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Irish Culture Takes Center Stage in Brooklyn at Co‑Cathedral of St. Joseph

By Currents News and Ed Wilkinson

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Speaking to a group of first- and second-generation Irish Americans, Bishop Robert Brennan said he feels the U.S. can do better when it comes to immigration policy. 

Referring to the recent debate that has turned violent on several occasions, he said he was “deeply concerned about the rhetoric on both sides,” and added, “We can have law and order, and we don’t need chaos. At the same time, we can welcome newcomers.” 

Bishop Brennan was the principal celebrant and homilist at the Diocese of Brooklyn’s second annual observance of the feast of St. Brigid, one of the three patron saints of Ireland, along with St. Patrick and St. Columba.  

The cultural celebration on Jan. 31 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, which was organized by the diocesan Irish Apostolate, directed by Father Christopher Heanue, drew about 300 people despite freezing temperatures and icy conditions. 

The bishop asked the congregation to intercede to St. Brigid of Kildare, known as a miracle worker, “so that Christ will dwell in our hearts.” 

Referring to the Gospel of the day, Bishop Brennan noted that Jesus identified with the poor in spirit rather than with those who seek power, possessions, and popularity. 

In the same way, he said, St. Brigid rejected the riches that could have been hers and instead embraced a life of prayer and extreme charity. She adopted a radical stance of solidarity and identified with the poor. 

Diocese of Brooklyn Parishioners Unite in Faith, Heritage at Annual Black History Month Mass

By The Tablet and Currents News

SOUTH OZONE PARK — For 17-year-old Ruth Mekako, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated on Feb. 1 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, was as much about representation as it was about worship.  

“It’s often [where I see] the most black priests gathered at the same Mass,” said Ruth, a member of the Vicariate Office of Black Catholic Concerns Youth Leadership Ambassador Program. “When they bring in priests, like [Auxiliary Bishop Narh Asare of Accra, Ghana], then I get to see the perspective of Black History Month, not only from people in the Diocese of Brooklyn, but from all over the world.” 

Bishop Asare was the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass, which was concelebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan and attended by 19 other diocesan priests. 

Bishop Asare was first introduced to Catholics from the Diocese of Brooklyn in July 2024, when youth ambassadors from the Vicariate Office of Black Catholic Concerns embarked on a mission trip to Africa, visiting Ghana, Senegal, and Morocco. 

“He really treated us like dignitaries,” Father Dwayne Davis, project director of the Vicariate’s Youth Leadership Ambassador Program, recalled of the group’s meeting with Bishop Asare in Ghana. “He took all the questions that young people had for him — we even joked about jollof rice, and which country makes it the best.”  

Other attendees of the Mass included the Knights of Peter Claver and the Ladies Auxiliary — the nation’s largest and oldest historically black Catholic lay organization, with chapters in dioceses across the U.S. 

At the end of Mass, Bishop Brennan told parishioners that they are not only celebrating Black History Month but living it by bearing witness to the faith through their unity and heritage.  

“It was great to be here today, especially for this 100th anniversary of Black History Month,” Bishop Brennan said. “It’s not just one group of people here and there, but it’s people from many nations, from many heritages, all coming together, sharing faith.” 

After Mass, parishioners gathered in the school gym at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy for a dinner featuring traditional African dishes. 

Father Alonzo Cox, vicar for the Vicariate Office of Black Catholic Concerns, who has participated in Black History Month Masses for more than a decade, noted that the annual Mass offers parishioners a powerful reminder of the importance of unity. 

“It’s an opportunity for us to be able to come together,” Father Cox said. “It is so beautiful to have the bishop from Ghana here to talk about how we can unite, celebrate who we are, and [how we are] a part of history and continue to live history.”  

Queens Catholic Academy Students Give Bishop‑Designate Rodríguez a Heartfelt Send‑Off

By Currents News and Paula Katinas

CORONA — Joel Zacarias, an eighth grader at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy, said he has always looked up to Bishop-designate Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, but now feels closer to him because of something they share.  

Both are preparing for significant life transitions.  

The pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish is moving to Florida to become bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach this month, and Joel is preparing to enter high school in the fall. 

