Diocesan News

Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon (with slideshow)

The annual Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon, that raises scholarship money for children who attend Catholic schools and the Office of Faith Formation’s Youth Ministry in the diocese, was held Dec. 11 at Russo’s on the Bay, Howard Beach. Top photo shows Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and the honorees: from left, Msgr. Austin Bennett, Pope John Paul II Distinguished Stewardship Award; Mary Jane McCartney, Emma A. Daniels Award; Bishop DiMarzio; Hildemarie and Alexander Ladoucheur, Spirit of Hope Award; and Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, diocesan vicar for development. Students from St. Clare’s school, Rosedale, enacted a live Nativity. Entertainment was provided by opera tenor Christopher Macchia. Mistress of ceremonies was Juliet Papa, reporter for 1010 WINS news radio. Volunteers included students from Cathedral Prep and Seminary, Elmhurst. The luncheon was chaired by Mary Ann Mattone and Terri Rohan.