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TAKE-A-BREAK: A Summer Family Vacation Program
TAKE-A-BREAK It’s all about the children... and their families... and US! * What are your favorite memories of childhood summer vacations? * Do you remember counting the days until school’s end? Impatiently waiting for summer to get under way? For most people, summer memories are vivid, colored with good feelings. Today, many children dread summer. For safety’s sake many are confined inside, forbidden to play outside. In 1997 as an extension of their ministry to the poor and their commitment to families, the Sisters of St. John the Baptist initiated TAKE-A-BREAK, a summer vacation program for some of the neediest families that the Sisters work with in their apostolates within the New York / New Jersey area. The goal of the TAKE-A-BREAK program is to provide a week-long, cost-free, residential vacation to families who would not otherwise be able to "take a break" from the noise, heat and turmoil of the inner city.
The current economic crises only makes their situations much worse. The majority of the families participating in this program are single-parent women who are struggling to fulfill their responsibilities to their loved ones and to society. Many juggle two jobs along with home duties just to make ends meet. For them, there is no money available for a "non-essential" such as a vacation - even if one is desperately needed. TAB Participants range from energetic toddlers to seasoned grandmothers.
	New Locations - Same Enjoyable Program In the peaceful settings of St John Villa Academy and Mt. Manresa Retreat Center on Staten Island, NY the TAKE-A-BREAK families enjoy a variety of activities and the time to play and relax with one another. It is a time to deepen family bonding, to nourish the spirit of play and of awe, and to generate long-lasting memories.

Few things in life are a "win-win" situation.
But for the families as well as our volunteers,
TAKE-A-BREAK is one of them.
Listen to some of our participants:

"Thank you, thank you, thank you. My children and I had such a wonderful time. You all made us feel at home and you treated us with respect and love. We would never have been able to do this on our own. Everyone worked so hard for us - those we saw every day and those who worked behind the scenes. We enjoyed every minute of our vacation - this beautiful gift from God." (A Mother)

"At first I was scared of all the people and noises. But the people were nice and then I didn’t hear the bugs anymore. Learning soccer was great!" (Boy, age 7)

"I have volunteered for the Take-A- Break program since its start. The program is indeed a work of God and of our Founder, Bl. Alfonso Maria Fusco. In this place of God’s beautiful creation we do what we can to bring some joy and peace to these parents and their children."
(Sister, Adult Assistant)

" I didn’t want to come and leave my friends. I thought it would be boring. But I met other girls and we became new friends. We loved to be in the pool and tell about ourselves. I hope I can come back" (Girl, age 11)

"I was inspired by the love and devotion showed by the Sisters and all adults present. The children seemed so excited. The level and variety of activities was incredible. TAKE-A-BREAK was a welcome break from the hectic pace of my regular life. I will definitely volunteer to come again." (Adult Counselor)

"I thoroughly enjoyed my much needed break. I was able to spend time with my children without having to say "Wait until after I do the dishes, clean the house, come home from work, etc." This was a precious time for me to be with my children, play with them, enjoy them. I want my children to be loving, caring people and these days, living and sharing with other families, was a time for me to reinforce these goals." (Arlene, Mother)

"I wished I didn’t have to leave. Everything’s nice here. No fighting, no shouting. Lots to do and eat. But it’s a little buggy. (Melissa, Age 8)

"I’ve been coming for 3 years and every year is more rewarding. The Sisters and volunteers put their hearts into this program - and it shows. I’ll be back next year to see more of the smiles on all the kids’ faces (Teen Counselor)

"Thank you once again. Keep up this good work for other mothers like me who really need a "BREAK". (Mother)

We Need Your Contributions To Help Us Continue this Special Program!

Many helping hands and loving hearts contribute to the smooth running and success of the TAKE-A-BREAK program. Sisters dedicate part of their summer to preparing food, providing hospitality and organizing activities. Volunteer mothers and fathers give of their time as a family in order to bring encouragement to our TAKE-A-BREAK families. Teens from the Sisters’ apostolates set aside a part of their own summer to serve as counselors, happily sharing their energy and enthusiasm with our TAKE-A-BREAK participants.

