Elaine Walsh introduces herself to Sr. Mary Greenan.

Edward Gaffaney shares a cheerful moment with Fr. John Malloy.

After guests were seated for lunch, Fr. David Purdy began the program with words of welcome and a Christmas blessing and prayer. Conversation was lively as guests dined by the fireplace in the Century Club’s Drawing Room.

During dessert, Fr. Purdy addressed the Associates. He thanked the Associates for their time, treasure and talent, and he expressed how valuable their gifts are to important ministries in the province. Fr. Purdy then recalled his goal to keep the Associates informed about how their gifts are used. He then introduced Sr. Mary Greenan, FMA from Don Bosco Hall in Berkeley to the Associates.

Sr. Mary enthusiastically spoke about three programs that were supported this past year by gifts from the Associates. These three programs are the Salesian Youth Leadership Conference, the Salesian Education Seminar, and the Salesian Leadership Institute for Ministry. These programs were designed to increase knowledge about St. John Bosco’s spirituality and unique style of education, and they are attended by young leaders, teachers, and school administrators from Salesian schools, clubs, and parishes around the province. Sr. Mary’s brief talk was colorfully illustrated with slides and quotations from the program participants.