. Robert HarkinsMr. & Mrs. Bill McLaughlinMr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer

Ms. Nancy GulinoMr. & Mrs. Joseph Massood Mr. & Mrs. Michael Massood

Mrs. Kathleen MedoreMs. Antonia 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

CONNECTICUTMr. & Mrs. Pete Barna Mr. Michael Guarnieri

Dr. Joseph McAleer

FLORIDAMrs. Janis Boyd

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Ekonomou Dr. Idalia Lastra

Mr. & Mrs. James Millar

MASSACHUSETTSMs. Patti Gauthier

NEW JERSEYMrs. Pat Brizzolara

Mr. & Mrs. John ConnorsMr. Anthony Gulino

Ms. Ida Gulino

Partners Circle “Founders”Annual gift of $2,000

Partners Circle

“Stewards” Annual gift of $10,000

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

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

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


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 supports the works of the Salesian Sisters & joins your loved ones to the prayers & works of the Sisters.

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

Jura Louis R. AgrestoMrs. Marie Agresto

Shirley BarisoneMr. & Mrs. Timothy

Wieland

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Di Camillo

Mrs. Theresa Hargrave

George Dubiock & BabyMrs. Grace Dubiock

Edyth EricksonMr. & Mrs. Richard Centanni

Judith GoldenDr. & Mrs. Aldo Arpaia

Emily A. HinesA Friend

Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Andreano

Ms. Velika CacanoskaMs. Barbara J. Garruto

Mr. & Mrs. Frank PuccioMr. & Mrs. Robert Sprich

Ms. Biljana TracevaMr. William E. Wingate

Sr. Rena Ossi, FMAMrs. Sarah Payne

Marie PaternostroMr. & Mrs. Ryan Monahan

Robert H. SalterMr. & Mrs. William BielefeldMrs. Patricia A. Bolembach

Ms. Diane BritzMr. & Mrs. M. CorcoranMr. & Mrs. G. Dougherty

Mr. & Mrs. John D. FlemingMr. & Mrs. Thomas FordMr. & Mrs. James Heal

Ms. Angela T. LarcaMr. & Mrs. Anthony LobatMr. & Mrs. David McAleer

Ms. Sarah MelottoMr. & Mrs. F. Michaels

Mr. & Mrs. Jack O’MearaMr. Joseph Papa

& Ms. Marylee PratnickiMrs. Donamarie Richart

Ms. Mary SchnepfMs. Barbara Stack

Mr. & Mrs. Neil SullivanMr. & Mrs. Lawrence Stupski

Mary Schultz & Bill Schultz

Mr. John Holleran

Eva Maria Gretz SmithMrs. Catherine Burzynski

Joseph & Louise Testa

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Brown

Sr. Irene Zaccagnino, FMAMrs. Sarah Payne

MemorialsReceived between October 8 and December 1, 2010

TributesReceived between October 8 and December 1, 2010

Hooshang Kipiani, MD,on his

80th birthdayDr. & Mrs. Joseph De Mattia

Megan HolleranMr. John Holleran

Special Tribute to Mrs. Christina McAleer

on her birthdayMr. Michael Guarnieri

Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMAMr. & Mrs. Robert Brown


Rave Reviews for the Best Christmas Gift!

It’s not too late to order the Salesian Sisters’ Centennial History

Book, The “Yes” Lives On, as the perfect Christmas gift for family and friends.

Written by the late, great Sr. Josephine Carini, this 252-page full color, lavishly illustrated book tells the incredible, poignant, utterly human story of the Salesian Sisters, from the first four who arrived in 1908, to the hundreds of Sisters who spread the mission of service to young people and the Church across the continent.

We’ve been getting rave reviews from readers who LOVE this book! Here are some samples:

YES! Please send me ___ copy/copies of The “Yes” Lives On at just $20 per copy,

including postage & handling.

Total enclosed: $ _______

Please make check payable to: Salesian Sisters

Please mail this form in the enclosed envelope.

Name

Address

Telephone

E-mail

Credit Card Orders Welcome! Please call us weekdays, 9-5: (973) 904-0102 or toll-free (877) OUR-NUNS

I so enjoyed reading “The Yes Lives On.” It brought me back to when I used to spend time with the Salesian Sisters.

“The Yes Lives On” is beautiful and very inspiring!

I spent last evening reading your wonderful book. Since I was born in Paterson and met Lou Costello as a

child, I truly enjoyed it.

Oh, my! What a beautiful book! It was such a joy to “meet” Sr. Virginia on page 10 with the other happy nuns – the smiles on all your faces made me so happy on pages 175 and 191. On page 144, I met Sr. Philomena Martorana – an angel smiling right in front of me! Then I met Sr. Mary, her great uncle,

Fr. Philip Rinaldi, who is on his way to Sainthood, and her uncle, Fr. Peter Rinaldi, so loved by many.

