Carol Jean Vale SSJ, Ph.D. Unanimously Reappointed as President of Chestnut Hill College

Congratulations to Sister Carol Jean Vale SSJ, Ph.D. on her reappointment as President of Chestnut Hill College. Beginning July 1, 2012 S. Carol will begin her fifth five-year term.

At their quarterly meeting on December 5, 2011 the Board of Directors unanimously approved the reappointment following a review of S. Carol's many accomplishment' during her current term from 2006-2011, as well as her expressed vision for the next five years.

Congratulations to S. Carol and the Chestnut Hill College community.

 

 

 

Former Student and Benefactor Lawrence Biscontini Treats Villa Sisters and Residents to "Blessed" — a Stress-management Seminar

A former student of the SSJ,  Lawrence Biscontini, M.A., has a successful career as a Mindful Movement Specialist. Lawrence, spent the afternoon of Tuesday, December 6, 2011 with the Villa Sisters, Villa residents, SSJ members and staff  as he led a stress-management seminar with the theme of "BLESSED." 

Lawrence, who provides programs throughout the US, has a great selection of DVDs and books on his website www.findlawrence.com.  A significant portion of the proceeds from his on-line sales go to the Saint Joseph Villa. Customers who buy a single download, book, dvd or mentoring session in 2011 from www.findlawrence.com, make Lawrence's yearly donation possible. What a great gift idea for Christmas — or any occasion.

 

The Sisters of Saint Joseph are blessed by Lawrence Biscontini in so many ways. Thank you Lawrence Biscontini for all that you do on behalf of the SSJ.

Pictured above: Lawrence Biscontini is surrounded by his former teachers (from left) Sisters Charles Theresa, Loretta Dolores, Ruth Eisenhauer, and Agnes Leon

Pictured below: Wearing their "Blessed" T-Shirts gifted to them by former student Lawrence Biscontini are (seated at left) Sisters Agnes Leona, Charles Theresa, (standing left) Loretta Dolores, Angeline and Mary Theresa Toole.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Party Fun in Paterson, NJ

Courtesy of the Department for Persons with Disabilities

 

On Saturday, Dec. 3, the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) in the Diocese of Paterson held its annual Christmas party at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oak Ridge, NJ. Sister Joan Kathleen Gercke SSJ, reported that the parish center was turned into a winter wonderland with the help of several volunteers.

The band “5 O’Clock Somewhere” provided great music for all of our guests and Santa Claus even came to visit! We enjoyed great food catered by Portofino family Restaurant in Oak Ridge. Volunteers fromJefferson High School and St. Francis Academy in Union City helped make the day extra special. Several local families even purchased, gift wrapped, and handed out Christmas gifts for all of the DPD’s residents. The men and women of the DPD were so excited to open their presents and to spend the afternoon with their friends and family members.

It was truly a wonderful day for all who attended. Special thanks to all of our volunteers, Santa and Mrs Claus, 5 O'Clock Somewhere, anyone who donated gifts for the DPD and Monsignor Fitzpatrick for his continuous support and generosity. A great time was had by all!

 

Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia Welcome Newly Professed Sister Meaghan V. Patterson

 

  

Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia, Associates, family, friends and the Saint Martin de Porres Choir gathered in Mount Saint Joseph Convent Chapel in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, PA on Sunday, October 16, 2011 as Sister Meaghan V. Patterson, age 33, professed her perpetual vows as a Sister of Saint Joseph. Meaghan was welcomed into full membership with the congregation by Sister Anne Myers, Congregational President and Sister Frances Hart, Formation Director.

Sister Meaghan V. Patterson signs the Act of Profession from left Rev. Ed Hallinan, Meaghan V. Patterson, SSJ and Anne P. Myers, SSJ Congregational President

 

Sister Meaghan is Vice-Principal at Saint Martin de Porres School in North Philadelphia. Urban education has become a passion in her life, and she values the lessons she learns there daily. As evidence of this passion, Sister Meaghan is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Multicultural Education at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA.

The liturgy was filled with unique touches that had special meaning to Sister Meaghan. One of those “touches” was her choice of Reverend Ed Hallinan, as the priest to preside at the liturgy. Fr. Hallinan of St. John Chrysostom in Wallingford, Pennsylvania served at Saint Martin de Porres, for 14 years. He met Sister Meaghan when she began her work at the parish school.  “In 29 years of ministry, this is my first experience witnessing perpetual profession,” said Fr. Hallinan. “The occasion is even more special because I knew Meaghan during her formation.” Other touches included the inspiring Saint Martin de Porres choir and heartwarming remembrances of her family members who have passed away.

Sister Meaghan is from Northeast Philadelphia, where she attended Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Elementary School. She is a graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School, earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Chestnut Hill College, and is working toward her master’s degree in Multicultural Education from Eastern University.