Two of 17 Kidnapped Christian Missionaries in Haiti Are Freed

Currents News and The Tablet Staff

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Two of the 17 Christian missionaries kidnapped by gang members in Haiti in October were set free over the weekend, leaders of their Ohio-based organization announced.

Leaders of Christian Aid Ministries said they had little information and could not confirm the identities of those released, the background circumstances, or their whereabouts. However, the group did confirm that the two freed captives “are safe, in good spirits, and are being cared for.”

National Police in Haiti confirmed the release of the two captives. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said officials were pleased to hear reports of the release.

Given the dangerous situation on the ground in Haiti, where armed street gangs control many roads and villages, Christian Aid Ministries is moving with caution.

“We ask that those who have more specific information about the release and the individuals involved would safeguard that information,” the group said in a statement Sunday. “While we rejoice at this release, our hearts are with the 15 people who are still being held.”

The kidnapping took place on Oct. 16. Members of the 400 Mawozo street gang kidnapped 17 people — including five children — in Ganthier, a town outside of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. The victims included 16 Americans and one Canadian.

Christian Aid Ministries was in Haiti to help rebuild churches destroyed in the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the country on Aug. 14.

Haitian officials said at the time of the kidnapping that 400 Mawozo was demanding a ransom of $1 million per victim.

‘Milwaukee Dancing Grannies’ Members Among Those Dead After Christmas Parade Tragedy

Currents News Staff

Family and friends are in mourning after a man drove an SUV into the Christmas parade in Wuakesha, Wisconsin, Nov. 22. Among the grieving, are fans of a seniors group called the ‘Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, which lost three members.

It was a hard good-bye to 79-year-old Virginia Sorensen, 71-year-old Leanne Owens and 52-year-old Tamera Durant.

Sorensen was the choreographer of the group. Owens lead the charge in the front, and Durant was a new member.

The ‘Dancing Grannies’ are a crew of women who could sweep you off your toes and make your heart pump. The award-winning dancing team performed in several parades, Waukesha being one of their favorites.

They were prepared this past weekend to give an amazing show but it was abruptly cut short. While the rest of the grannies are in tears, people in the community are sending love and support their way.

They’re so well-known-children could spot them anywhere. One young parade attendee said the women were her favorite part of the parade.

“The dancing grannies,” said one young parade attendee.

When asked what it was about the Dancing Grannies that she liked, she had a quick response.

“Their moves,” the young girl said.

The group was formed in 1984 from what was originally a jazzercise group. To be a member, the only requirement is to be a grandmother.

In a Facebook post, the group said it’s devastated by their loss and said the women were doing what they loved: putting smiles on faces of all ages and filling them with joy and happiness.

Wisconsin Community Gathers to Mourn, Pray as Christmas Parade Tragedy Suspect Identified

Currents News Staff

A little girl dances as the Christmas parade marches down the streets of Waukesha, Wisconsin, when all of a sudden, an SUV flies by just inches from the child and slams into the crowd ahead.

At least five people were killed, dozens more injured including a Catholic priest, parishioners and Catholic school children. Archbishop Jerome Listecki of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is asking people to join him in prayer for the victims.

“When confronted with the shock and the grief encountered by our brothers and sisters in Waukesha, it is now important for us to turn to our faith which offers us God’s loving presence and consolation,” said Archbishop Listecki.

The parade is an annual tradition in this small city where people line the streets for a joyous celebration kicking off the Christmas season. But that joy turned to sorrow when police say 39-year-old Darrell Brooks intentionally drove his SUV into the crowd.

“The subject was taken into custody a short distance from the scene and we’re confident he acted alone,” said Waukesha police chief Dan Thompson. “There is no evidence that this is a terrorist incident.”

The Milwaukee resident is known to police in the area. He has been charged three times in less than two years with recklessly endangering the safety of others, most recently, on Nov. 5, but was released on bail just six days later. Just before plowing into the crowd, police say Brooks was leaving the scene of a domestic disturbance.

“Last night, our wonderful Waukesha parade became a horrific tragedy,” said the police chief. “Last night, that parade became a nightmare.”

Now the community is coming together to grieve. A Catholic high school is holding a prayer service.

Catholic News Headlines for Monday, 11/22/21

Police say 39-year-old Darrell Brooks is the man they’re questioning about the deadly crash at that Christmas parade in Wisconsin over the weekend.

Two of the 17 missionaries kidnapped in Haiti last month have been freed.

Thousands of needy families in the Diocese of Brooklyn will have a Happy Thanksgiving thanks to Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens.

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens Gives Out Nearly 3,000 Turkeys Ahead of Thanksgiving

By Jessica Easthope

Last year, a 15-pound turkey would have cost around a $1/lb. This year, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), it’s closer to a $1.50/lb. – adding to the stress of putting food on the table this holiday. It’s a struggle Jose Gagancuela knows all too well.

