Thank You, on Behalf of the Catholic Teachers Assoc.
Dear Editor: On behalf of the Catholic Teachers Association, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your coverage of our Christmas Dinner Dance, held on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at Russo’s on The Bay in Howard Beach.
Your thoughtful reporting not only captured the spirit of this cherished annual event but also highlighted the mission and purpose of our association, raising awareness within the broader community. The Catholic Teachers Association exists to provide New York City public school educators with opportunities to share in their faith through meaningful events and initiatives.
From our annual Christmas Dinner Dance to our Memorial Mass and Luncheon, our Lenten retreat, and our retiree luncheon, each gathering is rooted in faith and fellowship. Additionally, our annual toy drive during the Christmas season and the college scholarships we provide to NYC public high school students preparing to enter college underscore our commitment to service and community enrichment.
As president of the Catholic Teachers Association for the past three years, I am especially grateful for The Tablet’s interest in our efforts. Your coverage amplifies the impact of our initiatives and inspires
others to join us in celebrating faith, education, and community.
Thank you once again for your continued support and dedication to highlighting the stories that strengthen our shared values. Wishing you and your team a joyful Christmas season and a blessed New Year.
Patrick Burns
Woodside
Editor’s note: Patrick Burns is the President of the Catholic Teachers Association.
Going to Mass
Dear Editor: As I am constantly reading and hearing about people ‘not going to church,’ I cannot help but think about an expression that I am more used to, and that is ‘going to Mass.’ Perhaps it comes from the Gaelic. I suppose it derives from the time when the Mass was outlawed in Ireland, and Mass was offered in secret places and never in church. Regardless, now, with the declining number of people attending Mass, it is fairly obvious that, as has been said, ‘The Gospel must be preached to each generation but in a different way.’ It would appear then that somehow, a different method of teaching the Gospel must be used if evangelization is to be successful in this age.
When I lived in London and attended Mass in Kilburn, not only was the church full, but the aisles and the nave were full as well. Is it too much to expect that truth should cease to increase? The very latest retort I got was, “We don’t pray to saints.” When I asked who is the greatest saint, they had no idea. Yet it is not surprising that not too many Catholics know either that it is Mary, the mother of God. It was Mary who told Jesus that they were out of wine, and because of that they suddenly found they had the very best wine. Catholics believe that Mary has not ceased to be our intermediary with God in
heaven.
On the importance of the Mass, the greatest prayer is seemingly not appreciated by many. Maccabees 12:46 clearly says, ‘It is, therefore, a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins.’ Consequently, we should avail ourselves of the greatest prayer — the Mass in helping our departed. Should I, thousands of miles from where I was born, forget my family or forget my ‘departed,’ I would feel like a traitor to my mother and brother, who came to visit me in the hospital where I was for over a year. Or to my older brother, who helped out so much with the family. Also, not forgetting my aunt Nora who sent packages of clothing that were very much appreciated then. No, indeed, I am not forgetting, and therefore, I am compelled to pray for them now.
I hope this will encourage others to go to Mass for their relatives — whether living or dead — for, as Christ says, no prayer goes unanswered.
Thomas C. Cullinane
Bayside
