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Sr. Mary Cecile Swanton, C.S.JB., Provincial Superior of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist, proudly announces the appointment of Mrs. Barbara Ann Logan, a Lay Associate of the Baptistine Sisters, as the new principal of St. John Villa Academy High School, Staten Island, NY. Mrs Logan is the first lay person to serve in this capacity. She will assume her duties as principal effective August 1, 2009. In commenting on this appointment, Sr Mary Cecile noted that: "Mrs. Logan, besides being an exemplary Catholic and a seasoned, well qualified administrator, is no stranger to the Sisters or to St. John Villa. For several years (1987-98) Mrs. Logan taught mathematics in the junior high classes of Villa’s Elementary School. Even more significantly, she is a Lay Associate of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. The Associates are women and men whose members identify with the charism of the Community and who commit themselves to live out that spirit in their lay life. Since this will be the first time we will not be having a Sister-Principal in our school, how blessed we feel to have one of our Baptistine Associates hold this position." Mrs Logan assumes her duties from outgoing principal Sr. Antonia Zuffante, C.S.JB. who has been a part of the Sisters' educational mission at St. John Villa Academy High School for the last thirteen years, ten of which have been as principal. As she prepares to enter a sabbatical year focused on spiritual renewal, Sr. Antonia feels blessed to have collaborated with so many dedicated members of Villa's administration and faculty and honored to have worked with many wonderful groups of devoted parents. Most of all Sister states: "I have been privileged to be a part of the education of talented and gifted young women; I have come to know and love so many in these years". During her tenure Sister spearheaded the efforts to build the new HS wing (2006) and renovate the existing one. Sister takes pride in initiating the new Majors program and in having revived Villa's outstanding Music program of concerts and shows. Mrs. Logan, a fourth generation Staten Islander, lives in West Brighton with her husband of 36 years, Michael and has an adult daughter, Jessica. She holds a Bachelor in Business Administration Degree from Baruch College, a Masters in Secondary Education Degree with a minor in mathematics from The College of Staten Island, a Professional Diploma from St. John’s University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University. Upon graduation from St. John’s University, she received the Academic Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement of maintaining a perfect GPA. Following her years teaching at St. John Villa Elementary School, Mrs. Logan was a faculty member of St. Joseph–by-the Sea’s mathematics department (1998-2002). She left in 2002 to assume her current position of principal for St. Rita Parish Elementary School. In her role as principal, Mrs. Logan has served on several committees for both St. Rita's School and Parish as well as the Archdiocese of New York. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
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When asked to comment upon her new position, Mrs. Logan responded: "I look forward to working with the Baptistines again and sharing more fully in their charism to educate and inspire the young women of St. John Villa both academically and spiritually, especially in this their 85th anniversary year. I am inspired and honored to be a part of Villa's dynamic educational and spiritual environment. I am honored to stand on the shoulders of all the dedicated Sisters, lay women and men who have helped build the successful traditional and innovative programs that St. John Villa Academy High School offers young women of today, instilling in them the knowledge and skills to open new vistas for their future."
Outgoing principal Sr. Antonia said that she is sad to leave Villa - a school that she has been with for the last 13 years, 10 as principal. She will miss the vitality of daily interaction with students and teachers. However, Sister looks forward with great enthusiasm to her sabbatical time which will be focused on spiritual renewal. |
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Jubilarians Celebrate Golden and Silver Anniversaries
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The Sisters in the photo are: From left to right: Sisters Sandra Stefanchik; Gloria Bianchini; Mary Crucifix Pandullo; Elizabeth Mary Morales; Ann Marie Damiani; and Lois Darold.
