May 1, 2024
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We are pleased to announce that we recently created and filled a new position—Assistant Executive Director. Peace Ministries marked its 10th anniversary in March 2024. As we enter our second decade, we see increased opportunities to support and advocate on behalf of the sponsored ministries, and this new position will provide increased capacity to expand programs in support of mission.
Aileen Leonard Dibra joined our team on May 1, 2024. Aileen is a nonprofit leader focused on social justice with more than 20 years of experience in the sector. Aileen’s continuum of knowledge ranges from direct service provision to program management and organizational development. She enjoys building systems and structures that strengthen organizations, but also thrives in interactions with people and telling the story of organizational impact. Aileen is mission-driven and accomplished in the art of collaborating with diverse stakeholders, cultivating networks and strategic thinking.
Aileen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Urban Studies, a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership, and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership all from Fordham University. Aileen also has a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Education from BoardSource.
Before joining Peace Ministries as the Assistant Executive Director, Aileen was the Executive Director of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers, where she worked for the past 12 years.
Aileen resides in New York with her husband and three children.
February 7, 2024
The administrator of Peace Care St. Ann’s was recently recognized for being an exemplary leader. On February 7, Robert Reyes received an award from LeadingAge in the category of Excellence in Leadership during a breakfast ceremony at the Boathouse at Mercer Lake in West Windsor Township.
This category recognizes people from member organizations who have exhibited a model career of outstanding service in the field of aging services, and who have enhanced the concept of professionalism by virtue of their leadership.
January 24, 2024
President and CEO of Holy Name, Michael Maron, has been named to ROI-NJ’s Power List Super 60. The list recognizes the most influential players in the business world, from elected officials to company executives. Maron was acknowledged for his innovative vision and steadfast leadership, driving Holy Name to new heights. The hospital recently received a $3.3 million federal grant to launch a new graduate medical education program—one that will train 90 doctors per year in clinical specialties including internal medicine, psychiatry, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, nephrology and palliative care.
View the entire Power List Super 60 here.
November 16, 2023
Peace Ministries trustees and staff celebrated Mass together to honor one of its founding trustees. They were joined by ministry leaders, sisters and associates in the chapel at St. Michael Villa on November 16 to give thanks and gratitude to John Sheridan for his many years of service.
Maureen Donohue, CSJP-A, the executive director of Peace Ministries, gave welcoming remarks. She said there wasn’t a more fitting way to recognize John than to begin by celebrating the Eucharist together.
“The heart of the Eucharist is the washing of the feet, which calls us to deeper service of others. And we are each invited to that service—to go and do likewise,” Maureen said. “Therefore, self-giving is at the heart of the Eucharist.”
Father Emmett Gavin, O.Carm., who is a fellow trustee, celebrated the Mass. In his homily, he thanked John for his leadership, vision and Gospel values.
“To our great benefit, you were instrumental in shaping the first goals, priorities and initiatives of Peace Ministries and we thank you most sincerely,” Father Emmett said. “They have proven to be the correct path to follow in bringing our disparate ministries into a cohesive whole that meets many needs in today’s hurting world.”
All in attendance, including John’s wife, Kathy, and daughter Katie, joined Father Emmett in a blessing of John asking God to “grant him courage and vision, joy and hope, patience and wisdom in his next steps.”
A luncheon followed with grace led by Congregation Leader Sister Andrea Nenzel. Board chair Arleatha Williams gave remarks and others also shared fond memories of their times working alongside John for the mission of the sisters. To show appreciation, Peace Ministries gave John a peace lily, a framed word cloud and a commemorative plaque.
John began his involvement with the Congregation as a board member at Kenmare High School in 1991. He then served as a trustee of the CSJP Health Care System Corp. and, in 2014, John was appointed to the founding board of trustees of Peace Ministries, where he served as Chair until 2021 and remained on as a trustee until stepping down in September 2023.
October 26, 2023
Peace Ministries’ annual Fall Formation brought together senior leaders from each of the five sponsored ministries, St. Michael Villa and the Congregation for a day of learning and reflection. On October 26, around 45 people gathered at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck. The theme for this year’s program was “Reading the Signs of the Times in this Change of Era.”
After beginning the day with a welcome and opening prayer, Maureen Donohue, the executive director of Peace Ministries, gave a presentation on Change of Era Globally. She discussed how we find ourselves in a place we have never been—experiencing a pandemic, a climate crisis and a global racial justice movement.
“There have been changes in era about every 500 years. This has happened before, but we have never lived it,” Maureen said. Pulling from the thoughts of Sister Mary Pellegrino, CSJ,[1] Maureen added: “The stakes, I would say, in this moment, have never been higher. The human capacity to actually affect the change of era has never been more consequential. Our capacity to co-create a future that we want to see has never been at a higher capacity. Alternately, our capacity to devastate a future has never been at a higher capacity.”
Maureen said real leadership is recognizing this moment and choosing whether to reclaim what was or to respond to a new call.
Assistant Congregation Leader Sister Susan Francois followed by presenting on Change of Era with Religious Life and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (CSJP). Sister Susan said the Sisters are responding to the signs of the times. “These new times demand a change of heart: to be, think, and act differently,” she said, referencing their 2022 Chapter Act.
