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Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday 10/23/2024

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and tonight we’ll meet a survivor who says her church helped her get through her diagnosis and treatment.  Allison Attong-Rogers has been a parishioner at St. Clare Church for nearly 40 years. She calls the Rosedale parish her source of hope.

Church also became a source of hope for one catholic couple. Sixto and Maria Torres said when they arrived in the U.S. from Ecuador they had strayed from their faith, but when they started experiencing problems, they recommitted themselves to God and each other.

A special Mass was celebrated by Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan after a Brooklyn church turned 175-years old this week. The Mass was celebrated on Sunday, Oct. 20, at St Patrick’s in Bay Ridge to commemorate this milestone anniversary.

Election day is less than two weeks away and we are preparing with prayer. During each newscast before election day, a different priest in the diocese of Brooklyn will lead us in prayer.

Statue of Blessed Mother at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Flatbush Vandalized

By Jessica Easthope

A shocking act of vandalism at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church has left the parish community devastated after two beloved statues were desecrated early Monday, Oct. 21.

Father Liju Augustine, the church’s pastor, expressed his sadness over the incident.

One of the statues destroyed was of the Blessed Mother, which had been part of the church for nearly a century.

Recently restored and repainted, the statue’s right hand was shattered by the vandal.

In surveillance footage, a man can be seen on church property for about 30 minutes, behaving erratically. He kissed the statues inappropriately before proceeding to smash them.

“I’m not angry,” said Father Augustine. “I’m really saddened. But when I speak to my people, people of tremendous faith, we know how to forgive.”

Carmen Freeman and Jackie Lawrence, coordinators of the church’s food pantry, were among the first to witness the damage.

“I’m still in shock. I prayed for whoever did it,” said Freeman.

Lawrence echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the community’s faith in finding the person responsible and their commitment to praying for them.

In response to the incident, Father Augustine announced that the church’s gate, which had previously been open 24/7, will now close daily at 5 PM to prevent further acts of vandalism.

Diocese of Brooklyn to Come Together for Annual Mass of Hope and Healing

The annual Mass of Hope and Healing, set for October 24th at St. Pancras Church, offers a space for survivors of clerical sexual abuse to seek solace, healing, and renewed faith in the Catholic Church.

Organized by and for survivors, the liturgy includes readings, songs, and prayers carefully chosen to support the emotional and spiritual recovery of those affected.

Elizabeth Harris, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Victim Assistance Coordinator, emphasized the importance of this Mass as a platform for healing and solidarity among survivors.

“We hope this Mass provides an outlet for survivors to find hope and healing, and to know that their journey can be long and different for each individual.”

Maryellen Quinn, Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People, reinforced the Church’s commitment to supporting survivors and preventing future abuse.

The bilingual Mass will be celebrated by Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan at 7 PM, and for those unable to attend in person, it will be broadcast live on NET TV.

Event Details:

Location: St. Pancras Church, 72-22 68th St, Glendale, Queens
Time: 7 PM
Broadcast: Live on NET fTV

March for Life 2025 Theme Revealed: ‘Every Life’ Calls Pro-Lifers to Unite in Washington D.C.

As the 2025 National March for Life approaches, organizers have revealed the theme: “Every Life: Why We March”.

The message aims to encourage pro-lifers to remain steadfast in their advocacy, especially as states across the country continue to introduce abortion-related measures at the ballot box.

This year’s march seeks to remind participants of the ongoing fight to protect the unborn, more than two years after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which shifted abortion laws from federal to state control.

The Diocese of Brooklyn is planning to send a large group of pro-life supporters to Washington, D.C., for the event.

Those interested in joining can reach out to Christian Rada, Director of Marriage, Family, and Respect Life Education, via email at CRada@diobrook.org.

Event Information:
Theme: Every Life: Why We March
Event: National March for Life
Contact: CRada@diobrook.org

March for Life’s new president, Jennie Bradley Lichter, joins Currents News to talk more about this year’s theme.

The Bridge to Life Hosts Client Appreciation Day, Celebrating Pro-Life Choices

By Jessica Easthope

The Bridge to Life, a pro-life organization dedicated to supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies, recently hosted its first-ever Client Appreciation Day.

Mothers who chose life for their babies were welcomed with open arms, provided with essential supplies, and celebrated for their decision.

Tracy Tang, a former client and now a volunteer, reflected on her own journey.

