The people below were recognized by a Sister/s of Charity 
at the ministry site where they serve as being a man or woman whose ministry quietly and strongly reaffirms the mission of Charity in such a way that it will be carried from 
generation to generation to come.

There are a total of 41 honorees.  
Each week 5 new recipients will be featured.  
Check back each week to meet them.
 
The following are excerpts taken from the nomination form 
which explains why this candidate should receive special 
recognition from the ministry in which they serve. 

DONNA DEVEREAUX NURSE MANAGER OF TELEMETRY AND PROGRESSIVE CARE UNIT ST. JOSEPH’S WAYNE HOSPITAL WAYNE, NJ   Donna is a woman of compassion, which is directed to all patients, patient’s families, visitors and staff.  She goes above and beyond to see to it that all are treated with charity and compassion.  No matter what their background, Donnas’ first goal is to alleviate their suffering; whether it is mind, body or spirit.  She would be the first to involve Pastoral Care with a patient or staff member.  She is very attentive to the needs of the patients and families, especially at the end of life which is a very sacred time for all.   Donna is faithful to the Mission, committed to walking in the footsteps of the founders, always in solidarity with the poor and underserved, while all the time promoting education, advocacy, equality and collaboration.

PAMELA RAUSCHER, PH D DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND CAMPUS MINISTER CHRIST THE KING PREPARATORY SCHOOL NEWARK, NJ   Pam was one of the first five faculty members of the new Christ the King Prep when it was established in January 2007.  Her efforts to help establish a high school focused on the needs of economically and educationally disadvantaged urban students have embodied all of the Sisters of Charity Direction Statements in a variety of ways.  Pam took the position of Director of Admissions because she identified and affirmed the mission of the school “to help students who have potential and drive to succeed despite significant hardships.”    Her compassionate ministry reaches directly to the students.  Because she believes that knowledge and understanding are the way to dispel ignorance, she focused school efforts to develop a quality academic program for our students needs.

DONNA KATTOWSKI ART TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE SAINT CLARE SCHOOL CLIFTON, NJ   Donnas’ enthusiasm, her innovativeness and her general concern for all are exemplary.  She demonstrates the highest level of professional commitment and competency in her work with students, parents and colleagues.  To carry out her responsibilities, she gives generously of her valuable time and often her work extends beyond the work day.  As a knowledgeable individual, Donna is aware of the many responsibilities of the families we serve.  She is one whose ministry quietly and strongly reaffirms the mission of Charity.   Donna never comes with problems without also bringing possible solutions - acceptable, well thought out alternatives.  She is always alert.  She anticipates and heads off problems.  She gives 100 percent all the time.

MARLENY (CECI) ALVARADO DEPARTMENT HEAD OF HOUSEKEEPING, LAUNDRY AND MAINTENANCE SAINT ANNE VILLA FLORHAM PARK, NJ   In her position at St. Anne Villa, Ceci embodies and demonstrates the Sisters of Charity directions for mission by her fair, compassionate and caring manner.  Her background as a teacher in her native country makes her an ideal role model, not only for her staff, but also for other workers and managers at the Villa.  As a role model, she sows seeds of Sisters of Charity values wherever she is throughout the day.   Her ability to be both a team member and a team leader helps and encourages staff of diverse cultures to assimilate.  Her leadership builds a mutual respect that permeates the Villa.  She has a gift for treating each person as ‘holy ground.’

THOMAS AMITRANO DIRECTOR OF NURSING/NEPHROLOGY – DIALYSIS SERVICES DEPAUL AMBULATORY CARE CENTER PATERSON, NJ   Thom serves with superior management, expert clinical skills and a wonderful spirit of compassion and caring for persons who, for many reasons, are committed to a regimen of dialysis – 3 times a week – for the rest of their lives!  In this caring, he is the embodiment of the scripture quote “so long as you did it for one of these least ones, you did it for Me.”  Thom is a great teacher, dispelling ignorance with information and understanding for patients.  This empathetic director shares his passion for the mission, to care for people in need, with all those who work with him.  Hence, this caring is performed as a communal work of mercy for those served.   Thom integrates the mission of St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in connection with the mission of the Sisters of Charity.

MARY E. MC TIGUE, RNC, MA, CENP Vice President – Patient Care Services Trinitas Regional Medical Center Elizabeth, NJ   Mary embraces and lives the Sisters of Charity charism of humility, simplicity and charity.  She is a loyal, trusted and courageous leader of the nursing department at Trinitas.  Her strong commitment to be part of the healing ministry is evident in the way she cares for the sick, interacts with family members, and demonstrates respect and concern for her colleagues.   Mary is a committed Catholic woman who not only supports and believes in the work of the Sisters of Charity, but demonstrates that our mission and dedication to the ministry of healthcare does make a difference.

