Catholic School Students Return to School in Brooklyn Diocese With New Safety Procedures in Place

By Emily Drooby

Safety was the top priority as the school year kicked off on the morning of September 9 in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Schools performed temperature checks, helped students maintain social distance and had new rules in place. This was all to keep students safe.

“While this is probably the weirdest back-to-school day I have experienced in 28 years of education, it’s probably also the most exciting back to school day too,” said Lynn Alaimo, the principal of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy. The school is located in Bellerose, Queens.

She further added that she’s proud of the hard work her staff did over the summer to ensure the school opened. Parents have also noticed that extra effort.

Melvin Torres has two children at the school. “I commend the school so much,” he said. “They were sent home on Friday and then on Monday, right away kids are online. They are quick to respond, and I commend them for that. And I’m very thankful.”

Schools throughout the diocese are staggering their first days based on grade, so students can get used to new safety rules with fewer people in the building.

Ninety percent of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s 66 Catholic schools and academies are offering 100 percent in person instruction. Ten percent are doing a hybrid model because of capacity.

Over at Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy in Astoria, Queens, the older grades had their orientation. New principal and alumnus, Brother Joseph Rocco has worked in schools for over 20 years.

“I have to say the preparation for this school year, I have never experienced in all those years,” he told Currents News.

The preparation included safe conduct reminders on walls and floors, temperature checks and socially distanced classrooms. Parents will also have to fill out daily health screening questionnaires.

“So far, I was very impressed this morning, everybody had a task and it was done. It was efficient,” said Brother Rocco.

Staff at both schools were proud of the way their first days went.

Many students were thrilled to be back, especially eighth graders like Olivia and Gabrielle Mills, who were afraid they would miss the important milestones that make up their final year.

“Being here since nursery, I want to make the best moments, for the last of it,” said Gabrielle.

Currents News full broadcast for Tues, 9/8/20 (Catholic news)

Currents News reports secular and religious news from the Catholic perspective.

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

The Diocese of Brooklyn holding a celebration of life for a priest they held so dear – Father Gioacchino Basile passed away in April due to complications from COVID-19. Now his parishioners and friends are giving their pastor a final goodbye.

Pope Francis announces his first trip outside of Rome since the pandemic began.

We’ll speak to Brian Carroll, an evangelical Christian, who is a third-party nominee running for president.

What Is the American Solidarity Party? Presidential Nominee Brian Carroll Explains

Currents News Staff

Election day is eight weeks away, and one of the candidates is hoping his name is on the ballot. Brian Carroll, an evangelical Christian, is the presidential nominee of the “American Solidarity Party,” a small political party largely in line with Catholic social teaching.

Brian joins Currents News to discuss his party’s platform when it comes to marriage, religious liberty environment, health care and immigration.

Father Gioacchino Basile Is Finally Going Home

By Bill Miller and Jessica Easthope

The hearse’s backdoor swung open early Tuesday morning, revealing a wooden crate that carried the casket of Father Gioacchino Basile.

The 60-year-old priest, who died in April after a brief battle with COVID-19, was finally going home to his native Italy, now that mountains of red tape were gone.

Indeed, Father Basile himself was undeterred by obstacles, parishioners said.

Nearly 100 people came to see him off; most of them were parishioners from St. Gabriel’s in East Elmhurst, Queens, where Father Basile served since 2008.

On Sept. 8, many recalled how the jovial priest accepted every request, no matter the time of day, or how it might make him late for another commitment. He accommodated them all.

“The word ‘no’ was not in his vocabulary,” said Vivian Castillo.

“The word he did know,” added Regina Dominguez, “was ‘love.’ He loved so thoroughly. He practiced what he preached.”

The parishioners, joined by some of Father Basile’s fellow priests, gathered at the back of the hearse parked outside Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Church, 125 Summit St., in Brooklyn. It was the last stop before the hearse took the casket to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Parishioners stood in line, patiently waiting to approach the casket. Most came one-by-one, but a few adults accompanied children. They all stood briefly in silent prayer; some placed hands on the wooden crate’s rough surface.

All wore face masks, but the protective equipment could not conceal tears that welled in many parishioners’ reddened eyes.

Bells chimed for Father Basile as Father Nicholas Apollonio, administrator of St. Gabriel Church, greeted the assembly.

“Death is not the end,” Father Apollonio said. “We can be blessed knowing Gioacchino is with the Lord.

“We share the hope of the children of God as we pray for Gioacchino and those who loved him. That is why we are here.

“The mystery of death should not make us afraid.”

Logistics prompted the send-off to be at Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Church in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, instead of Father Basile’s St. Gabriel in Queens. The Carroll Gardens parish is closest to nearby Scotto Funeral Home, which has cared for Father Basile’s remains since his death on April 4.

John Heyer II, a funeral director at the home, explained that the proximity helped him get the hearse to JFK in time for the flight to Rome.

He also described how the global pandemic took a vast toll over Italy, which only recently allowed international flights to land at its airports. Also, the pandemic throttled travel from region to region until recently.

