Man With ALS Fulfills Lifelong Skydiving Dream

By Jessica Easthope

It started with a surprise from a good friend. It’s been a life of love for aviation for 66-year-old Mark Johnson.

“I used to fly an airplane when I was a kid,” said Mark Johnson. “I always wanted to jump out of one.”

Johnson is living with ALS. He was given two to five years to live, but that was 24 years ago.

Since then, he’s been fighting. However, in mid-April, he was moved into hospice care and was asked if he could do one thing, what would it be. He said he would like to jump out of a plane.

“I’m very excited,” Johnson said. “I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to do it.”

So on Friday, June 14, Mark suited up.

Johnson said he hopes he’s an example of why folks fighting ALS should never give up.

“A lot of people don’t know much about ALS,” Johnson said. “It’s very devastating.”

He credits his courage on this day.

“That has to do with the people I have around me today,” Johnson said. “They gave me that hope and courage. Live one day at a time and live it to the fullest. My father was an airline pilot. I’ve always loved to fly. I think it’s a sense of freedom with all of God’s creations out there. Beyond amazing.”

Johnson actually learned to fly a plane before he had a driver’s license and has always wanted to skydive throughout his life.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday 6/18/2024

Compassion and accessibility intersect in Crown Heights. We’ll show you the new inclusive playground at St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf where children who are deaf, deaf-blind, and deaf-disabled play together without limits.

President Joe Biden is expected to announce a new immigration policy that would protect undocumented spouses of US citizens from deportation.

Details of the president’s discussion with Pope Francis at the G7 summit are being released. The two leaders met about the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, and peace in Sudan and the Congo, according to a White House statement.

Pope Francis condemned the persecution of Christians in the Congo. The Holy Father said there’s a climate of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Christians in Congo have faced ongoing oppression since 2014, with armed groups targeting individuals and destroying dozens of churches. Pope Francis has called on the international community to help stabilize the area.

Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio Celebrates 80th Birthday

While dad’s everywhere were being celebrated on Father’s Day, a beloved father in the Diocese of Brooklyn was celebrated for a different reason.

Yesterday was Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio’s 80th birthday.

Hundreds sent their well wishes to our former bishop on social media.

Fox-5 Anchor Bianca Peters Graduates From St. Athanasius After Getting Another Chance at Kindergarten

St. Athanasius Catholic Academy in Bensonhurst saw 20 kindergarten students graduate this past week, but one of them stood above the rest.

At the beginning of the school year, Bianca Peters, a morning news anchor at Fox-5 News, spent a day with Christina Galante’s kindergarten class, hoping to have a better experience than she did 30 years ago.

Peters had to repeat kindergarten as a kid, but this time around she got to walk across the stage confidently.

Peters said that if she had attended St. Athanasius Academy, she knows she would have thrived.

Peters says her latest participation in kindergarten has been the best time yet.

St. Adalbert 8th Grader Lets Musical Gift Guide His Future

By Jessica Easthope

It’s not every day you hear rock-and-roll bursting out of the windows of a Catholic academy, but here at St. Adalbert in Elmhurst, eighth grader Andrew Nazario is in his element.

“If anything’s bothering me, I should go play some instruments,” Nazario said. “And it’s kind of like an escape where I get to calm down and relax a little bit and do what I love.”

This summer, Nazario’s task is to learn to read music. In September, he’ll be attending Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, ranked among the most prestigious in the country.

“I think I have to heighten my skills a little bit before I go to LaGuardia,” Nazario said. “The kids there, they’re probably been playing since they’re like two or three years old.”

It’s hard to believe, but these fingers touched a guitar for the first time just two years ago, and the drums only this past December.

“It wasn’t too hard,” Nazario said. “But when I really started practicing chords and scales and started learning about music theory, it became a little bit harder. But it’s still fairly easy for me.”

With every note, Nazario unlocked a God-given, but hidden, talent. His father Ricardo said music has changed the trajectory of his son’s life. It turns out Nazario was born to perform.

“We’re super proud of him,” Ricardo said. “My wife and I decided we’ll get him a used instrument first, and if he likes it and if he’s good at it, then we’ll progress from there.”

It wasn’t until Nazario learned to play a 19th-century Spanish folk song that Ricardo realized Nazario’s guitar playing might be more than a hobby.

“I knew at that point that things were a little bit different with Andrew,” Ricardo said. “We didn’t have to give him direction. We didn’t have to push him. He took it upon himself to learn on his own. And it’s his musical ear.”

The music is in his head, but it’s faith that guides his hands. He wears this St. Gregory medal every day.

“He’s a patron saint for musicians, singers, and teachers,” Nazario said. “He kind of guides me to what I want to do. And it gives me courage.”

“His faith is going to carry him. We know that he has hidden talents,” Ricardo said. “So what he’s done now, it’s amazing. But what’s to come is going to be even more powerful.”

Nazario’s headed to high school ready to work hard. The rest he can play by ear.

Queens Crossing Guard Returns to Work 9 Months After Being Hit by a Car

by Katie Vasquez

As kids head to Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy, Liliana D’Onofrio, or Lilly, as they call her, is there to guide them.

“My day is always very bright if I can see her. She’s really very good,” said Evangeline Roca, a parent at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy.

D’Onofrio’s a staple in Middle Village where she lives and has worked as a crossing guard since 2008.

