Eight residents of Queen of Peace Residence, Queens Village, are turning 100 years old or older this year. The Little Sisters of the Poor, who run the residence, held a group party for the centenarians. From left, Rita Driess, 103; Teresa Galati, 103; Amelia Acevedo, who will be 101 on Sept. 6; Beryl Betto, who will be 100 on Dec. 28; Jeanette Clark, who will be 100 on Nov. 23; Mary Carruba, who will be 100 on Sept. 24; Agnes Russo, who will be 100 on Sept. 9 and Mary McQuade, 100. They are joined, above, by students from Kellenberg Memorial H.S., Uniondale, L.I. (Photo courtesy Queen of Peace Residence)
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The greatest poet in Italian history. The eccentric conversationalist of the Counter-Reformation. The first Kievan-Russian martyrs. What possible connections exist among these men? That will be the topic this weekend when the Catholic Center at New York University, Manhattan, hosts its “Conversing Conversion Conference,” July 25-26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at 238 Thompson St. Renowned speakers, including Jesuit Father Joseph Koterski, will discuss the historical-spiritual importance of Dante, St. Philip Neri and SS. Boris and Gleb. To attend, register at www.Dante750.eventbrite.com.
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Richmond Hill residents, “Footloose the Musical” is coming to a stage near you! The Teen Drama Club at Holy Child Jesus is preparing a spectacular production. Performances are set for Aug. 6 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 7 at 8 p.m.; Aug. 8 at 8 p.m., and Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. in the parish’s Msgr. Murray Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door at a cost of $10 for adults and $8 for seniors or children under 12. For tickets, call 718-847-1860 or email HCJTEENDRAMA@gmail.com.
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Fundraising for World Youth Day (WYD) 2016 is well underway in the diocese, and here’s one easy way you can help: Bring your car to Our Lady of the Snows Church, North Floral Park, this Saturday, July 25. The parish is hosting a WYD Fundraiser Car Wash from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. For $5, you can get a clean car while supporting young people who want to grow in their faith. (Insider tip: If you can’t make it this weekend, you get a second chance on Saturday, Aug. 8. Same time and place.)
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This Sunday, July 26 begins the Holy Octave of Consecration to God Our Father at St. Sebastian parish, Woodside. The devotion will come to a close Aug. 2 with a 3 p.m. Mass celebrated by Archbishop Bernardito C. Auza, papal nuncio and permanent observer of the Holy See to the U.N.
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Ice cream social anyone? St. Francis Catholic Singles, a group for Catholic singles in their 30s, 40s and 50s, will meet at Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor in Staten Island on Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m. RSVP by Aug. 5 via email to sfcssi@gmail.com.
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This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to Woodside resident Veronica Holley on her silver anniversary of profession as a member of the Secular Franciscan Order at St. Adalbert Church, Elmhurst. For the last 25 years, Holley has tried her best to honor her promise to live the Gospel fully in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare within the support network of the order.
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In preparation for Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S. for the World Meeting of Families, the priests of St. Anthony-St. Alphonsus in Greenpoint will spend four weekends preaching about family life at all Masses. The schedule is as follows: “Family as Replica of the Holy Family,” July 25-26; “Marriage: Sacrament & Covenant,” Aug. 1-2; “Parents and Children,” Aug. 22-23 and “Family Values,” Aug. 29-30. Call 718-383-3339.