Rectory Provides Road to Sobriety and Hope for Priests at Transition House

By Katie Vasquez

There are good memories from Monsignor Joe Calise’s life, but there were also dark days, as he battled alcohol addiction for more than ten years.

“You know, when I look back on those days, I remember a lot of pain and I remember a lot of sadness,” said Transfiguration-St Stanislaus Kostka Parish Pastor, Monsignor Joe Calise.

His story is not unusual. According to the Saint John Vianney center, 10 percent of clergy suffer from addiction but only about 2 percent seek treatment.

The Queens pastor is now 34 years sober and about 7 years ago he decided to help other priests struggling to stay sober.

“We do live very isolated lives. You know, not only do we have a lot of priests who are in their rectory by themselves, but even within a rectory, there comes a time at night where everybody is in their own room and that’s it,” said Monsignor Calise.

He created “Transition House” which is run out of the St Stanislaus Kostka rectory, as a built in halfway house for clergy in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

18 people have come through since it started, a third with addiction issues while others are there for various reasons.

“It’s really become a haven for priests who need a place to stay while whatever the complication is, whether it’s a visa, a problem with some type of an addiction, or even just a need to get out of the rectory that they were living in,” said Monsignor Calise.

There’s no medical staff or therapeutic personnel but the men who stay have to put in the work.

“We do hold them accountable. If it takes them three months, four months, two months, that’s fine. The only thing we would challenge would be if someone doesn’t seem to be doing anything for their recovery,” said Monsignor Calise.

As difficult as it is to talk about this low point in his life, Monsignor Calise thinks if it helps even one person, it’s worth it.

“You know, bring a message of hope to so many other people but it’s because of what I went through that that message is credible,” said Monsignor Calise.

For a list of resources please visit: DIOCESEOFBROOKLYN.ORG/ADDICTION-RECOVERY-MONTH

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday 9/18/2024

September is National Addiction Recovery Month, highlighting that addiction can impact anyone, even priests. The Diocese of Brooklyn supports recovery through “Transition House,” a program started by a pastor who overcame alcohol addiction after a decade-long struggle.

Priests from the Diocese of Brooklyn gathered at the Fall Convocation for a day of prayer and reflection. Addiction recovery experts from a Midwestern treatment center spoke on “The Key to Becoming Happy, Holy, and Healthy.”

DeSales Media has introduced a new webinar series to help Catholics strengthen their faith and feel more confident sharing it. The series aims to address concerns highlighted by a study showing one in five devout Catholics struggle with discussing their beliefs.

2028 International Eucharistic Congress To Be In Australia

Over the weekend, the International Eucharistic Congress in Ecuador concluded, but plans for more family and fraternity at the next one are already underway.

The next Congress will take place in Australia in 2028.

The Archbishop of Sydney said they have been in negotiations with the Vatican for several years to be a potential host, as it will be an opportunity to revive the faith. The year 2028 will also mark 100 years since Australia last hosted the International Eucharistic Congress.

CCBQ to Hold Back to School Fair for Parents

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens is helping kids get back to school.

CCBQ is holding a resource fair designed to provide every family with everything they need for a happy and healthy year.

Plenty of local organizations and Catholic Charities ministries will be there to answer any questions you may have.

Just go to the basketball court behind PS 105, The Bay School, on Tuesday, September 24th. The address is 420 Beach 51st Street in Far Rockaway.

The event will be held rain or shine, and space is limited, so be sure to arrive on time when the event kicks off at 2:30 p.m.

Blessed Carlo Acutis Classroom Offers Inspiration of Faith

By Katie Vasquez

Kids in Catholic schools do more than reading, writing and arithmetic.

They are also growing in faith and at Incarnation Catholic Academy in Queens Village, students now have a space dedicated just for that.

“This room was used as just a storage room. and I said, look, we’re going to have a new saint. we have to have models. we have to have better witness,” said Father Josephjude Gannon, Incarnation Catholic Academy Board Chair.

That model is what will soon be the church’s first millennial saint, Blessed Carlo Acutis.

The Italian teen brought people around the world closer to Christ by creating a website of all the Eucharistic miracles, and through this classroom dedicated to him at Incarnation, kids can learn and relate to his life.

“He was around our age so we can look up to him and try to do things that he did and make it more known,” said Kayla Russ, an 8th grade student at Incarnation Catholic Academy.

And his strong faith.

“He’s not that older than us, and he had to receive confirmation once, too,” said Nathan Lachhman, a 7th grader at the school.

The parish of Incarnation-St Gerard Majella hopes this space will inspire the youth to get closer to Christ and be a catechist like Carlo.

“I think it will benefit the school because if someone’s, like, down or upset about something and they feel like they want to pray, they could come here,” Evens Moise, a 7th grader student said.

There are still some updates to come to Carlo’s classroom, like a smart board and 3d printer-

But Father Gannon said the spiritual and technical elements are all things the tech wiz turned soon-to-be saint would appreciate.

