A deacon at St. Sebastian Church in Woodside, Queens was arrested on Jan. 20 as part of a police sting operation on allegations that he attempted to have sex with a minor.
Diocesan News
Polish Catholics Still Hope For Canonization of Beloved Cardinal Wyszyński
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the beatification in Poland for the late Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński. Still, Polish Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens maintain their support for the cardinal’s cause for sainthood.
Bayside Parish Celebrates 90 Years With ‘Giving Back’
Parishioners at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Bayside, Queens wanted to celebrate their 90th Anniversary with a dinner/dance, but the pandemic squashed their plans. Instead, they chose to divert ticket money for the event into charitable giving. And they didn’t stop there.
‘9 Days for Life’ Novena Kicks Off in Diocese of Brooklyn
The nationwide “9 Days for Life” Novena, sponsored by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishop’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, has officially begun in the Diocese of Brooklyn. This year, the Novena takes place from Jan. 21 to 29, providing parishioners with daily reflections and opportunities for prayers and actions to promote the respect of all human life.
Only in Print: Archbishop Molloy Grad Helps Students Impacted by Pandemic
As people faced hardships, uncertainty, and fear at the start of the pandemic, Archbishop Molloy High School alumnus Dante Giraldi was determined to help those most affected in Queens, where he grew up.
Only in Print: It’s Worth a Shot – Teachers Get First Dose
When local Catholic school teachers learned they were eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Jan. 11, they quickly went online to schedule appointments.
DOE to Discontinue “Pre-K for All” in Five Diocese Schools, As Appeals Continue
The city’s Department of Education (DOE) has decided not to renew 105 “Pre-K for All” program applications for fall ’21 — including five programs in Catholic schools located throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn. The free, full-day “Pre-K for All” program has been one of the mayor’s signature initiatives since launching in 2014.
Only in Print: Former Queens Teacher Recalls Meeting Alex Trebek on Jeopardy!
Clue: He’s a former teacher at Cathedral Preparatory High School who appeared on Jeopardy! Answer: Who is Ed Condon?
St. Agnes Academic High School Announces Impending Closure
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.”
Father Carlo Graziano, Extern Priest at St. Athanasius, Dies of COVID
Father Carlo Graziano, an extern priest from Italy who served at St. Athanasius for more than two decades, died of complications of COVID-19 at Maimonides Medical Center on Jan. 18, parish officials confirmed.