Thanks for the Bright Christmas Contribution
Dear Editor: May God reward you for your generosity.
On behalf of the men, women, and children who are served by St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters, we want to thank you for your generous donation, which will keep the grocery bags full, the soup kitchens open, the beds in our shelters accessible, and clothing and supportive services available.
Your donation makes you a partner with St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters to provide food, clothing, shelter, counseling, and social services to thousands of needy New Yorkers.
We help over 10,000 poor families each week in the New York area.
Your kindness and generosity are a testament to your commitment to helping serve the less fortunate.
God bless you for your support.
Father Francis J. Gasparik, O.F.M. & Joseph Sano
St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters
Peace Be With You
Dear Editor: May the peace of Christ be with you.
The Christmas season has ended, but the love and generosity from the Bright Christmas Fund continues to resound in the hearts and the homes of the 20 Ss. Joachim & Anne School families who received the finances necessary to provide their children with food for their Christmas dinner, new Christmas clothes, and outstanding toys to put under the Christmas tree.
Our families are so grateful to all of you for making their financial worries disappear on Jesus’ birthday.
Our students, teachers, and parents/ guardians pray for all of you.
Mrs. Linda Freebes
Principal, Ss. Joachim & Anne School
In Appreciation of The Tablet’s Generosity
Dear Editor: Please allow me to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous support of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Jamaica.
On behalf of our parish community, I would like to let you know that we really appreciate the Bright Christmas donation, which will be used for our kids in our community. There are no words to express our gratitude.
Our church will be able to keep serving God and the community thanks to your commitment as a faithful supporter. May our Lord Jesus Christ and His holy mother always bestow upon you the abundance of their best blessings.
We remain extremely grateful to you and will keep counting on you.
Father Víctor Manuel Bolaños
Pastor
Remembering Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Dear Editor: The Tablet edition of Jan. 14 was truly incredible. I read every page.
I think I preferred St. John Paul II because he was more popular and charismatic, but now, I realize his success was also attributed to the individual behind him. And that individual was then- Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who was a theological expert, teacher, and writer.
I was deeply touched by the stories and experiences of the seminarians, priests, Catholic leaders, and everybody who had been lucky to encounter him.
George Weigel’s article, “Knowing the true Joseph Ratzinger,” contrasting the cartoon version and how he knew him, depicted the real Joseph Ratzinger. Mr. Weigel was so brilliant to conclude that the “greatness of the true Joseph Ratzinger was the depth of his love for the Lord Jesus. He hoped he would help others to come and love Jesus as he did.”
Surely, the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI will continue endlessly. He lived not only following the teachings of Jesus Christ but leading others to love Him too.
It’s a pity that all these beautiful narratives about Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had not been told while he was still alive so that he would have been aware and proud of his accomplishments.
Carmen C. Rodriguez
Rego Park
Kudos to Tablet Jr.
Dear Editor: I just finished reading the article in Tablet Jr. by 8th grader Maxmillien Julian (“Jerry Lawson: The Unseen Wonder,” Jan. 28).
In addition to learning about Jerry Lawson, Maxmillien did an awesome job of telling the story.
After reading this article, I went online and read more information about Mr. Lawson. Thank you, Maxmillien, for your great report.
Joanne Murray
Far Rockaway
MLK Prayer Services
Dear Editor: I attended the MLK community dialogue and Prayer Service at St. Kevin’s Church and wanted to comment after reading The Tablet (“Black Catholics: We Must Take Up MLK’s Fight for Social Justice,” Jan. 21).
Racism and bigotry are with us, more for some than others. It’s been raging everywhere but not welcomed anywhere. The question is: Why in this day and time? Why in my church?
Racism and bigotry are a crippling disease and must be eradicated.
Exie Gaffney
Rochdale