“Blessed Carlo was somebody who loved technology, and so that’s one of the reasons why we want to use all of that in this room as we continue to grow. Because he used technology for evangelization,” Father Gannon said. “He used technology to outreach to the world and that’s really what we’re all called to do especially in Catholic schools.”

Christ The King Basketball Player Competes Against the Best in the World

By Katie Vasquez

It’s back to school for students like Josie Pinnock, but unlike many in her grade, this sophomore at Christ the King high school had an unusual summer.

She took a trip to Paris, France but it wasn’t a European Vacation.

The basketball player was one of only ten girls from around the world to compete in the Jordan Brand “Our Turn” competition facing college level athletes while still in high school.

“I got to meet a lot of new people, a lot of new faces. and I got to play really good competition,” said Pinnock.

She represented the entire east coast of the U.S. and was featured in a billboard outside Madison Square Garden.

“That’s the only thing I love to do. Just play basketball,” said Pinnock.

Unfortunately Josie lost in the semifinals but it hasn’t slowed her down.

“It was tough losing, but at the end of the day, I still made it there. and I should, that should be something I’m proud of,” said Pinnock.

It’s an accomplishment that the principal who also happens to be her uncle can’t help bragging about.

“As a principal, it lets you know that we’re doing the right thing at Christ the King, right? we’re letting her grow athletically. We’re letting her go academically. As an uncle, I’m just extremely proud that she’s able to accomplish all those things and keep her grade point average,” said Christ the King High School Principal, Joseph Arbitello.

The Queens student has three more years of school to work on her game and she wants to make every second count.

“You can’t get your head like your head get big or whatever. You just got to keep working,” said Pinnock.

With a dream of eventually playing professionally for the New York Liberty team.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday 9/17/2024

The legacy of Blessed Carlo Acutis grows, as a Queens Village classroom at Incarnation Catholic Academy, is named in his honor, continuing his mission to inspire youth through Eucharistic miracles.

Dioceses worldwide are celebrating World Youth Day on the Feast of the Christ the King in November, with Pope Francis encouraging youth to remain hopeful.

Tuesday, Sept. 17, marks 800 years since St. Francis of Assisi received the stigmata, the first appearance of bodily wounds like Christ’s crucifixion.

Christ the King High School sophomore Josie Pinnock was among ten global girls invited to a Paris basketball tournament, showcasing collegiate-level skills.

Tonight at 7: Incarnation Catholic Academy Unveils Blessed Carlo Acutis Classroom

Incarnation Catholic Academy in Queens Village unveiled the Blessed Carlo Acutis classroom on Catechist Sunday, Sept. 15, featuring modern technology for religious education. Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Chappetto celebrated Mass and brought a relic to bless the classroom. Currents News’ Katie Vasquez has the story tonight.

Catholic News Headlines for Monday 9/16/2024

Bishop Robert Brennan dedicated the new Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel at Queens College, which is open for prayer and Mass on weekdays.

A Queens College student rediscovers his faith and passion for Mass at the Newman Center, hoping to inspire others.

Bishop Brennan joined a procession in Corona, Queens, for the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, honoring the Marian apparition and reflecting on the Blessed Mother’s suffering.

New Chapel at Queens College Aims to Draw Students Closer to Their Faith

By Katie Vasquez

Dozens of students gather for a midday mass on a Monday, taking a break from their busy new schedules at Queens College to welcome a new chapel at the school’s Newman Center.

Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan, who blessed the altar of the Sacred Heart of Jesus chapel, said it’s a sign of faith at the secular college.

“They dedicated themselves to making a place beautiful for God and to create a place where they could make room for God in their lives,” said Bishop Brennan.

At a time when, according to research, most young people are leaving the faith. Queens College is bucking that trend.

“Being a public college and having a lot of students here, that surprises me, honestly,” said Nina Palces, a senior student at Queens College.

Young people have been gathering at the Catholic center since it was spruced up last year.

“It looks like, it’s so beautiful,” said Odalis Castro, a junior student at Queens College. “Like if you saw this before and now it’s a difference.”

The space is part of an ongoing effort by Queens College’s Catholic ministry to keep the students connected to their faith.

“It’s a pivotal time, and one of our key challenges is to make people know that we’re here for them,” said Bishop Brennan. “And when we meet the young people where they are, we have the chance to draw them in, to draw them closer to the lord.”

Among the features of the new chapel include this altar, designed by St Leo parishioner, Anthony Rodriguez.

“I think the greatest thing is using my talents for something that’s for god’s glory,” said Rodriguez. and on top of that, that helps a lot of people in their faith lives.”

Every part of this sacred space was designed with students in mind, to give them a place to pray, and find peace during their hectic schedules.

“We wanted to make the chapel a place where physically they could be soothed out, you know, that the light, the colors, the lights are there, the color of red, right?” said Queens College campus minister, Omar Cortez. “We wanted everything to just be a part of that aspect as well. Mental health is a big deal and we hope that chapel could be a pivotal role for our students and others in the future to come in and check out.”

Sacred Heart of Jesus chapel will remain open for students 5 days a week during school hours.