On Jan. 13, St. Agnes Academic High School announced it will be closing at the end of this school year. Sister Peggy McVetty, OP, prioress of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville, wrote the “decision to end 112 years of excellent education had been most difficult.”
Author: Erin DeGregorio
Queens Parishioners Fundraise to Help Croatians Affected by Earthquake
On Dec. 29, 2020, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Petrinja, Croatia, and surrounding areas — killing seven people, injuring at least 26, and damaging homes, churches, and other buildings. The earthquake was reported as one of the country’s strongest in history and parishioners from Most Precious Blood Church wanted to offer their support.
Diocese Deems 2021 ‘Year of Renewal for Catholic Education’
Inspired by Pope Francis, who recently declared 2021 as the “Year of Joseph” in his apostolic letter “Patris corde,” the Diocese of Brooklyn will be engaging in a “Year of Renewal for Catholic Education.” The overarching goal of the campaign is to strengthen the understanding that Catholic education is evangelization.
El Museo del Barrio’s Virtual Three Kings Day Celebration Doesn’t Miss a Beat
Usually, thousands attend and participate in El Museo del Barrio’s Three Kings Day Parade, wearing colorful capes, crowns, and costumes. This year, a virtual celebration took place without a parade — keeping festivities and traditions alive in people’s homes during one of the most joyous feast days of the season.
Local Catholic Schools Request to be Included in Vaccine Distribution
Local school superintendents have asked that Catholic school educators be included when city public school educators eventually become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This comes as vaccine distribution continues to be criticized for its slow rollout at the city and state levels.
Only in Print: Four Parishes Honored During Excellence Summit
Out of more than 700 nominations, four parishes in the Diocese of Brooklyn won honorable mentions during this year’s Parish Excellence Summit.
Only in Print: Campaign Made the Whole Year Brighter for St. Clare’s Families
Looking back on 2019, St. Clare Catholic Church was able to accomplish a lot, according to Youth Minister Peter Damour. The parish experienced many firsts during its 95th anniversary that helped bring the community together and allowed children, teens, and young adults to have fun and grow in their faith.
Mary on the Mantel Dolls Fly Off the Shelf
Children often look high and low to spot their Elf on Shelf dolls during this time of year, but one entrepreneur took the concept to the next level. Erica Campbell, owner and designer of the “Be a Heart” brand and mother to an 11-month-old girl, created Mary on the Mantel to provide comfort to kids and teach them about their faith.
Dyker Heights Man Lights Own Path
Tourists usually come by busloads six weeks of the year to see Dyker Heights’s lavish Christmas lights and displays. Due to the overwhelming tourism he experienced last year though, homeowner Nick Taverniti didn’t elaborately decorate his home. This year, his daughters convinced him to keep their family tradition alive and bring much needed Christmas cheer to the area.
St. Saviour High School Student Spearheads Christmas Collection for Military
St. Saviour High School junior Allie Giordano wanted to do more for others as the pandemic continued to unfold during the holiday season. She asked for help from her school’s administration with a Christmas service project she wanted to pursue — collecting items for the military through the American Red Cross Holidays for Heroes program.