“Both of us are going into a new step in our lives, which connects us both,” Joel said. “We’re both going to a big phase in our lives, which is very special for both of us.”  

Joel and his fellow students capped off Catholic Schools Week on Jan. 30 by gathering at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, next door to their academy in Corona, for a Mass celebrated by Bishop-designate Rodríguez, the church’s outgoing pastor. 

The Mass was a chance for the students to say goodbye to him. 

Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Rodríguez on Dec. 19 to serve as bishop of Palm Beach. His episcopal ordination and installation will take place at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach on Feb. 24 — meaning that his time at Our Lady of Sorrows, where he has served as pastor for five years, is coming to an end. 

Denise Reicino, the principal of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy, didn’t want him to leave without her students having the chance to say goodbye and present him gifts. 

At the end of the Mass, Bishop-designate Rodríguez beamed as he stood on the altar and accepted several gifts from the academy, including a gift basket of wine and chocolates, a giant, hand-made card emblazed with the words “We Love You,” and a poster with a blown-up photo of him alongside words of gratitude for his kindness and leadership. 

The centerpiece of the gift-giving was a painting of a tree representing Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy, which opened 100 years ago and has deep roots in the Corona community. 

While teacher Jessica Whitehurst painted the piece, all of the students had a hand in its creation, Reicino explained, because each student put their thumbprint on the canvas. 

“We decided to create something that the entire school can collaborate on together, and that is unique,” she said. “It’s not just a plaque, not just flowers, but something that can be looked at forever.” 

Bishop-designate Rodríguez said he was deeply moved by the painting and all of the other gifts. “I am about to cry because this is such a kind and amazing gesture. I am very grateful for the generosity,” he told The Tablet. 

The painting was significant to eighth-grader Sara Sarmiento.  

“It reminded me of how each of the branches symbolizes our school, our community, and how we help each other,” she said. 

However, Sara confessed to having mixed feelings about Bishop-designate Rodríguez leaving Our Lady of Sorrows.  

“I feel a bit more excited for him that he’s going to a new opportunity. Everything is quite exciting. I hope he enjoys it,” she explained. “But I also feel kind of sad that he’s leaving. He’s been a part of life here at OLS.” 

The gift-giving didn’t end there.  

In his homily, Bishop-designate Rodríguez had a parting gift for the students in the form of some fatherly advice. He talked about pressing world issues like the war in Ukraine and U.S. tensions with countries like Iran and Venezuela, urging the students to strive to be peacemakers in their own lives.  

“Peace,” he told them, “begins with us, in our hearts.” 

Police Search for Suspect After Queens Church Vandalized and Man Stabbed

By Currents News

Police are searching for a man they say vandalized a Queens church and stabbed a person who confronted him.

According to police, the suspect, seen in surveillance video, graffitied the front of Immaculate Conception Monastery Parish in Jamaica Estates just over a week ago. Authorities say the man also spray-painted a car in the parking lot of Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy.

When a neighbor approached him, police allege the suspect lunged at the man with a knife, stabbing him in the chest. The victim, who has not been identified, is expected to be okay.

Currents News spoke with the church’s pastor, Father James Price, about the incident. He described the actions as deeply troubling.

“Whoever this poor soul is who did this, his expression of what’s happening in his mind is all violence,” Father Price said. “It’s doing damage to a building and a property, a church, which is bad enough, and of course the Stations of the Cross, but then to use violence on another person’s property, their car, and then a person itself — it’s all about violence, violent thoughts and violent actions. What was going on in this person’s head?”

Police describe the suspect as having a light complexion. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black pants, and a ski mask.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (1-800-577-8477).

Archdiocese of New York Keeps Faith Moving Forward Between Archbishops

By Jessica Easthope

In the seven weeks between Archbishop Ronald Hicks’ announcement as Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s successor and his installation, not much has changed in the Archdiocese of New York.

“It’s been business as usual,” vicar general for the archdiocese, Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, told Currents News. “Cardinal Dolan is still the apostolic administrator. He’s still very present. Archbishop Hicks is taking leave in his own diocese, so he hasn’t really been here in New York. So I would say that there’s nothing out of the ordinary except for additional work. Everybody’s been busy trying to focus in on the details of what’s going to take place on February 5 and 6.”