Sister Susan said with the changing demographics of the Sisters, they are now relying more on lay professionals and collaborators to ensure their mission continues.
“You may not realize it, but you are key,” Sister Susan told the group. “You are carriers of the CSJP charism. You are bridge builders during this change of era.”
Sister Sheena George, the regional Congregation Team Representative, also discussed Change of Era for the Sisters. She introduced the Two Loop theory, which is when one system culminates and starts to collapse, isolated alternatives slowly begin to arise and give way to the new.
“The Two Loop model gives us a way to recognize and connect the past to the future, which is of huge value,” Sister Sheena said.
Sister Rosemary Jeffries, RSM, served as the facilitator for the event. Throughout the day, she challenged the senior leaders to reflect on how this change of era is affecting them in their ministries, roles and responsibilities.
The day ended with a missioning of the leaders—a blessing over each participant as they carry the mission and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace into the future.
[1] Sister Mary Pellegrino, CSJ, is the senior vice president of Plante Moran REIA. She presented on the topic of Change of Era at the Peace Ministries board formation day in February 2023.
October 4, 2023
A liturgy to dedicate the chapel at Holy Name Medical Center was recently held. On October 4, the Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, celebrated Mass for leadership, staff, patients, visitors and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, the founders of the hospital.
During the service, Bishop Saporito performed the ritual sprinkling of chrism oil upon the altar and consecrated the chapel by blessing every section of the wall. The Mass was concelebrated by Father Joseph Scarangella, council of priests, Archdiocese of Newark; Father Patrick Okafor, director of pastoral care services at Holy Name; and Father Edwardo Veluz, pastoral care chaplain at Holy Name.
The chapel needed to be relocated and rebuilt after being damaged by Hurricane Ida.
September 17, 2023
Waterspirit’s staff, board and volunteers joined more than 75,000 people in the March to End Fossil Fuels. On September 17, they took to the streets of Manhattan to call for a just transition to renewable energy and an end to the era of fossil fuels.
The day began with a multifaith invocation of spirit. The group then marched with handmade signs along 52nd Street toward 1st Avenue. It culminated with a rally near the United Nations. The march came just days before world leaders gathered for the U.N. Climate Ambition Summit.
Waterspirit Executive Director Blair Nelsen noted the number of participants has doubled since 2019. According to the march’s website, this demonstration was the largest climate mobilization since the start of the pandemic.
June 10, 2023
Waterspirit celebrated its 25th anniversary with the Joys of the Sea annual benefit. The event featured music, vegan food, wine, a silent auction and fellowship around the sacredness of water.
The fundraiser was held on the lawn of the First Presbyterian Church in Rumson, where Waterspirit’s offices are located. Those in attendance included Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, board members and advocates.
Yale professors Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim served as the keynote speakers. They are the co-founders and co-directors of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology. The married couple were presented with the Suzanne Golas Spirit of Water Award. Sister Suzanne founded Waterspirit in 1998.
June 5, 2023
Ten thousand six hundred. That’s how many meals the sisters and staff at St. Michael Villa packed for people in Haiti. On June 5, the staff of Holy Name Hospital Foundation descended upon the Englewood Cliff residence and led the group in a marathon packing session. The dining room was transformed into a warehouse/assembly line. The sisters and staff labeled, filled, weighed and sealed bags of food for about two and a half hours. The packed meals contained rice, vitamins, beans, dried herbs and vegetables.
The meals will be distributed to people in Milot, Haiti, where Holy Name Medical Center operates its hospital, Hôpital Sacré Coeur.
The pack-a-thon coincided with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace Founder’s Day.
June 2, 2023
St. Joseph’s School for the Blind held another successful Walk-a-Thon. Students, families and staff walked from the school on Summit Avenue in Jersey City down the street to Pershing Field Park. There, they continued to walk around the park and then broke out into a dance party.
The annual event, now in its 15th year, brings friends, families and the community together to celebrate and advocate for the importance of the students’ and clients’ independence. Councilman Yousef Saleh joined the festivities and helped cut the ribbon at the start of the walk.
This year’s event was dedicated to longtime employee Esther Suarez, who retired after 42 years of service to the school.
The Walk-a-Thon raised more than $18,000.
Meantime, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace held their own Walk-a-Thon in support of St. Joseph’s School for the Blind. Due to the air quality alert, the June 8 event was moved from a garden walk to the hallways of St. Michael Villa in Englewood Cliffs, but that didn’t seem to dampen the sisters' spirits. Many even donned school shirts to celebrate the occasion. The sisters and staff collected $800 in donations in support of the school.
May 18, 2023
Holy Name Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing held its 96th annual commencement ceremony for its registered nurse program on May 18 at its Englewood Cliffs campus. The RN Class of 2023 marks one of the school's largest graduating classes with 68 students. The event featured remarks from Michael Maron, president and CEO of Holy Name, and Dr. Randy Tartacoff, medical director of the emergency department at Holy Name. Nurse practitioner Kristen Denaro gave the commencement address. Denaro is a 2014 graduate of the School of Nursing. Danielle LaTesta delivered the valedictorian address.