“I watch them grow up and then they come back and visit me when they’re in high school,” D’Onofrio said. “When they’re in college, they come back and say, ‘Lilly, remember me?’ I just love it, love it, love it.”

She’s missed most of this school year, as she spent nine months recovering after a serious accident.

“I missed her,” said Gianna Grecula, a student at Our Lady of Hope Academy, “because she was gone for a while.”

“I start to cry when I start to think about it because I’m grateful. I’m very, very grateful to be here,” said D’Onofrio.

Police say that on Sept. 26, D’Onofrio was helping students cross the street at dismissal time when 51-year-old Sinead Welsh hit D’Onofrio with her car.

Welsh was charged with reckless endangerment and DWI, police said.

D’Onofrio was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but she woke up with no memory of the accident.

“I didn’t remember that I was hit by the car until my husband explained it to me,” D’Onofrio said.

It was a relief to students and parents when she returned to work on June 10, especially to those who had witnessed the accident.

“We were like, very surprised that she’s back, especially from the freak incident that happened,” said Aidan Moylan, a student at Our Lady of Hope Academy.

“It has been very sad. She’s our welcoming morning every day, right?,” said Amanda Quintana, a parent at Our Lady of Hope Academy. “So we missed her very much. and we were praying for her to get well.”

Now the Our Lady of Hope parishioner wants to make up for lost time, and work through the summer.

“I just like the community. I love the people. Everybody’s friendly. I enjoy it,” D’Onofrio said. “I work with wonderful people and I love the kids. I just adore the children.”

Catholic News Headlines for Monday 6/17/2024

A beloved crossing guard at a Queens Catholic elementary school is back on duty. Lilly D’Onofrio, who helps students at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy safely cross the street, returned after a year-long absence due to a car accident. She received a warm welcome from the school community.

Exciting news from the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage! The pilgrims, currently following the Seton Route, are making their way through Pennsylvania. With the next month promising a journey through West Virginia and Ohio, the anticipation for their arrival in Indiana for the National Eucharistic Congress is building.

We’ll take you to St. Athanasius Catholic Academy in Bensonhurst for their kindergarten graduation ceremony. Twenty students, including one with a unique journey, received their diplomas. Stay tuned as Fox 5 Morning Anchor Bianca Peters shares her story of repeating kindergarten and walking proudly across the stage.

While many celebrated Father’s Day this past Sunday, there was a special celebration in the Diocese of Brooklyn. It was Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio’s 80th birthday yesterday, and hundreds took to social media to send him their best wishes.

Queens Crossing Guard Returns to Work After Serious Accident

As kids head to Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy, Liliana D’Onofrio, is there to guide them. She has returned to her spot after a serious accident that took her out of commission. Currents News’ Katie Vazquez will have the report at 7pm EST.

Special Edition: School Year in Review

A Catholic school in Queens is not just thriving — it’s booming! St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy in Elmhurst saw a remarkable 20 percent jump in enrollment this year, a testament to the growing recognition of the benefits of diocesan schools by more parents in New York City.

While a recent report revealed that some of New York City’s elite specialized public high schools lack diversity, the Diocese of Brooklyn schools are shining examples of inclusivity and support.

Schools throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn are diverse and excel in helping students with academic challenges. Over the past few years, the diocese has made significant strides in special education, offering various services and accommodations that allow every student to thrive.

And it’s not every day you hear about new Catholics converting as children, but that’s the inspiring story of a brother and sister at St. Mel’s Catholic Academy in Flushing. Their journey to get closer to Christ is a testament to the robust community and faith found in our schools.

Currents News Celebrates Catholic School Achievements in “School Year in Review” Special

PROSPECT HEIGHTS – Currents News is set to feature an hour-long special titled “School Year in Review,” celebrating the achievements and milestones of students and educators across Brooklyn and Queens.

Scheduled to air on Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m., the special will be hosted by Currents News anchor Christine Persichette. This event marks a special kickoff to Summer 2024, reflecting on memorable moments both inside and outside the classroom.

Among the featured stories is the inspiring journey of a Brooklyn family who chose a Catholic school due to its expanded inclusive classrooms. Additionally, viewers will learn about a Queens academy that achieved a remarkable 20% increase in enrollment this year.

Highlighting the academic prowess and artistic talent within Catholic schools, the program will showcase a profile on a Grammy Award-winning musician who also excels as the Class of 2024 valedictorian.

A poignant moment in the special includes a heartfelt message from the mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis, soon to be canonized as the first millennial saint, directed to a specific student.

The special aims to spotlight diversity and inclusion, featuring a visit to a Catholic school that exemplifies the vibrant cultural tapestry of the “Diocese of Immigrants,” contrasting with challenges faced by elite NYC public schools in achieving similar diversity.

Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, expressed enthusiasm about the special, stating, “‘School Year in Review’ gives us the opportunity to share the transformative impact of Catholic education in our communities. It’s a testament to our rich history, our relevance today, and the hope we nurture for future leaders.”

Viewers are encouraged to engage by voting for their favorite story online at www.netny.tv/vote-now following the broadcast.

Currents News is produced by NET TV, an Emmy Award-winning network providing news and insights from a Catholic perspective. It airs in the New York area on Spectrum Channel 97, Optimum Channel 30, and Verizon Fios Channel 548. Live streaming is also available on NET TV’s website, www.netny.tv/watchnow.