Celebrating the Season at Holy Family
Dear Editor: Father Sean Suckiel, who has been our pastor for a little over two years at Holy Family Parish in Fresh Meadows, is indeed a wonderful, caring spiritual father. He always puts everyone here ahead of himself, is always warm, and has a terrific sense of humor.
His Sunday homilies are inspiring, and his devotion to his priesthood is wonderful. On Friday, Dec. 10, Father Suckiel lead the 2nd annual light-up Holy Family Advent ceremony. Several young people sang Christmas carols to assist Father Suckiel in orchestrating what was the most beautiful way to herald the arrival of the Christmas season.
When the switch was thrown, our church was lit up so beautifully. It brought joy to everyone, especially all of the children who were there with their parents. There also were police officers from the 107th precinct who came to make sure that everything was safe. The crowd had to be in the hundreds and everyone really was enjoying themselves.
It was truly a wonderful experience to have been there, and it made me feel so proud and humbled to be a parishioner of Holy Family.
Father Suckiel, thank you for all that you do for us. You rock, you roll, and you rule. God Bless you.
John Amato
Fresh Meadows
New York, New York Parody
Dear Editor: My kudos to Geraldine Gazzara and her parody of the “Theme from New York New York” (Letters to the Editor, Dec. 18).
You’ve made my week. Merry Christmas, wherever you’re spending it.
I wish I could leave as well but too many complications.
Cynthia Gonzalez
Fresh Meadows
Negativity in the Season Of Hope
Dear Editor: Regarding the sarcastic rendition of “Theme from New York New York” (Letters to the Editor, Dec. 18) in this season of hope by Geraldine Gazzara.
I see things differently: We have a wonderful opportunity in these tough times to practice what our Lord wants. Feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, etc. Saint Teresa of Calcutta said don’t wait for leaders to do it, do it yourself. Politics is not going to save America, the problem is we can’t stand each other. We are so divided.
I see wonderful young families making a home in this great city of ours. Young people with more compassion than my own generation ever had. For people with so much negativity who want to leave, maybe that’s a plus for the city.
Just remember wherever you go, there is no such thing as paradise.
Robert Sorgini
Astoria
Remember Those Less Fortunate
Dear Editor: As Christians and Americans, we should all reach out with our prayers and financial assistance, if possible, to assist the unfortunate people who were devastated by the recent tornadoes.
As we celebrate the holy season of Advent in anticipation of Christmas, let us remember to say a prayer daily for those who have lost everything, especially those who have lost a loved one.
And as we celebrate this season with our loved ones and friends, may we never forget to reach out to those less fortunate. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy, blessed New Year!
Thomas and Constance Dowd
Oakland Gardens
World AIDS Day
Dear Editor: I want to say how thankful I am for having had the opportunity to attend the World AIDS Day observation on Dec. 1 at St. Augustine in Park Slope.
It was a beautiful ceremony as it has been every year. Members of the parish, and of other parishes, contributed reflections, poetry, and music. Names of people who had died of AIDS were read.
At one time a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS was a death sentence; medical science has brought us beyond that point. AIDS was also a source of incredible shame for the patient and their family. We have grown beyond such ignorance.
I am proud to belong to a parish that observes World AIDS Day.
Ellen Edelman
Prospect Heightsletter