St. Bernard’s Aquinas Crew Visits St. James
The Junior Aquinas program at St. Bernard School, Mill Basin, recently enjoyed a special visit to St. James Cathedral-Basilica, Downtown Brooklyn. Msgr. John Strynkowski, rector, gave students a tour and explained the history of the worship space, particularly its stained-glass windows. This year, students have been studying the medieval period, coats of arms and stained-glass windows so this was a wonderful way to enhance their appreciation for this art form. Students are pictured with Msgr. Strynkowski; Deacon Christopher Wright; and Aquinas coordinators, Melissa Wagner, Mary Wright and Annette Vale. (Photo courtesy Melissa Wagner)
Lent is a season of reconciliation, forgiveness, healing and hope. If a past abortion is weighing on your heart and soul, Rachel’s Helpers invites you to participate in a confidential, post-abortion reconciliation program this Lent. Forgiven and Set Free is an 11-week, small-group experience, beginning March 12. Bible study is emphasized. For details, call 718-939-6646.
Mercy Home, a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy since 1962, is marking its 150th anniversary this year. Mercy Home’s mission is to assure a high quality of life for children and adults with developmental disabilities. This is achieved through a network of residential programs throughout Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau County; residential support programs; community support programs; respite and in-home respite programs.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio will begin the sesquicentennial festivities with an Anniversary Mass for the Mercy Home family at the Convent of Mercy, Clinton Hill, next weekend.
Supporters and friends are welcome to join the celebration at The Partners in Mercy Luncheon, April 29 at Russo’s on the Bay. Tickets are $200. For tickets, call 718-832-1075.
Ladies, if you have Type 2 diabetes, check out the free workshop, Keeping Diabetes In Check, March 7, 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by Brooklyn Women’s Services, Bay Ridge, an affiliate of Maimonides Medical Center. To register, call 718-748-1234 or go to www.bwsnyc.com.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and the diocesan Vocation Office would like to recognize the generous service given by altar servers to their local parishes by treating them to a special Altar Server Day, April 11, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Organizers are planning entertainment, games and a liturgical celebration for boys and girls at St. Mary, Mother of Jesus Church, Bensonhurst. There is no registration fee but space is limited. You must register by March 30. Speak to your ministry coordinator and then contact Lisa Amore, 718-827-2454 or lamore@diobrook.org.
Invite Mother Teresa to be part of your Lenten devotions. Witness the spiritual journey of one of the holiest women of the 20th century in Defense of Doubt: A Tale of Mother Teresa, an original play by Vince N. D’Onofrio, at Holy Family-St. Thomas Aquinas parish, Park Slope, March 23, 7:30 p.m. A free-will offering will be accepted. For details, call St. Thomas Aquinas rectory at 718-768-9471.
This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to Our Lady of the Snows, North Floral Park, where parishioners donated $2,122.58 during the parish’s Supper Bowl fundraiser last month. All proceeds benefit the parish’s Human Concerns Center, which is now in its 30th year of providing parish and community outreach services. Under the direction of Sister Vincent Marie Binder, M.S.B.T., the center provides bereavement, counseling and food pantry services. Last month, center staff sent 450 valentines to neighbors in hospitals and nursing homes as well as homebound parishioners, noted Patricia Nicolosi, center secretary.
St. Athanasius Students Promote Service
Promoting the service aspect of this year’s Catholic Schools Week’s theme, “Faith, Academics, Service,” fourth and fifth graders at St. Athanasius, Bensonhurst, hosted their school’s fourth annual blood drive during February. They had a great experience participating in the Little Doctors Program, sponsored by the New York Blood Center, and worked with their teachers, Maria MacCormack and Karen Hayes, to make the drive a success. Above, the boys give a pat on the back to Deacon William Kelly, one of many parishioners who made time to donate. (Photo courtesy St. Athanasius School)
