Catholic Charities USA Supports Recovery Efforts After Tropical Storm Helene

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, Catholic Charities USA has distributed nearly $2 million for recovery efforts, including $500,000 to the Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic Charities agency.

These funds, along with the agency’s $2.2 million total raised, will assist North Carolina residents in FEMA-declared disaster areas. Catholic Charities caseworkers are actively evaluating needs to support long-term rebuilding efforts in the region.

To contribute to the relief, visit www.ccdoc.org/helenerelief.

Diocese of St. Petersburg Reported Damage to at Least Five Churches, Including the Cathedral

Patti Sidote from St. Petersburg was among the many Floridians forced to flee their homes as Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, approached the coast earlier this week.

Although the storm weakened before making landfall, it still caused widespread destruction, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and tornadoes.

This came just days after Hurricane Helene left parts of the state devastated.

Sidote shared her emotional experience, describing the fear that gripped her community as they prayed together via Zoom before evacuating.

“Everyone was scared for this one,” she said. Now, like millions of others, she is staying with family up north while her home remains without power.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg reported damage to at least five churches, including the cathedral, due to the back-to-back hurricanes.

Teresa Peterson, the diocese’s communications director, explained that there has been significant water intrusion and other structural damage, with roof leaks and missing shingles affecting multiple parishes.

“We will rebuild with God’s help,” Peterson said.

As residents deal with the aftermath, faith remains a guiding force.

“You have to have faith and … help your neighbors, your family, your friends,” Sidote said.

Despite the challenges ahead, the community remains hopeful and determined to rebuild.

Bishop Gregory Parkes, who had to evacuate as well, was active online, offering prayers before losing power, like many others in the region.

Catholic Charities USA has initiated a disaster relief campaign in response to Hurricane Milton.

100% of all donations will go directly to local Catholic Charities agencies to provide shelter, food, and humanitarian aid to those displaced by the storm.

To donate, text “MILTON” to 20406 or visit CCUSA’s website at ccusa.online/milton.

Catholic News Headlines for Thursday 10/10/2024

Hurricane Milton has moved off Florida’s coast. The powerful storm left behind heavy rain, strong winds, and tornadoes. Catholic churches and schools shut down in preparation, and prayers are being offered for all those affected by the deadly storm.

During the Synod on Synodality in Rome, members put their faith into action, raising thousands of dollars for the only Catholic church in Gaza. This donation is aimed at helping victims of the ongoing conflict.

American Cardinals Robert McElroy, Joseph Tobin, and Blase Cupich held a special meeting with Pope Francis during the Synod on Synodality. The cardinals discussed challenges facing the Catholic Church in the United States with the Pontiff.

Join us at St. Anselm Church in Bay Ridge for a fun-filled fall carnival! With rides, games, and plenty of food, the four-day event was a major success. The carnival also served as a fundraiser to support church renovations.

Diocese of Brooklyn’s Growing Number of Hispanic Deacons Reflects Community Commitment

By Katie Vasquez

Deacon Heriberto Cabrera’s journey to the altar has been one of deep faith and commitment.

Now serving at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church in Bergen Beach, Deacon Cabrera recalls his search for a closer relationship with God.

Initially considering the priesthood after attending Immaculate Conception Seminary in 1976, he eventually became a lawyer, but his call to serve remained strong.

At age 66, Deacon Cabrera was ordained and now joins a growing number of Hispanic deacons in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Nationwide, 20% of deacons are Hispanic, and 3% are Black, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

However, the Diocese of Brooklyn is far more diverse, with 46% of its deacons being Hispanic and 10% Black.

This trend shows no signs of slowing, as the Diocese is set to ordain 11 new deacons in 2025, including four Hispanic men, six white men, and one Black man.

Deacon Julio Barraneche, Secretary for Clergy Personnel, attributes this diversity to the multicultural fabric of New York City.

“We’ve been blessed with deacons from Hispanic, Haitian, and other national backgrounds,” Barraneche explains.

Father Mike Tedone, parochial vicar at St. Bernard of Clairvaux, praises Deacon Cabrera for his contributions to the parish.

“He’s a big help to our community, especially with his native Spanish, as he’s originally from the Dominican Republic,” Father Tedone said.

For Deacon Cabrera, his role is about living his faith and sharing it with others. “To me, it’s like the word of God is touching people, emanating from my very mouth,” he reflects.

This story reflects how the Diocese of Brooklyn continues to buck national trends with its increasingly diverse diaconate.

St. Edmund Prep Unveils Newly Renovated Gym After Major Overhaul

After years of gradual updates, St. Edmund Prep has completed a major renovation of its gym, a space also used for school Masses.

