With the new school year slated to begin next month, Catholic educators are preparing to adapt to the new norm of teaching with social distancing and face coverings. However, others already affected by this year’s estimated 140 closures across the country are trying to remain hopeful about their professions.
Author: Erin DeGregorio
Looking at Kamala Harris Through a Cultural Lens and the Evolving Religious Landscape
Last week, California Sen. Kamala Harris accepted former Vice President Joe Biden’s nomination to be his running mate in this year’s presidential race. This announcement made history, given how ethnically, racially, and religiously diverse Sen. Harris is.
Queens Knights of Columbus Council Collects 500 Pounds of Food in One Day
Since May, the Knights of Columbus Holy Family/Bishop Ignatius Catanello Council #14520 has collected and distributed more than 4,000 pounds of food to at least 6,000 families. Their most recent food drive, held on August 16, collected approximately 500 pounds of food that was donated to St. Michael’s Church Pantry in Flushing.
Bishop Kearney High School Class of 2020 Blessed at St. Athanasius Church
Members of Bishop Kearney’s Class of 2020 reunited at St. Athanasius-St. Dominic Church for a special Mass on August 16. The students — who weren’t able to graduate from the all-girls Catholic high school due to its closure in August 2019 — completed their first three years at Bishop Kearney and transferred to other local high schools this past year to complete their senior year.
Only in Print: The Ghost of Pandemics Past: Living Art and How it Was Influenced
Artists have always depicted real-life moments, illustrated interpretations, and expressed emotions through their mediums, allowing viewers to observe and ponder the subject matter before them. Brother Geoffrey Clement, an expert in medieval history, emphasized every piece of art is a reflection not only of the artists, but of the culture, mentality, and time in which they were produced.
Most Parish Schools and Academies Plan to Physically Reopen in the Fall
Following Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement on Aug. 7 that schools in New York are permitted to reopen next month, local Catholic schools are beginning to share their reopening plans. All plans must be approved by the State’s Department of Education and adhere to the safety guidelines and framework provided by the State’s Department of Health.
Local Catholic College Students Begin to Prepare for Their Fall Semesters
The three local Catholic colleges and universities have released their respective Fall 2020 reopening plans adhered to the safety guidelines provided by the State’s Department of Health and by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the number of days until the first day of classes dwindle, students have mixed feelings about the new semester during the age of COVID-19.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Celebrates First Holy Communion
Fifty-one children from Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s CCD program celebrated their first Holy Communion on July 18. Two separate Masses, celebrated by Msgr. Sean G. Ogle, V.F., took place at the church in accordance with state and Diocesan safety guidelines.
Bishop James Massa Returns to St. Joseph’s Seminary as New Rector
Bishop James Massa, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, has officially settled into his new role as rector at St. Joseph’s Seminary and College. He was appointed to the position by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, mid-July, and succeeded Msgr. Peter I. Vaccari, who served as rector for the last nine years.