Steve M. Olive A man most willing and helpful in all the aspects of the School and Diocese Sts. Peter and Paul School and Parish St. Thomas, Virgin Islands   Steve embodies all the directions representing the mission of Charity from generation to generation.  Throughout Steve’s school years he was always more than willing to assist the Sisters in whatever way he could including getting the Sisters’ lunch from the nearby convent.  Throughout his children’s school years, Steve only had to think he was needed and he would be there.    Steve’s love for serving God’s people, and more specifically God, continued into his adult years.  He continues to serve the School and the Cathedral.

Lourdes Chimpay Chief volunteer and participant Josephine’s Place Elizabeth, NJ   Lourdes has been a part of Josephine's Place since its inception.  She came as a participant of the many activities that are offered there.  She since has assumed the ministry of volunteer in many ways.  She has inhaled the mission and ministry of Josephine's Place and the work of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth.  Lourdes has given and continues to give witness to charity, boundless charity.  She lives the mission of Josephine's Place by her words and example.  She strives to respect and empower others.  She is a voice to the voiceless.  Lourdes is the chief volunteer as she gives herself with a monetary remuneration.

Katherine Cirlincione Guidance Counselor and Vice Principal Marylawn of the Oranges Academy South Orange, NJ   Kathy is a wife, mother, grandmother and Seton Associate and is very strong in her Catholic faith.  She is always willing to go the extra mile.  She not only works hard, but also takes a personal interest in students and staff, especially those who have personal or financial issues, and often finds a way to assist them.   Kathy stands for excellence and has demonstrated a fierce loyalty to the mission of Marylawn and of the Sisters of Charity during a few difficult periods.  During those times she demonstrated professional leadership and was a pillar of strength and support for the Marylawn community.  She always embodies charity and justice for all, especially the poor and young women having difficulty.  She is a woman whose ministry quietly and strongly reaffirms the mission of charity in such a way that it will be carried on from generation to generation to come.

Margaret Putrino Catechist Holy Trinity Parish Fort Lee, NJ   What sets Marge apart is her ever-present concern for the needy people she encounters.  Quietly, she brings home-cooked meals to a center and encourages others to join her in the spirit of St. Vincent and as a catechist, in the spirit of Mother Seton, with a sincere effort to strengthen her students’ faith.   In the spirit of our founders, Marge sets an example for others as they identify with her role as wife, mother, parishioner, yet are inspired by her active witness to her strong faith to imitate her concern for others which is their vocation also.

Mary Jane Waldron Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth Convent Station, NJ Secretary – Administrative Services   Mary Jane Waldron has been a faithful employee of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth for 34 years.  She is the “institutional memory” for the Administrative Services, having remained through many changes of administration.  Through all these changes she has been loyal, dependable, efficient and gracious.  She respects confidentiality in her approach to all her responsibilities.   She embodies the Vincentian Charism in her concern for and response to anyone who needs her assistance.  She quietly and strongly supports the mission of Charity through her service to the Congregation and to a new generation of employees.  Her support of the Sisters of Charity through her strong, positive work ethic, her generosity of time and her respect for the dignity of others reaffirms our ministry of Charity.

Jenna Cianci First grade teacher Saint Thomas the Apostle Bloomfield, NJ   Jenna has more charity in her little finger than most of us in our whole being.  She is always the first one to offer help; she never forgets an occasion, happy or sad.  Someone struggling, Jenna is right there with whatever she can do.  Her thoughts are others, never self.   Jenna has a special love for the earth.  That is evident in her everyday life style.  She is a recycler to the limit.  As one sister said when she heard that Jenna was nominated, “Jenna does it all with a beautiful smile.”

Monica Voinov Immaculate Heart of Mary Wayne, NJ Confirmation Catechist   Monica is a lifelong member of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish community and an outstanding witness to the Gospel and advocate for the poor.  Growing up in a family that has rich roots in compassionate care for others, Monica readily engaged herself in the parish Confirmation process.  For the past six years she has given generously of her time and insight guiding our youth to the commitment of faith celebrated in the sacrament of Confirmation.  Not only is she remarkably generous with her time so freely given to our parish family and the young people in her care, but she is also the mother of three young daughters.  Her ability to balance her responsibilities to her personal family and still find the time to give lovingly to her parish family is a testament to her faith.

Carlos Flores-Tober Elizabeth Coalition of House the Homeless/Saint Joseph Social Service Center Elizabeth, NJ Associate Director   Carlos exemplifies someone who works with and for the poor and who strives daily ‘to make life more human’ for them.  Working with the poor for Carlos is not just a job, but a passion.  He embodies Charity.  He likes people and finds it rewarding to work with the poor and all that he would like to do is make a difference in peoples’ lives.  Carlos has made a difference in many peoples’ lives.

