Last summer, Liana Iannicelli, a seventh grader at Our Lady of Guadalupe (OLG) School, Bensonhurst/Dyker Heights, volunteered over 180 hours at the OLG parish summer program for children in the community. For her service, Liana was recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, granted by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama. Liana received a an award certificate and a personal letter from President Obama acknowledging her extraordinary number of volunteer hours. Above, Liana is congratulated by OLG Principal Sister Dolores F. Crepeau, C.S.J.
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Gravesend Parish Honors Its Priests
Our Lady of Grace parish, Gravesend, recently honored two of its beloved parish priests. Parishioners, from left, Dolores Stracquadaine, Marie Rocca and Marie Cope, bid a fond farewell to Father John Tino, former pastor, as he leaves to continue his ministry in Westchester. The parish family also recognized Father Edward A. Cassar, parochial vicar, who retired after 46 years in active ministry. He will continue to serve at Our Lady of Grace. On March 22, the parish will celebrate the installation of its new pastor, Father Vincent Chirichella with an 11:45 a.m. Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez.
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Donald Nohs, an expert on the Shroud of Turin, will give a special presentation on the Shroud at St. Clare Church, Rosedale, on Monday, March 16 at 7 p.m. in the church. All are welcome to attend. For more details, call 718-527-6213.
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John Ashton wants to remind Tablet TALK readers that the annual Tommy Ashton 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament, named in honor of his son, who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, will once again be held in the parish center at St. Sebastian, Woodside, next month.
The tournament schedule is as follows: 40 and Over Men’s Division, Friday, April 17 at 7 p.m.; Men’s General Division and Women’s General Division, Saturday, April 18 at 9 a.m.
Enjoy the competition, Chinese auction and raffles.
Visit www.thomasashtonfoundation.com for information about tournament participation or sponsorships.
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Here’s a special Lenten offering in Park Slope: The Xavier Company will present “No Greater Love,” a vibrant musical drama celebrating Christ’s Passion, death and resurrection at St. Saviour Church on March 20 at 7:30 p.m. Free-will offerings will be accepted and all are welcome to attend. Call 718-768-4055.
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Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will once again celebrate Irish culture by hosting a special breakfast on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17 at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Borough President Adams is expected to present awards to four leaders from Brooklyn’s Irish community, including: Irishman of the Year – Brendan Duggan, president of St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights; Judge Bellard Award – Judge Elizabeth A. Foley, acting justice, Kings County Supreme Court; Paul O’Dwyer Award – Kevin P. Carroll, Brooklyn Democratic Party; and the Commodore Barry Award – Mary Loughlin.
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Hundreds of prizes await at Card Party Extravaganza: Spring Fever! at Bishop Kearney H.S., Bensonhurst, March 20 at 7 p.m. The donation is $25, and includes a sandwich, soda, cookies, tea and coffee. Hundreds of prizes in Chinese auction style. Advance tickets only. Call 718 236-6363 ext. 247 or email vlake@kearneyhs.org.
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There are still seats available for the inaugural Catholic Men’s Conference, March 21 at Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus in the Bronx.
The theme is: “Men, Be Who You Are!” and the day is open to men of all ages.
Talks will be given by Cardinal Timothy Dolan; Damon Owens, public speaker and proponent of the Catholic faith and Joe Klecko, former New York Jets defensive lineman. Talks will be translated into Spanish.
Free admission for priests, religious, seminarians and deacons.
To register, visit www.nymensconference.org.
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Amid your festivities for the upcoming feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph, remember your homebound neighbors. Invite them for a special meal or share some soda bread or sfinge with them.
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Join the TALK. Submit Tablet TALK items to megiossi@desalesmedia.org.
