Love Is in the Air at St. Mel’s
On Feb. 12, the Church of St. Mel’s, Flushing, observed St. Valentine’s Day at the 9 a.m. Mass, celebrated by Father Italo Barozzi, who gave a moving homily in memory of St. Valentine, patron saint of love and happy marriages. Over 30 married couples were honored during the Mass and received a symbolic rose. (Photo courtesy Francine Cervasio)
While there are many events for single, Catholic young adults, this one is for young marrieds with little ones in tow — Mr. Steve, a music minister in the diocese, and his wife, Ms. Jenn, will be the guest speakers at Theology on Tap, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. at Mazzat Restaurant, Red Hook.
Parents of three youngsters, the couple will discuss the challenges, techniques and joys of raising Catholic children in today’s society. Event is sponsored by the diocesan Faith Formation Office and an Alive in Hope grant, and hosted by Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen, Carroll Gardens. To reserve an on-site sitter, e-mail Family@sacredhearts-ststephen.com.
Tablet TALK Trivia: This weekend, New Orleans will see an influx of visitors for the annual Mardi Gras festivities. And what is Mardi Gras without beads? But did you know the official colors of the beads (green, gold and purple) are derived from the gifts of the Magi.
The colors/gifts are a key to the Christ Child’s identity: green for frankincense and faith; gold for power and Christ’s kingship; and purple symbolizes justice and myrrh, a perfumed burial ointment foreshadowing Christ’s death for the salvation of humanity.
The Padre Pio Prayer Group from Immaculate Conception Passionist Monastery, Jamaica, invites guests to join them for a two-day Lenten retreat to St. Gabriel’s Retreat Center, Clark Summit, Pa., March 3-4. Cost: $110. Call Nick Papallo, 718-739-6502 ext. 283.
This Lenten season, you are also invited to join parishioners of Holy Family-St. Thomas Aquinas, Park Slope, to experience the musical, Jonah, at The Sight and Sound Millennium Theatre, Lancaster, Pa., March 10. The cost is $130; $90 for children. Price includes show tickets, continental breakfast, round-trip coach transportation, an all-you-can-eat dinner, taxes and gratuities. To attend, call Dorothy, 718-768-9471.
Holy Family parish, Flushing, invites locals to a begin their Lenten journey with a very special presentation: The Shroud of Turin, Feb. 29, 7 p.m. Presenter: Donald H. Nohs, associate general director of the Confraternity of the Passion International, is one of the world’s leading authorities on the Shroud of Turin and Jesus’ Passion. Nohs will share his knowledge of the Passion of Jesus and answer thought provoking questions. All are welcome to attend. For further details, call 718-969-2448.
Alumni and friends of Cathedral Prep Seminary, East Elmhurst, are invited to a St. Matthew Society Mass and Networking Night for those in the business and financial sector, March 8, 6:15 p.m. Evening includes Mass, dinner and presentations.
Mike Johnson, former linebacker and former chief financial officer of the NFL, will be one of the presenters. Space is limited. RSVP by March 2 to Father Cush, 718- 592-6800 ext. 137 or alumni@ cathedralprepseminary.com.
This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to Father Martin Esguerra, M.Id, former Catholic chaplain of LaGuardia Community College, L.I.C. He received the Dr. Grant F. Anderson Citation for Meritorious Ministry by the Queens Federation of Churches for his work developing guidelines for an interfaith campus ministry at LaGuardia which stresses accountability and integrity.
Mother Dolores Hart will visit a local parish next month… See next week’s Tablet TALK for full details.
AMCA Celebrates
Catholic Identity
Ave Maria Catholic Academy (AMCA)/Our Lady of Grace (OLG) parish, Howard Beach, recently held the second of a five-part celebration of AMCA’s Catholic identity. The celebration includes a monthly Mass, recognition for AMCA board members and a vocations talk. Breeda Connolly, lifelong parishioner, OLG alumna and former OLG teacher, second from right, was honored for her work on AMCA’s board. Present to honor her were, from left, Maria Cuomo, AMCA principal; sixth graders Megan and Kayla Devereux; Father Anthony Rucando, pastor; and Connolly’s former student, Lisa Calcagnile, OLG alumna and current AMCA teacher. (Photo courtesy Steven Eriquez)