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Queens Catholic Academies Pack Bags of Essentials for Families in Need at Marguerite’s Pantry

 By Jessica Easthope

Students and staff from several Catholic academies in the Diocese of Brooklyn came together to prepare holiday bags for families facing hardship.

“We want to make sure that those families know we care about them. Please make sure we put Christmas cards in each and every bag,” said Agnes Mosejczuk, principal of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Academy.

“The things that we put in these bags were soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste…” said Melissa Chay, an eighth-grader at St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy.

“Blanket, coffee, hot chocolate. It’s for what they need,” said Max Borja of St. Leo Catholic Academy.

“There’s some people who can’t afford to, like, get stuff like this that are like the basic needs,” Chay said.

“Our kids today are like Santa checking lists and checking them twice. We have the donations here, everyone was so generous. We want to just make sure that no one goes without this season,” said Diane Gorman, principal of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy.

“So we founded this project several years ago and we’ve been adopting families each Christmas,” Mosejczuk said. “Sister Ann Marie, a Grey Nun sister, told us that the need is much greater this year and we reached out to other schools, to St Leo’s or St Bart’s, Our Lady of Sorrows and Our Lady of Fatima to collaborate with us. And I’m so grateful to those schools for saying yes. They’re families within our community so for them to give back, it means a lot,” she said.

“I see many people myself, like who are in need. They just, they live in poverty and this is just a chance to give back to the community,” said Nicholas Reyes, an eighth-grader at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy.

“People deserve a chance to have everything that they need to survive, you know?” said Saba Usman, an eighth-grader at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy.

“Some people don’t have the stuff that we have. And I’m really grateful for what I have, especially in my Catholic school,” said Thiago Valdiviezo-Doychev, an eighth-grader at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Academy.”

Some families live in shelters. This may be the only Christmas tree they might have this Christmas. So yes, it is important for me to make it perfect for them. I think it teaches the kids the importance of appreciating little things in life,” Mosejczuk said.

“We reached over 150 hearts today. You know, that’s what Christmas is about. It’s not about receiving. It’s about giving,” Valdiviezo-Doychev said.

“On Saturday morning, we will be ready to go and distribute 150 bags to families in need. It’s all about service. It makes us who we are,” Gorman said.

Currents News Holiday Specials: Year in Review, New Saint & Pope Leo XIV

By Currents News

As we celebrate Christmas and head into the New Year, Currents News has a lineup of special programs you won’t want to miss. From our 2025 Year in Review to features on Saint Carlo Acutis, newly ordained Brooklyn priests, and a special on Pope Leo XIV, join us for meaningful stories airing Dec. 26 through Dec. 31.

New York’s Two Shepherds Celebrate First Mass Together After Leadership Announcement

By Currents News

Just hours after the leadership announcement, Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks and Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrated Mass together for the first time at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Advent Mass with Archdiocese of New York employees marked a warm welcome for the incoming archbishop and a moment of unity as he asked for prayers and pledged to pray for those he will soon serve.

Cardinal Dolan Reflects on Retirement After Submitting Resignation at 75

By Currents News

After submitting his resignation to the pope as required by Church law, Cardinal Timothy Dolan shared candid thoughts about retirement on his weekly podcast. The Archbishop Emeritus of New York says the transition doesn’t trouble him — and reflects on faith, family, and what the next chapter could hold.

Bishop Robert Brennan Thanks Cardinal Dolan as New Chapter Begins in New York

By Currents News

As he looks ahead to working with Archbishop Ronald Hicks, Bishop Robert Brennan also paused to reflect on his relationship with Cardinal Timothy Dolan. In an interview, the Brooklyn bishop expressed gratitude and respect for Dolan’s leadership and friendship during their years serving together in New York.

Catholic News Headlines for Thursday 12/18/25  

Pope Leo XIV appoints Archbishop Ronald Hicks as the new leader of the Archdiocese of New York, accepting Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s resignation and ushering in a new chapter for millions of Catholics.

We take a closer look at the life and faith journey of Archbishop Ronald Hicks, from his Chicago roots and missionary work in El Salvador to his call to lead New York’s Catholic community.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan reflects on turning 75 and submitting his resignation, sharing his thoughts on retirement and what the next chapter of his priesthood may look like.

