On January 19, 2015, John Smith fell through the frozen surface of Lake Sainte Louise. He was submerged for over 15 minutes, and doctors were convinced that they had done all that was medically possible to save him. They were right. But his mother had one Hail Mary left, a desperate plea for God to spare her son. And He did. Breakthrough shares the incredible true story of the miracle that saved one boy’s life and shined a beacon of hope across the world. on this very special episode of Walk in Faith, host Craig Syracusa talks to the cast and crew of the movie as well as John Smith and his mother. Be sure to tune in!
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Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Takes on New Role
By Katie Engesser
With thunderous applause, Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn James Massa is appointed as pastor to Holy Family-St Thomas Aquinas parish in Park Slope.
“This is a day of great joy and fulfilment for me,” Bishop Massa said.
Since his priestly ordination over 30 years ago, he has served as a professor and chaplain at many Catholic universities and seminaries in New York and Boston. But there is one ministry Bishop Massa had not undertaken.
“He never was actually a pastor in his whole priesthood,” Bishop of Brooklyn Nicholas DiMarzio explained, “he was always teaching and doing administrative work so he wanted this opportunity to be a pastor.”
“That’s the reason why we’re ordained, really to serve the people of God as his shepherd.” Bishop Massa said.
As part of his work as an auxiliary bishop, he often represents Bishop DiMarzio at parish events and functions. Experience he hopes to use in his new parish.
“I learn a lot from visiting the very varied parishes we have in the diocese of Brooklyn,” the auxiliary bishop said.
Here at Holy Family-St Thomas Aquinas, Bishop Massa’s biggest hope is to unite the parish’s two main groups: English and Spanish speakers. Bishop DiMarzio, celebrating the bilingual installation mass, offered his brother bishop some pastorly advice.
“Take things slow to get adjusted to understand the people, understand the needs so that he can find the right solution to the problems that face this parish here,” Bishop DiMarzio said.
Many parishioners are excited about their new pastor.
Emilio Lugo said, “Bishop Massa is a very wonderful person.”
Alba Amador said “He seems to be such a humble man. Very nice and he always goes out of his way to say hello and call you by your name.”
“I think he’s a very loving person,” said Doris Derose, “Everything that comes through him comes through his heart.”
As mass ends, Bishop Massa already begins caring for his flock by saying a quick prayer for an alter server who got sick during the mass. The youngster apparently had an allergic reaction to the many roses in the church. At last word, she was okay.
Currents News for Friday, December 7, 2018
On the newscast: Trump is shaking up his cabinet with new choices for key post; A principal tries to ban Christmas; Looking back on Pearl Harbor; Emmy Award winning journalist & recording artist Kelly Wright brings tidings of great joy to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Today’s top news from the Catholic perspective anchored by Liz Faublas. Currents News airs Monday through Friday at 7:00 p.m. EST on NET-TV (netny.tv)
Principals Bans Christmas
Currents News Staff
In a two-page memo sent to teachers and staff at Manchester elementary, Principal Jennifer Sinclair laid out her list — highlighting quote “not acceptable practices” during the holiday season.
That list, banning Christmas in the classroom, including candy canes because they symbolize a ‘j’ for Jesus. No Santas or Christmas trees are allowed, either.
On the “acceptable items” list: snowmen, penguins and holidays around the world.
In her memo Sinclair calls the list inclusive and culturally sensitive to all students. She signs it the quote “Unintentional Grinch who stole Christmas from Manchester.”
Mat Staver is the founder of Liberty Counsel, an organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom.
“But for the fact that some school staff got us involved, she would have been the Grinch in Manchester and would have sent a very terrible message to the school district,” said Staver.
Staver says the list violates the school district’s policy and first amendment laws. The counsel sent a letter to administrators last Friday.
“We were prepared had the school not responded appropriately to file suit this week,” he said.
The Elkhorn school district released a statement saying administration “promptly addressed the issue.” and the memo does “not reflect the policy of Elkhorn public schools.”
A district spokesperson says the school is receiving a high volume of phone calls from concerned parents and an officer will be present at school in the coming days.
Trump Picks 2 For Key Posts
Currents News Staff
An administration shuffle underway in Washington.
“I’ve seen very good things about him,” said President Donald Trump:
President Trump announcing his selection of Bill Barr to succeed Jeff Sessions as the nation’s top lawyer.
“He was my first choice from day one. Respected by republicans and respected by democrats.”
If confirmed, the Former Attorney General under George H.W. Bush will return to his post at the Department Of Justice and will be responsible for overseeing the Mueller investigation.
That investigation adding to the tensions in the White House as key new details of the probe are expected to be revealed in a pair of court filings due today in the cases against former Trump Campaign Manager Paul Manafort and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen.
The President lambasting the investigation in a new series of tweets, repeatedly referring to the probe as a “witch hunt”
But he remained mum on the subject when speaking with reporters friday morning. Instead shifting gears to declare his pick of Heather Nauert to replace Nikki Haley as U.N. Ambassador.
She’s very talented, very smart, very quick, and I think she’s going to be respected by all.”
Vatican Christmas Tree Lighting
Currents News Staff
It was lit by children before the Christmas celebration was accompanied by traditional music and dancing.
This year’s 4.5 ton spruce tree is from the diocese of Concordia-Pordenone. The energy-efficient lights cloaking it were chosen to limit the negative impact on the environment. This is one of Pope Francis’ great concerns.
Excitement was at an all-time-high in the square, with many traveling to Rome to experience the magic of the Christmas season.
There is also a historic first in St. Peter’s Square, a 720 ton pile of sand has been transformed into this intricate nativity scene. The sand comes from the Italian city of Jesolo, near Venice and takes up 270 square feet. It is a tradition of the Dolomites, with the sand coming from inland areas, instead of typical beach sand.
It proved to be quite the crowd-pleaser.
Remembering Pearl Harbor, 77 Years Later
A look back at the fateful day.
A Guacamole and Salsa Special
A Guacamole and Salsa Special. Brooklyn singer-songwriter and expectant mother Averlis Pena joins Monsignor Jamie to share their faith, family, and hopes while dishing up a healthy Mexican meal that’s so simple, you can make it at home!
Archbishop Cleared – Cover Up Verdict Overturned
Currents News Staff
A stunning development in the case of an Archbishop who was convicted of covering up sexual abuse in Australia that occurred in the 1970s. Archbishop Philip Wilson conviction has now been overturned.
He was telling the truth when he denied knowing anything about sexual abuse committed in the 1970s.
That’s the finding by an appeals court that overturned his conviction in May.
After that verdict, Archbishop Wilson resigned his post as the Archbishop of Adelaide.
Today, the Archdiocese said it welcomed the new ruling where the appeals court determined there was reasonable doubt Wilson committed any crime.
The Archbishop had already served four months of a year-long sentence.
Currents News for Thursday, December 6, 2018
On the newscast: President George. H.W. Bush is finally home – 41’s arrival to his final resting place; Archbishop cleared: the highest ranking clergyman ever convicted of an abuse coverup sees the verdict overturned; What’s next for Dorothy Day’s church?; Nukes for North Korea: new evidence that the nation is expanding it’s nuclear missile operations.
Today’s top news from the Catholic perspective anchored by Liz Faublas. Currents News airs Monday through Friday at 7:00 p.m. EST on NET-TV (netny.tv)