Golden Jubilarians (50) Sr Elizabeth Mary Morales, C.S.JB. - Sister is currently assigned to Mt St John Retirement Convent, Purchase, NY. where she conducts a variety of activities for the resident Sisters. Sister has taught at many of the elementary schools staffed by the Community, has served in Jerusalem, Israel and has received recognition from the Archdiocese of New York for her 25 + years of of involvement in the Religious Education programs. Sr Mary Crucifix Pandullo, C.S.JB. - Currently serving as Regional Director for the Staten Island Catechetical Office, Sister is a native of Staten Island. Sister served for many years as a missionary in Zambia, Africa, has taught in many of the elementary schools staffed by the Community, and has served as Youth Minister at St John Villa Academy High School. Additionally, Sister was the Religious Education Coordinator at St Roch Parish, Staten Island. Sr Ann Marie Damiani, C.S.JB. - Currently serving as Pastoral Associate at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Stirling, NJ, Sister has taught at both the Elementary and Secondary school levels. At St. John Villa Academy Sister taught for many years in the Business Department and then held the position of Dean of Students. Sister also served for many years as Provincial Secretary for the American Province. Sr Gloria Bianchini, C.S.JB. - A native of Nova Scotia, Canada Sister has lived and served in many regions of the Congregation, including: Italy, Zambia, Philippines and India. Currently, Sister works in the Business Office of St John Villa Academy and is a lecturer in the Catechist Formation Program of the Archdiocese of New York. Sr Lois Marie Darold, C.S.JB. - Currently, Sister is serving as Vicar Councilor of the American Province and Superior of the Sisters' Community at St. John Villa Academy. From 1966-1992 Sister served as teacher, guidance counselor and principal of St. John Villa Academy High School. Sister also initiated and directed the Development Office for the American Province. Silver Jubilarian (25) Sr Sandra Mary Stefanchik, C.S.JB. - Currently serving at St John Villa Academy as Assistant to the Superior, Sister is the Elementary School Bursar and oversees special projects for the business office. Additionally, Sister is currently the bookkeeper for St Roch Parish. Sister has taught at a number of the schools staffed by the Sisters of St. John the Baptist, including St. Roch Parish Elementary School and served for many years as Provincial Treasurer for the American Province.
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M. Matilde
Parisis, C.S.JB. |
Celebrating 100 Years of Life! On January 25, 2009, despite the wintry weather and challenging roads, Sisters from every convent in the American Province squeezed into benches and stood in tight spaces at Mt. St. John Convnet, Purchase, NY to pray with and for a "gentle giant" in the American Province - Mother Matilde Parisi, C.S.JB as she celebrated a life that spanned one hundred years. Born in Italy on January 20, 1909, Mother, as she is still affectionately referred to, embarked on a life's journey that would embrace two countries, two cultures, but one calling: that of a Sister of St. John the Baptist. As a young Sister, with her country embroiled in World War 2, she found herself steadfastly arguing with British military leaders in order to provide for and protect the orphans in her care. And it was at this time that she met her first American - a Major who would help her. [see: The Major and M Matilde In 1944 Mother embarked on the ocean voyage that would bring her to America - her "second home" for the next 65 years. In the urban areas of New York-New Jersey. a lifetime of loving service was dedicated to the needs of the American people, mostly young children. In later years Mother served in many leadership positions within the American Province. Today, in her gentle face and smiling eyes one can still glimpse the steadfast determination with which Mother presented her case to the Major. Her century of LIFE is a "magnificat" to God of good times, of difficult times, but always of times of God's loving Providence.
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Sr Ermelinda Cordasco, C.S.JB. |
Celebrating 95 Years of Life! On March 14, 2009 in the presence of her family, friends and Baptistine Sisters, Sr. Ermelinda Cordasco. C.S.JB. celebrated the gift of 95 years of life at a special Mass and Dinner in her honor. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Sister Ermelinda, began her religious life as a Sister of St. John the Baptist on April 21, 1930. After completing her novitiate at St. John Villa. was assigned to teach in many schools staffed by the Sisters in the US. in 1968 Sister's vocation would also take her to live and minister for 6 years in Chile. In 1974, Sister returned to Saint John Villa Academy, Staten Island - where she resides and works to this day. She has the distinction of having taught at SJVA in every decade since the High School has been opened! After all these years of dedicated service, one would think that Sister is enjoying a restful retirement. Not so. Sister tutors Spanish or Italian on a one to one basis and subs in the convent business office. During this time Sister prays as she knits caps for newborns at Richmond University Medical Center. When not busy with "duties" Sister heads for one of the convent computers to check her ever-arriving e-mails from family and friends. And primary of all her activities, Sister is often found sitting quietly in the presence of her God, remembering all those who have entrusted their needs to her prayers.
