Priests and Educators Take the Field to Showcase Catholic Education

By Tim Harfmann

It’s a highly-anticipated rematch on Catholic Schools Night as the second-annual ‘Collars v.s. Scholars’ game is set to take place at MCU Ballpark in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

Currents News caught up with the reigning M.V.P., Sister Shirlee Tremont from Saint Bernadette Catholic Academy in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, earlier today. Sister Shirlee is playing for the scholars.

“I think it’s going to be an intense game with more offense this year,” said Sister Shirlee.

The hard-swinging sister delivered last year with two hits, driving in two runs. But the Collars squeezed out a victory, winning by just two runs.

Now, Sister Shirlee is ready for revenge, saying, “We got a slow start last year, but we’ve sized up the competition now a little better.”

The focus of the night is Catholic education and the students. Nearly fifty valedictorians and salutatorians from Catholic academies across Brooklyn and Queens are being honored for their academic excellence.

Sister Shirlee says the faith-based education is vital for children.

“Catholic education is the bedrock of our future of the Church. These are the kids that get to really know and live out, hopefully day-by-day, the Catholic faith, a life of prayer and Jesus Christ. There’s nothing more important than that,” she said.

Even though Sister Shirlee is keeping her pregame trash-talking to a minimum, she has a message for the priests before she meets them on the field.

“Just good luck!”

Amazon Synod to Study Possibility of Ordaining Married Priests

Currents News Staff

The Vatican has recently presented its working document for the Synod on Panama, entitled ‘Amazon: New Roads for the Church and for an Integral Ecology.’

The document will serve as the basic text for conversations bishops in the area will have with Pope Francis in October.

“Affirming that celibacy is a gift for the Church,” reads one of the proposals, “it is requested that, for the most remote areas of the region, the possibility of priestly ordination be studied for elderly people, preferably indigenous, who are respected and accepted by their community; even if they already have a constituted and stable family.”

“The purpose is to ensure the sacraments that accompany and sustain the Christian life,” the document explains.

This refers to the so-called “viri probati,” old men of proven faith, from small Catholic communities in areas where there are no priests for long periods.

A suggestion from the indigenous communities in the area, the proposal would be limited to remote areas.

They ask to imitate the attitude of “the primitive Church when it responded to their needs by creating the appropriate ministries.”

When he returned from Panama, Pope Francis already spoke about celibacy and opened the door to this possibility.

“A phrase by St. Paul VI comes to mind,” Pope Francis said, “‘I prefer to give my life before changing the law on celibacy.’”

“There would be some possibility to change it only for remote places, like the Pacific Islands, he clarified.

“It is something that must be considered when there is a pastoral need, the pastor must think of his faithful ones.”

One of the Synod’s objectives is to warn about indifference to how the ecosystem is suffering.

The Synod will begin in October and will gather a hundred bishops from the area and from other places involved in caring for the Amazon, the lungs of the world.

Save the 1: Pro-Life Grassroots Movements Growing Across the Nation

Currents News Staff

New York City is considered the abortion capital of the country.

In contrast, other states are enacting measures that protect babies, where the debate over those laws include whether exceptions should be made in cases of rape and incest.

Pro-life activist Rebecca Kiessling was conceived after her biological mother was raped.

Her mother intended to get an abortion, but the deadly procedure was illegal.

Now, Kiessling is keenly involved with those issues as the leader of ‘Save the 1’ – a pro-life advocacy group.

She joins us from Detroit to discuss how the pro-life grassroots movement is growing around the nation.

Notre Dame Celebrates First Mass After Fire

Currents News Staff

The Notre Dame cathedral celebrated its first Mass since the April 15 fire that badly damaged the building.

The ceremony, which took place in a chapel at the end of the cathedral, was led by the Archbishop of Paris, Michel Aupetit, and attended by a small number of priests.

Aupetit said in his message that he wanted to celebrate Mass just two months to the day after the fire at Notre Dame in the cathedral itself because he wanted to give a sign of hope.

And later in his message Aupetit said “we hope that we can regain the spirit of those who built this cathedral in the first place.”

During the Mass, which was streamed live on Catholic television and was also streamed live on the website of the Catholic Church, you could see very clearly the devastation caused by the fire two months ago.

There were piles of debris in the middle of the Church of the main nave area and holes in the ceiling. You could see protective structures that were built along important treasures like statues and whatnot.

