2024

Meet Kenny Hogan, a parishioner at Blessed Trinity Parish in Breezy Point, who has visited nearly 100 churches across Queens. Discover how this journey has deepened his appreciation for the rich, diverse Diocese of Immigrants.

Catholics worldwide gathered for World Mission Sunday, a special time of solidarity for those spreading the faith across the globe. The Diocesan Director for the Propagation of the Faith led a special Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph and honored two schools that raised thousands for missionary work.

The Diocese of Brooklyn celebrated Polish pride with a vibrant celebration at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. A special heritage mass was celebrated on Sunday and hosted by the Ministry to Polish Immigrants of the diocese.

Ivan Green, a former scientist and now principal at Incarnation Catholic Academy in Queens Village, is making waves by blending STEM education with faith. Learn more about his unique approach to teaching, where Christ and science go hand-in-hand in the classroom, in Currents News’ series introducing you to the new principals in diocesan schools.

New Principal Brings Structure and Stability to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy

By Jessica Easthope

It’s been only a few weeks since Denise Reicino became the principal of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy in Corona, but her impact is already visible.

Reicino is deeply involved in the school community, knowing each student and parent by name.

“We know every child by name, we know every parent by name, and we know every parent’s situation,” she said.

The school serves a unique population — 95% of the students are undocumented, and English is their second language. Despite being a native Spanish speaker, Reicino faces her own challenges, particularly when it comes to bridging cultural gaps.

“A lot of the challenges that I feel that I’m experiencing are cultural. It’s sometimes hard to communicate American culture to families who are just arriving in the country,” Reicino explains.

Many of the students’ families are migrants from Ecuador, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Reicino is determined to make the school a safe haven for these children.

“Discipline is very important,” she said. “But it’s not just about being harsh—it’s about being consistent. I want school to be a place where students can find refuge. For that to happen, the environment needs to be calm, with clear rules that we all follow.”

With most students coming from strong faith backgrounds, Reicino’s role also includes nurturing their Catholic identity.

“I respect any parent who values Catholic education as an investment in their child’s future,” she said. “They know their faith will help their children strive for better things, both in school and in life. And we honor that investment by connecting their children to their faith.”

Reicino is not only shaping the students’ academic and spiritual lives but also growing as an educator herself.

“Listening to students is key,” she said. “Even as a principal, I’m still learning. As an educator, that never stops.”

$10M Raised at 79th Annual Al Smith Dinner as Humor and Politics Collide

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN — The jokes were flying at the 79th Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a tradition that during presidential election years is usually a night where both candidates put aside their rancor and engage in light-hearted banter in a spirit of bipartisanship.

However, while both presidential candidates delivered remarks at this year’s dinner on Oct. 17 at the New York Hilton Midtown, only one of them was there in person.

Former President Donald Trump, this year’s Republican nominee, was the evening’s featured speaker. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, opted not to attend and instead sent a pre-recorded video greeting to attendees of the black-tie affair.

Harris’ absence marked the first time a presidential nominee did not show up for the Al Smith Dinner since Democrat Walter Mondale in 1984 — a fact that Trump joked about in his remarks.

“The last person not to attend this event was Walter Mondale, and it did not go very well for him,” Trump said to laughter from the audience. Mondale, the Democratic nominee in 1984, lost the election in a landslide to Republican Ronald Reagan. “He lost 49 states and won one, Minnesota,” he added.

In her video, which was played just before Trump took the podium, Harris took “advice” from Mary Catherine Gallagher, a Saturday Night Live character from the 1990s. The fictional Catholic schoolgirl, played by actress Molly Shannon, warned her not to say anything negative about Catholics.

“I would never do that no matter where I was. That would be like criticizing Detroit in Detroit,” Harris said in a reference to recent remarks Trump made in Detroit in which he noted the Motor City’s struggles to emerge from bankruptcy and warned that the rest of the country could wind up in a similar situation.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York presided over the gala, a sold-out affair that drew 1,500 people, including Mayor Eric Adams, Senator Charles Schumer, and numerous luminaries from the worlds of politics, media, and sports. Trump attended with his wife, Melania, who is Catholic.

Bishop Robert Brennan, who was among the guests seated on a dais, said he was looking forward to the evening.

“It’s a great custom. It’s always nice to see so many people who are involved in so many areas of city life, so many areas of business and politics, and government,” Bishop Brennan said. “And it’s meant to be a relaxing night, a little bit of fun, and yet remind us of who we are as Americans — that we participate in this great political process where we debate, we share ideas, and make informed decisions.”