During the transition, Cardinal Dolan’s name is still used during the Eucharistic prayer at Masses at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and he remains the apostolic administrator running the archdiocese.

“For the average Catholic in the pew, they’re not going to notice a difference,” said Joseph Zwilling, director of communications for the archdiocese. “You know, his name is still used in the Eucharistic prayer. We pray for him every week. Cardinal Dolan has been speaking with Archbishop Hicks on an almost daily basis, letting him know what’s going on, keeping him updated on things, finding out how he wants things handled.”

After the two celebrated Mass together in New York City on December 18, Archbishop Hicks returned to his Chicago suburb for the Christmas holiday and the Epiphany. Meanwhile, New York staff prepared background materials for Archbishop Hicks on the archdiocese, its people, its parishes and its challenges. When Archbishop Hicks is installed, he will handle it all in his own way.

“He’s a different man than Cardinal Dolan,” Zwilling said. “You know, they expect him to be the same. He’s got his own style of doing things, his own strengths, his own way of going about doing things, but he’s an exceptionally kind man. He’s an exceptionally warm man. And I think the people of New York are really going to take to him.”

Catholic News Headlines for Monday 2/2/26   

The Archdiocese of New York is preparing to welcome its new shepherd. As preparations for the transition are underway, who is leading the flock? We’ll explain.

The children of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy in Queens gave their pastor, Palm Beach Bishop-elect Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, a heartfelt farewell as he prepared for his move to Florida.

A religious sister who grew up in the Diocese of Brooklyn is now the leader of the School Sisters of Notre Dame Atlantic-Midwest Province – Currents News takes a look at how her time in the diocese shaped her faith.

The Catholic Education Effect: From Saint Saviour HS to Sisters of Notre Dame Provincial Leader

By Katie Vasquez

A chorus of voices welcomed Sister Nancy Gilchriest back to her alma mater, Saint Saviour High School, during a homecoming filled with memories, faith and inspiration.

Gilchriest, who grew up in Park Slope, with her two sisters, first walked the halls of the Brooklyn all-girls school as a freshman before later returning as a teacher — a journey she says helped her discover her true calling.

“My sisters Cecelia and Claudia were involved in the drama club when I came as a freshman,” Gilchriest said. “So of course, I joined the drama club.”

Although she initially believed she had achieved her lifelong dream, Gilchriest said she felt something was was lacking in her life, prompting deeper reflection and prayer.

“I was achieving my lifelong dream, and there was still something missing,” she said. “I thought, ‘I have got to look at this.’”

That reflection led her to religious life with the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Today, Gilchriest serves as the provincial leader for the Atlantic-Midwest Province.

“I have the great privilege of being the leader of the 300 sisters in our province,” she told Currents News.

Those who know her say she is uniquely suited for the role.

“She has marvelous ideas to bring the School Sisters of Notre Dame together and into the 21st century,” said her sister, Claudia Gilchriest.

Friend and former schoolmate Margaret Bernstein agreed, noting Gilchriest’s leadership presence stood out early on.

“The way she handles herself — it was something we just knew right away,” Bernstein explained.

Saint Saviour administrators said her visit offered students a powerful example of leadership rooted in faith and service.

“We’re very, very thankful for people like Sister Nancy, who led the way for the girls who are here today,” said Principal Carolann Timpone.

Rita Draghi, alumni director at Saint Saviour, described Gilchriest as a woman deeply committed to both her faith and her school.

“This is a woman of great faith,” Draghi said. “When she committed herself to Saint Saviour and to God, there was no better person.”

Gilchriest said prayer has been the most important preparation for her leadership role.

“That would be the best preparation — to believe and trust in the Holy Spirit,” she said.

As she continues her mission with the province, Gilchriest says returning to Saint Saviour remains a meaningful reminder of where her journey began.

