Flushing Parish Receives Historic Recognition 
The Broadway-Flushing area was recently declared a historic district by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the N.Y.S. Register of Historic Places. Recognizing that St. Andrew Avellino parish has been an important fixture in the district for the last century, the Broadway-Flushing Homeowners Association presented the parish and Father Joseph T. Holcomb, pastor, with a commemorative plaque. At left, from left, Maria Becce, who coordinates the association’s plaque program; Joseph Brostek, parishioner and association member; Father Holcomb, and Janet McCreesh, association president. Photo courtesy of Joseph Brostek.
Resolved to get in shape this year? Why not have fun doing it? Zumba classes are offered at Queen of All Saints, Fort Greene, every Thursday, 7-8 p.m. Each class costs just $5. All are welcome. Call 718-638-7625.
Happy 10th anniversary to the School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center in Woodhaven! The center’s mission is to empower underserved women of all races and faiths to reach the fullness of their potential. The center offers tuition-free GED preparation, computer classes, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and lifeskill workshops. To date, the School Sisters have served more than 500 women since the center welcomed its first class of 18 students in January, 2004. Keep up the great work!
Treat your sweetheart and yourself to a special Valentine’s weekend getaway with a Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Feb. 14-16, in Bay Shore, L.I. Nurture the love you share away from the everyday routines and distractions. To learn more, visit www.wwme.org, call John and Toni Torio, 631-728-4165, or e-mail marriageencounterbq@gmail.com.
Here’s the latest from Sister Mary Ann Ambrose, C.S.J., pastoral associate at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Windsor Terrace: Over 500 people in Brooklyn and Queens went to see the film, “Mary of Nazareth.” Extra chairs were needed at the Jan. 8 showing, which was attended by both Auxiliary Bishops Raymond Chappetto and Paul Sanchez. Due to popular demand, The Cinemart Cinemas, Forest Hills, added another showing on Jan. 22 at 1 p.m. Tickets: $9 adults, $6 seniors and children under 12. Cinema Village, 22 East 12th St. in Manhattan, has also scheduled a 6:30 p.m. showing on both Jan. 27 and Jan. 29. Tickets: $9 adults, $6 seniors and children under 12. And Sister Mary Ann is promoting another film, “Band of Sisters: From Daughters of the Church to Citizens of the World,” about the work of American religious sisters following Vatican II. This is playing at Cinema Village, Jan. 17-23 on a regular schedule. E-mail Sister Mary Ann at maryfilm@ihmbrooklyn.org.
This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to the Line Dancing Committee at St. Bartholomew Church, Elmhurst. Thanks to the dancers’ $10,000 donation, the church has been able to illuminate the interior of the church tower. The warm glow is a welcome sight for parishioners and residents.
Tablet TALK Quote of the Week: “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — author A.A. Milne, born on Jan. 18, 1882 Father Fred Marano is gearing up to lead a Day of Reflection for Catholic young adults on May 10. Save the date. More details will follow.
New Altar Servers in Gravesend
The new year has brought new altar servers to Our Lady of Grace Church, Gravesend. They were recently installed by Father John Tino, pastor, who was assisted by Deacon Philip Siani, with help from Joseph Lanzarone and Michael De Martino Jr.