Grateful for Your Faithful Programming
Dear Editor: My husband and I recently settled just outside the Diocese of Brooklyn in northern New Jersey, and we are very grateful to be able to watch NET-TV programming regularly.
We’ve become fans of many of the programs but find we just “like having it on” to dip into throughout the day, rather than watching mainstream media.
Having recently completed the RCIA program (2022) at our parish, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary in Wyckoff, New Jersey, I have been working on learning more about my “adopted” faith (which is my spouse’s from birth) by tuning in to Currents News and other sources for devotional, informative, and inspirational topics. Sometimes the programs bring us back in time, to revisit Church history, perhaps “known” but always worth recalling to mind, and they also help us to scripturally reconnect with who God wants us to be right now.
We also enjoy the emphasis on cultural issues and events, considering the deep presence our Church has enjoyed in many regions well represented in the NYC area. Both of our families lived that immigrant life in Brooklyn a century ago, and it still represents a spiritual home to so many like us.
Perhaps, since the COVID pandemic, many people are turning to NET-TV (we hope so!) because it helps to keep our faith where it should be — at the center — even during super-busy lives. More people who are unable to attend regular worship are now able to access major elements of daily Catholic life thanks to media services like yours. It provides an additional presence of Christ in our lives. It makes a huge difference in self-examination and formation, especially for those who are somewhat new to Catholicism and are actively engaged in daily practice, like me.
It’s just great to rather effortlessly view quality programs that nurture and enhance our relationship with Christ, our faith, and our fellow creatures in community. That alone is worth much more than people like me can usually find to say, so thank you for all you do!
We look forward to following all the news, events, topics, ideas, and spiritual blessings that NET-TV and Currents News will bring us in the years ahead.
Sincerely, in Christ,
Amy McVeigh
Oakland, New Jersey
Please Continue to Live-Stream Mass
Dear Editor: During the COVID-19 lockdown, nearly all parishes live-streamed Mass seven days a week, and in many cases, several Masses on Sunday.
Now, many parishes no longer do it.
These parishes should think, “What about those who are sick or infirm and can’t get to Mass?”
I would like to see parishes resume the live streams so that all can participate.
James Jagiello
Bayside
Editor’s note: NET TV airs daily Masses at 8 a.m. in English, 9 a.m in Spanish, and 10 a.m. in Creole from the Co- Cathedral of St. Joseph and a noon Mass from the Cathedral Basilica of St. James on netny.tv/watch-now.
Celebrating the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day
Dear Editor: St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate him with parties and parades. It is also a time to honor St. Patrick, who brought the Catholic faith to Ireland.
In my opinion, it is also a time to honor all the Irish who came to America as immigrants. These Irish immigrants came and worked hard to make it great.
My own family came to America in 1776 to fight the British and to establish a free nation.
My father told me that my grandfather fought in the Union army to establish freedom and to end slavery. My father served during WWII as an air raid warden and had disabilities.
I myself served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era.
My family as Irish immigrants have served America and did so with love, dedication, and hard work.
So, let me say that may God bless all the Irish who came to America and did so with pride and made America great.
Frederick Robert Bedell Jr.
Bellerose