St. John’s University Campus Ministry sponsored its second annual Brothers and Sisters Nite to give students a chance to see, meet and pray with religious sisters and brothers serving the local church. Representing 14 congregations, 15 brothers and 18 sisters gathered in the university’s Church of St. Thomas More for Mass and conversation last month. Luis Ramos, a postulant with the Marist Brothers, shared his vocation story. He reflected on discernment as a prayerful exploration leading to a better understanding of his call to be a brother. It was an opportunity for students to see how many men and women make the choice to heed God’s call, and also to understand the lives of religious brothers and sisters on personal level. The event was coordinated by St. John’s Campus Minister, Brother Mike Sheerin, F.M.S. (Photo courtesy Brother Mike Sheerin, F.M.S.)
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A statue of Our Lady of Charity (La Virgen de la Caridad), patroness of Cuba, is on pilgrimage in the U.S., and will visit three local parishes: St. Joan of Arc, Jackson Heights, Nov. 10-11; St. Michael, Flushing: Nov. 13-19; and Blessed Sacrament, Jackson Heights: Nov. 20-24. Call individual parishes for the schedules of events.
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In anticipation of the closing of the Year of Mercy, the Friars of the San Damiano Mission, serving Williamsburg and Greenpoint, are hosting a Triduum in honor of St. Faustina, Nov. 15-17. To learn more, call Father Raphael, 973-563-0738.
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St. Augustine’s Helping Hands Food Pantry in Park Slope will have its annual 5K Fun Run/Walk/Bike Fundraiser in Prospect Park on Nov. 19.
This is not a race, but rather a chance to bring families together outdoors for a fun day to support local families in need.
Event begins at 11 a.m. at the 15th St./Prospect Park West entrance, rain or shine. Register in advance at staugustineparkslope.org/5K or email helpinghandsfp@gmail.com.
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This year’s International Food Festival at Our Lady of the Angelus, Rego Park, was a huge success. Not only was the school auditorium filled to capacity, the parish raised $11,389.
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Director Daniel DiSilva will present an exclusive viewing of his film, “The Original Image of the Divine Mercy,” at Visitation Monastery in Bay Ridge, Nov. 20.
It is an all-day event with opportunities to speak to the director, view exhibits and venerate the relics of Blessed Michael Sopocko, but people can participate in any or all of the scheduled events. Free-will offerings will be accepted. To attend, RSVP via email VAMonastery@aol.com or call 718-745-5151.
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Save the date for “The Miracle of Christmas,” a theatrical presentation with a 3D mapping experience on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Prospect Heights. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance starts at 7 p.m. Call 718-638-1071 for details.
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If you or someone you know will be navigating the upcoming holidays after having lost a spouse, parent or child, Calvary Hospital offers weekly bereavement support groups geared toward adults, teenagers and children in Downtown Brooklyn.
Anyone interested in attending may contact Lynne Marie Pappalardi at 718-518-2173 or lpappalardi@calvaryhospital.org.
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This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to Teresa Cascio and the Rosary Society of Our Lady of Grace Church in Gravesend, for their donation of $200 in honor of the parish’s 80th anniversary.
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Sister Returns to Brentwood Community
Last month, Sister Virginia Murtha, C.S.J., professed her final vows of chastity, poverty and obedience – for the second time in her life.
Following in the footsteps of her three older sisters, Sister Virginia first entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, in 1965 and began her career in nursing.
After 30 years, she discerned that God was calling her to leave the community. She continued her nursing career and stayed in close contact with the congregation, becoming an associate.
In 2010, she began to question if God was calling her back, and she reentered the congregation the following year. She is currently on staff at St. Joseph Convent in Brentwood, working in assisted living with residents needing that level of care.
She professed her final vows on Oct. 15 along with Sister Mary Preenika Dabrera, C.S.J. during a ceremony in the Sacred Heart Chapel at the Brentwood Motherhouse. (Photo courtesy Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, via Facebook)