Therefore, Sept.8 was the first opportunity for Father Basile’s casket to leave the U.S. for Italy, Heyer said. The flight to Rome was to be followed by another transport to the priest’s hometown of Reggio, Calabria, Italy, where his sister and brother-in-law still reside.

The seaside community is in the south of Italy, literally on the “toe” of the “boot” — a common expression for the peninsula facing the island of Sicily.

Father Apollonio said Father Basile’s funeral would be later this week at St. Luke’s Church in Reggio, with burial to follow.

Father Basile’s death came one week after the passing of Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay, the first U.S. priest believed to have died from complications associated with the coronavirus.

Father Basile was already on medical leave from his duties as pastor at St. Gabriel’s when he learned he had contracted coronavirus.

Father Basile was trained in the Neocatecumenal Movement and served as the spiritual director of Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Douglaston. He also assisted as a chaplain at LaGuardia Airport.

Back-to-School, Including Virtually, Begins for Millions of American Students

Currents News Staff

It’s the first day of school for more than 1.8 million students.

But for those attending 14 of the nation’s 16 largest school districts opening today, Sept.8, classes will be held entirely online.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reported over 70,000 new cases in children over the two weeks ending August 27. That’s an increase of 17 percent.

While grade schools evaluate the safest way to begin the academic year, some college towns are already turning into coronavirus hotspots.

In upstate New York, SUNY Oneonta reported at least 651 cases since the start of the semester. At Iowa State, at least 900 students tested positive since August 1.

At the University of New Hampshire, a cluster of cases has been linked to a fraternity party attended by more than 100 people.

Beth Daly, Chief at NH DHHS Bureau of Infectious Disease Control says room for concern is understandable.

“So we’re concerned about any other individuals who may have been attending events there or visiting their friends at this location just because we know there have been at least 11 people who have tested positive,” Beth says.

That risk is why NYU says it suspended 20-plus students for violating the university’s health and safety guidelines.

This occurred as health experts fear celebrations and crowds over Labor Day Weekend could fuel another round of dangerous spikes, as seen over Memorial Day and the Fourth of July holidays.

Former CDC Official William Schaffner says it’s a marathon not a sprint.

“It is very, very important that we continue to have all the social distancing, mask wearing, avoiding large groups,” William says. “We’re all very concerned that the behaviors this weekend will be an accelerant and spread COVID virus even further. Flu is on the way. That will double the danger.”

President Donald Trump once again implying a vaccine could be ready by November.

“So, we’re going to have a vaccine very soon,” President Trump says, “maybe even before a very special date. You know what date I’m talking about.”

But health experts say there’s no guaranteed timeline, emphasizing that delivering a safe and effective preventative is key. Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy remains hopeful.

“I’m really hopeful that we will have a vaccine by year end or by early next year,” Vivek says, “but the key thing about the process for getting a vaccine is that it has to be driven by science and scientists, not by political figures or by political timelines.”

Pope Will Sign New Encyclical in Assisi Oct. 3

By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will travel to Assisi Oct. 3 to sign an encyclical on the social, political and economic obligations that flow from a belief that all people are children of God and therefore brothers and sisters to one another.

The Vatican press office, confirming the Holy Father’s trip, said the document will be titled “Fratelli Tutti” in Italian. In English, the phrase could be translated as “Brothers and Sisters All,” but apparently it is inspired by what is known as St. Francis of Assisi’s “sixth admonition” to the friars, all of whom were men.

Conventual Franciscan Father Mauro Gambetti, custodian of the Assisi convent, said the document “will indicate to the world a style for the future and will give the church and people of goodwill the responsibility for building it together.”

“The pope is clearly inspired by Francis of Assisi who, in following Jesus, recognized in fraternity, lived under the sign of mutual and loving service, the horizon of a fulfilled and happy humanity,” Father Gambetti added.

Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive at the Assisi convent at 3 p.m. to celebrate Mass at the tomb of St. Francis and sign the document.

Because of ongoing concerns and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mass and the rest of the pontiff’s visit will be private, the Vatican press office said.

The encyclical is expected to echo many of the themes Pope Francis has been discussing in his general audience talks on Catholic social teaching in light of the pandemic: human fraternity, the equal dignity of all people, the preferential option for the poor, the universal destination of goods and the obligation of solidarity. Care for the environment and the virtue of peacemaking also are expected to be part of the encyclical.

After Pope Francis signs the document on the eve of the feast of St. Francis, the text is expected to be published in a variety of languages the first week of October.

Alumna of Holy Trinity Catholic Academy, Now Closed, Recalls How Catholic Education Shaped Her Life

It was a bittersweet moment, as Maureen Reichert stood in her former classroom at Holy Trinity Catholic Academy in Whitestone, Queens. The school closed its doors for good on August 31, 2020.

Maureen was in their very first class in 1967, one of 63 students.

“We had no uniforms yet, that was to come,” she reminisced. “We had no doors, blackboards yes, no closets.”

However, it’s what they did have that stuck with Maureen: strong teachers, a tight-knit community and a life-long commitment to her faith.

