By Jessica Easthope
It’s the biggest turnout the annual Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon has ever had.
Some 900 people all showed support for the same cause, getting the youth of the Diocese of Brooklyn closer to Christ.
It was only fitting that students from St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy in Ozone Park were front and center at Russo’s On The Bay catering hall in Howard Beach.
Money raised at this year’s event will go toward Futures in Education scholarships, helping low-income students go to Catholic school and a new youth ministry program called Generations. As the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens turns 25, it’s launching a program that looks to empower young people to explore their faith.
“It just is really tremendous to keep us going with our program’s youth ministry, get a youth minister in all of our parishes,” said Samuel Romanzo, board chairman of Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens. “It’s really gonna be a great thing and we hope all the people really embrace it and support it.”
Bishop Robert Brennan said he only has one thing on his Christmas list this year and it can’t be found under a tree.
“What I want more than anything is to provide opportunities for our young people to know that gift of friendship with Jesus Christ,” Bishop Brennan said.
This year’s event honored three people who have championed Catholic education, past, present, and future. Thomas Sorrentino Jr. received the Emma E. Daniels Award, Michelle Stoddart received the Spirit of Hope Award, and Father Joseph Gibino received the St. John Paul II Distinguished Stewardship Award.
“From Pope Paul VI through our present pontiff, Francis, each and every one of the popes have asked us to be evangelizers,” Father Gibino said. “Those who work to spread the good news of the Gospel, and this event is all about how we do that.”
The Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens raised more than $300,000 at the event.
You too can help the young Catholics of Brooklyn and Queens, just go to catholicfoundationbq.org to donate.