After the news of the earthquake in Nepal reached Jackson Heights last weekend, the students, staff and parents of Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) School decided to have a fundraiser to help the people of that country. On April 28, the school held a Dress Down Day. Although students and staff were only asked to contribute $1 each, donations amounted to $2,766, which was sent to Catholic Relief Services. Above, from left, OLF’s Nepalese-American students: Tenzing, Norden, Elaine and Kelsang Sherpa display the donation totals for each class. At OLF, students learn to “Do unto others,” and Principal Cassie Zelic is proud her students and teachers did just that!
• • •
Brooklyn-born Bishop Frank Caggiano is scheduled to be the celebrant and homilist for the annual Padre Pio Mass on May 20 at St. Josaphat Church, Bayside. The evening begins with 7 p.m. Mass, followed by a candlelight street procession. All are welcome to participate. For more information, call 718-229-1663.
• • •
Looking for a one-of-a-kind present for a special occasion? Look no further than Sister Elizabeth Stattel, O.P., who creates commissioned art pieces, copies of original work, customized notecards and more. Contact her at 516-352-7327.
• • •
The New York Blood Center collected 71 pints of blood during a recent blood drive at Our Lady of Lourdes, Queens Village. The next parish blood drive is scheduled for Oct. 25. Mark your calendar.
• • •
Enjoy a free afternoon of Gospel, jazz, Broadway, rhythm and blues and popular classics at “Songs Celebrating Love & Faith,” presented by singer Pat Gordon at St. Augustine Church, Park Slope, May 17. The event begins at 3:30 p.m., and Gordon will be accompanied by Antonie Brady on piano and Luke Waldron on alto saxophone. For more details, email songbird728@optonline.net.
• • •
Congratulations to Michael Conigliaro, who ran for state Senate last fall, on being named Man of the Year by the Queens County Conservative Party. He received his award at a gala held at Roma View Catering in Howard Beach, April 7.
Celebrating with Conigliaro, an active parishioner at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Forest Hills, was the Joint Parish Respect Life Committee of Queens.
Conigliaro, right, holds his award alongside his wife Connie and the Queens Conservative Party Chairman Tom Long.
• • •
Join the Padre Pio Prayer Group from the Immaculate Conception Passionist Monastery in Jamaica as they venerate the incorrupt remains of St. Padre Pio on a pilgrimage to Italy, Oct. 6-13. The cost is $2,999 per person. For details, call Nick Papallo, 718-739-6502 ext. 340.
• • •
Are you an alumnus of Cathedral Prep School and Seminary, East Elmhurst? Alumni, friends and supporters are invited to mark the Prep Seminary’s 100th anniversary at a Celebration Dinner on Sunday, Oct. 4, starting at 3 p.m. at Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island. For tickets, contact Tim McCleary at 718-592-6800 ext. 137 or alumni@cathedralprep.org.
• • •
The Dorothy Bennett Mercy Center will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Fort Greene on June 7. For more details, call 718-622-7448.
• • •
Rockaway Students Celebrate Mother Earth
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy, Rockaway Beach, observed Earth Day with a prayer service during which students were reminded that they’re called by God to care for His creation. Teacher Gina Todd helped eighth graders create a flower from recycled bottle caps, left. Students also drew posters showing what the Earth means to them.