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Although we don't always understand the reasons why, we trust that in God's Providence when one door closes another most often opens. So it is with the American Province. Since our Centennial year (2006) as we ended our presence in two apostolic areas - St. Lucy's, our Foundation House in the United States, and Mt St John, Gladstone - we have brought the Baptistine presence to new locations, mostly directed to pastoral ministry. St Fortunata's
Parish, Brooklyn, NY St Philomena
Parish, Livingston, NJ Our Lady of Providence,
Peapack, NJ St John Villa Academy Please pray that God's blessings will be poured out on these new endeavors.
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"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade
"
That proverbial wisdom might serve as the motivation for Barbara Sanchez. An alumna of St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island, Class of 1990, Barbara knew that after April 15, 2009 she would be without a job. Realistically, she knew that in this current economy she could not count on obtaining another position anytime soon. So, she determined to achieve a longtime goal - to become fluent in Spanish, the language of her Cuban father. She determined that "immersion" was the best mode of learning. A phone call to Sr Lois Darold, her former principal, confirmed that the Baptistine Sisters were still very much living and ministering in Chile. Phone calls and e-mails prepared the way. On May 6, 2009 Barbara embarked on the journey that would bring her to live and work for a month with our Baptistine Sisters in Chile. In addition to learning Spanish, Barbara made it clear from the outset that she very much wanted to work with the Sisters and help them in their ministries in any way that she could. She has already been part of a team from St John Villa Academy (Santiago) that regularly delivers sandwiches to a men's shelter in Santiago. Barbara has established a blog where you can learn more about her experiences. God's blessings be with her.
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1906 - American Province - 2006
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On March 25, 2006, the Feast of Our Lady's Annunciation, the Sisters of St. John the Baptist initiated a year-long celebration to mark 100 years of mission and ministry in America. Bishop John Flesey, representing Archbishop John Meyers, was the main celebrant and homilist for the afternoon Eucharistic Liturgy held at St. Lucy Church, Newark, NJ, the foundation site for the American Province. Approximately 30 priests concelebrated the Mass. Nearly 800 people - Sisters, former Sisters, families, friends, colleagues - filled St Lucy's Church for a joyful celebration of remembrance and thanksgiving. Approaching the Church under an overcast sky, the entrance procession was heralded by trumpets and led by two banners: one created for the Beatification of the Community's Founder, Bl. Alfonso Maria Fusco; the other designed for the Centennial Anniversary. Preceding the Sisters in the Entrance Procession were the Executive Board of the Baptistine Lay Associates and representatives from each of the Sisters' apostolic locations. Leading the Sisters into the Church were Sr. Ermelinda Cordasco, CSJB and Postulant Jennifer Raimo. Sr. Ermelinda, who carried the relic of the Founder, is the oldest living vocation from St. Lucy's Parish. Sister is celebrating her 75th anniversary as a Baptistine this year. Jennifer is the newest member of the American Province, having begun her postulancy in September 2005. Sr. Lois Darold, CSJB, Chair of the Centennial Committee, welcomed everyone. The joy of the celebration was deepened by the presence of: M. John Marie White, present Superior General, M. Claudia Porzio and M. Immacolata Vicidomini, former Superior Generals, and Sisters representing countries where American Sisters have served. With the exception of Sr Thecla Chico, a missionary in Brazil for over 65 years, all American Sisters stationed in other countries returned to the American Province to participate in this historic anniversary. The Scriptures were read by M. John Marie and Sr John Agnes, Provincial Superior. Msgr. Granato, pastor of St. Lucy's, proclaimed the Gospel and later spoke with heartfelt appreciation of what the 100 years of the Sisters' presence had meant to himself and to the parishioners. The Intercessory Prayers were led by Sr. Mary Faith Chanda, Sr. Claudette M Jaszczynski and Patricia Nilsen, Lay Association Board President. The Offertory gifts were presented by the former American provincials: Sr. Margaret Mary Chiffriller, Sr. Loretta Marie Florio, and Sr. Mary Cecile Swanton. Joining them was Sr. Francis Marie Frank whose association with St Lucy's School both as a faculty member and principal goes back almost 50 years. In his powerful homily Bishop Flesey called for remembrance of those Sisters through whose wisdom, courage and openness to the Spirit the first Baptistine ministries in the United States were established. In his remarks Bishop Flesey also alluded to the day's Feast of the