Catholics Mobilize in North Carolina as Diocese of Charlotte Collects Supplies for Hurricane Relief

Catholics in North Carolina are uniting to support their neighbors affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. The torrential rain caused significant damage and tragically claimed dozens of lives.

In response, churches within the Diocese of Charlotte are stepping up to serve as aid distribution points, offering much-needed supplies to those impacted by the storm.

Msgr. Patrick Winslow, Vicar and Chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, joins Currents News to talk more about those relief efforts and how others can help.

You can contribute to the relief efforts and support the community in its time of need.

Just go to: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/624511/donate

Manhattan University Has Hundreds of Relics Stored in Archives

By Katie Vasquez

Deep inside O’Malley Library at Manhattan University in the Bronx sits a treasure trove of sacred objects.

“I would say close to about 600 different relics of a variety of saints,” said Amy Surak, director of archives and special collections.

Surak said the university started collecting the relics as communities and retreat centers shuttered.

“What do you do with them once an institution closes?” Surak said. “We want to safe house these.”

It created a secret prayer spot within the library for people who discovered the relics and wished to be among the saints.

But now, Surak said that’s all going to change, as they prepare to display the relics in a reliquary at the school’s chapel.

“We want to keep them, and we also want to make them available so that people can learn about the history of the Church, the history of saints, and the history of relics,” Surak said.

The collection includes hundreds of physical remains or personal effects of these holy people, like a piece of bone from Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.

“She was also known as the ‘Little Flower,'” Surak said. “She was basically otherwise known as a household saint. She lived a very pious life, where small things she did had a profound effect on her spirituality and piety.”

It’s an experience those at this Lasallian university say you have to see to believe.

“The fact that they have these and we have access to them,” Surak said. “You know, no one would think that we have relics of the apostles in the Bronx.”

If you would like to visit the relics, you can make an appointment by emailing archives@manhattan.edu.

Community Donates Books to Fill the Shelves for New Library at Brooklyn Catholic School

By Katie Vasquez

The students at St. Ephrem Catholic Academy couldn’t contain their excitement as the Dyker Heights school opened its new Eagles Readers Library.

Once upon a time, a long time ago, St. Ephrem had a different library, but it was converted into a classroom that was later used for storage.

When Michael Phillips took over as principal last year, he knew that had to change.

“It was a shocker,” Mr. Phillips said. “I want to bring back a library. I want to give them a space where, during the day, kids can come and find a way to escape reality.”

Carol Fell, the school’s Board of Trustees chairperson, was thrilled with the idea.

Reading was an experience she shared with her son, who graduated from the school in 1998.

“We reinforced it at home. But these children, not everybody has parents who are able to reinforce it at home,” Fell said. “And that’s why I feel it’s so important for them to have this exposure in school, not just in the classrooms, but to come into a peaceful and quiet space, pick up a book, and really grow to love reading.”

Ninety-five percent of the hundreds of books on the shelves were donated by families and community members.

“There’s a lot of books, and the books are very fun to read,” said Hughie Gallagher, a 2nd grader at the school.

Although it was hard to part with, 5th grader Ava Plantamura contributed some of her own books from home.

“We were going through the books because we wanted to make some extra space, and we thought that we could donate them, just to, like, you know, have more books.”

On Monday, the space was blessed by St. Ephrem pastor Father Robert Adamo, who also brought a portrait of Saint Jerome, the patron of librarians, to inspire these young Catholic readers.

“The children will also get to learn about this great man, who made a big contribution to the Christian world through the scriptures,” Plantamura said.

The Brooklyn school plans to create a “Saint Corner” so children can learn more about holy men and women. St. Ephrem also wants to invite authors to speak with students.

St. Ephrem says they will gladly accept more book donations! If you would like to help, just call 718-833-1440.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday 10/1/2024

St. Ephrem Catholic Academy is starting a new chapter with the grand opening of its Eagles Readers Library. After years without a library, the school is excited to offer students a fresh space filled with books generously donated by the community.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Catholic community in North Carolina is uniting in a powerful display of support for those affected. Churches in the Diocese of Charlotte are serving as vital aid distribution centers, rallying together to help rebuild after the storm’s devastating impact.

Explore Manhattan University’s sacred collection of over 600 saint relics. The historic treasures will soon be on display, offering the public a chance to dive into the rich history of the saints and the Church.

Diocese of Brooklyn Holds Hispanic Heritage Month Mass, Celebrating With Youth

The Diocese of Brooklyn celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant youth event last week.

Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan presided over the Mass at St. Finbar Church in Bath Beach, Brooklyn.

Following the Mass, Bishop Brennan joined a reception organized by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, bringing together the community in celebration of faith and culture.