Upon receiving their diplomas, the graduates were presented with their nursing pins. The Class of 2023 then recited the Nightingale Pledge, the oath for nurses, before their families, friends and peers.
April 27, 2023
After a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic, York Street Project welcomed back its Celebration of Hope event. On Thursday, April 27, the Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City was filled with supporters and advocates enjoying food, music and an awards presentation.
The event highlights the work of groups and individuals who make consistent contributions and efforts to improve the lives of those York Street Project serves. The ministry honored the Steven Strobert Foundation and Nancy Woods, CSJP-A, as recipients of the Sister Kristin Funari Legacy of Hope Award. Sister Kristin was a founding director of York Street Project and had a passion for serving others.
The Celebration of Hope helped raise more than $95,000, which will support the women and families in York Street Project’s care.
April 3, 2023
Three members of the St. Joseph’s School for the Blind community have been recognized for their hard work and dedication.
As part of the 2023 ASAH (Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped) Awards, Lauren Marron won Teacher of the Year, Grace Hernandez won Teacher Assistant of the Year, and Miriam Hartstein won Therapist of the Year.
Colleagues nominated their peers over the past two months and the final selections were announced on April 3.
This is the school’s first time participating in the awards. Next, the winners will be interviewed for the regional round, where each region selects one finalist. If any of them are selected then they would move on to the final round of interviews as a potential state winner.
As the school’s winners, Marron, Hernandez and Hartstein will attend a luncheon hosted by ASAH. The final winners will be announced at the organization’s annual conference in Atlantic City in the fall.
April 1, 2023
Holy Name Foundation held its annual Founders Ball on April 1 at Pier Sixty in Manhattan. The event celebrates a year of achievements across the Holy Name health system.
The evening began with a performance by magician Dan White followed by a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing. Spirit of Healing honorees Dr. David Butler and Senator Paul Sarlo were also recognized for their contributions. Dr. Butler is an obstetrician/gynecologist and physician-leader who has been with Holy Name since the 1970s and has been tireless in his commitment to Hôpital Sacré Couer and the people of Milot, Haiti. Senator Sarlo, a dedicated public servant, has remained a loyal advocate for Holy Name over many years and helped enhance funding for Villa Marie Claire residential hospice.
President and CEO Michael Maron said those in attendance “possess an appreciation for the values and goals we share, the critical work we do, and a mission based on the love of humanity and a belief that the healthcare experience shouldn’t be generic and transactional but personalized through heartfelt acts of caring.”
Members of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace were in attendance, along with representatives of Peace Ministries.
The gala helps support Holy Name’s founding mission and allows the health system to continue providing patients with the highest quality of care possible.
March 28, 2023
In the past nine months, Peace Care has welcomed three new leaders. To celebrate these appointments, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace and Peace Ministries held a Missioning Ceremony, a formal recognition of entrusting lay leadership with the legacy of the ministry begun by the Congregation.
Kyle Hreben, chief operating officer of Peace Care, and Robert Reyes and Donald Lynch, administrators of Peace Care St. Ann’s and Peace Care St. Joseph’s, respectively, were commended for committing to uphold the mission of Peace Care to provide care with dignity for the healing of the whole person.
The ceremony, which was held in the chapel of Peace Care St. Joseph’s on March 28, consisted of prayers, music and the lighting of six candles—one for each of the six values underpinning the mission statement of Peace Care. Each candle was accompanied by a reading recited by representatives of the Congregation Leadership Team, Peace Ministries and the Peace Care board of trustees.
During the ceremony, all those in attendance, including senior management, offered a blessing over each new leader. The leaders were also presented with symbols of leadership. Hreben received a candle and a peace lily. Reyes received a statue of St. Ann while Lynch received a statue of St. Joseph. And all three were gifted with a framed copy of the mission statement.
In closing remarks given by Andrea Nenzel, CSJP, Congregation Leader, she noted that as Sisters have retired from their day-to-day roles in the sponsored ministries, lay leaders have stepped in to be carriers of the mission, cultivate the core values and set the vision for the future. “Assuring leaders and caregivers of St. Ann’s and St. Joseph’s serve each resident with dignity and compassion is at the heart of the mission of Peace Care. We know it is not always easy and there are challenges, yet the peace, comfort and care you provide residents and their families is a great gift,” she said. “We stand in gratitude for the service you provide each and every day.”
March 24, 2023
“Water is not a resource commodity for humans. Water is alive. Water is a living, spiritual, massively intelligent being.”
Those words were spoken during the U.N. 2023 Water Conference by Jessica Keeshig-Martin of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. The conference, held March 22-24 in New York, brought together local and national governments, scientists, environmentalists, and non-governmental organizations to discuss protecting water resources around the globe—tying in with the U.N. sustainable development goal of clean water and sanitation.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace sent an eight-person delegation to the conference, including Waterspirit Executive Director Blair Nelsen. They tracked issues like water and climate change, rights for nature, Indigenous peoples' rights, water financing, and faith action for water.