Annunciation. He challenged the Sisters and all who share their charism to act in the spirit of Bl Alfonso Fusco and of our Blessed Mother to meet the formidable needs of the times, offering faith, hope and compassionate love to God's people. Throughout the Mass the hymns were sung congregationally led by cantor Janet Natale and accompanied by John Miller, organist for Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Congregation was assisted by members of the Cathedral Women's Choir and the St. Lucy's Men's Choir. Sr. John Agnes brought the celebration to a close with words of thankfulness and praise. After Mass all were invited to a Reception in the Archdiocesan Center. Featured on the reception walls was a pictorial timeline depicting the Sisters' various ministries. During their years in America the Baptistines have worked in orphanages, schools, parishes and nursing homes in 34 locations in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Mississippi. Also, American Sisters have served in Italy, Brazil, Chile, Zambia, Canada, India and the Philippines. Throughout this Centennial year each of the Sisters' local apostolates will hold its own Centennial celebration. The Centennial observance will conclude in December during the annual Advent Day of Prayer when the Sisters will recommit themselves to mission and ministry as they begin their next 100 years here in America. |
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For years the handwriting had been on the wall, but no one wanted to believe the message. The aging of the Sisters' membership, the dramatic decline in the past 30 years of young women joining the Community, the financial burden of maintaining old buildings in operational condition (St. Lucy's, owned by the Baptistine community not the parish, is the original school building from 100 years ago) and the need to liquidate resources in order to care for our elderly and ailing Sisters were undeniable realities. A wide range of emotions therefore accompanied the announcement by the Provincial leadership of the American Province to end their 100 years of presence and service in St. Lucy Parish and to close St. Lucy's School. At the dawn of the 20th century the second great wave of immigrants that flooded the streets and dwellings of America were mainly from southern Europe, particularly southern Italy. For the most part lacking knowledge of English and industrial skills, these immigrants found that neither the cities nor the churches were prepared to accommodate them. In 1906 when the Baptistine Sisters arrived in Newark, NJ their first apostolic foundation was at St. Lucy's. Here they began to minister to the growing numbers of Italian immigrants. At the outset the work of the Sisters was the care of young orphan girls and boys and the religious and academic instruction of the neighborhood children in the parish school. Since that time the school has played a prominent role in the life of St. Lucy's Parish and in Newark's North Ward. For many it was a proud family tradition to attend St. Lucy's Elementary School. On Saturday, May 13 a solemn Liturgy of Thanksgiving was celebrated in the Church. Sisters, students, families and parishioners gathered to thank God for the good that had been accomplished by 100 years of Baptistine presence and service. After Mass, as alumni from across the years gathered for the luncheon in the Community Center, there were gasps of recognition, tales of sorrow shared, and joyful memories exchanged. Proud smiles were the hallmark of the day. On Friday evening, May 19 the students and their guests assembled for the Final Assembly of St. Lucy School. In song, dance, and skits each grade presented its unique reminiscence of the past 100 years. These very talented performers had the audience in turn laughing, singing, crying and applauding.
For the Sisters there is a sense of mourning at having to withdraw
from the Foundation House of the American Province. For all who love
St. Lucy's there is great
sadness in closing the buildings that have housed, nurtured, and
educated thousands of children since 1906. But there is also a
spirit of thanksgiving for what, with God's help, has been
accomplished during these past 100 years. In the spirit of Bl.
Alfonso M Fusco, Founder of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist,
there is an acceptance that in God's plan the Sisters' mission at St. Lucy's
has
been fulfilled
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On
Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 2:00 pm Hundreds of alumni from the schools, the residences and the camp gathered to bless and to be blessed in the holy ground of God's creation and the Academy Chapel. The celebrant was Bishop John Flesey; the homilist, Msgr. Ray Lopatesky, both long-time friends of the Mount and the Sisters of St John the Baptist. Following the Mass, alumnae from every decade of the Mount's history gathered on the Convent porch to share memories, tears, and laughter along with coffee and cookies. Classmates gathered in rooms and hallways, residents took one last look at "their bedroom", mementoes were gladly given and received.
