Thank You to Troop #376
Dear Editor: Our Lady of Grace, Gravesend, Brooklyn, could never run events at the parish without the Boy and Girl Scout Troop #376.
They set up for the events and clean up after.
And during an event, they perform many functions, including cooking for the people who attend the activity.
For a member to become an Eagle Scout, the scout has to engage fellow scouts and other volunteers to work for a total of 200 hours and plan a project for the community.
Over the years, they have completed projects at the Grace Gravesend fields, cleaned a beach, cleaned and painted West Street Park in Gravesend, painted the parish and parking lot fences, organized a health fair in Father Cutorne Gym, and built a picnic shelter in Floyd Bennett Field.
My personal thank you goes out to the troop because when I run an event, I always call on the troop for their help, and they never let me down.
If your child feels a desire to join Troop #376, please call the rectory at Our Lady of Grace at 718-627- 2020.
Mary Ann De Luca
Gravesend, Brooklyn
COVID & Lanternflies
Dear Editor: Compounding the increasing threat of invasive species
like the spotted lanternfly (“Spotted Lanternfly Causing New York Angst After Infesting Pennsylvania,” Sept.10) is the effects of the pandemic and the limitations it inspires for gatherings large and small.
Over the last three years, O-Neh-Da Vineyard has lost nearly all revenue and sales due to church closures and the suspension of the practice of a shared chalice for laity during the distribution of the holy Eucharist.
It remains our sincere, prayerful intention that a shared chalice is allowed going forward in the many dioceses we serve.
Will Ouweleen
Conesus, N.Y.
A Concern About Cemeteries
Dear Editor: I have been going to St. John Cemetery in Middle Village, Queens, and Most Holy Trinity Cemetery on Central Avenue in Brooklyn since I was a child.
Over the last several years, a major problem has occurred. I plant flowers at the graves of my parents and grandparents, only to later find the flowers ripped up.
My grandparents’ grave at St. John had all their flowers ripped up — just a flag remained.
At Trinity, it was worse, with flowers and bulbs ripped up and the flag nowhere in sight.
At my great grandfather’s grave, all the flowers were gone, and I found the American flag in the bush by his grave.
My great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents were good people and practiced their faith.
I cannot tell you how hurt I am when I visit the graves and find the flowers have just been pulled up. I plant vinca because they are compact, drought-resistant, hardy plants.
How many others plant flowers and have them ripped up? My family lived their faith and wanted to be buried in a Catholic cemetery.
People should know there is a sacred trust in taking care of these graves and hallowed grounds.
Mary Ellen Dorsey
Hillsborough, N.J.
Editor’s note: Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Brooklyn told The Tablet that, unfortunately, occasionally disrespectful visitors do such things, and the staff tries their best to address the problem. They added that if a staff member was to remove an item, such as plants, flowers or flags, they are brought back to the office in case someone wants to pick them up.