“Truly water connects us all. Water is life and it is sacred,” Nelsen said. “May our waters flow together toward a future that is more just and equitable for all, where our human rights can be preserved.”
The Congregation co-sponsored four events: a water ceremony in Central Park, a societal dialogue on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si', a screening of the film “The Letter,” and a virtual side event on the impacts of water by extractive industries like mining.
“We continue to witness the destructive impact that business enterprises, especially extractive industries, often have on water, people and the environment at large,” Nelsen said during the virtual event. “Water resources are privatized, polluted and otherwise made unusable in the pursuit of business profit.”
To view the virtual event in its entirety, click here.
Nelsen also spoke at a parallel side event that linked U.N. commitments with grassroots action.
To learn more about the U.N. Water Conference, visit https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/water2023.
February 7, 2023
Peace Care, with the blessing of the Congregation Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, has appointed two seasoned long-term care professionals to lead their skilled nursing communities in Jersey City. Robert Reyes, MBA, LNHA, CNHA, FACHCA, is the new administrator at Peace Care St. Ann’s, and Donald Lynch, MPA, LNHA, is the new administrator at Peace Care St. Joseph’s.
Reyes comes to Peace Care St. Ann’s with more than 20 years of senior management experience in the healthcare space, including more than 10 years as a licensed nursing home administrator. Most recently, he served as the executive administrator for three Spring Hills post-acute facilities. Reyes holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is also the current president of the N.J. Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators.
“As the servant leader of Peace Care St. Ann’s, I am very honored and excited to continue to model the mission and values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace,” Reyes explained. “It is my goal to work with all of the associates, physicians and clinicians to make Peace Care St. Ann’s a Center of Excellence for the surrounding community.”
A seasoned nursing home administrator, Lynch brings a wealth of experience in long-term and sub-acute care as he has served as an administrator for more than 30 years. He succeeds Thomas P. Sheehy Jr., who served as the administrator at Peace Care St. Joseph’s for 15 years and transformed the center from a traditional nursing home into a 5-star skilled nursing facility offering both long-term care and sub-acute rehab. 
Lynch holds both a bachelor's degree and a master’s degree in public administration from Seton Hall University.
"It's an honor and a pleasure to be a part of such a talented group of healthcare professionals,” Lynch said. “I look forward to working with the Peace Care St. Joseph’s team to provide the care and compassion our community expects."
“We are pleased to have two exceptional administrators in Bob Reyes and Don Lynch leading our communities,” said Kyle Hreben, MBA, Peace Care chief operating officer. “It is quite evident that both Bob and Don are committed to both the residents and the Peace Care mission of providing care with dignity in the healing of the whole person.”
February 2, 2023
Holy Name has appointed Vasantha Kondamudi, MD, as the health system's new executive vice president and chief medical officer (CMO), effective Monday, January 30. As CMO, Dr. Kondamudi will oversee all clinical operations and ensure that patients continue to receive the highest standard of care.
Bringing cutting-edge medicine to Holy Name and North Jersey, Dr. Kondamudi will spearhead clinical research for the health system. Additionally, she will direct the development of clinical information systems, lead physician engagement for Holy Name, and oversee the health system's new Graduate Medical Education program, for which Holy Name recently received a $3.3M federal appropriation.
"Dr. Kondamudi is known for her dedication to delivering the highest level of care, her stellar track record for patient safety, and her hands-on expertise training the next generation of clinicians," said Michael Maron, president and CEO of Holy Name. "We're pleased to welcome her to Holy Name so that we can work side-by-side in bringing the latest clinical research and advanced treatments to our region, as well as shaping the future of our healthcare workforce by leading our new Graduate Medical Education program."
Dr. Kondamudi joins Holy Name from The Brooklyn Hospital Center, a 464-licensed-bed, full-service community teaching hospital located in downtown Brooklyn, where she most recently served as executive vice president, network physician executive, and chief medical officer. As CMO, she had oversight of the Graduate Medical Education programs of The Brooklyn Hospital with over 250 residents and fellows. She holds an academic appointment as a clinical assistant professor for the Department of Family Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
She began her career with The Brooklyn Hospital Center in 1994, taking on increasing leadership responsibilities. In 1999, she was named director of Geriatrics; in 2004, assumed the role of a residency program director for Family Medicine; and, in 2006, as a chairman. In 2018, she was named executive vice president, and chief patient safety and quality officer.
With Dr. Kondamudi leading the way, The Brooklyn Hospital Center saw marked improvement in patient safety ratings with her implementation of a patient-centered medical home model, improving core measure performance and reducing healthcare-associated infections and hospital-acquired conditions. Her guidance improved overall patient safety indicators to higher than the national average. At Holy Name, Dr. Kondamudi will oversee all patient quality and patient safety initiatives.
"I'm thrilled to join Holy Name, one of the few remaining independent health systems and a leader in innovation, patient care and clinical excellence," said Dr. Kondamudi. "This is such an exciting time for Holy Name, as the system continues to thrive and grow with its newly-announced GME program, re-opening of the state-of-the-art Villa Marie Claire hospice, and its planned Teaneck campus expansion over the next several years. I look forward to working with this dynamic organization and its outstanding physicians, nurses and staff who are changing the future of healthcare delivery."
