Tablet TALK

Brooklyn Priest Becomes Knight of Holy Sepulchre

Brooklyn’s own Father John P. Cush, academic dean of the Pontifical North American College (PNAC), Vatican City-State, and an assistant professor of theology and U.S. Church history, was invested as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre last month.

Above, he is pictured, top row, far right, with Cardinal Donald Wuerl; Cardinal Edwin O’Brien; Cardinal Blasé Cupich; Father John Bateman, secretary to Cardinal O’Brien; Father Austin Vetter, director of spiritual formation of the PNAC; Father Peter Harman, rector of the PNAC and officials from the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. (Photo courtesy Father John Cush/PNAC Photo Service)

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Dan and Caroline Dirkes of 2TIM4 Ministries will present a parish mission at Our Lady of Grace, Gravesend, March 5-7. The New Jersey-based husband and wife team utilize a blend of technology, fun illustrations, community-building activities and powerful presentations to engage people of all ages and lead them to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The mission will take place over three days, starting on March 5 with a potluck dinner, games for kids and a talk, all starting at 5 p.m. Prayer, talks and uplifting music will continue on March 6 and 7, 7 to 9 p.m. each evening. Call 718-627-2020.

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Observe this Black History Month by listening to Freedom Rider and civil rights leader Bernard Lafayette tell his story at St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, Feb. 21, 11:10 a.m. in Founders Hall. Sponsored by the college’s Institute for Peace and Justice, the talk is free and open to the public.

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“Exploring Relationships: Your Spiritual Journey Forward” will be the theme for the St. Paul’s Singles Weekend Retreat, set for March 24-26 at St. Josaphat’s Retreat House, Glen Cove, L.I. This retreat is open to adults who are single, widowed, divorced or separated. The weekend includes lodging, five meals, all supplies, a social party, Sunday Mass and an exciting program.

The cost is $200, and an initial $75 deposit is required to reserve a space. Early registration is suggested. Maria Sullivan and Rachel Calantjis will co-direct the retreat. For details or to reserve a space, contact Maria at 646-541-6933 or ptgalore59@gmail.com, or Rachel at 347-738-7398 or maryray4@yahoo.com.

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St. Joseph’s College (SJC), Clinton Hill, was recently ranked as having one of the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report. This is the first time the college was included in the online program rankings. It was selected based upon student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, admissions selectivity and peer reputation.

SJC Online, the college’s fully online learning community, was launched two years ago to offer students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree, advanced certificate or dual degree online. U.S. News & World Report evaluated over 1,200 online programs to decide on the rankings of 308 schools. To learn more about SJC Online, visit sjcny.edu/online.

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This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to the line dancing ministry at Immaculate Conception Church, Jamaica. Coordinated by Lucy and Louie Alibutod, the line dancers donated $9,699 to the parish in 2016. Dancers gather to exercise their minds and bodies while enjoying camaraderie and fun. They are led by Marilou Bugarin, instructor, and DJ Ernie Bugarin. Sessions are held on Wednesdays, 8-10 p.m. after the novena Mass to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. All are welcome.

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“Our Lives Are Entwined with Christ” will be the theme of a four-week Lenten retreat in the spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Midwood. Led by Dr. Bob Giugliano, the one-hour sessions will be held on Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29, after 8:30 a.m. Mass, and repeated at 7:30 p.m. Sessions will include music, prayer, some points about Ignatian spirituality and discussion. Contact the rectory at 718-338-5242 for more details.

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Chad C. Pecknold, theology professor at Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., will be the featured speaker at Theology on Tap NYC, March 6. To learn more, visit totnyc.org.