Recipients of the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are bracing for a big cut when a pandemic-related increase benefit expires on March, leaving less money for them to spend on food.
Diocesan News
Discerners Called to Forge Friendship With Christ at Bishop’s Vocation Retreat
During the annual Bishop’s Vocation Retreat last weekend, Bishop Robert Brennan urged 27 young men to forge deeper relationships with Jesus Christ in whatever life paths they choose — the priesthood, the diaconate, or laity.
Rite of Election Brings Soon-To-Be Catholics Closer to Baptism
Hundreds of people took a big step in her journey to becoming Catholics by taking part in the Rite of Election on Sunday, Feb. 26 — a time-honored tradition that takes place annually on the first Sunday of Lent and signifies the fact that those who are to be baptized — called catechumens — have been chosen, or elected, by the Church.
First Steps of Synod-Inspired Lenten Pilgrimage Taken on Ash Wednesday
People from across the Diocese of Brooklyn came to Cathedral Basilica of St. James for an Ash Wednesday service that served as the first stop on a journey for Lent designed to draw Catholics back to the Church.
Woman Threads Story of Her Deep Faith One Stitch at a Time
Gail Frohlinger is rarely found without a crochet needle in her hand. For her, crocheting is more than just a hobby. It’s a way for her to demonstrate her Catholic faith.
Welcoming Jesus: African, Caribbean Culture Influences Abound at Rebuilt St. Mary Magdalene Church
African-themed motifs highlight St. Mary Magdalene Parish’s church, which opened nearly seven years ago to replace one destroyed by an electrical fire.
Nigerians Here Say They Identify With The Flight of the Holy Family
The Diocese of Brooklyn’s annual celebration of the flight of the Holy Family, a tradition in the Nigerian American community here, took on an added significance this year as participants worried about troubling developments in their home country.
‘A 40-Day Pilgrimage Of Faith’ Across the Diocese of Brooklyn To Start During Lent
In response to a desire from the Brooklyn and Queens faithful for more collaboration between diocesan deaneries and parishes, the diocese will launch a 40-day Lenten-season pilgrimage “where people can visit different parishes, experience the beauty of the church, the beauty of the community that’s there.”
A Man for All Reason, Félix Varela
The 200th anniversary of Father Félix Varela’s arrival in Manhattan is celebrated this year. His cause for sainthood is gathering momentum, with Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Octavio Cisneros of Brooklyn serving as vice-postulator.
Modernization in Saudi Arabia May Help Christians
Last month, Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church held its first-ever Christmas Eve Mass in Saudi Arabia for Coptic Egyptians residing there. Coptic Christians and the Coptic media in Egypt cheered the event as a milestone for those who live in the Persian Gulf and lauded the government of Saudi Arabia for actively heading toward the “horizons of the developed world.”