Reflections of a Grateful Diocesan Co-Worker

by Gerald Tortorella

As has been reported in these pages, I will retire later this year as the Director of the Pastoral Institute of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s School of Evangelization. I was honored at the recent Commissioning Ceremony and honored with the National Association for Lay Ministry’s Spirit of the Conference Award. Now it is my turn to recognize and honor those persons who accompanied me along this journey.

Grilling with God Series 2017

Richmond Hill is the place for young adults to connect with faith and friends on Thursday evenings this June as the Grilling With God Series returns to Holy Child Jesus parish for a seventh year.

Thirty-Five Complete Lay Ministry Program

Sponsored by the diocesan School of Evangelization’s Pastoral Institute, 35 men and women completed the three-year course that prepares the laity to assume leadership roles in the Church.

Honors for Pastoral Institute Head

The National Association for Lay Ministry will present its Spirit of the Conference Award to Gerald Tortorella, director of the diocesan Pastoral Institute, at its 41st annual conference in June.

Teens Share Faith at Diocesan Youth Day

The Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston, hosted nearly 750 youth from all over the diocese as the final installment of this year’s Brooklyn Catholic Youth Day event.

Father Lauder’s 53rd Friday Film Festival

Father Robert Lauder and the Office of Faith Formation, School of Evangelization, will present the 53rd Friday Film Festival at the Immaculate Conception Pastoral Center in Douglaston, on six Fridays this spring.

Evangelization Congress Was a Family Affair

When Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on the family “Amoris Laetitia” (“The Joy of Love”) was published, the media highlighted points like communion for the divorce. But the nearly 900 people who attended this year’s Diocesan Evangelization Congress dedicated a day to studying the entire document.

Mercy on the Streets: Young Adult Walking Pilgrimage

Holy Doors, a noted historian, church and street art and a wedding were among the different and sometimes unexpected ways Catholics experienced faith and fellowship on a walking pilgrimage in Brooklyn, Oct. 15.