When the Sisters acquired the Mosle Estate in 1926 and dedicated it to the care of orphans, there was an unspoken expectation that this would be a permanent home for the Baptistines. But the reality is that the Sisters' ministry at Mt St John has always been an evolving one: to an orphanage was added an elementary school; the elementary school expanded into a high school; a resident school became a school for day students, the building for high school boarders became a site for Marriage Encounter programs, retreats and conferences; the school buildings housing Mount students became a home for Montgomery Academy students. The Sisters currently residing at the Mount now have ministries in nearby parishes, schools and hospitals. In new ways and new places, God's work continues to be accomplished.
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Q
- Who owns the property now?
The part of the property containing the
Q -
Are the Sisters still at the
Mount?
Q - Where
will our academic records be
Q
- Will the Sisters' graves remain on the A -
No. The Community has purchased new Q - What about Alumnae Reunions?
A -
Keeping in touch with the many
wonderful Please help us keep our information as current as possible by sending updated information to:
Sr. Rosaria De Maro, CSJB
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Having spent a professional lifetime as a first-grade teacher, Sr Anne Gallo, CSJB was used to filling in for "mommy" when one of her students felt ill, couldn't get winter boots on, missed her recently deceased pet. In between the alphabet and numbers were countless hugs and words of encouragement. All part of the territory of the 1st grade classroom. With sadness, the day came for Sr Anne to hand over her beloved 1st grade students to the next generation of teachers. Little did she realize how God would continue to use her talents. Word of the Foster Grandparent Program at St. Vincent Hospital, Staten Island, NYcame to Sister's attention - and it was a match made in heaven. Sister Anne has shifted from "teacher" mode to "granny" mode.
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Sr Helen's first surprise was the unexpected gift of a trip to her beloved Chile for the summer of 2004. Her next surprise was the opportunity of traveling with Mother John Marie, Superior General of the Congregation who like Sr Helen served many years as a missionary in Chile. But these were only the beginning. Other surprises were to follow. Upon her arrival in Chile Sr Helen was greeted warmly by the Sisters as well as by many of her former students. While Sister was visiting at the house of one of her former teachers, Laura, who had served 3 terms as Mayor of Ovalle, the doorbell rang. A distinguished looking gentleman entered holding a bouquet of roses. Sister asked: "for Laura...?". But he responded: "No, these are for Sr Helen. I am the mayor of Ovalle and I have come to invite you to the Municipal Conference Hall next Tuesday at 11:00 am for a special Awards Ceremony." It was only when she arrived for the ceremony that Sister learned it was she who was being honored by the Mayor and the City Council. Ovalle was the city in which Sr Helen began her many years of loving service to the education of Chilean youth. In his remarks Mayor Gallardo noted that Sister's remarkable contributions live on in the students of the Colegio Amalia Errazuriz. Sr. Helen taught and served as principal of the Colegio for many years and was instrumental in its growth and development. In tribute to her vocation of service, Mayor Gallardo presented Sr. Helen with a plaque and with a pin. The latter replicates the shield of the city of Ovalle and is the highest honor that the city can bestow. It is presented to those who by their exemplary life and deeds have made major contributions to the city of Ovalle. As a final honor the Mayor announced that the Council had voted unanimously to name one of the streets in Villa Charlesbourg, the newest housing region : "Sr. Helen Guerrieri." An emotional Sr. Helen responded: "I only did what God inspired me to do. I gave you my heart. I love you all and even in heaven I shall continue loving and praying for all of you and for all of Chile"
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As eight of her former students proudly looked on, Mayor Alberto Gallardo presented Sr. Helen with a plaque given:
Presented: July 20, 2004 |
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There are a variety of ways for concerned individuals to share in the mission of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. The Office of Development enables individuals to support the needs of the Sisters and their ministries through charitable donations and bequest remembrances. Under Sr. Rosaria De Maro the Development Office raises funds for:
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Sr.
Rosaria De Maro, CSJB
Office of Development
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934
908-234-0640
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