Emma Wilkes St. Mary’s Hospital Passaic, NJ Patient Care Assistant   Emma is an employee who always goes above and beyond in patient care.  She loves taking care of all her patients and is always offering them comforting and inspirational words.  She knows how to handle different personalities and to encourage patients to regain their independence.  She treats all patients with dignity and respect.  Emma is a team player always willing to assist her co-workers.  She is not afraid to voice her opinion and offer advice where she thinks it will help.  One thing is for certain when Emma is working you have a piece of mind that your patients are in good hands.

PABLO D’AMBRUOSO SOCIAL CONCERNS ASSISTANT/BUILDING AND GROUNDS AND TECHNICIAN/SAINT ANNE ANIMAL SANCTUARY ASSISTANT SAINT ANNE CATHOLIC CHURCH CARTHAGE, MS   Pablo consistently shows concern for the poor by his willingness to help provide the resources that Saint Anne Parish has to offer them.  He goes out of his way to be sensitive to the poor when they come to Saint Anne Food Pantry in emergency situations.  He also assists in organizing our second-hand clothing shop for the poor.  Pablo anticipates the needs of others, which in turn, shows them respect as God’s people.  The poor react to him with a renewed sense of dignity.  Pablo has earned the respect of both the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities of Saint Anne’s.  His friendliness and sincerity are appreciated by all.

MARION MULLARKEY COORDINATOR OF THE PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY AND HEALTHY BONES SAINT CATHARINE/SAINT MARGARET PARISH SPRING LAKE, NJ   Marion embodies the spirit of the Sisters of Charity charism.  In all her work with the health ministry at St. Catharine/St. Margaret Parish, Marion shares her love of what she does as well as the response to the needs of God’s people.  Healthy Bones is not just a program for Marion, it is her passion to share God’s love for his people in all that she does whether it would be blood pressure screenings, flu clinics, educational talks, visiting the sick and assisting them in their needs.  Marion reaches out and brings the love of God to all those she meets.

CLARE BRADY BSCHS VICE PRESIDENT OF MISSION, BSCH FOUNDATION PRESIDENT AND BSWHC FOUNDATION PRESIDENT BON SECOURS CHARITY HEALTH SYSTEM, INC. SUFFERN, NY   In her personal and professional life, Clare is a ministry partner who lives the Vincentian-Marillac-Setonian-Mehegan Charism in an unpretentious, passionate way and models the charism and values of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth; it is who she is and she is the “go-to” person.   Clare is well known for her commitment to people who are poor and underserved and to people who are suffering and in need of information, for identifying and resolving justice issues, and for her affirmation of the sacredness of life.  She is forthright in interacting with people and in seeking what is right and just.  She is a wonderfully adept organizer who is quick to recognize both teamwork and individual contributions.

CHRIS STEPOVICH RELIGION TEACHER MONROE CATHOLIC JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL FAIRBANKS, AK   Chris has worked with the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks for the past twenty-five years.  Fifteen of those years, she had taught a social justice class and other religion courses.  One year, Chris chose to travel to Ghana with the national Catholic Education Association and CRS for Frontiers of Justice, in an effort to help her students in Alaska understand global injustice.   Chris’ door is always open to any child in need.  A few years ago, Chris’ senior class presented her with a “Light Award” for being an inspiration to them.  Chris is one special person.

LOUISE PECHELLO OFFICE MANAGER XAVIER RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER CONVENT STATION, NJ   Louise has the ability to enable others and enrich the ministry pursued at Xavier.  She is dependable and calm in her approach to all tasks, usually far exceeding the scope of normal routine.  She maintains confidentiality as you would honor your best friend.   Louise, as an employee, respects the poor in the best sense of our Vincentian tradition.  She makes no judgements of any person, values their uniqueness and seeks to “relieve their suffering” through kindness and a listening ear.  All are treated equally.  All are treated well!

CINDY VON BEREN VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE AFFAIRS HOSPITAL OF SAINT RAPHAEL NEW HAVEN, CT   Cindy always supports and promotes the Mission of the Sister of Charity and the Hospital of St. Raphael in whatever role she takes on, as essential to daily operations of the Hospital and the neighborhood community.   When she is “Administrator on call”, Cindy is known to visit all areas of the Hospital.  She is well known to the employees and shares concerns they may have.  Cindy in her various roles through the years has exemplified the mission of the Sisters of Charity.