Kellenberg Memorial High School on Long Island is welcoming animals into daily campus life, using furry and feathered friends to reduce student stress and teach care for God’s creation.

New Archbishop Brings Chicago Flavor to New York City

By Jessica Easthope and Paula Katinas 

When Archbishop Ronald Hicks is installed in the Archdiocese of New York at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Feb. 6, it will mark the second time this year that a native of a Chicago suburb has been chosen to hold a prominent position in the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Hicks’ hometown of Holland is close to Pope Leo XIV’s hometown of Dolton, “and our houses are literally 14 blocks apart,” the newly appointed leader of the archdiocese said at his first press conference at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Dec. 18.

While the two men didn’t know each other growing up, they have a lot in common. “We would have played baseball in the same parks, gone swimming in the same public pools, and even shared a famous pizza place that’s our favorite,” Archbishop Hicks said.

Speaking of baseball, he made it clear that while New York is his new home, he is a loyal Chicago Cubs fan. He prefaced his remarks by joking, “Let me begin with potentially my first controversial statement. I am a Cubs fan!”

However, he quickly added, “I am going to start rooting for the New York sports teams.”

Archbishop Hicks also confessed a fondness for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, although he said he has developed a taste for New York-style thin-crust slices.

“I already love the pizza. I love it a lot,” he said.

His heart is filled with gratitude for his new appointment, he said.

“My desire is to be obedient to the Holy Spirit and do the will of God, serving with a shepherd’s heart,” Archbishop Hicks said.

As he becomes acquainted with his new home, he is looking forward to working with his fellow bishops in New York State, including Bishop Robert Brennan, whom he has met. “I look forward to getting to know him, all my brothers here, and doing it just in a great spirit of collaboration and unity,” he explained.

Archbishop Hicks said he enjoys meeting his fellow clergy and said he is often the first to introduce himself and extend a handshake.

At bishops’ conferences, for example, “I’m the type, if we’re in the lunch line, I stick my hand out and say, ‘Hi! I’m Ron Hicks. Who are you?’ I like getting to know them and collaborating with them,” he said. “I like people.”

Pets Bring Joy, Stress Relief to Students at Kellenberg Memorial High School

By Katie Vasquez

At Kellenberg Memorial High School, the hallways sometimes resemble a zoo, with birds, peacocks, and dogs roaming alongside students and teachers.

Junior Bria Green described her surprise upon seeing the animals.

“I honestly had to do a double take because I walked in and it was like birds, peacocks, dogs. And I was like, wow, this is kind of like a zoo.”

Fellow junior Abigail Hassett echoed the sentiment. “I walked in and I see the birds and I see the peacocks, and there’s dogs walking around, and the teachers are walking around with the dogs and everyone’s talking about how much they love it.”

This unique environment has been a hallmark of the Long Island Catholic school since it opened in 1987, when the Society of Mary brothers and priests moved in and brought their pets with them.

Principal Brother Kenneth M. Hoagland, S.M., explained the longstanding tradition. “From the very first day we had our pets and we’ve shared them.”

During study hall, students have the opportunity to walk the dogs around the school. For many teens, it’s more than a chore—it’s a valuable stress reliever.

“If you’re having a bad day, like a bad quiz or bad test, they just always cheer you up and it’s always just a cute thing,” Green said. “They’re adorable and they just make it so special.”

Brother Hoagland added, “They’re like guard dogs. They guard against anxiety, fear and sadness.”

The school’s maintenance staff, including Supervisor of Grounds and Landscaping Kevin Wells-Hardy, cares for the more exotic animals, such as peacocks, koi fish, and parrots.

“It’s unique. It’s special because no other place has anything like this,” Wells-Hardy said. He noted that the peacocks are “pretty much self-sufficient. We just have to make sure they stay put. They don’t fly out.”

Beyond the fun, the animals provide a hands-on lesson in responsibility and respect for creation.

“We have a respect for God’s creation, but also we have a responsibility to care for all God’s creation,” Brother Hoagland said. “So, we feel very engaged in that work.”

Abigail emphasized the students’ role: “Making sure that they’re safe, that no one harms them or anything.”

This cherished school tradition is one that Kellenberg Memorial plans to continue for years to come.