Amid Rising Tensions, Pro-Life Sidewalk Ministers Strive to Offer Hope 

“I always get really nervous,” says Bernadette Patel before she swings into action as a pro-life sidewalk counselor. “That’s why I always try to go to Mass beforehand. I pray, ‘Please, let this day be peaceful. And let there be a woman who chooses life.’ ” 

Queens Parochial Vicar Turns Older Melodies Into Modern Inspiration

Father Joseph Palackal, parochial vicar for St. Margaret Church since 2019, is a world-renowned musicologist and a foremost authority on liturgical music. He can even chant in multiple languages, including Aramaic, the language spoken by ordinary people in Judea at the time of Christ. 

Bollywood Dance Team Bringing Indian Flavor to St. John’s Prep

St. John’s Prep in Astoria has a Bollywood Dance Team bringing an Indian flavor to the school. Students learn a variety of dance steps — traditional and modern — and add to the school’s cultural diversity, the moderator, Debra Befumo, said.