50th Reunion: St. Joseph School, Astoria
Fifty-four members of the Class of 1964 from St. Joseph School, Astoria, met for a 50th reunion at their alma mater. Charlie Gozdziewski, Mary Hank, Donna Innone, Richie McCormack, Msgr. Sean Ogle and Robert Padala organized a program for alumni and guests that included a school tour, luncheon and remarks by Gozdziewski; Sister Martin Marie Doran, O.P., former second-grade teacher; Luke Nawrocki, current principal; and Msgr. Ogle. Sister Dolores Christi Gartanutti, O.P., also sent well wishes to her former first-graders. Alumni rekindled friendships, made generous donations to their alma mater and established a class Facebook page to stay in touch. (Photo courtesy Msgr. Sean Ogle)
First-class relics of St. Pope John Paul II have taken up permanent residence in not just one but now two parishes in the diocese. St. Matthias Church, Ridgewood, held a multilingual Mass on Oct. 30 to install a relic containing a drop of the newly sainted pope’s blood. Earlier this fall, a relic containing several strands of the late pontiff’s hair was installed at St. Adalbert, Elmhurst. During Advent, consider making a pilgrimage to visit the relics, reflect and pray.
Speaking of Advent, St. Thomas Aquinas parish, Flatlands, invites Tablet TALK readers to visit its Advent Prayer Room. The room offers multisensory prayer stations through which you move at your own pace as you discover and dialogue with God. Located in the parish’s Aquinas Center, the room will be open Dec. 11-14 at various times. For details, call 718-253-4404 ext. 16.
Thirty-four years ago, Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, natives of Queens and Brooklyn, respectively, were among four churchwomen martyred in El Salvador. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, St. Virgilius parish, Broad Channel, is hosting a prayer service to remember these women and other martyrs for the faith, starting at 7:15 p.m. All are welcome. Call the rectory at 718-634-5680.
An early Christmas Concert featuring Chiara Luppi is taking place at St. Matthias parish, Ridgewood, this Sunday, Nov. 23, 4-6 p.m. in the church. The concert is free. Donations will be accepted. All are welcome. Call 718-821-6447.
Sister Julia Upton, R.S.M., will lead an Advent Day of Prayer at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Bayside, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the parish center. The suggested donation is $10, and includes a light breakfast and lunch. To register, call Jane, 718-229-5929, ext. 10.
Notice those gold ribbons flying around Bay Ridge this fall? Area businesses and schools, including Holy Angels Catholic Academy, tied the ribbons to raise awareness about childhood cancer. Holy Angels students and staff decorated the school in gold and raised $1,213 for this cause. Way to go!
This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to the Knights of Columbus Council No. 5911 at St. Anastasia, Douglaston, on receiving the Columbian Award. The Supreme Council recognized the Douglaston Knights for their works of charity and service to the church and community.
Giving Thanks in Elmhurst
Thanksgiving is less than one week away and some Elmhurst families will give thanks for the bounty they’re receiving from St. Bartholomew School. Schoolchildren donated hundreds of food items, above, which will be used to make dozens of baskets and be distributed to parish families most in need. (Photo by Marie Elena Giossi)