The Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon, Dec. 16 at Russo’s on the Bay, Howard Beach, raised nearly $750,000 which included money contributed from matching scholarship funds. The proceeds will benefit the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund and youth evangelization programs.

Honorees were Samuel E. Romanzo, recipient of the Emma A. Daniels Benefactor’s Award; DeSales Media Group, the St. John Paul II Distinguished Stewardship Award; and Raymond and Mary Teatum, who received the Spirit of Hope Award.

Juliet Papa, the reporter from 1010 WINS radio, was mistress of ceremonies. Students of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, South Ozone Park, led Christmas carols and enacted a living Nativity as Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio read from Scripture about the birth of Jesus.

Students from Cathedral Prep and Seminary, Elmhurst, assisted by selling raffle tickets and acting as ushers.

(Story continues below)

“As we continue to celebrate Advent and the approaching Christmas season, we count your genuine belief and commitment to the students and parishes of Brooklyn and Queens among our greatest blessings.

“Your faith and continuous support of the Catholic Foundation will help the Diocese of Brooklyn continue to serve as a beacon of light in our community,” said Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, diocesan vicar for development.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and please continue to support the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens. And don’t be afraid to say ‘Merry Christmas!’”

The Catholic Foundation supports the spiritual, educational and social needs of the Catholic community through the procurement and building of endowment funds while practicing responsible Christian stewardship for the preservation and promotion of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.

For more information or to make a gift, please visit www.cfbq.org.