All month, The Tablet is taking a look at how different cultures represented in the diocese celebrate Christmas. This week we focus on Egypt, Jamaica, China, Czech Republic, and Ukraine.
Diocesan News
Fontbonne Honors Memory of Sr. Ita Ford on Anniversary
When Allie Hinz, a senior at Fontbonne Hall Academy, learned recently about the legacy of Sister Ita Ford, M.M., the Maryknoll sister who was murdered in El Salvador 42 years ago while serving as a missionary in that war-torn country, she found her life story deeply inspiring.
St. John’s University Makes Top 50 of Nation’s ‘Greenest’ Schools
The Princeton Review named St. John’s University one of the top 50 eco-friendly universities in the U.S. The findings are published in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges 2023 Edition.
Only In Print: Recipe for Success Is on the Plate For Parish
Three-star Michelin restaurants aren’t the only places offering diners a memorable culinary experience. Some of the tastiest meals in Queens are served up in a most unlikely place: Transfiguration-St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Maspeth.
Only In Print: WWII Hero Comes Home For His Final Rest
A burial nearly 80 years in the making took place at St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village on Saturday, Nov. 19. And when Lt. John J. Heffernan Jr., a bomber pilot killed in World War II, was finally laid to rest, it was a testament to his family’s determination.
Bright Christmas: ‘Putting A Smile on a Child’s Face’
Maria Garces is an assistant preschool teacher for a community based organization that services low-income families who also volunteers as a religious education coordinator at Our Lady of Solace Church in Coney Island. Seeking to solicit funds to help buy toys for the 142 Catholic Sunday school students in the parish, she reached out to The Tablet.
Brooklyn Group Gets Spiritual Growth at Youth Conference
Youth from Mary of Nazareth and St. Thomas Aquinas parishes in Brooklyn journeyed to California Nov. 10-12 for the National Catholic Youth Conference. The event’s theme was “Walking on Water,” and they came home brimming with motivation to achieve greatness for God’s Kingdom.
They came home inspired to seek greatness, despite their own limitations.
CMS’ New Effort Helps Eviction Victims Get Legal Representation
Catholic Migration Services is part of an effort advocating for free lawyers in housing court, which is guaranteed by law in NYC for qualifying tenants facing eviction. But now, 17,000 litigants who qualify for the service still don’t have one — but their cases are moving forward in court anyway.
Chaplains Aim to Help Vets With No Hope Amid Rise in Suicides
Preventing suicides among former service members is a top priority of the chaplains working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Sharing that mission are Father Ivan Tyhovych (left) and Father Andrew Sioleti, chief of chaplains, at the VA’s New York Harbor Health System in Manhattan.
Father Lauder’s Favorite Films
Father Robert Lauder has been enjoying movies for more than 80 years. Still, his favorites make for a short list, starting with “On the Waterfront,” from 1954.