The church wanted to have a vesper service out in front of the cathedral, but that area is still too fragile because of what’s happened underground in the vaults area. Authorities wouldn’t allow them to take it out and let the public take part in any kind of ceremony like that.

Bishop DiMarzio Celebrates 75th Birthday at Brooklyn Church

By Tim Harfmann

There was a special birthday celebration for Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio as he turned 75 years old on Sunday, June 16.

“It’s a great day that I got to 75! I appreciate that very much, and I’m trying to enjoy it,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

The shepherd enjoyed it with members of his flock at Saint Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

Students from the parish’s Catholic academy and religious education program presented Bishop DiMarzio with flowers and a cake.

“It was an honor that he wanted to come to our church on his birthday,” said parishioner Annalisa Conte. “I think the whole parish was proud to have him here.”

“He’s a good role model for Catholics to practice faith and our beliefs,” said Angelina Simonetti, another parishioner.

Now that he’s 75, Bishop DiMarzio must submit his letter of resignation to the Vatican — a requirement all bishops must follow when they reach the milestone age.

It is then up to the Holy Father to accept the resignation and appoint a successor.

“Normally it’s a process of six months to a year when they find somebody to take your place,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

“Then once it’s announced, you become the apostolic administrator until the new bishop is placed in,” he continued.

Who the pope will choose and when exactly that will be is unclear.

Monsignor David Cassato, pastor of Saint Athanasius Church, said Bishop DiMarzio has made a lasting impression on the diocese over the past 15 years.

“He has made a tremendous impact on this diocese. He has a great administrative skill, but more than that, he has a tremendous pastoral skill. And he’s able to reach out language-wise, all sorts of things that he can do for God’s people here in Brooklyn and Queens,” said Monsignor Cassato.

A native of Newark, New Jersey, he was the bishop of Camden, New Jersey before becoming the seventh bishop of Brooklyn in 2003.

Bishop DiMarzio has been a champion for immigrants’ rights, vocations, and Catholic education.

But he said what he’s most proud of is strengthening relationships with Christ.

“I think, basically, trying to make the diocese one of evangelization, of trying to reach out to people who are not coming to Church, reach out to those who are not Catholic. That was my beginning sermon when I took over the diocese, and I continue that,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

Continuing that at the age of 75 and beyond.

Currents News for Friday, June 14, 2019

On this special edition: The Diocese of Brooklyn is four priests stronger! We’ll show you the emotional ceremony; A new exhibit about the Good Book is now underway… and some of the bibles have never been seen before; A display of faith in New York’s Times Square. Thousands were there to pray; And a Brooklyn tradition more than a century old is changing gears. Find out how you can take part.

Watch weeknights at 7:00 pm EST on NET-TV in the New York City area on Spectrum, Optimum, and Fios. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications about new content.

Currents News for Thursday, June 13, 2019

On the newscast: Hundreds of Catholic senior citizens are telling Mayor Bill De Blasio to keep his housing promises or they want him evicted; An update on the changes to the Lord’s Prayer. The news is coming straight from the Vatican; A big day Sunday for Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio. It’ll have an impact on all Catholics in the Brooklyn Diocese; A beloved saint is being remembered today on the streets of Gowanus.

Watch weeknights at 7:00 pm EST on NET-TV in the New York City area on Spectrum, Optimum, and Fios. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications about new content.

St. Anthony of Padua Celebrated In Brooklyn

By Emily Drooby

Fanfare filled the streets and prayers filled the pews of Our Lady of Peace as hundreds gathered to celebrate St. Anthony Of Padua’s feast day.

It’s a beloved tradition in the Gowanus, Brooklyn neighborhood. One that Millie Lamanno has been a part of for more than half a century.

“My prayers are always answered, that’s why I have faith in him, him and I are like this, that’s why I love him,” said Lamanno.

Millie is 101 years old but she’s still volunteering on this feast day, hanging offerings on St. Anthony’s Shrine. She’s helping him because as the patron saint of lost items, he has always helped her.

“Whenever I lost an item I always talked to St. Anthony, my prayers are always answered, whatever I wished for I was always successful, that’s why I have deep faith in St. Anthony,” she said.

If something is lost you can grab a metal and ask St Anthony for his help and that missing item will likely be found.