Read all about it! All proceeds support the Salesian Sisters’ mission to young people. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!


• •GIVE US THIS

Day

Please reserve this day/these days in 2011in 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 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.

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 during this holy Christmas Season!

Enjoying a sunny moment outside “The House That Love Built”are Sr. Jeanette Puglisi and her aide, Cristian Morel.

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

part of the day. Soccer season just ended, and we have already formed our girls’ basketball team. We had our first home game yesterday. The girls asked if they could make a special entrance for the game (our mascot is an eagle.) Thirty seconds before the game began, the whole team “flew in” like eagles with arms outstretched, soaring and having a grand old time!

The young constantly remind us that it is the simple things in life

that truly make us happy.

To conclude my day of teaching, I have two Math classes. Last week, without realizing it, one of my students summarized the essence of

Salesian Education. In the middle of class, a student

raised her hand. You would think her interest would be about the topic we were learning, or at least a Math question. Instead, her question was, “Sr.

Mary, are we your favorite class? We must be because

you love being with us!”

St. John Bosco said it was not enough to love the young, but that they must know they are loved. Through reason, religion, and loving-kindness, we help the young grow in body, mind, and spirit. They are not the only ones who grow – we grow with them!

– Sr. Mary Jackson, FMA

silence to mediate, invoking the Holy Spirit to be within them. Lastly, the students share with the class how this Scripture applies to their daily life. The kids began to call our Lectio Divina “Jesus Therapy.” Why? They said, “Well, in Lectio Divina we come to meet with Jesus. In the Scripture, He gives us advice and inspires us. It’s like going to therapy with God. It’s awesome!”

Recently, I was talking on the phone with my big brother. We were sharing about our week at work. I told him, “Can you believe it? My life, mission, and work have RECESS built in! I am given daily opportunities to play outside, whether it be kickball, or jumping rope, or playing knockout (a basketball game), or just walking around the track talking with the young people.”

Coaching sports is also a special

A Great Privilege!

Being among young people every day is a great privilege! Whether in the classroom, on

the field, in the band room, or on the basketball court, I am filled with joy and energy as I interact with junior high students.

A simple article cannot grasp the absolute goodness of being a Salesian educator. However, it is my pleasure to share with you some highlights from daily life at our Salesian school, Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL, where I teach eighth-grade Religion and sixth-grade Math.

One day, I was reviewing with the class how to pray the Angelus. I asked them about the meaning of the phrase, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord,” and questioned, “Why did Mary, Our Lady, call herself the handmaid of the Lord?” Excited and confident hands shot up in the air. This was great: I had options and choices to call upon! The chosen student replied, “Of course Our Lady is THE HAND-MADE creation of the Lord. I mean, look, God made sure that even Original Sin didn’t taint her soul! She certainly was HAND-MADE by God!” The student’s words brought an enormous smile to my face and delight to my heart. He certainly understood the concept!

The syllabus for eighth-grade Religion covers Church History. Yet every Friday, we take the whole class period to experience Lectio Divina. It is an age-old tradition in the Church where you mediate and pray with Scripture, the Living Word of God. We mediate on the Gospel of the coming Sunday’s Mass. The students listen to the Gospel passage repeatedly as they share a word or phrase from the passage. Then they take time in


“We must be your favorite class because

you love being with us!”

Sr. Mary Jackson excels on the court and in the classroom.

The Joy of Teaching in a Salesian SchoolThe Joy of Teaching in a Salesian School


Salesian Youth Report

CORPUS CHRISTI-HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL, PORT CHESTER, NY – Computers put a smile on students’ faces as they nurture a love of learning! Thanks to two Foundation Grants, including one from the Carvel Foundation, Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary has 43 brand new laptops. “This couldn’t have happened without the support and prayers of so many of our friends and donors,” says Sr. Karen Dunn, Principal. Happy “surfing,” kids!

VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, TAMPA, FL – Villa Madonna School’s story is one of unique blessings from women of great faith who wanted to make a positive impact in the lives of the less fortunate, especially children.

Villa’s first lady is Alicia Gonzalez Neve, who gave her home and property to the Salesian Sisters to create Villa Madonna. She is followed by Frances Evelyn Grandoff, Mary Santa Cruz Trout, Ann Lowry Murphey, Ana Maria Baldor-Bunn, and Josephine “Josie” Campo. Now, we are so proud and honored to announce the establishment of a scholarship in the name of another great woman: Adela Hernandez Gonzmart.

