Father Robert Whelan, pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Bayside, recently led a group of 12 missioners to Mustard Seed Communities in Managua and Diriamba, Nicaragua, for a weeklong mission of work, prayer and support. Tasks for the group consisted of clearing land of weeds, debris and stones; scraping and painting window grills […]
by Ed Wilkinson The first parish established in Queens is now the first church in the diocese to house a stained-glass window honoring Pope Francis and one depicting Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio’s coat of arms. Bishop DiMarzio dedicated the colorful new windows at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Astoria, Dec. 7, as part of a […]
Lucia Elyas, sophomore St. Saviour H.S. Advent means a new beginning, starting over. To me Christmas is a big deal, and I love the time preparing for it. We, as Catholics, should participate in Advent through more than just buying gifts. Jessica Verga, sophomore Bishop Kearney H.S. Advent means donating to those […]
Shortly after arriving in the Diocese of Brooklyn just over 10 years ago, I first saw the Church of St. Joseph on Pacific Street, and I was immediately struck by the beauty of this large and magnificent Church in the heart of a renaissance taking place in Brooklyn. It was at that time when I […]
by Sister Karen M. Cavanagh, C.S.J. Are we there yet? How much longer? In today’s technological world, we might not hear that question uttered aloud from a traveler. In a car, we can check the GPS. On a plane, we can track our travel, the miles flown and miles to go and know almost exactly […]
In The Apostle’s Creed, we profess that at some point between His death and resurrection, Christ “descended into hell.” Though the origins of this doctrine are obscure and scriptural references sparse, the logic is strong that salvation – to be truly universal – must reach into the very heart of darkness, the jaws of evil […]
The Christmas creche and trees were lit Dec. 1 at Visitation Monastery, Bay Ridge, to mark the traditional opening of the Festival of Lights. Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, chaplain to Visitation Academy, blessed the manger scene and then celebrated Mass for the First Sunday of Advent. Following Mass, two awards were presented: the Distinguished Faculty Award […]
by Father Eugene F. Hemrick AFTER EXPERIENCING Christmas for so many years, it’s easy for it to become “just another” Christmas. It makes me think of a quote by A.J. Conyers in his book, “The Listening Heart: Vocation and the Crisis of Modern Culture.” Conyers says the following: “To be modern is to exist increasingly […]
by Sister Karen M. Cavanagh, C.S.J. THE RITE of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process is such a wonder-filled experience. Accompanying members of a parish community on their pathway to baptism can be a blessed teachable moment for the candidates (the elect) and for teachers and parishioners who journey with them. One December evening during […]
Advent begins – a new year for our journey of faith through our time in salvation history. As good a time as any for each one of us, layperson, religious, priest – in whichever current position or stage of life and well-being – to take a personal spiritual inventory. The question at the end of […]
