Dear Friends:

November is the month of Thanksgiving. It’s a wonderful time to stop and reflect on the many blessings and gifts we have received from the Lord. I’d like to focus at this time on one blessing given to Corpus Christi Parish and to Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School: Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto, FMA. She does an outstanding job in the school and in the parish as Director of Religious Education. Our recent experience of the “Come and See” Family Gathering/Catechesis is just one example. However, you don’t have to take my word for it. The Archdiocesan Regional Catechetical Director, Sr. Zelide Ceccagno, MSCS, has evaluated our program. She writes in her October 26, 2011 assessment the following:

It was my pleasure to visit Corpus Christi Religious Education Program on October 4, 2011. Your Religious Education Program is directed by the Pastor and Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto, FMA. I met with your director and reviewed the records in the Religious Education Office.

As you know, Sister’s predecessor used the computer to save all files and information pertaining to the religious education program. At this time, sister is updating and creating hard copies of all records. I commended her for her excellent work.

(Here Sister Zelide listed the records and meetings which Sister Margaret Rose maintains. They are listed with commentary, but I will only list the items because of lack of space).

Attendance Registers
Permanent Record cards
Medical Emergency cards
Fire Drill records
Director’s contract
Archdiocesan Handbook
Catechists’ File
Catechists’ meetings
Guidelines for catechesis
Student progress reports
Parent/Catechist handbook
Crisis Management & annual reports
Regional Meetings

Sister Margaret Rose is very dedicated and committed to excellence. Sister welcomes the students at the school front door and takes them to Church for 15 minutes. While in church she gives a general teaching on a specific theme to all students.

On the day I visited, she explained to the students about the rosary. This methodology helps the students to be in tune with the Liturgical Calendar and at the same time it helps them to fulfill the 1 1/2 hour mandate for all classes.

I also visited the classes and saw the students well behaved and participating actively in their lesson. I thanked the catechists for their volunteer ministry serving the parish as catechists. As I walked through the school, I noticed the school building well decorated, and the school bulletin boards and classrooms speaking very highly of a fine Salesian tradition.

My visit took place on October 4th, when the Church celebrated St. Francis of Assisi; I enjoyed participating at the outside blessing of the animals. I met Sr. Lou Ann Fantauzza, FMA, your school principal, who lead the Prayer Service. Looking at the entire school body, and seeing students and faculty together at prayer and songs, it reminded me of the old days, when Religious Sisters were in charge of the Schools. I thank you for your leadership and enthusiasm so contagious among your faculty throughout one of the very best schools in the Archdiocese of New York.

Your mission statement for Corpus Christi Parish is clearly experienced by those who come to your parish, and it is reflected in your welcoming spirit, “To accomplish this mission, we have been given a share in the charism of the Salsian Family. This charism gives shape and provides direction and power for all we do.” May you continue to witness the values of the Gospel as followers of St. John Bosco.

Sincerely,

Sr. Zelide Ceccagno, MSCS
Regional Catechetical Director