Holy Cross and Molloy Revive Varsity Ice Hockey in Queens

By Katie Vasquez and Jim Mancari

Holy Cross H.S., Flushing, and Archbishop Molloy H.S., Briarwood, are athletic rivals of the local diocesan CHSAA. That is, in most sports. However, in the rink, the two schools have combined to form one varsity boys’ ice hockey team. As such, these rivals have now become close teammates. Go figure.

The team, branded the Holy Cross Knights, was formed three seasons ago after interest in the sport dwindled at the Flushing school. Molloy had not fielded a team for several decades, so when the opportunity arose, the Stanners jumped at it.

Instead of two programs folding, this combined team has revived ice hockey at both Queens schools. That’s precisely what the CHSAA is all about — giving as many student-athletes as possible a chance to play the sports they love.

The team consists of six Holy Cross students and six Molloy students for a total of 12 members, mostly underclassmen. While this season has been a rebuilding process, the win here is that there’s an actual team competing as hard as they can and working to get better.

Unlike basketball or baseball, ice hockey is not as mainstream in this diocese, so students who participate are used to playing alongside teammates from different schools through their travel leagues.

RELATED: Holy Cross High School Students Anxiously Await Arts, Technology and Athletics Center in Queens

“It’s just like the environment of ice hockey where you’re going to have kids from all over,” said Joe LaChase, the second-year Holy Cross varsity head coach who played hockey for the Knights as a forward and graduated in 2020. “When I go into the locker room, I honestly forget that we’re two combined schools because we’re all one family. I think it’s been going very well.”

The idea originated a few years ago when two Long Island schools — St. John the Baptist H.S., West Islip, and St. Mary’s H.S., Manhasset — joined forces into one team. The precedent had been set, allowing the Queens schools to give it a try.

With the support of the athletic directors — Keith Goggin from Holy Cross and Mike McCleary from Molloy — as well as the approval of Catholic High School Hockey League (CHSHL) commissioner Pat Scanlan, the combined team was formed.

“I remember it was talked about my freshman year that we might be getting Molloy kids the next year, and at first, I was a little nervous about it,” said senior team captain and defenseman James McCutcheon, who has played all four years on the varsity team. “As soon as we combined, though, I loved it. As a team, it doesn’t really matter that we don’t go to school together.”

An adjustment period, of course, was to be expected with this new situation. Yet, a team is a team, no matter a player’s background or, in this case, high school.

“It took a little bit of time when we first brought the kids from Molloy onto the team since I do think kids at that age are territorial,” said Nick Lercara, the fifth-year Holy Cross assistant coach who was LaChase’s teammate as a defenseman and a fellow 2020 graduate. “After they all started to get to know each other, they started to mesh well and become close.”

For practices, the team bus only leaves from Holy Cross. Luckily, a few Molloy parents help by driving the students the 8.7 miles to Flushing so the team can travel together. On a good day, it’s a minimum of 15–20 minutes, and in New York City travel, there are not many good days.

RELATED: Announcing the Brooklyn/Queens CHSFL All-Star Team for 2025

LaChase and Lercara are hoping to lead the program back to greatness. During their junior and senior years, the Knights reached the playoffs both times but fell to the eventual CHSHL ‘A’ division champion.

The current group is a young team, but the best way for underclassmen to gain experience is to keep playing competitive hockey so that when they’re the upperclassmen, they’ll be poised to bring a championship to Holy Cross.

For these 12 student-athletes, this combined team has allowed them to represent their school while playing sports. Well, actually, six of them can say that, and the other six from Molloy are just grateful to be able to play hockey competitively — even if technically for another school.

It’s a unique situation indeed, but one that truly fits the CHSAA mission of enhancing a student’s high school experience through sports.

Catholic News Headlines for Friday 1/30/26   

Students from Archbishop Molloy and Holy Cross High Schools have joined forces to form a combined hockey team, turning former competitors into teammates.

Catholic Schools Week at St. Margaret Catholic Academy in Queens featured a special visit from the New York Islanders, teaching students the importance of nutrition, exercise, and respect.

Middle schoolers at St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy in Queens meet monthly with their pastor to ask questions about their faith, strengthening their Catholic identity and preparation for the sacraments.

A special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Met promoted literacy and fitness at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Academy in Queens.