When Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio felt God’s call to enter the Religious Teachers Filippini community, she answered and trusted God would guide her with each step.
The need to trust in God was reaffirmed when, 50 years ago, as a novice, she met Mother Teresa in New York.
PHOTO GALLERY: Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio- 50 years
“Everyone was asking her to pray for them,” she explained. “I didn’t know what to ask. So, she simply said she would pray that I would trust God.”
Sister Elizabeth joined the Religious Sisters Filippini in August 1975. She already was a teacher, and she was inspired by St. Lucy Filippini’s desire nearly 300 years ago to reach all uneducated women and children who were not allowed to attend school.
“Lucy Filippini heard the call and responded wholeheartedly to a mission of faith and charity, with a fervent desire to make the world better,” she explained.
“For me, religious life provides a framework for dedicating one’s life to God, service, and spiritual growth, offering a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment,” she said.
A ministry of education
Sister Elizabeth addresses the congregation during a celebration in St. Jerome Church, Long Branch. Monitor file photo
Michael Ehrmann
Since starting her journey, service has been at the root of her actions, but she also became focused on developing her connection with Jesus.
“I learn every day that I must trust,” she said. “Every moment, I am learning that God draws us to Him.” Through trusting in God, her relationship with Jesus continues to grow.
Education has always been important to her. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the College of St. Elizabeth, now St. Elizabeth University, Morristown; a master’s in religious education from St. Joseph Seminary, Dunwoodie, New York; a master’s in administration from Georgian Court College, now University, Lakewood; and returned to St. Elizabeth to earn her doctorate in educational leadership, specifically online education.
After two terms in Villa Walsh Academy, Morristown, during which she served as athletic director and theology, economics and math instructor, Sister Elizabeth taught biology, biochemistry and physical science in Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, from 1984 to 1994. Holy Trinity Parish was her next assignment; there she served the Long Branch school and church as principal, pastoral associate, director of religious education, choir director and science coordinator.
Sr. Elizabeth also has a wealth of experience from assignments in the Monmouth Ocean Educational Services Commission, including roles as assistant superintendent of schools and executive director for the Monmouth adult education commission, of programs for at-risk students and of technology for the commission’s schools. Sister Elizabeth also was co-founder of the New Jersey virtual school, which provided educational opportunities for more than 100 students at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution to earn their GED.
Her ministry in education has led her to serve various public and Catholic schools, especially in the Diocese of Trenton. She said she believes in the power of a Catholic education to prepare children for the future. She explained that Catholic schools provide a nurturing environment for spiritual growth, prayer, worship, and reflection to create a holistic educational experience.
Currently, she serves as principal at St. Jerome School, West Long Branch.
“My joy is coming to know so many different people in community and seeing the eyes of God in all who I meet and serve,” she said.
Sowing courage and hope
Sister Elizabeth also tries to bring Jesus to everyone she meets daily.
“God calls every person to a relationship with Him. We are all called to a deep connection to Christ and a life of purpose,” she added.
Sister Elizabeth notes that three Jubilee years divide up her 50 years in religious life: “Renewal and Reconciliation” in 1975, “Mercy” in 2000, and “Jubilee of Hope” this year. All have had an effect on her own consecration.
In March, the Amerigo Vespucci Society, Long Branch, honored her with the Mother Cabrini Award at their 150th Anniversary Gala. A student Sister Elizabeth taught in 1984 nominated her for contribution over the years to the mission of education.
“Yes, like St. Frances Cabrini and St. Lucy Filippini, I hope and pray that with all of your assistance, I wish to continue to sow courage and hope,” she said in her acceptance speech. “The message of St. Frances was and is crystal clear: To be bearers of the love of Christ in the world – this is the gift of the Holy Spirit to the people of God.”