17th Annual Father Valdazo Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to Michael Platia, a graduate of the Class of 2014 from St. Joan of Arc School, Jackson Heights, who has received the 17th annual Father Stephen Valdazo Scholarship. He’s received a $2,000 scholarship to the secondary school of his choice, which is Xavier H.S., Manhattan, where he will be a freshman in the fall. Father Valdazo, parochial vicar at St. Joan of Arc, selected Platia based on his teachers’ recommendations. They described him as a “very spirited and wonderful young man, always willing to lend a hand and always with a smile.” In addition to maintaining a high academic average, Platia is known for being well mannered, leading morning prayers and active participation in the classroom. He is an altar server, a member of CYO basketball and shovels snow for elderly neighbors.
WEB EXCLUSIVE: The Class of 1986 from St. Bernadette School, Dyker Heights, is having a reunion on Saturday, Aug. 9. If you’re a member of the SBS Class of 1986 or know someone who is, contact the school’s Advancement Director, Maria Tumminia Ljubich, ’81, at the school office, 718-236-1560.
If you’re seeking to deepen your faith this summer, this one is for you. “A Time of Repentance and Healing” is the theme of the annual Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference, set for Aug. 1-3 at the University of Scranton, Scranton, Pa.
The weekend features charismatic speakers, including Father Anthony Ozele, liturgies, teachings, music and fellowship. For more details or to register, call 570-344-2214 or visit www.ccrscranton.org.
Tablet TALK Pick of the Week: The Queens Symphony Orchestra presents “Latin Fire” at St. John’s University’s 16th annual summer concert, next Wednesday, July 30. The event begins at 7 p.m. on the Great Lawn of the Jamaica campus. Best of all, it is free and open to the public.
The renowned conductor Maestro Constantine Kitsopoulos will direct the concert, which also features Willie Martinez and LaFamilia Sextet.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early with chairs and blankets. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors. For more details about the concert, contact communityrelations@stjohns.edu.
While many parishes take a break from special activities for the summer, Holy Name of Jesus Church, Park Slope, continues to offer Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday after the 11:15 a.m. Mass with Benediction at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Alayne at 718-768-9013 or acox42@nyc.rr.com.
If you have suffered divorce, separation or widowhood and are ready to take the next step on the path to healing, a lifetime of change awaits you at a Beginning Experience weekend.
The next one is scheduled for Sept. 5-7 at the Montfort Spirituality Center in Bay Shore, L.I. For more details or to reserve your place, call Jim, 718-474-3779, or Jean, 631-903-0973.
The Pro-Life Committee of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish, Sunset Park, is hosting a three-week pro-life Film Festival this August. The festival runs three consecutive Sundays starting Aug. 10 in the basilica theatre on 6th Avenue and 60th Street. Films will be shown at 3 p.m. each week. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be offered with discussion to follow. The first film to be shown is “Bella.” For more details, contact Laura Yunque at 917-846-8699.
If you’ve always wanted to learn to play the drums, Queen of All Saints Church, Fort Greene, is offering Percussion Drum Classes, hosted by the Black History Committee, on Wednesday evenings, 7-8:30 p.m., through Aug. 27.
Grammy Award-winning master percussionist, Sanga of The Valley, is leading the classes. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Cynthia Norton at 347-351-4810 or Cynthia_norton@aol.com.
Save the date! September is just around the corner, and it’s not too early to get your tickets for the annual Card Party at Resurrection parish in Gerritsen Beach.
The event is set for Sept. 20, 6 p.m. in the parish hall. Tickets are $40, and the price includes dinner and a chance to win some truly fabulous prizes. Tickets for this event always sell out quickly, so don’t delay in calling either Josette Brandow at 718-891-1448, or Jean Mullen at 718-252-4167.
And while we’re talking about September…
Just a note that the Knights of Columbus at Columbus Council No. 126 in Marine Park are already planning the council’s annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the grotto area. A cross forged by steel from the World Trade Center rubble will be blessed during the prayer service.