“Before you could buy a big grocery order with $100, now $400 doesn’t even fill my refrigerator,” he said.

But Jose and more than 1,000 other people felt some relief, Monday, Nov. 22. Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens sent them home with a turkey and a $100 food voucher to use at any grocery store.

“This help is tremendous for my family,” Jose said. “The increase in prices has really made it hard for us. I thank God for this opportunity.”

This holiday, Catholic Charities has given a Thanksgiving bird to nearly 3,000 people still grappling with pandemic unemployment. Rising food prices has caused an unprecedented need, especially in communities like Corona, Queens.

“It’s really tough for families because food prices have continued to go up, between shipping and all of the things happening because of the pandemic, the need just continues,” said Debbie Hampson, senior director of health and wellness services at Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens.

In Corona, unemployment during the pandemic soared to close to 20 percent. Marlene Sumba says she hasn’t been able to find work since and now the cost of groceries is presenting yet another challenge she’s fighting to overcome.

“It’s very important for me to come get this turkey today. It’s been a really hard time for us during COVID-19, I’ve been out of work,” Marlene said. “My husband still works but $100 is not enough anymore to feed our family. It’s very, very difficult.”

This year, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens has held 31 pop-up food pantries and served nearly 14,000 families.

Bay Ridge Catholic Academy Students Raise More than $1,600 For the March of Dimes

Currents News Staff

A yearly fundraising tradition at Bay Ridge Catholic Academy in Brooklyn has earned ‘double the dimes’ of previous years to help the tiniest among us.

The Catholic Academy raised more than $1,600 dollars for the March of Dimes New York, which assists new mothers and families in taking care of babies born premature.

The fifth annual “Dress Down Donation Day” and newly added cookie sale was held in support of one of their classmates who was born premature and received help from the March of Dimes. The event was held on World Prematurity Day.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio’s Final ‘Into the Deep’ Segment as Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn

Currents News Staff

After 18 years of faithful service, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio is saying his final farewells to the people of the Diocese of Brooklyn ahead of his retirement at the end of the month.

In his last ‘Into the Deep’ interview with former Tablet Editor Ed Wilkinson, Bishop DiMarzio looks back on his legacy in the diocese and fondly reflects on the special farewell given to him at his Episcopal Mass.

Here Are the Key Takeaways From the U.S. Bishops Conference Meeting

Currents News Staff

The U.S. bishops have wrapped up their highly anticipated fall general assembly in Baltimore. The three-day event has been jam-packed with high profile votes.But the document on the Eucharist was not the only thing that happened at the conference.

The National Correspondent for The Tablet and Crux, John Lavenburg, was there. He breaks down the big takeaways, including the plan for the first National Eucharistic Congress in more than 50 years.

Catholic News Headlines for Thursday, 11/18/21

The Diocese of Brooklyn is offering a thriving alternative to a school year filled with COVID variants and vaccine debates.

At the USCCB’s Fall General Assembly, the bishops approved a motion to host the National Eucharistic Congress in 2024.

The Pentagon will increase housing payments for troops in key areas and look for ways to combat hunger across the force.

Students are Thriving at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Online Academy

By Jessica Easthope

Five-year-old Michael Martinez loves to explore, get his hands dirty and use his imagination.

His dad, Anthony says his school embraces his individuality and celebrates his achievements. That part may not surprise you, but the part that may – Michael’s never met his teacher or his classmates in-person.

“He’s getting this one on one that he wouldn’t get in class and that is paramount to anything else and I’ve seen really excel,” Anthony Martinez said.

Michael attends St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Online Academy, a completely virtual Kindergarten through eighth grade school for kids all over the country.

During the pandemic, the Diocese of Brooklyn launched the program for students who were mandated to stay home, but when the administration realized families needed this far beyond then – it was made a permanent school.

“Students are really immersing themselves in the content of their classes and we’ve been blessed with a really good faculty and those two ingredients really spells a good start to the academic year,” said principal, Stephen Haessler.

In the first year of the distance learning program, there were 2,400 students enrolled. This year, in-person learning is back and there are still around 160 students. Social Studies teacher Jennifer Centeno says now everyone in her class is there because they want to be, not because they need to be.

“The students in our school want a different type of learning and each child has their own learning needs and we’ve been able to accommodate those and they flourish better in an online platform,” Jennifer said.

And Michael seems to like it too.

“I have fun in school, I love it so much,” he said.

For the Martinez family and so many others, this is long-term.

“Last year, he didn’t know how to read at all and at the end of the year, he was reading books. So when you have a winning recipe, why change the recipe,” said Anthony.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Online Academy is here for good and enrollment is growing every day. Families along with students are learning to adapt and build a different kind of connection.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Online Academy is still accepting new students. Families looking to enroll or for more information about tuition and financial aid can go to stacoa.org