“And you know the funny part of it all, I find my things and that why I have so much faith that I’m helping here so many years,” said Vivian Ceravolo, a diocese of Brooklyn parishioner.

Those metals were sold at the church. Along with flowers, bread, oils, all have deep importance.

“The bread represents the giving of our abundance that we have gifts that we share what we have with many. The lilies that we have is actually representative of purity. Tradition has it that two of the lilies themselves, the fragrance that it has the oils is used to mix with other oil. Those who are in need of anointing they can anoint themselves to the devotion of St Anthony and receive graces as well, the metals are to remember the feast then it’s another symbol for keeping Anthony close to heart,” explained Father Orlando Ruiz, OFM, the pastor of Our Lady of Peace.

Parishioners and clergy also showed their love for St. Anthony by celebrating mass throughout the day.

As Their Principal Retires, Catholic Academy Thrives With Waiting Lists

By Tim Harfmann

For the last 17 years, Kathleen Buscemi has been the principal at Saint Bernard Catholic Academy in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn. The school is thriving and there’s a waiting list of students who want to get into the classrooms.

She’s retiring after dedicating 45 years to Catholic education, all the while, impacting thousands of lives.

“I say all the time that we’re a family, and we are truly a family,” said Buscemi.

Buscemi established over 30 extracurricular activities for children and invested in technology in the classrooms, all combined with a faith-based education.

“They teach the children to read, write, and do math the old-fashioned way the same as we do; but we offer that something extra,” she said.

On June 13, students, teachers, and parents honored her during a tearful farewell ceremony.

The kids presented her with several gifts, from letters written by every student, to her own street sign, “Buscemi’s Way.”

Eighth grader Sienna Skye Mastroviti explained why the principal is so loved.

“She did everything she could for us. She helped us. She looked out for us. She guided me, and I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without her,” said Mastroviti.

Catholic education is important to Buscemi, and going forward she’s going to mentor new Catholic school principals.

Monsignor Joseph Grimaldi, the pastor of Saint Bernard parish, said, “She has always been that beckon of hope, that beckon of bringing the good news of salvation through the witness of her life, to teach our Catholic principles and our Catholic morals faithfully each day, day in and day

out.”

And she did so with great success.

In Affordable Housing Battle, Seniors Call For Mayor’s Eviction

By Tamara Laine

Hundreds of senior citizens from across New York City gathered at Gracie Mansion on June 12 to demand that Mayor Bill de Blasio uphold his promise to fund senior housing facilities.

Otherwise, they want him evicted.

“Housing is not a political issue, it is a human issue it is a human rights issue,” said Father Mason, pastor of Our Lady of the Participation in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

He and members of his parish traveled to the Mansion by bus, spending hours in traffic.

Currents News was invited to ride on the bus, and spoke to seniors affected by the housing crisis.

“When you look at seniors not safe, not living in properly sized apartments…come on, now let’s address that,” said Carlota Butler, a parishioner Our Lady of the Participation & Mercy.

“Frustrated” and “angry” were just some of the words parishioners like Evie Pacheco used to describe their attitudes towards the situation.

They say the mayor has broken a promise he made one year ago: to budget $500 million for low-income senior housing, something that many think is desperately needed.

Nearly 80,000 seniors currently rely on NYCHA housing, with an estimated 200,000 New Yorkers over the age of 65 living below the poverty line.

This group coming from Brownsville has the highest density of public housing units in the country, making this Issue close to home.

For East Brooklyn Congregations Leader Tita Concepcion, it’s personal.

“I live with the seniors that are going through hard times who struggle to go up the stairs when the elevators are broken,” she said.

“My daughter was assaulted once in these buildings because the doors were not fixed”

“Many of those who trekked here pulled with them suitcases,” she added, saying that if the mayor didn’t allocate funding for these issues, they were going to move into his mansion.

“Mr. Mayor you live in a rodent-free, lead-free, mold free, safe mansion while half a million people are living in dehumanizing conditions.”

Father Mason, who was wildly received by the crowd, said enough is enough.

“We are here today to remind him of that commitment and say ‘Mr. Mayor, step up and fulfill your promise or move out and let some of our seniors live in your nice building,’” he said.

The Mayor’s office has not yet returned our request for comment.

This is just one of the many housing issues affecting New Yorkers. Currents News will continue special coverage on the New York City housing crisis, reporting on developing rent reform legislation in the days to come.