Dr. Kondamudi has also served as clinical assistant professor for the Department of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. She attended medical school at Christian Medical College in Vellore, India, before receiving an advanced diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. She completed her fellowship in geriatrics at New York University School of Medicine.
January 10, 2023
Jalisa Williams is a case manager at York Street Project in Jersey City who helps families get back on their feet after falling on hard times. She can easily relate to the clients she serves as she was once a client herself at the same organization.
Williams lived at York Street Project with her mother and two siblings when she was 3 years old. At the time, she didn’t know why her family was there, but she recalls feeling comfort and happiness during her stay. While her mother received help from the staff at York Street, she attended preschool at The Nurturing Place, creating new friendships and going on field trips.
Years later, Williams learned the circumstances of why her family moved to St. Joseph’s Home at York Street Project and the help they received to break the cycle of poverty. She said she wanted to find a way to give back. Williams received her master's degree in social work from Rutgers University. She dreamed of returning to York Street Project and helping others who are in the same place she once was. Now, at age 28, Williams joined the organization’s team as a case manager. She works with clients every day and hopes to bring the same healing and happiness she received.
Williams’ story was recently featured by several media outlets. Click below to read and watch more.
PIX11
Hoboken Girl
NJ.com
ABC7NY
Hudson Reporter
December 27, 2022
As New Jersey faces a critical shortage of physicians, Holy Name received a $3.3 million federal appropriation to launch a new Graduate Medical Education program in the U.S. Senate omnibus bill signed by President Biden.
Holy Name intends to train 90 doctors per year in clinical specialties, including internal medicine, psychiatry, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, nephrology, and palliative care. The appropriation will fund the initial cost to renovate 8,400 square feet and purchase the needed equipment to launch the new residency program.
"There is nothing more important in healthcare right now than strengthening our future workforce. No one fought harder than Senator Menendez to ensure adequate funding to launch a new Graduate Medical Education program, training 90 new physicians here at Holy Name each year," said Michael Maron, president and CEO of Holy Name. "We're also grateful for the committed leadership of Senator Booker, Congressman Pascrell and Congressman Gottheimer who fought for legislation in 2020 to raise the cap on the arbitrary number of allotted medical students we're allowed to train. With New Jersey's physician workforce facing significant pandemic-related retirements, this will be an important game-changer."
New Jersey currently suffers from a shortage of physicians. The U.S. Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) predicts that by 2025, New Jersey will be one of 37 states with a primary care doctor shortage, and among a dozen where the shortfall will be at least 1,000 fewer physicians than needed.
According to data from the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA), a third of NJ's practicing physicians are over 60 years old, the third highest in the nation, and the state ranks 46th in the nation in the percentage of doctors under 40. Each year, New Jersey has approximately 3,100 physician residents in training at 43 hospitals. At the same time, NJHA estimates that New Jersey has approximately 32 medical students and resident physicians in training per 100,000 residents compared to 81 and 62 in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania, respectively.
December 19, 2022
Holy Name Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing held a graduation ceremony for LPNs on December 19 in Englewood Cliffs. The Class of 2022 consisted of eight students. Graduates are eligible to seek licensure as Licensed Practical Nurses and function as practitioners within structured acute, intermediate, long-term and ambulatory healthcare facilities.
The commencement featured remarks from Cedar Wang, vice president of nursing operations and Holy Name Medical Center, and Michele Acito, DNP, NP, NE-BC, executive vice president and chief nursing officer at Holy Name. Ronald Freay, LPN, gave the commencement address. Cassandra Capaci delivered the valedictorian address.
Upon receiving their diplomas, the graduates were presented with their nursing pins. The Class of 2022 then recited the oath for nurses, the Nightingale Pledge, before those in attendance.
December 19, 2022
Leaders of communities of Catholic Sisters and members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey recently joined together to provide financial support for two environmental nonprofits—Waterspirit in Rumson, N.J., and PennEnvironment in Philadelphia. The donation will support both organizations’ work to raise awareness of climate change and slow down its harmful impact so future generations will have access to clean air, water and energy.
The Catholic women religious leaders represent more than 20 religious communities collaborating to mitigate the harmful impact of climate change. Although each community of Sisters educates, takes action and advocates for the protection of the environment, they are strengthening their influence by partnering with each other to support agencies whose work correlates with their values.
The three-year donation commitment comes as governments around the world recently met in Montreal for COP15, a United Nations biodiversity conference. Blair Nelsen, executive director of Waterspirit, attended the conference on behalf of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace.
December 8, 2022
Students at St. Joseph's School for the Blind have been busy celebrating the holidays.
On December 8, a group of students participated in the tree lighting ceremony at the William Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City. They were joined by Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise, Division Director Gina Hulings, and other county commissioners and staff.
The senior choir and bell ringers of all ages performed for the county officials. After singing Christmas carols, a preschool girl helped DeGise flip a big switch to light the giant Christmas tree in the building’s rotunda. The celebration also included cookies and hot chocolate, and everyone received a Santa hat.
This is the first year the tree lighting has taken place since the pandemic.
