Janice Umaña was headed to a party the evening of Jan. 10 when she received a reminder about a special youth event at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James.
Diocesan News
Far Rockaway Parish Celebrates Pro-Life at Youth Day Gathering
On a quiet Saturday morning at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Far Rockaway, the next generation of pro-life advocates put their faith in action and participated in a Day of Service.
Diocese Announces New Appointments to Its Diocesan Review Board
Bishop Robert Brennan has appointed Dr. Ralph Nofi, a licensed psychologist, to serve as the new chair of the board that advises him on cases where sexual abuse allegations have been made, the Diocese of Brooklyn announced on Jan. 10.
N.Y. Catholic Conference Backs Hochul’s Child Tax Credit Expansion Proposal
The New York State Catholic Conference has applauded Governor Kathy Hochel’s proposed child tax credit expansion, citing the “important relief” it would provide to an estimated 1.6 million New York families and 2.75 million children.
Medjugorje: A Pathway to Peace and Reflection for One Queens Chaplain
While the Vatican has acknowledged the “abundant spiritual fruits” experienced by people visiting and praying at the site of reported Marian apparitions at Medjugorje, it has yet to sign off on their authenticity. Still, local devotees regularly visit this small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they believe that Mary, Mother of Jesus, has regularly appeared to a half-dozen “visionaries” since they were children in 1981. They said she identified herself as “The Queen of Peace.”
St. Gregory Students Recognized for Heroic Response After Woman’s Fall
As Janet Miranda lay bleeding on the sidewalk after a fall near her home on Oct. 29, two uniformed first responders arrived to render aid, but they weren’t firefighters or paramedics. Still, Miranda was familiar with their attire. These rescuers wore the uniform of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy, her home parish’s school.
Seeing Double: For Pair of Priests, Shared Faith Is Part of Their DNA
For many people, having a sibling who mirrors their every move might seem more frustrating than comforting. However, for two sets of twins in New York City, their shared bond has profoundly strengthened their faith and spiritual lives. The lives of Father Mark Amatrucola and Father Chris Lawton are intertwined not just by being twins, but by their shared journeys into the priesthood.
New Bill Provides Security Funding for 42 Additional Diocese Schools
The City Council voted to approve a bill on Dec. 19 to allow small, non-public schools to be reimbursed by New York City for the cost of hiring security guards — just as larger schools are. Specifically, the bill will expand the number of non-public schools eligible for the city’s reimbursement program. That program, established in 2015, allows schools with an enrollment of at least 300 students to qualify. The new bill lowers that threshold to 150 students.
Faith Inspires Local Woman to Fight Hunger, Offer Lifeline to Homeless
When Crystal Wolfe left Indiana for New York several years ago, she thought she had a job as a newspaper reporter waiting for her, only to find out that the position was no longer available once she arrived.
Community Mourns Loss of Father Piedra, A Beacon of Hope for Immigrants
Rosemarie Vaquero fondly remembers that whenever she walked through the neighborhood with her friend, Father Ruskin Piedra, C.Ss.R., people would stop them to thank him and shake his hand.