Catholic News Headlines for Thursday 4/2/26

Archbishop Ronald Hicks is marking his first Holy Thursday in the Archdiocese of New York by giving back to those in need at a food distribution site in Washington Heights.

Pope Leo XIV joined together with hundreds of priests and bishops at St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrating his first chrism Mass as the Bishop of Rome.

Bishop Robert Brennan will be celebrating the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Brooklyn.

In Queens, one 14-year-old is preparing to fully enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil next year. It’s a moment he’ll be reflecting on as he plays Jesus in his church’s reenactment of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.

Hundreds Come Out for Catholic Charities of New York’s Holy Thursday Food Distribution in NYC

By Katie Vasquez and Bill Miller

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Elizabeth Graham of Manhattan stood in line for two and a half hours on April 2, bundled up against chilling winds, to receive what she called “a blessing.”

Graham was among an estimated 450 families receiving fresh protein, fruits, and vegetables at the annual Holy Thursday Food Distribution conducted by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.

Newly installed Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York blessed food items and the families that would receive them. He then got in line and helped hand out packets of frozen salmon.

“It’s important for us to come out to get something to eat,” Graham said. “It’s a blessing. Thank God.”

The distribution was conducted in partnership with Goya Foods outside Catholic Charities’ Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center on Audubon Avenue between 165th and 166th Streets.

Thermometer readings hovered in the mid-40s, but powerful wind gusts made the temperature feel colder, according to weather reports.

Still, Archbishop Hicks and the food recipients cheerily exchanged greetings in the food distribution line, unfazed by the chill.

Moments later, the new archbishop explained to The Tablet and Currents News that, on Holy Thursday, Jesus “gives us the Eucharist, the most powerful gift that we have.”

“This is what nourishes us,” he continued. “But he also gives us, on this day, the washing of the feet. So, our prayer is connected to serving others. If we are people of goodwill, then I think we have an obligation to respond, and it’s beautiful to see it happening right here and right now.

“This is faith put into action.”

The event’s distribution tables were heaped with frozen poultry and fish, bananas, oranges, and other fruits, vegetables, eggs, and packages of Goya Foods products.

“This is the most amazing event,” said Nicholas Ryan, a recipient. “It’s Catholic Charities giving you the fresh, not old things, but super fresh — amazing oranges and apples, and good young chicken.”

Each year, the various programs of Catholic Charities serve about 400,000 New Yorkers, including more than 10 million meals at soup kitchens, community pantries, pop-up pantries, and home-delivered meals to elderly or disabled people, according to the organization.

It helps anyone in need, and with no restrictions on religion of choice, immigration status, or national origin.

Goya Foods partnered with Catholic Charities’ Feeding Our Neighbors program to provide 300,000 pounds of food this year, said Maricela Baez, a spokesperson for the Jersey City-based company.

“This year is especially meaningful for us as we celebrate 90 years of Goya Foods,” Baez said. “Our legacy is built, not just on providing quality products, but on giving back to the communities that have supported us for four generations.”

She added that Goya has donated more than 1.8 million pounds of food to Catholic Charities over the past few years and donated 1 million pounds of food nationwide on March 31, billed as “Goya Gives Day.”

Also, during the event, Archbishop Hicks told Currents News and The Tablet that he was excited to visit Brooklyn on Friday to participate in the Way of the Cross procession over the Brooklyn Bridge.

The annual Good Friday event, led by Bishop Robert Brennan of Brooklyn, begins at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Downtown Brooklyn. It proceeds across the bridge to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Lower Manhattan. Stations of the Cross are highlighted along the way.

“It’s significant that we cross bridges,” Archbishop Hicks said.

“I think,” he continued, “that’s the message of Jesus. He teaches us how to form bridges and how to unite. It’s going to be my first visit to the Brooklyn diocese, and I cannot wait.”