“It has truly formed me, this school,” she told Currents News

She even sent her two children there. But now, just a few pieces of furniture and empty bulletin boards remain — part of her forever gone.

“It’s really sad, it’s a fact of life,” she explained. “I know it’s financial issues. It’s always very difficult.”

Holy Trinity was one of six Catholic academies in the Diocese of Brooklyn to close on August 31. The pandemic took the school’s final breath, decimating their enrollment and finances.

This disappointing trend is being seen around the country. 140 Catholic schools have had to permanently close because of the pandemic, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. They warn that hundreds more could be in danger without federal aid.

Maureen is urging all families to keep sending their children to Catholic schools. She and her pastor, Father Joseph Gibino explain that they’re essential, because they help instill a lifelong love for God.

They also create a lifelong community, one Maureen especially felt, after losing her mom ten years ago.

“All these people from Holy Trinity were there, it was so comforting, and I think we miss that now,” she said. “So this has been my base, for life.”

While Holy Trinity Catholic Academy might be closed, it’s memory and the impact it had on alumni will forever live on.

Xaverian High School Graduate Perfects His Cooking, Grows His Passion Through Faith During Pandemic

By Jessica Easthope

With a dash of determination and a whole lot of parmesan cheese, Nathan Berg’s culinary career is heating up.

“I would love to own a restaurant or multiple restaurants, take a managerial position but start off in the kitchen,” said 18-year-old Nathan.

Though the pandemic took some of the steam out of his senior year at Xaverian High School, Nathan said it added zest to his passion for cooking.

“I’ve had a lot more time to experiment in the kitchen and I’ve also been able to cook for my family more and do more comprehensive meals every night so I think I’ve done some of my best cooking during the pandemic,” Nathan said.

Born and raised in Bay Ridge, Nathan’s love of being in the kitchen started early.

“I always loved to cook, watch my mom and grandmother cook, I grew up in a predominantly Italian American household so it kind of came as second nature,” he said.

He credits his Catholic education with kickstarting his career. Having recently graduated, Nathan was lifted up by his school community, especially when it came to his food Instagram account called Mangia My Dudes.

“Teachers and faculty started to follow me,” he told Currents News. “People would tell me the next day in class, ‘Guess what we had last night, what you made!'”

And the food he makes is just as authentic as he is. As for secret ingredients, he has a few, but you won’t find any of them on a spice rack.

“To be Catholic, it’s all about sharing something from yourself and giving it to others and I feel like that’s also the basis of cooking and food in general, even in the Bible. I love all the food verses, bread and wine and the loaves and fishes,” Nathan said.

Now Nathan is just beginning his freshman year at Cornell University where he’ll study hospitality. Though his life’s menu will be constantly changing, Nathan’s recipe for success will always be the original: faith, family and food.

Currents News full broadcast for Fri, 9/4/20 (Catholic news)

Currents News reports secular and religious news from the Catholic perspective.

Some of the top stories on this newscast:

Steps, statues, saints, fountains and faith – summer in Rome. We are taking you there on this special edition of Currents News.

Americans may not be able to travel to Europe, but we have an exclusive itinerary, complete with tour guides.

Discover forgotten Catholic histories in piazzas and even in prisons. Plus, statues with a voice as we roam around the Eternal City.

NYC Public Schools to Mandate Random COVID Tests. In Brooklyn Diocese, Any Test Will Be Voluntary

By Emily Drooby

Starting October 1, New York City public schools will be required to randomly test 10 to 20 percent of their in-house students and staff. Mayor Bill de Blasio says the free tests will be the self-swab ones. Parental consent is required to perform them.

“Per the agreement, we will start the systematic testing in October,” said NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio during a press conference on September 3, doubling down on the city’s plan to have monthly mandatory coronavirus testing in public schools.

Students whose parents don’t give consent will be moved to remote learning. Any staff member refusing to take part will be placed on unpaid leave.

The Mayor was optimistic about parents’ reactions.

“From what we’ve seen so far we think we’re going to get a very strong, positive response when parents hear,
” he said.

However, that was not the case. Many quickly took to social media to blast the plan. One of those parents is NYC Councilman Joe Borelli of Staten Island.

“I am angry that a bunch of guys – two of whom none of us trust – sat in a room and decided on my kid getting a medical test without my presence,” he wrote on social media.

He further called it an, “astounding stretch of authority,” adding that dozens of families have called his office to complain.

At first the city and unions said testing would happen in schools. Now they’re saying it’ll happen at third party healthcare facilities.

On the flip side, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn say they will not be doing this.

Associate superintendent, Joan McMaster, said, “We will be sending out and encouraging our teachers completely voluntarily if they would like to be tested. We will be providing them with available testing sites for their convenience, but we will not be doing random testing of anyone in our school communities.”

Instead of mandatory random testing they’ll follow the core four guidelines; stay home if you are sick, social distance, cover your face and practice healthy hand hygiene.

Many parish schools and Catholic academies in the Diocese of Brooklyn are still hard at work, preparing to open to students on September 9.