Adela’s son, Richard Gonzmart, surprised Villa Madonna School with a yearly scholarship in his late mother’s name, which will assist one child from the Salesian Youth Center to attend Villa Madonna School. It is hoped that this scholarship fund will grow and change the lives of many children who otherwise would not have this opportunity.

The Adela Hernandez Gonzmart Scholarship Fund is timely as the Salesian Sisters must provide Villa Madonna with significant funding in order to admit children from the Salesian Youth Center as well as assist families in need.

Thank you and God bless you, Gonzmart Family!



ACADEMY OF OUR LADY HIGH, MARRERO, LA – How many pennies does it take to fill up a big water jug? That’s what these Academy students are trying to determine! The Academy held its annual “Penny Wars” event during Spirit Week 2010 to raise money for area charities. Each of the school’s classes took part in a school-wide competition not only to raise money, but also to gather the bulk of it in pennies. The “Penny Wars” competition features a scoring system that credits classes for turning in pennies, but also allows credit to be deducted from other classes when other types of coins, such as nickels, dimes, and quarters are turned in. Each grade is assigned a huge water jug to collect the coins, and at the end of the competition, student leaders gather in the Campus Ministry to count up the donations.

SALESIAN YOUTH CENTER, TAMPA, FL – Recently, the SYC participated in “Lights On After School,” a statewide program designed to bring more involvement to after-school agencies. Agencies came to speak to the kids about their jobs and careers, including the Powerstories Theater and the U.S. Postal Service. At left, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office taught about patrolling on a motorcycle, and how officers use laser speed guns.

We are also thrilled to announce that Children’s Board of

Hillsborough County awarded the SYC a grant of $10,000 in support of our youth development programs in Tampa Heights! Thanks for your continued support!

that Children’s Board of that Children’s Board of that Children’s Board of



The year 2010 brought about a huge blessing for the Salesian Sisters from deep in the Midwest. The GHR Foundation of Minnetonka, MN,

awarded the Salesian Sisters Formation Program a substantial grant through their “Sister Support Initiative”! These funds will go toward the Salesian Sisters’ very active vocations and formation programs, and support more than 20 young women currently in Formation.

The Gerald & Henrietta Rauenhorst (GHR) Foundation is a private family foundation which was formed to perpetuate the values and ethical principles that have guided the lives of its founders. The Foundation gives to worthy organizations that preserve morality, ethics, and Catholic social values in our society. The vision of the Foundation is that through the support of education and other causes that exemplify

the Judeo-Christian tradition of love and respect for all humankind, the world will become a better place where poverty, illiteracy, intolerance and chronic health issues (both physical and mental) will be reduced. Catholic

social values, entrepreneurial creativity, and the spirit and practice of transformational philanthropy are major contributors to achieving that goal. The Foundation’s mission is to perpetuate the values of its founders by making transformational social investments in Catholic education and in institutions and organizations

that perform creative and innovative work addressing pressing social issues in the U.S. and globally.

Thank you to the GHR Foundation and its Board of Trustees for believing in the work of the Salesian Sisters and their mission to serve and educate youth, especially the poor. God bless you!

Grant Supports Salesian Vocations

MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, NORTH HALEDON, NJ – During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mary Help’s Health Care Club and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center sponsored a Mother and Daughter Breast Cancer Awareness Evening, with guest speaker Dr. Patricia Pavel, an attending obstetrician/gynecologist at St. Joseph’s, where she provides prenatal care to expectant mothers as well as ongoing gynecologic care to women of all ages. Above, eleventh graders/Health Care Club members Maria Vidal and Avril Cooper found the presentation informative and worthwhile.

ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, HAWTHORNE, NJ – Back to School meant a special Mass for all students. Some served (above), while others took a little more time to settle down before Mass began!

You’ve partnered with us in the past and made a

difference in countless lives.

Please help us again! Merry Christmas!

Yes! I/we wish to make an Investment in the Future!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 ______

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______ My gift can be matched by my employer (Please call and let us know: 973-904-0102)

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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 2010 (C) 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.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/

salesiansistersdevelopment

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.

Editorial BoardDr. Joseph McAleer, Editor

Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of DevelopmentMrs. Christina McAleer, Director of Advancement

Mrs. Janet Arias-Rodriquez, Production Manager

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

We reserve the right to edit for publication.

Have You Moved?

Please help us update our mailing list. If the address on this magazine above is incorrect, kindly fill in this form with the correct information and mail it to our office. Thanks!

Name:

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SAVE THE DATE!

The Fr. Peter RinaldiAwards Dinner

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary SchoolPort Chester, NY

Our inaugural dinner, benefitting Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary School,

will feature exclusive decoration by David Tutera.

For more information, please contact Christina McAleer,

Director of Advancement: (203) 921-9224

Download - Christmas 2010 Partners in Giving

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