The following day, December 9, the Holiday Express visited the school. The organization delivers music, food, gifts, financial support and entertainment to those most in need of the gift of human kindness.
The students at St. Joseph’s enjoyed a festive day of singing and dancing and even a visit from Santa Claus. Each student also received a gift bag filled with a blanket or coat, toiletries and stuffed animals.
The St. Joseph’s School for the Blind Adult Program is also getting into the holiday spirit. Thanks to a donation from Do Good Like Joe Wood and help from staff, the program’s clients were able to learn about constructing wood. They created beautifully designed and painted trees for display during the holiday season.
November 1, 2022
For the first time in three years, leaders and staff from each of the five sponsored ministries gathered in person for Peace Ministries’ annual Fall Formation program. On November 1, around 50 people gathered at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, N.J., for the daylong event. The theme for this year’s program was “Hearing the Call of the 23rd Congregation Chapter & Fostering Organizational Cultures of Inclusion.”
The day began with prayer followed by a morning presentation with Susan Francois, CSJP, Assistant Congregation Leader, and Sheena George, CSJP, the regional Congregation Team Representative. During the presentation, the sisters explained what a Chapter is and the role of Chapters in the governance of the Congregation. They also gave an overview of their most recent Chapter, which was held in multiple sessions due to the pandemic and culminated in March 2022. Sister Susan presented the outcomes of the Chapter, specifically the call “To Be Who We Say We Are”—by committing to cultivating and practicing peace through justice; addressing, healing and being present to the wounds and broken relationships among ourselves and all of God’s Creation; resisting every form of war and violence; and making a place for everyone at the table.
The main presenter then followed. Dr. Erica Torres, PeaceHealth’s System Vice President of Mission Integration, provided a three-part session on diversity, equity and inclusion with a focus on facilitating belonging through inclusive conversations. Dr. Torres described herself as a bilingual/bicultural Chicana/Latina clinical psychologist with an extensive background serving individuals who have experienced posttraumatic stress reactions associated with racism and other forms of complex trauma. She provides training in cultural humility and accountability, team building and group process.
During her session, Dr. Torres presented guidelines for cross-cultural interactions, how to interrupt our implicit bias, and how belonging is at the center of diversity, equity and inclusion. She had those in attendance take a closer look at power and privilege and discussed how we identify within target and non-target groups to better understand the experiences of others. The day also consisted of table discussions, opportunities for personal reflection and creating a mind jar—a meditation tool made with water and glitter used as a focal point when feeling stressed or upset.
Dr. Torres concluded her presentation with a video of author Dr. Kenneth Hardy challenging each of us to commit to talking about race, pointing out that “it may not be our job, but it should be our work.”
October 18, 2022
St. Joseph's School for the Blind and Jersey City have marked an important moment in their history. On Tuesday, October 18, St. Joseph's presented the very first Blindness Awareness Month Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall.
Jonathan Gomez, an aide to Mayor Steven Fulop, spoke passionately about St. Joseph's mission and its importance in the Jersey City community. Councilman Yousef Saleh also spoke of the important work St. Joseph's staff does for its students and looks forward to working together in the future. “St. Joseph’s School for the Blind does that critical work. They are filling that critical need. I live two blocks away from your school. I see you walking with blind individuals and teaching them how to maneuver through society that wasn’t actually developed around them. That’s part of planning and being an elected official, to recognize that and to make sure we’re building an inclusive society together,” he said.
Other presenters included Principal Katie Hardgrove, who provided the history of St. Joseph's and its hopes for the future; Barbara Porter-Reid gave insight as an educator and her journey of adopting one of her own students; and Veronica Torres Smith, a parent and board trustee, who advocated treating children and adults with disabilities with respect and dignity.
St. Joseph’s student and proud advocate Ana Centeno rounded out the presentation by speaking about her journey as a blind person. Ana informed the audience she is independent, not afraid to accept challenges and is looking forward to the future. She also said her white cane is the most important thing in her life and she'll never leave home without it. Ana ended her speech by thanking her teachers and the specialists for their support.
The City Council presented a proclamation from Mayor Fulop saluting and honoring the students and staff of St. Joseph's School for the Blind. Each speaker also received a certificate of achievement.
The flag honoring Blindness Awareness Month was then raised outside City Hall. Nidia Cartagena, the school's technology coordinator/program aide, designed the one-of-a-kind flag.
October 17, 2022
The climate crisis is creating a worldwide emergency that impacts communities mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. International collaborators Waterspirit (USA) and Jessica Morthorpe (Australia) have created a new 13-module course that teaches pastoral care for the climate crisis. This online course intends to equip church leaders and communities with the tools they need to understand eco-anxiety, climate grief and other climate emotions in order to become more effective caregivers.
This comprehensive course takes a deep dive into culturally-sensitive pastoral care, explores what it means to be a good pastor to climate-anxious people, and makes recommendations for particular groups, including activists, scientists and children. It also makes recommendations for how to address congregational conflict and ecophobia theologies.