Comedian Jim Gaffigan, a Catholic, performed the hosting duties.

“Good evening, rich people!” he said. “I’ve got to be honest. I feel like I’m at a casting call for Daddy Warbucks, and I’m not going to get the job,” he said to the audience at the $5,000-a-plate dinner. Gaffigan was referring to Daddy Warbucks, the millionaire from the “Little Orphan Annie” cartoons from the 1930s.

The gala dinner serves as a major fundraiser for the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation, an organization founded in 1946 to honor the memory of Alfred E. Smith, the Democratic governor of New York in the 1920s who, in 1928, was the first Catholic to be nominated by a major political party for president.

The foundation provides financial support for non-profits in the Archdiocese of New York that help the underprivileged and children. It was announced at the dinner that the evening raised close to $10 million. Gaffigan repeatedly joked that former mayor Mike Bloomberg, a billionaire sitting on the dais, should chip in to put the foundation over the $10 million mark.

While Trump and Harris have sharply disagreed on the campaign trail, there was one area in which they agreed — the good work done by the Catholic Church.

“You do something incredible,” Trump said. “The Catholic Church helps the poor, educating children, and supporting the vulnerable.”

“The Al Smith dinner provides a rare opportunity to set aside partisanship and come together to do some good by supporting the tremendous charitable work of the Catholic Church,” Harris said.

In a lighthearted moment, Cardinal Dolan sought to strike a bipartisan note.

“Can you imagine sitting here with (Democratic Senator) Chuck Schumer on my right and Donald Trump on my left?” he joked. “That is a rare occurrence!”

Catholic News Headlines for Friday 10/18/2024

The annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner brought humor and generosity to Manhattan, raising millions for kids in need in the Archdiocese of New York. While former President Donald Trump attended in person and delivered a speech, Vice President Kamala Harris sent her remarks via video. The event has become a tradition during the election seasons.

Denise Reicino is the new principal at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy in Corona, Queens. With most students being undocumented, Reicino is determined to bring structure and faith to the school community. See how she is making a difference in Currents News’ series introducing you to the new principals in diocesan schools.

In honor of World Mission Sunday, Brooklyn’s Bishop Robert Brennan highlights the incredible work of Church missionaries across the globe on his podcast, “Big City Catholics.”

Bay Ridge Catholic Academy Opens New Science Lab, Igniting Student Curiosity and Exploration

By Katie Vasquez

Seventh graders at Bay Ridge Catholic Academy are suiting up in lab coats and goggles, diving into hands-on experiments thanks to a newly established science lab.

The state-of-the-art facility offers students an immersive learning experience, allowing them to explore scientific concepts that go beyond what was possible in a traditional classroom.

“I was really happy, especially knowing there’s so much to learn in science,” said seventh grader Noah Palmer, excited about the lab’s potential.

The lab has sparked student interest, with many, like Robert Palmese, envisioning future careers in fields like medicine and research.

The school’s science program came to life with the help of equipment from two closed Catholic schools, Salve Regina in East New York and Holy Angels in Bay Ridge.

Principal Paul Morisi described the lab’s creation as a “resurrection” of those schools’ programs, bringing new energy to Bay Ridge Catholic’s science curriculum.

Parents like Daniel McKenna played a crucial role, volunteering to transport the equipment from the shuttered schools, creating a strong sense of community involvement.

With this collaborative effort, Bay Ridge Catholic students are now well-equipped to explore the wonders of science in their very own lab.

Catholic News Headlines for Thursday 10/17/2024

Thursday night is the iconic Al Smith Dinner in New York City, which will help raise funds for needy children in the Archdiocese of New York. The event will be hosted by Catholic comedian Jim Gaffigan, and former President Donald Trump will attend.

“Every Life: Why We March” will be the them for the 2025 March for Life. Organizers hope to inspire renewed passion within the pro-life movement.

Pope Francis will release his memoir “Hope” in January. It’s the first by a sitting pope. Originally planned for a posthumous release, it’s set to debut during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.

Meet the future scientists of Brooklyn. Bay Ridge Catholic Academy unveils its new science lab, equipped with resources from two closed schools, Salve Regina and Holy Angels. Students are loving their hands-on learning experience.

St. Mel’s Catholic Academy Welcomes New Principal to Lead School’s Growth and Success

By Jessica Easthope

St. Mel’s Catholic Academy is excited to introduce its new principal, Lauren Giacalone, who is ready to make an impact.

Giacalone is looking to not only help students grow but to grow alongside them.