Bishop Emeritus Offers Blessings at Diocesan Anniversary Mass, Couples Renew Vows

The annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass took place on Saturday at St. Thomas Aquinas in Flatlands, where 74 couples from across the diocese renewed their vows.

From just a few months to decades of marriage, each couple received a blessing from Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio, who celebrated the Mass.

In his homily, he reflected on the teachings of Genesis, emphasizing equality between man and woman, and highlighted the importance of the sacrament of marriage, especially in today’s world.

Afterward, couples shared a total of 777 years of marriage and had the chance to take photos with Bishop DiMarzio.

Pope Back in Rome, Speaks on Synod, Women in Church and Abuse

Pope Francis began his visit to Belgium with a simple but meaningful gesture, sharing coffee and croissants with refugees and the poor at St. Giles Parish, known for its ministry to the homeless, including teaching trades like brewing beer.

He then attended his first official meeting at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart with clergy and laity, where he addressed the Synod, emphasizing a return to the Gospel over “fashionable” reforms. The Pope challenged everyone to consider how to spread the Gospel in a society that has drifted from faith.

Later, Pope Francis visited the University of Louvain, one of the world’s oldest colleges, celebrating its 600th anniversary. Speaking to students, he underscored the unique and vital role of women in the Church, stressing that women’s contributions should be celebrated in their distinctiveness rather than equated with men.

Before leaving on Sunday, the Holy Father celebrated Mass with nearly 40,000 attendees at Belgium’s national stadium. He delivered a powerful message against abuse, urging bishops and everyone to condemn abusers and bring evil to light, calling for transparency and accountability in confronting the issue.

In a surprise announcement, Pope Francis revealed plans to open the beatification process for King Baudouin, a Catholic monarch from the 20th century, who chose to abdicate temporarily in 1990 rather than sign a law legalizing abortion.

St. Athanasius Celebrates Hispanic Culture as Hispanic Heritage Month Comes to an End

It was a vibrant fiesta at St. Athanasius Catholic Academy in Bensonhurst, where the after-school program celebrated Hispanic culture through lively music and dance.

The event, sponsored by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations, aimed to honor cultural diversity and bring communities together.

The non-profit organization continues to play a key role in uniting the diverse neighborhoods of New York through such celebrations.

St. Bernadette’s New Principal Learns from School Community

By Jessica Easthope

Jeanne Shannon feels at home in the classroom, as long as there are children, it’s colorful, and faith is at the center, she knows exactly what to do.

“I believe in my heart this is really where I’m meant to be,” Shannon said.

Jeanne is the new principal at St. Bernadette Catholic Academy in Dyker Heights. These old halls are anything but familiar, yet she walks them, hoping to settle in deeper with every step. Before her, the school was run by the Filippini Sisters, whose ministry is devoted to education.

“I know I have big shoes to fill,” Shannon said. “I think that I bring a strong Catholic identity with me here to St. Bernadette’s. And I think Sister Joan has left me a great foundation to build upon.”

Within hours of the start of the school year, Jeanne sent out a survey to faculty, families, and students, asking their opinions about the school.

“I wanted to give people the opportunity to let me know how they felt about the school,” Shannon said. “And I wanted to learn for myself, like what I could do to continue to help this community grow and thrive.”

Jeanne is committed to celebrating learning diversity, even offering special education coaches to her teachers over the summer.

“That’s one thing I hope to bring to St. Bernadette—the opportunity to learn and teach in different ways, and to recognize that we all have different talents,” Shannon said. “Those talents make us special, unique, and important members of the community.”

After nearly 40 years as a teacher and principal at St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy, Jeanne says this change was meant to be.

“I used to read the story of St. Bernadette to my students. But also, my mom grew up in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, and it was Our Lady of Lourdes who appeared to St. Bernadette,” Shannon said. “So I really believe my mom was nudging God, saying, ‘Send her there, send her there.'”

Now that Jeanne is at St. Bernadette, she’s hoping to stay rooted in what brought her here.

Catholic News Headlines for Monday 9/30/2024

Pope Francis returns to the Vatican after a four-day visit to Luxembourg and Belgium, where he touched on critical issues like the Synod and the role of women in the Church. Watch highlights from his meetings with refugees, visits to historic sites, and a Mass attended by nearly 40,000 faithful.

Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated Mass at St. Finbar Church in Bath Beach, uniting with young people for Hispanic Heritage Month. Meanwhile, St. Athanasius Catholic Academy students got into the festive spirit with a colorful dance celebration!

Join us as we begin a new series introducing the fresh faces leading Catholic academies in Brooklyn and Queens. In this episode, Jeanne Shannon, the new principal of St. Bernadette’s in Dyker Heights, shares her plans to learn from the school community.

Witness the love as 74 couples renew their vows at the Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas. From newlyweds to couples married for decades, each received a special blessing from Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio in this heartwarming ceremony.