You, our generous benefactors, are with us in spirit, making
it all possible. Your contributions enable the Sisters to cover program costs, such as meals, housekeeping, and recreational opportunities.

To help support or learn more about the
TAKE-A-BREAK program, please contact:

Sr. Rosaria De Maro, CSJB
TAKE-A-BREAK Program
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934-0711
908-234-0640

baptistines@att.net

MISSION TO MEXICO

Since the first 30 years of its foundation, the missionary effort has been an important part of the story of the Sisters of St John the Baptist. Their first missionary extension was in 1906 to North America with the start of the Sisters' new ministry in Newark, NJ. Ninety years later, the Baptistine Sisters again initiated a mission foundation in North America. This time among the poorest of the poor in Yucatan, Mexico.

In 1996 at the invitation of the Archbishop of Yucatan a small group of Baptistine Sisters arrived at the Parish of San Antonio de Padua in Merida, the capital of the State of Yucatan, to help meet the pastoral needs of the people. Situated at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, the beautiful city of Merida is tropically warm and humid, has a combination of beautiful modern and ancient buildings - and is home to a growing population of impoverished squatters in its outlying areas.

Since the pastor and his associate are the only priests in the area, they warmly welcomed the Baptistine Sisters to the Parish of San Antonio de Padua.

Because San Antonio de Padua parish covers a large area and because most of the people are too poor to have a means of getting to the main Church, the parish is comprised of 14 centers - most at great distances from each other. Only three centers and the main Church have the Blessed Sacrament reserved. The other centers are make-shift at best - some are only a small field and a bell. The two parish priests rotate celebrating Mass at the parish centers. On the Sundays when there is no priest the Sisters and lay catechists conduct worship services at the other sites.

The apostolic work of the Sisters and the postulant who has joined them is varied and extensive. Each day finds them doing home visits, bringing not only Communion to the sick but food, clothing and medicine to those most in need. The Sisters teach religious education classes and prepare both young and old to receive the sacraments. Because the wealthy willing donate good, used clothing it is not unusual to see children as they celebrate their First Communion, Confirmation, etc, dressed in the finest of outfits.

Bible Study classes, Youth and Music Groups and the training of lay catechists are all important aspects of the Sisters' ministry. Every first Sunday of the month a Day of Retreat is held for all the catechists serving the parish. Additionally, the Sisters are companions and advocates for the poor when they must go to the hospital or to a government office.

The Convent of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a gathering place for young and old alike. The Sisters' Chapel is open to anyone who wishes to come and spend time in prayer, either with the Sisters or privately. After school the squatter children come to the Convent's backyard where they are given snacks, a pleasant place to play, assistance with their homework, and occasionally an English lesson. As money permits, the children's birthdays are celebrated with a party.

The Sisters who come to Merida quickly learn that the "Yucatecos" are a deeply religious people who are eager to hear and receive the Word of God. Though the burdens of their poverty are great they remain gentle, joyful, and above all hospitable. What little they have is eagerly shared with any guest who honors them with a visit. When it is time for visitors to say goodbye, the motto of the Archdiocese of Yucatan becomes a prayer of hope and of invitation: "Ven, Contigo somos Communidad"

"Come, with you we are Community."

The American Province has assumed the responsibility for sponsoring this missionary endeavor. During the summer months the Province tries to send Sisters to Mexico to assist with the many pastoral ministries. Importantly, the American Province helps to financially support the Sisters and their works. Currently, the American Province is raising funds to help the Sisters in Merida buy land on which they can build a center for the children.

If you can help us help them, please send your donation to:

Sr. Rosaria De Maro, C.S.JB.
Mission To Mexico
Mt St John Convent
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934-0711

srrosariadem@baptistines.org