This new course will be launched with an informative webinar featuring several experts in the field: Dr. Sally Gillespie, Rev. James Bhagwan, Rev. Talitha Amadea Aho and Rev. Douglas Kaufman. This launch event will be co-sponsored by Waterspirit and Common Grace, an Australian nonprofit. It will take place on Friday, October 28, at 8 p.m. EDT (US)/Saturday, October 29, at 11 a.m. AEDT (AUS).
September 19, 2022
The 27th Annual Holy Name Golf Classic was held on September 19 at Hackensack Golf Club. Participants and donors helped raise more than $250,000 for the hospital's patient programs, capital projects, innovative technology initiatives and community outreach efforts.
New York Giants legends Ottis Anderson and Stephen Baker co-chaired the event. The Golf Classic featured a morning and afternoon shotgun start with 228 golfers. The day also consisted of contests, prizes and a dinner reception.
September 19, 2022
York Street Project’s annual Golf Outing was one for the record books. More than 120 golfers took to the links at Arcola Country Club in Paramus on September 19 with a shotgun start. When golfers returned from the course, they were treated to a luncheon, awards reception and a silent auction.
During the event, more than $50,000 was raised, which will be matched by the Lawrence Foundation. That brought the total raised to more than $200,000.
Executive Director Sue Byrne said, “It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. With your help, we finished the day strong and will have a big impact on the women, children and families we serve.”
September 1, 2022
September 1 is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. It marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, prayer and action. The Season of Creation, which lasts until October 4—the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, aligns with our own core value of Care of Creation and Stewardship. We believe in recognizing the interrelationship of all life and acting morally and ethically in our use of the world's goods. This year's theme for the Season of Creation is "Listen to the voice of creation." We invite you to join us in the care of our common home.
July 26, 2022
The Jersey Shore is a little cleaner thanks to a beach cleanup co-hosted by Waterspirit and Save Coastal Wildlife. On July 20, more than 40 volunteers cleaned up trash along the ocean and bay at Sandy Hook, N.J. Equipped with garbage bags, trash pickers and gloves, volunteers collected many cigarette butts, plastic bottles, broken umbrellas and even a syringe, among other things.
July 13, 2022
Peace Ministries and the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace are pleased to announce the appointment of Kyle Hreben, MBA, LNHA, as chief operating officer of their sponsored ministry Peace Care, located in Jersey City, N.J.
Kyle possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience across the full continuum of long-term care. His positions have spanned skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, hospice and home healthcare. Most recently, he served as executive director at National Lutheran Communities and Services in Rockville, Md., and his attraction to faith-based care settings and alignment with the Congregation’s core values were major determinants in his desire to join Peace Care.
“We are pleased to welcome Kyle Hreben to Peace Care,” said Catherine Yaxley, MBA, CPA, RN, chair of the Peace Care board of trustees who also chaired the search committee. “Kyle’s extensive experience has allowed him to become well-versed in crafting and implementing operational improvement strategies, a talent that is very welcome in our challenging long-term care environment. His knowledge is essential in ensuring we’re keeping up with the ever-changing needs of our residents and making high-quality care a priority. Further, Kyle’s commitment to mission and faith-based settings will strengthen our commitment to providing care with dignity for the healing of the whole person.”
“I am excited to join Peace Care as its chief operating officer and lead the organization forward,” Kyle said. “I am inspired by the mission and high-quality care that both Peace Care St. Ann’s and Peace Care St. Joseph’s provide to the greater Hudson County community.”
Kyle holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Management and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dayton. A licensed nursing home administrator, Kyle is active in LeadingAge, which represents more than 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers and other mission-minded organizations.
July 1, 2022
The executive director of Waterspirit attended the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal. During the June 27 to July 1 event, Blair Nelsen spoke out against the looming menace of deep-sea mining on behalf of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, Waterspirit, and the NGO Mining Working Group. Along with other civil society colleagues, Blair delivered a three-minute intervention during the 7th plenary session discussing the significant threat deep-sea mining poses to marine biodiversity, coastal communities and the entire planet. You can watch her remarks here. (It starts at 01:22:04.)
During the conference, Blair also moderated a virtual side event called The Sea is Sacred. It united important Christian voices against deep-sea mining.
July 6, 2022
Four individuals from Holy Name Medical Center are being recognized in the 2022 NJBIZ HealthCare Heroes program. The individuals are honored in such categories as Nurse of the Year and Physician of the Year.
The HealthCare Heroes program recognizes excellence, promotes innovation and honors the efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of healthcare in New Jersey.
June 29, 2022
NJBIZ unveiled its 2022 Best Places to Work honorees, and Holy Name Medical Center made the list in the large employers category.
The list is determined by employees who participate in the Best Places to Work survey, which confidentially collects data, allowing workers to share feedback about their employers. An awards ceremony will take place in September when the number one employer in the state will be revealed.
June 23, 2022
Blair Nelsen, the executive director of Waterspirit, was asked by Sr. Susan Francois, a member of the LCWR Global Concerns Committee, to write for the summer issue of LCWR Resolutions to Action. In a statement, LCWR said the article, "Water and Environmental Racism," "draws a clear connection between sins against water and systemic racism, this nation's original sin. LCWR’s commitment to anti-racism learning and our pledge to help dismantle white supremacy challenge us to look deeply at the causes and consequences of environmental racism.”
