Cuba Receiving Much Needed Aid Relief
Dear Editor: Thank God this help is on the way (“CRS to ‘Significantly Expand’ Humanitarian Aid to Cuba After State Dept. Awards $60M,” story, page 17).
These people are going to get the support they need, and it’s amazing to see organizations like Catholic Relief Services stepping up to make a difference.
Mirta Pena
via social media
St. Lawrence Remembered
Dear Editor: I enjoyed reading the recent centerfold about the patron saints of summer, especially St. Lawrence, the patron of summer barbecuing (“Sizzle & Spirit,” July 18).
Having been the pastor of St. Laurence Church in Brooklyn from 1994 to 2000, we always celebrated his feast day on Aug. 10 with great festivities.
Msgr. Steven Ferrari
Southbury, Connecticut
Editor’s note: St. Lawrence was martyred in 258 AD. The information was incorrect in the July 18 edition of The Tablet.
Thank You For Highlighting Our Parish
Dear Editor: Thank you so much for such a wonderful piece about our parish (“St. Mary Star of the Sea Celebrates 175 Years of Faith and Service to the Community,” Currents News, July 27).
It was wonderful sharing our story with you and the team at Currents News.
Your kindness and attention to St. Mary Star of the Sea Church and our ministries are very much appreciated.
Cathy McDermott
Carroll Gardens
The Strength of Our Deanery Q10 Community
Dear Editor: A year ago, God called my husband Frank and me to serve in another parish.
Although we loved the people and our ministries at St. Camillus Church, our work there was complete and God had a new plan for us. I spoke with Father Bill Sweeney, pastor of St. Francis de Sales and at that time, leader of our deanery, Deanery Q10. I asked, “Do any of the parishes in our deanery need help?” Father Sweeney suggested I speak with Father Joseph Miller, parochial vicar for St. Mary’s Star of the Sea. I did.
More than seven months later, Father Miller asked if I’d consider directing their food pantry. I answered, “Yes, we will.”
In May 2026, we re-opened the food pantry. It is the most glorious experience!
Our Blessed Mother prays for us and every person who comes to receive food from the pantry. Every person is Jesus thirsting.
Mike Lee from the Graybeards provides favorite foods I can’t order or can’t afford. I am so grateful to Mike and the Graybeards and certainly to everyone who donates.
Many thanks to Father Frank Shannon, pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church and Father Miller for their prayers and tremendous support.
My experience has made it even clearer how the people in our Rockaway Catholic Community, the people in our deanery, support each other.
May we all continue to live the Gospel, always keeping the faith.
Jo’Anne Brancato
Far Rockaway
Editor’s note: The St. Mary Star of the Sea Church Food Pantry is open from 9 a.m. to noon on the second and third Tuesday and Wednesday of every month.
Carlos Beltrán’s Debatable Hall of Fame Legacy
Dear Editor: Carlos Beltrán is the all-time best center fielder in Mets history (“The Curious Case of Carlos Beltrán and the Hall of Fame,” July 25).
Still, although he had an outstanding 2006 and other good years, I don’t think he is worthy of a number retirement. I would put him in the Mets Hall of Fame only — still a great honor!
Edward Rising
via social media