Two years ago, she found herself grappling with an unplanned pregnancy and wasn’t sure if she was ready to become a mother. But after connecting with The Bridge to Life, she made the life-changing decision to keep her baby.

“They assured me everything would be okay. Francesca would call me regularly to see how I was doing,” said Tang, now married and expecting her second child. “It’s like family.”

During the event, moms received gift cards, supplies, food assistance, and clothing.

The joy was evident, as many walked away with extra items on top of what they regularly receive from the organization.

Francesca Yellico, The Bridge to Life’s Executive Director, emphasized that their mission goes beyond material support.

“We want them to know they’re valued, and that they’re not alone. We walk with them throughout their pregnancy and beyond.”

A highlight of the day was a fun activity called “Diaper Pong,” where moms won packs of diapers from EveryLife, a pro-life diaper company.

Earlier this year, EveryLife made headlines by offering lifetime supplies of diapers to expectant mothers near a Planned Parenthood mobile clinic.

The Bridge to Life continues its partnership with Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, and plans to expand its collaboration with EveryLife to further support women and families in need.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday 10/22/2024

An act of vandalism at a Catholic parish in Brooklyn as a statue of Mary was damaged outside St. Therese of Lisieux Church.

The Diocese of Brooklyn’s annual Mass of Hope and Healing will be held at St. Pancras Church in Glendale. This special liturgy, planned by victim-survivors for victim-survivors of sexual abuse, aims to offer healing and rebuild trust within the Catholic Church.

The Bridge to Life, an organization serving thousands of women and families with essential supplies, held a Client Appreciation Day. The event was a heartfelt thank you to the mothers who chose life, celebrating the precious gift of family.

As the National March for Life approaches in three months, thousands are gearing up to walk the National Mall in support of the unborn. Meet the woman set to lead the March for Life organization and hear what she describes as her vision for the future.

Italian Americans in Diocese of Brooklyn Honor Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii with Williamsburg Procession

The streets of Williamsburg were filled with celebration as Italian Americans gathered to honor Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii. 

The procession began at St. Francis of Paola Church and continued to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, where parishioners carried a statue of the 19th-century Marian image.

Led by Brooklyn’s Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio, the march was accompanied by prayers and music. An Italian entertainer added to the atmosphere, singing classical songs with the crowd.

The event culminated with an Italian-language Mass celebrated by Bishop DiMarzio at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, marking a special day for the Italian-American Catholic community.

St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy Scores Big with Jersey Fundraiser for Hurricane Relief

Yankees and Mets fans weren’t the only ones celebrating this weekend—students at St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy in Flushing, Queens, hit a fundraising home run of their own.

On Friday, students participated in a dress-down fundraiser, wearing their favorite team jerseys to support hurricane relief efforts. For a $5 donation, they proudly represented their teams while raising funds for families impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

So far, the school has raised more than $1,600 for the Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. Principal Debora Hanna praised the students for their generosity, emphasizing the importance of community service as a valuable life lesson.

New Principal Transforms Incarnation Catholic Academy with STEM Resources

By Jessica Easthope

Incarnation Catholic Academy in Queens Village is undergoing a major transformation under its new principal, Ivan Green. 

With a background in nuclear medicine, Green has set out to reshape the school’s learning environment, converting unused classrooms into a library, a hydroponics lab, and a state-of-the-art STEM lab for middle schoolers.

As the first Black male principal in the Diocese of Brooklyn, Green carries the weight of high expectations. 

“There’s a lot more in terms of expectations of you, especially from the minority kids who look to you for support,” Green said. “Despite the challenges, he remains focused on providing students with every opportunity to succeed.”

Green’s unique career path, from studying how to use radioactive materials to diagnose and treat diseases, to now leading a school, reflects his commitment to turning potential waste into something valuable. 

“I want the kids to apply creativity and science principles not just in STEM, but across all areas of their lives,” he said.

Beyond academics, Green emphasizes the importance of faith. 

“You can’t achieve or acquire anything unless it’s through God,” he said, reinforcing his Christ-centered philosophy in the classroom.

For Green, the relationship between students and their principal is a two-way street. 

“I need them because I need to see them excel,” he said, calling their success his latest experiment.

As students dive into new learning experiences, Green remains committed to providing the resources they need to thrive, no matter their background or geographical location.