“I’m in the classrooms all the time. That’s where I belong,” Giacalone shares. “I want the children to know me, and I want to know them. I want to help with a lesson where a child is struggling.”

Giacalone wants to be seen and accessible to everyone in the school, both staff and students.

Her goal is to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

St. Mel’s journey has been one of resilience.

Once at risk of closure, the school was able to maintain and expand.

The 3rd graders, who were once the oldest in the school, will soon be the first 8th grade class, restoring the school’s full grade structure.

Since becoming principal, Giacalone immediately felt a deep sense of acceptance.

“This building has such a sense of home and family,” she said. “Everyone has taken me in as if I’ve been here forever.”

Her mission is clear: to be the kind of educator who makes a lasting difference.

“I need to be the person who remembers each child, their story, and who they are,” Giacalone said. “That’s what changes lives,” she says.

Giacalone’s passion for Catholic education shines through as she embarks on this journey at St. Mel’s, determined to leave a lasting impact on her students and community.

Thousands Still Without Power as Catholic Churches in Florida Support Recovery Efforts After Hurricane Milton

Florida continues its recovery in the wake of Hurricane Milton’s devastation. As of Monday, Oct. 14, nearly 400,000 people remain without power, a significant drop from the nearly four million immediately after the storm hit.

Despite ongoing power outages, at least 13 Catholic churches in the Diocese of St. Petersburg held Mass over the weekend. These parishes not only opened their doors for worship but also offered critical aid to their communities, providing supplies and temporary shelter to those in need.

Hurricane Milton has left behind an estimated $160 billion in property damage and economic loss, making it one of the most destructive storms in Florida’s history. The long-term impact on homeowners and insurance rates remains uncertain, with potential changes expected next year.

Father Chuck Dornquast, the Vocations Director for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, is on the ground helping with recovery efforts. He joins Currents News to share his experience and insights as he and others help communities rebuild after the storm.

Annual Eucharistic Procession Through Midtown Manhattan Draws Thousands

By Katie Vasquez

Thousands of New Yorkers experienced a unique sight during the evening rush hour as a Eucharistic procession, led by priests, sisters, and laypeople, wound its way through the streets of Midtown Manhattan.

The procession, starting at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and passing Radio City Music Hall, brought the Body of Christ into the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities.

Kasia Domaraezka, visiting from Poland, expressed her emotions while witnessing the event.

“I really feel very touched by this,” Domaraezka said. “And I kneeled when I saw … the body of Christ.”

The event, organized by the Napa Institute, aims to inspire faith through public displays of devotion.

“It’s going out to touch people with Jesus in the real presence … and the Holy Spirit is working to bring these people into the faith,” said Tim Busch, founder of the Napa Institute.

Since its inception four years ago, the procession has seen growing popularity, with nearly 2 million online views.

For many participants, it’s a recurring experience.

“I’ve come here before … and there’s actually a lot more people,” said Joseph Herrera, a sophomore at Cathedral Prep School and Seminary in Elmhurst..

Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the faithful prepared with prayer, including the rosary and a Holy Hour. Msgr. James Shea, president of the University of Mary, emphasized the spiritual importance of the procession.

“In the midst of it, we are putting out to the deep,” Msgr. Shea said. “We are going all out for Jesus.”

One of the highlights for many was the opportunity to venerate a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a Millennial soon to be canonized as a saint.

“It’s a beautiful thing because next year, he’s going to be canonized a saint,” Busch said.

This moment was particularly special for Zoe Dongas, a perpetual pilgrim who has traveled across the country for the Eucharistic Revival.

“To get to experience that with the people of my city, to proclaim Jesus from the streets, there’s no higher honor,” Dongas said.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday 10/16/2024

Thousands gathered for the fourth annual Eucharistic Procession, stopping traffic in Midtown Manhattan as they walked with the Body of Christ from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Participants shared their faith as they navigated through the bustling city streets during rush hour.

In Florida, thousands remain without power after the devastation caused by back-to-back storms, though recovery efforts are in full swing. While some churches faced severe flooding, others are providing shelter, masses and essential supplies for those in need.

Meet Father Chuck Dornquast, the Vocations Director of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, who is on the ground assisting with relief efforts in Florida. Hear his firsthand account of the situation and how we can all help.

Lauren Giacalone, the new principal at St. Mel’s Catholic Academy in Flushing, discusses her vision for the school and what it means to serve the Diocese of Brooklyn community in Currents News’ series introducing you to the new principals in diocesan schools.