Rae Van Blarcom (De Blasi)

Rae writes that she has great memories and friends from Pope Pius. Professionally she is a nursery school business manager. On a family note Rae, who is currently separated, resides in Fairfield, NJ with her 2 daughters Danae at West Essex HS and Deanna at Seton Hall. Her children Mary, Raymond and Douglas are waiting for her in heaven. Fun - is her hobby/avocation. "Each day is a blessing for me & I thank all of you for being in my life and touching me in some way."

Richard Bay (Fr.)

Richard was ordained on May 29, 2004 after completing a Masters of Divinity at Seton Hall University. He completed his BA at Iona (1971) and MA at Montclair University (1973) and was employed in higher education and business before being called to the priesthood. Richard resides in Parsippany and is assigned in the Paterson diocese. His hobbies include art and gardening.

Patricia Belsky

Patricia checks in from Northport, FL where she is a legal assistant. She is the mother of 3 sons and grandmother of 3, who enjoys bicycling, snorkeling, reading and natural healing. Pat took up swimming and snorkeling 5 years ago and also enjoys rafting. Travels have taken her to Costa Rica and the rain forests.

Ellen Zak

Ellen is a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth currently serving at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Holbrook, New York. She writes about her many stops in her ministry --

My first assignment was to St. Peter Claver School in Bedford Stuyvesant. I was a science and social studies teacher for grades1-4. The Westinghouse Company piloted a program in 1972 for inner city schools called PLAN (Programmed Learning According to Needs). This was not very effective and therefore, you probably never heard of such a program! My next assignment was to St. Isidore School in Riverhead, NY. I taught religion to the Catholic School Children and was the Director of Religious Education in the Parish. After 12 years I moved on to St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Islip Terrace, NY. After 13 years there I became the Director of Religious Education in my present Parish, Good Shepherd Church. I am also an Advocate for the Marriage Tribunal, Diocese of Rockville Centre and have a certificate in Family Counseling from Iona College.

I've had the privilege of working with the Glenmary Home Missioners in rural Kentucky, directing a Vacation Bible School Program. When not busy working I enjoy tennis and photography.