Rachel and Patrick Contino, parishioners of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church in Bergen Beach, are the parents of three children. This makes them something of a rarity in New York City.
Diocese of Brooklyn
Giving Parkinson’s Disease the One-Two Punch Makes Her Day
Fran Vella-Marrone, a paralegal from Dyker Heights, has taken up boxing, not to go 12 rounds in a championship fight, but to throw swift jabs at Parkinson’s disease, an illness she has been living with for the past two years.
The Symbolism, Meaning Behind What Surrounds You in Church
While many Catholics might not be aware of it, the simple act of blessing oneself with holy water upon entering a church is filled with symbolism and meaning.
Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez’s Appointment to Florida Diocese Continues Brooklyn-Palm Beach Catholic Legacy
For 28 of its 41-year history, the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida, has been led by a bishop with either past or eventual ties to the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Beloved Queens Pastor Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez Leaving to Lead Florida Diocese as New Bishop of Palm Beach
On Dec. 19, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop-designate Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez as the next bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida.
Diocese of Brooklyn, Parishioners Discuss Increasing Parish Collaboration
On Dec. 10 and 11, diocesan officials met with parishioners from 19 parishes that will enter into a reconfiguration process.
Warriors, Come Out to Pray! Civilian Group Show Support for NYPD Officers
To demonstrate support and appreciation for officers, members of a newly formed NYPD Prayer Warriors gather outside police precincts on Saturday mornings to pray, sing hymns, and say a heartfelt “thank you” to cops.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Draws Another Record Crowd in the Diocese of Brooklyn
Bishop Brennan said that the 4,400 young people combined at the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Masses are the future of the Church.
Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon Raises More Than $450,000 for Catholic Education
Hundreds of people turned out to show their support for Catholic education by attending the Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon, where organizers said more than $450,000 was raised. The luncheon, held at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach on Dec. 10, raises money for the Catholic education and youth ministry programs in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Christmas Toy Shop a Gift for Financially Strapped Shoppers in Diocese
An estimated 600 people visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Dec. 10, where Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ) set up a free “toy shop” filled with everything from dolls to trucks to books and puzzles that parents could pick out to give their children for Christmas. All for free.