TERESA SOLAZZO PARENT ST. THERESE SCHOOL SUCCASUNNA, NJ   Teresa is a parent of two St. Therese students and one alumnae.  Both Teresa and her husband Tony are involved in numerous ministries and activities in the parish, school and community.   Teresa has taken a great interest in the school’s newly formed Marketing Committee and has become a driving force behind its success.  She works with the principal, vice-principal and other key members of the committee on the benefits of a Catholic education.  Teresa tirelessly promotes justice, charity and love in all her efforts at St. Therese School and Parish.

ELIZABETH HENNINGER KINDERGARTEN TEACHER BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL PATERSON, NJ   Elizabeth is a young woman with a great sense of mission – a great sense of Jesus is in her life.  She spends herself on behalf of our students.  The majority of these students are immigrant poor.  Her willingness to do the Vincentian “more” has enabled her to have a tremendous effect on everybody in our school community – students, teachers and parents.   Elizabeth is a Kindergarten teacher, but this limiting title does not do her justice.  Her willingness to do the Vincentian “more” has gifted Blessed Sacrament School with a role model who radiates Gospel values.  Her God energy never wanes and Blessed Sacrament is very blessed to have her among us.

ROOSEVELT GRAHAM SEVENTH & EIGHTH ENGLISH TEACHER SACRED HEART SCHOOL JERSEY CITY, NJ   Roosevelt has become part of the bricks and mortar of Sacred Heart School.  For 30 years he has graced the halls of our school with dignity and gentleness.  He is a gentleman of the highest caliber and has been a wonderful role model for all of the thousands of students throughout generations who have been truly blessed to call him “teacher.”   Roosevelt radiates the charism of charity with every fiber of his being.  He possesses a temperament that draws people to him, and he has become a confidante of many.  In addition, he is very popular among his peers, admired, and is looked upon as a wisdom figure.

MARY F. NOLAN TEAM ADMINISTRATIOR – DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES SAINT VINCENT ACADEMY NEWARK, NJ   Mary gives her all to the education of young women.  She embraces SVA philosophy which resonated with her faith and values and is an important part of planning and implementing programs that brought SVA philosophy to life.   Mary’s many personal gifts make her an excellent administrator for a Sister of Charity academy.  She has a deep belief in and respect for every person, especially poor persons, and is consistently guided in her judgments and actions by this belief.  She recognizes the importance of the role of a catholic education in the lives of our students and always participates in plans and programs which help SVA enflesh their beliefs.  Mary is a committed, joyful, Christian woman that is admired and loved.

JOSEPH BENJAMIN SIXTH GRADE TEACHER RESURRECTION SCHOOL JERSEY CITY, NJ   When Joe received word one summer in the 90’s that he was approved to be hired as a public school teacher (where his salary would have doubled) he refused the assignment because he had already signed a contract with Saint Peter School.  This spoke volumes about the goodness and integrity of this really fine person.   Joe’s strengths in the classroom consist of his deep respect and appreciation of each child and patience with struggling learners.  Joe, by word and example, encourages his students to strive to reach potential.  Joe truly lives the motto, “To Walk, Talk and Live in the Peace of Christ.”

BEATRIZ ESTEBAN-MESSINA PRINCIPAL ST. MARY HIGH SCHOOL JERSEY CITY, NJ   Beatriz is a very loving and caring person.  This is evident by her rapport with the students.  She knows each student and their background.  She and her husband, Jim, have extended themselves by supporting students by paying their tuition.  Whenever Bea speaks/writes something about the school, she always refers to the school “in the Vincentian and Setonian Way.”  She is very aware of the Sisters of Charity charism and carries it out to the fullest.   Beatriz has surely answered well “the cry of the poor.”

PHYLIS JONES SENIOR HOUSEKEEPER ST. VINCENT’S NURSING HOME CEDAR GROVE, NJ   Phylis, through all these years, has been known for her gentle smile, her hardy laugh and her gracious and warm personality.  She enhances the life of St. Vincent’s residents who are often ill, lonely and frightened.  Phylis is always ready to answer their call or listen to their problems or their life story.  She responds with a smile, a helping hand or a word of consolation and joy.   Phylis strives to give quality care in the spirit of the Sisters of Charity.  She is selfless in her work.  Most importantly, she is a woman of faith and love for God.

(Copyright)
Our 150th Anniversary logo centers us in the charism of Charity 
and recognizes in the words, “Generation to Generation,” the 
continuous stream of the works and presence of the Sisters of Charity 
of Saint Elizabeth since 1859 and into years to come.  The blue and 
green colors represent our relationship to each other and to all 
created life that surrounds us.  The symbol imagines a continuous 
flow of movement from past to future and the dynamic nature of our 
mission and ministry.

IMPORTANT CELEBRATION DATE

September 25, 2010

Closing Liturgy (4 PM)  Holy Family Chapel