The Tablet Art Contest’s First Special Honoree

For the first time since The Tablet joined with the Archbishop John Hughes Knights of Columbus Council No. 481 to create the Christmas art contest 12 years ago, one student will receive special recognition as an honoree for his artwork at the award ceremony: eighth-grader and special needs student Diego Tecpanecatl, a parishioner at St. Helen’s Church in Howard Beach.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day Tradition Continues in Diocese

The Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, Prospect Heights, is six miles from St. Mary’s Winfield, Woodside, or more than a two-hour walk — a pilgrimage that Janelli Nunez and her parents, Cira and Antonio, make every year on Dec. 12 for the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Creative Mind Behind the Christmas Magic

Months before the calendars read “December” and pink and purple Advent candles were placed on altars in preparation for Jesus’ birth, one man was tasked with configuring how many tiny red fluorescent lights would complement hundreds of yards of red ribbon on a Christmas tree to bring awareness to the plight of persecuted Christians around the world. Enter the world of Mark Steele.

Queens Charity Bucks Giving Trend

The organization, which is run by the Sisters of St. Joseph, has seen a steady increase in donations over the last seven years, according to Jeffrey Smith, a development associate at the agency, countering a national trend of less charitable giving. Donations to Hour Children rose 19 percent during a three-year period ended June 2018, the charity said.

Deceased Clergy of Diocese Remembered at Annual Mass

After Mass, Bishop DiMarzio and six auxiliary bishops prayed in the downstairs crypt at the Immaculate Conception Center for the 16 diocesan priests and deacons who have died within the past year and for the souls of all the clergy who have gone before.