The girls’ volleyball team was the first to use the new features, which include a new floor, wall padding, and moveable bleachers. The Brooklyn Catholic high school spent over $200,000 on the project, unveiling the updated gym on the first day of school.

Students and staff say the improvements make the gym more functional and enjoyable for sports. The school also plans to add more padding and chairs for players in future updates.

Historic Baldacchino at St. Peter’s Basilica Set for Unveiling After Restoration

As preparations ramp up for the Jubilee Year, a major milestone is set to take place at St. Peter’s Basilica: the unveiling of the iconic Baldacchino.

The towering canopy, which stands nearly 30 meters high, has been hidden under scaffolding for the past 10 months as it underwent its first restoration in over 250 years.

This significant project was timed to be completed ahead of the Jubilee Year, a major event in the Catholic Church.

The restored Baldacchino will be revealed by Pope Francis during a special Mass on October 27th, marking a key moment in the lead-up to the celebrations.

Catholics in Florida Prepare for Hurricane Milton as Schools and Churches Close

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, Catholics across the state are taking precautions ahead of the anticipated landfall.

The storm, projected to be one of the strongest in Atlantic history, has prompted widespread closures.

Catholic schools, churches, and diocesan offices throughout the state have been closed until further notice.

As residents prepare for the storm, many are securing their homes with sandbags and taking other measures to mitigate damage.

Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg has sent a message of hope and faith to those in the hurricane’s path.

In his prayer, he asks God to guide and protect the community during this challenging time.

For more information and to support recovery efforts, visit https://www.ccdosp.org/post-helene/.

Immaculate Conception Church in Astoria Marks 100 Years of Faith and Community Service with Special Jubilee Celebrations

Immaculate Conception Church in Astoria, Queens, has officially kicked off its centenary celebrations this August.

The festivities began with a Eucharistic procession and the recitation of the Rosary, where Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Chappetto lit a jubilee candle before a gathering of 300 parishioners.

The church, whose cornerstone was laid in 1924, has a rich history that reflects the enthusiasm of its early parishioners, leading to the formation of the Holy Name, Rosary, and Altar Societies.

Pastor Monsignor Fernando Ferrarese emphasizes that this community spirit remains strong as the church looks forward to new opportunities for celebration and service in the coming year.

Holy Family Church Hosts Annual Eucharistic Prayer Rally for Diocese of Brooklyn Students

By Jessica Easthope

Building a connection with Christ can take a lifetime, but taking that first step toward one can happen in an instant.

“The presence of God. It was like I felt him with me. And I felt like so like faithful and happy that I was here today,” said sixth grader at Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy, Alexandra Olscewski.

Alexandra and hundreds of other Diocese of Brooklyn students got to explore their own personal relationships to Christ at Holy Family Church’s annual eucharist and prayer rally, Wednesday.

Through music, prayer, talks and a procession around the Fresh Meadows church, students had their own encounters. Pastor, Father Sean Suckiel says the message is clear.

“It’s the truth. The truth is that God loves them. And this is a message that they need to hear often. They’re made to be loved and that they are a gift to others,” Father Sean said.

Superintendent of Diocese of Brooklyn schools, Deacon Kevin McCormack says the closer students get to the eucharist the sooner they can find their life’s purpose.

“The Eucharist is what makes Catholics different. It’s the source and summit of our whole life. And here it is. We get to spend time giving thanks to God for that great gift,” said Deacon McCormack.

And at the rally the students spoke about a kid just like them and how the eucharist transformed his life. After learning more about Blessed Carlo Acutis ahead of his upcoming feast day – inspiration was flowing.

“It really inspired because, like, if I follow down the same path that he went down, I could become Saint. I just need to keep praying and keep going to church,” said sixth grader at Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy Matthew Roder.

Blessed Carlo Acutis is expected to be canonized next year, his feast day is celebrated on October 12.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday 10/9/2024

Students from across the Diocese of Brooklyn gathered at Holy Family Church in Fresh Meadows for a special Junior High Prayer Rally. This uplifting event brought young people together to strengthen their faith through worship and community. Watch the highlights from this inspiring day of unity and devotion.

After more than a decade of renovations, St. Edmund Prep in Sheepshead Bay has officially unveiled its newly upgraded gym! Over $200,000 was invested in the project, featuring a new floor, wall padding, and moveable bleachers. The girls’ volleyball team is thrilled with the results. Check out the transformation!

Immaculate Conception Church in Astoria is marking a major milestone—100 years of faith and service! In August, the parish celebrated with a beautiful Eucharistic procession and the recitation of the Rosary. Join us as we look back on a century of history and community.

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, Catholic schools, churches, and offices have closed in preparation. Catholic Charities is on standby to provide aid to those impacted, continuing their mission to assist disaster victims, including those still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Stay updated on the situation and how you can help.