TONIGHT AT 7: At 14, One Teen Begins a New Journey of Faith

By Jessica Easthope

At just 14 years old, one Queens teen is already on a powerful journey toward the Catholic faith.

After being moved by the Passion of Christ, he began searching for truth — a decision that’s now shaping his life in a big way as he prepares for baptism this Easter.

TONIGHT AT 7: Archbishop Ronald Hicks Marks First Easter Triduum in New York With Food Giveaway

By Katie Vasquez

The most sacred time in the Catholic Church has begun, marking Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.

It’s also a first for New York’s new shepherd, Archbishop Ronald Hicks, who began Holy Thursday by helping give back to those in need at a food distribution site in Washington Heights.

Brooklyn and Queens Catholic Academy Students Give Back Ahead of Easter

By Currents News

As the Easter Triduum approaches, students from two Catholic academies in Brooklyn and Queens came together for one final act of Lenten almsgiving.

St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy in Ozone Park hosted Blessed Sacrament Catholic Academy, where students created “kindness packages” filled with essentials and handwritten notes for a local food pantry.

Chrism Mass Highlights Unity and Renewal for Priests in the Diocese of Brooklyn

By Jessica Easthope and Paula Katinas

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Seminarian Paul Zwolak had the honor of proclaiming the Gospel at the Diocese of Brooklyn’s annual chrism Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph on March 31.

That, however, wasn’t the only reason for his excitement. As he entered the co-cathedral during the opening procession, he was aware that the chrism oil that Bishop Brennan consecrated was the same oil that the bishop would place on Zwolak’s hands to anoint him at his ordination in June.

While he has attended chrism Masses during his years at St. Joseph Seminary and College, he said the 2026 one was special.

“I realized that it’s finally going to be me. After all these years, the bishop will be putting this oil that he consecrates at today’s chrism Mass on my hands,” he said, adding that it was a “spiritual time, a really prayerful time” for him.

A long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church, the chrism Mass marks the time a bishop consecrates the chrism oil and blesses the other oils used by priests for baptisms, confirmations, the anointing of the sick, and other rituals throughout the year.

The Church uses three different oils. Chrism oil, made of olive oil and balsam, is used for baptisms, confirmations, priestly ordinations, and consecrations. The oil of the catechumens consists of olive oil and is used by priests to anoint catechumens. The oil of the sick, also made of olive oil, is used by priests to anoint the sick.

At one point during the Mass, Bishop Brennan breathed into the vessel containing the chrism oil — a moment that reminded all in attendance of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

This year’s chrism Mass was a first for Father Carlos Velásquez, who was recently appointed director of liturgy for the diocese. In that new role, Father Velásquez helped plan the Mass.

“I am very excited for this day,” he said.

He implemented a subtle but meaningful change. For the first time, the oils will be distributed to priests in small glass bottles, rather than plastic bottles as had been used in the past.

“It’s more dignified and a little more eco-friendly in keeping with the spirit of Laudato si’,” he explained, referring to the encyclical the late Pope Francis issued in 2015, calling on Catholics to care for Earth.

The Mass also marked a first for co-cathedral rector Father Patrick Keating, who welcomed hundreds of his fellow priests to the Mass.

“It’s a wonderful experience,” he said. “It’s really an expression of the entire diocese coming together.”

In addition to the blessing of the oils, the chrism Mass is notable for another tradition. It is also the occasion in which the priests of the diocese stand in unison and reaffirm their vow of obedience to the bishop. It was a vow they first made when they were ordained.

In the past, Bishop Brennan has used the chrism Mass to deliver an address to the diocese’s priests, lifting their spirits and carrying them through the year.

He did so again this year, telling the priests always to remember the reason they wanted to become priests in the first place as they carry out their duties.

“Let the Lord speak to you again,” he said. “Yes, your life was indeed touched by the infinite and unconditional love of God. Remember your first love.”

Prior to the Mass, Bishop Brennan recalled the chrism Masses he attended as a seminarian and as a young priest in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, where he grew up.

