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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 city children dread summer. For safety’s sake they are confined to hot apartments, 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 urban apostolates within the New York / New Jersey region. 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 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.
	In the peaceful setting of the Sisters’ facility in Gladstone, NJ the TAKE-A-BREAK families enjoy home-cooked meals, 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." (Alicia, 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!" (Carlos, 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."
(Sr Lucille, 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" (Michelle, 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." (Nicole, 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 Mr. and Mrs. P. 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 (Laura, Teen Counselor)

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

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.

And 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. Lois Darold, CSJB
TAKE-A-BREAK Program
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934-0711
908-234-0261

baptistines@att.net

Or click on our mailbox below

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. Lois Darold, C.S.JB.
Mission To Mexico
Mt St John, PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934-0711

Student-Sister to Special-Sister

One group fears being lonely. The other group fears being elderly. Maria Roman former Chairperson of the Religion Department at St. John Villa Academy and a Lay Associate in the Sisters of St. John the Baptist (For info on Lay Associates, see: Srs of St. John The Baptist: Lay Associates ) used her experiences in both positions to initiate a creative response to these fears.

For her service as a Lay Associate Maria served on the Retirement Committee for the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. As she spent time with the retired and pre-retired Sisters she realized that for many of them one of the worst fears of aging was that of being lonely. As their own family members died, they feared not being "special" to anyone.

At the same time Maria was teaching freshmen in her religion classes. She came to realize that with the mobility of families many of the girls did not have a close relationship with a family member of advanced age. As a result, these young girls feared the experience of aging.

When Maria asked one of her classes if they would be interested in corresponding with one of the retired Sisters, a special program was born. Each student received the name of one of the Sisters at Mt St John Retirement Convent and was asked to write to that Sister and pray for her. The positive response of the girls led Maria to offer a personal visit. During the year car loads of students laden with letters, photos, and seasonal trinkets headed from Staten Island to Purchase, NY.

The enthusiasm of the students in meeting their "Special Senior Sister" is matched only by the joy of the elderly Sisters in meeting their own "Student-Sister". Prayers and notes and photos now travel in abundantly both to and from the sister-sets.

Students visit their "special Sisters"
at the Srs of St John the Baptist
Retirement Convent in Purchase, NY

Photos above: Freshmen from St. John Villa Academy visit and share special moments with their Senior- Baptistine Sisters at Mt St John Convent in Purchase, NY.

Comments from the Participating Students

"Corresponding with the Sisters at Purchase is wonderful! Hearing from them and knowing that they are keeping us in their prayers is great. It makes me feel good. I'm really glad that we started this. It's truly uplifting". - Rebecca

*****

"This is a fun experience because we get to write to our special Sisters. It is nice to have a Sister to keep in touch with because you get to learn from them and it makes you a better person." - Nicole

*****

"I really enjoy writing to my special Sister. I also like when she writes back to me. I am so happy that our class is doing this and that I am forming a better relationship with her. I can't wait until we visit the Sisters for the June barbeque!." - Tina

*****

"I enjoy having a special Sister because it is nice to have someone to write to and talk to. My Sisters are very nice people." - Amanda

*****

"I enjoy writing to my Sister because she's someone I can always talk to . I also enjoy visiting her . We have so much fun." - Michelle

*****

"I enjoy having the opportunity to write and communicate with my special Sisters. Although they can't always write back, I know that they really appreciate when we write to them and visit." - Dana

*****

"I enjoy having a special Sister. She is someone I can write to and pray for. I also love visiting the Sisters in Purchase. They are such great people!." - Nicole

*****

"I enjoy having the opportunity to write to my special Sister. It is a great feeling to know that a Sister of St. John the Baptist is praying for me and I am doing the same for her." - Jennifer

*****

"I love my Sister! She is so nice and sweet and I love visiting her. It is so exciting to receive a letter from her. She always has something interesting to say." - Taylor

*****

"I enjoy having a special Sister to write to. It is so much fun to tell her about things going on and it's even more exciting when you get a letter back. I am looking forward to writing more letters to my special Sister and to visiting her at her home." - Lisa

*****

"I really enjoy having a special Sister. She is someone whom I can write to and pray for." - Danielle

*****

"I love writing to my special Sister. She has become like a grandmother to me." - Albane

*****

"I love writing to my special Sister. She seems very sweet. Writing to her is both a privilege and a blessing." - Jacquelyn

"I love having a special Sister to write to because I know that we are lifting their spirits and making them happy. It is also comforting to have someone to write to, knowing that they will not judge you. It is like a break from the busy life of school and everything else when I get a letter back from her." - Kelliann

"I like being able to have a relationship with my special Sister. I like being able to help make her happy. It's nice to know about her life." - Andrea

*****

"Having a special Sister us a very rewarding experience. Even though she can't write back to me, praying for her and writing to her is good enough." Melissa

*****

"I think that writing to my own Sister is very interesting and special. It is interesting because when Sister writes back to me she tells stories about her life. It is special because I have someone to talk to besides my family about life in general. I really enjoy writing to Sister and hearing from her as well as meeting her every so often." - Christine

*****

"I am so happy to have my special Sister. I love hearing from her and visiting her. She is a great person." - Jennie

*****

"I like writing to my special Sister and sometimes visiting her. I enjoy getting letters from her and seeing her home in Purchase." - Roxanne

*****

"I enjoy having a special Sister because I have a good relationship with her. We keep in touch through writing letters. I like visiting all the Sisters and praying for them ." - Allison

*****

"I enjoy having a nun because I get to have a relationship with a special, holy and religious woman. It also makes me feel good inside." - Stephanie

*****

"Having a special Sister has been a blessing for me. I feel that she has become one of my good friends and I enjoy writing and sending my letters. Also, it is great to know that somebody is praying for me and my family." - Naba

*****

"I really enjoy having a special Sister. I like writing letters to her and I sometimes visit her where she lives." - Monica

*****

"I like having a Sister to write to because I like meeting new people. Sister seems like a wonderful person with a lot of life in her." - Marissa

*****

"Sister G is my special Sister. All the Sisters are so much fun to visit and send cards to. When you see the smiles on their faces showing how much they love to see young people, it is a truly rewarding experience." - Laura

NB - For information on the school, see: St John Villa Academy

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