The article is posted on the LCWR website.
June 22, 2022
The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (CSJP) announced that their investment portfolio is 100% fossil-free. The sisters made the decision to divest in 2018. The portfolio managed in the United Kingdom was fully divested in 2019. The portfolio managed in the United States is fully divested as of June 2022.
June 16, 2022
Holy Name Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing held its 95th annual commencement program on June 16 at its Englewood Cliffs campus. The Class of 2022 was one of the school's largest graduating classes with 59 students. The two-hour event featured remarks from Sister Breda Boyle, CSJP, director of pastoral care at Holy Name Medical Center, and Michele Acito, DNP, NP, NE-BC, executive vice president and chief nursing officer at Holy Name. Patrick Purcell, RN, gave the commencement address. Purcell works in the ICU at Holy Name and is a 2017 graduate of the nursing school. Courtney Tedino delivered the valedictorian address.
Upon receiving their diplomas, the graduates were presented with their nursing pins. The Class of 2022 then recited the oath for nurses, the Nightingale Pledge, before their family, friends and peers.
June 15, 2022
After a two-year hiatus, York Street Project's Evening Under the Stars returned with a record-breaking crowd. On June 15, some 400 guests gathered on the Jersey City street for a beautiful summer night of fun. The event featured food and drinks from several local restaurants, live music and games.
Participants wore wristbands with different notes on them, such as 'covers one day of daycare' or 'houses a family for one night,' reflecting an image of the real impact this fundraiser has on the families York Street Project serves. The mothers who live at York Street were also able to relax and enjoy the evening thanks to a group of volunteer high schoolers who babysat the children during the event. And thanks to a generous donation for a local pizzeria, the kids enjoyed a special treat of their own party.
June 8, 2022
Joys of the Sea, Waterspirit’s annual benefit, was a resounding success. The outdoor celebration held on June 8 at the First Presbyterian Church of Rumson brought the Waterspirit community back together after an extended shift to virtual programming. The event was filled with community-building conversations, delicious plant-based food and wine, and relaxing harp music.
The highlight of the evening was guest speaker Maria Lopez-Nuñez of the Ironbound Community Corporation. She shared inspiring remarks about her environmental justice work and how she’s helping empower her Newark neighborhood to take charge. Lopez-Nuñez was recently featured in the documentary, The Sacrifice Zone, which depicts the environmental injustice in the Ironbound neighborhood. According to the film’s website, the documentarians “follow Maria as she leads a group of environmental justice fighters determined to break the cycle of poor communities of color serving as dumping grounds for our consumer society.”
During the Joys of the Sea event, Waterspirit Executive Director Blair Nelsen honored Maria with the 2022 Suzanne Golas CSJP Award. The award is presented each year to an environmental champion whose work honors the legacy of Waterspirit's founder.
May 19, 2022
Our Jersey City ministries not only met but exceeded their goals in this year’s #HudsonGives event. In fact, Peace Care, St. Joseph’s School for the Blind and York Street Project were all in the top 10 of total dollars raised, with York Street coming out on the very top with over $70,000. St. Joseph's raised $25,000 and Peace Care $23,000. The ministries collaborated ahead of the May 12 event and it certainly paid off. The annual event is sponsored by the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and helps support local nonprofit organizations.
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May 18, 2022
In response to the deadly shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo on May 14, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace joined their voices with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) by pledging to raise their voices and act to end the violence and white supremacy.
March 26, 2022
After a two-year absence, due to the pandemic, Holy Name’s premier annual gala returned in 2022. The Founders Ball celebrates the accomplishments of the medical center and, particularly this year, its healthcare heroes. The March 26 event was held at The Glasshouse in Manhattan, with a special performance by Josh Groban. The gala provides support for Holy Name’s mission to help the community and each person it serves to achieve the highest level of health through education, prevention and treatment.
March 22, 2022
The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) honored Janet Merly Liranzo, the administrator of Peace Care St. Ann's, with the Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award and AIT Preceptor Award during its 2022 Annual Convocation in New Orleans held March 21-24. The awards recognize individuals with demonstrated contributions and exceptional commitment to ACHCA and the field of post-acute and aging services leadership.
March 21, 2022
The second session of the 23rd Congregation Chapter came to an end on Monday, March 21, 2022. Due to the pandemic, the 23rd Congregation Chapter took place in two parts. In April 2021, delegates met in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, for the Chapter of Elections and Chapter of Affairs Part I. The Chapter of Affairs Part II took place in Teaneck, New Jersey, beginning on the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, and ending March 21, 2022. The Chapter is the highest decision-making body in the Congregation. On Monday, March 21, the Chapter delegates unanimously approved the following Chapter Act: To Be Who We Say We Are.
February 16, 2022
Peace Care St. Joseph's Administrator Tom Sheehy was honored by LeadingAge NJDE with the prestigious Excellence in Leadership Award. This award is given annually to individuals who have exhibited an exemplary career of outstanding service in the field of aging services, and who have enhanced the concept of professionalism by virtue of their leadership.