“It was always a very encouraging, inspiring experience,” he told The Tablet.

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens Welcomes New Members to Coat of Arms Club

By Currents News

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens welcomed new members into the Coat of Arms Club during a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan in Douglaston, Queens.

Founded more than 50 years ago, the club supports the diocese’s mission to serve those in need. Today, Catholic Charities assists more than 300,000 New Yorkers through programs like emergency aid, housing, counseling, and family services.

St. John’s University Reportedly in Talks to Sell Staten Island Campus

By Currents News

St. John’s University is reportedly in negotiations to sell its Staten Island campus. According to the borough president, talks are underway with neighboring Wagner College for the 16.5-acre site.

While the university declined to comment on the reported deal, a previous statement says St. John’s is seeking a partner that can continue the site’s educational mission.

Highlight Reel: A Lenten Pilgrimage Across Brooklyn and Queens

By Currents News

From Brooklyn to Queens, pilgrims showed up day after day for prayer, reflection, and community during this year’s Lenten Pilgrimage in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Check out some of the most powerful moments from along the way — a look back at a journey that brought pilgrims closer to Christ.

Diocese of Brooklyn Pilgrims Say Final Lenten Pilgrimage Stop Offers Relief, Renewal

By Katie Vasquez and Paula Katinas

OZONE PARK — Cheryl Charles walked into Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Ozone Park on April 1 feeling a sense of accomplishment.

She reached the final church on the final day of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Lenten Pilgrimage and recalled the journey she had been on. “It has been an eye opener,” she said, adding that it has brought her closer to her faith.

The 2026 Lenten Pilgrimage was the first in which Charles participated, and she managed to get to 27 of the 37 churches on the route.

“Each church is more beautiful and more unique,” said Charles, a parishioner of Our Lady of Miracles Church in Canarsie.

This year marked the diocese’s fourth annual Lenten Pilgrimage. Bishop Robert Brennan introduced the pilgrimage in 2023 to help Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens grow in their faith as they marked Lent and prepared for Easter.

Under the pilgrimage, the diocese designated a different church each day for Catholics to visit as that day’s pilgrimage station. Beginning with the Cathedral Basilica of St. James on Ash Wednesday, the faithful were invited to visit as many of the station churches as they could to attend Mass or take part in things like Eucharistic adoration, Stations of the Cross, and praying the rosary, among other opportunities for prayer and reflection.

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary-St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Parish was the final stop, with the Masses and services held at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church.

Bishop Brennan closed out the day — and the Lenten Pilgrimage — with Benediction.

“I hope today was a day of prayer, a day of grace and renewal for the whole parish,” he told pilgrims and parishioners. “That’s been our experience. And I hope that was the case for you.”

“Thank you for hosting us,” he added. “Thank you for making us feel so welcome. Thank you for providing an atmosphere of such beautiful prayer in the presence of Jesus Christ.”

Father John Tino, the parish’s pastor who celebrated Mass in the morning, said he was happy to welcome pilgrims.

“They usually go to the same parish,” he said. “And so, (the pilgrimage) gives them an understanding of the universality of the church.”

Lorraine Collazo, a parishioner of St. Teresa Church in Woodside, was at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church on April 1, just as she had been at all the other churches for this year’s pilgrimage. Collazo is a veteran, having participated in all of the pilgrimages from the very beginning in 2023.

“It’s been an interesting journey, both spiritually and physically,” she said, adding that crisscrossing the two boroughs made for long days that forced her to keep her energy up. “It’s the hardest part, I think, of the journey.”

Looking back on her pilgrimage experience, Collazo said she loved visiting the churches because they gave her the chance to be “in the presence of God.”

As she left the church following the morning Mass, Charles said she planned to take part in the pilgrimage next year.

“Yes, definitely,” she said. “And hopefully, I’ll do all the churches.”