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Affordable Apartments Proposed at Former Sisters of St. Joseph Catholic Academy Site

By Katie Vasquez

There is a lot of excitement about a new project at the Sisters of Saint Joseph campus in Brentwood, Long Island: 176 units of supportive affordable housing are being built at the former Academy of St. Joseph site. It will be called “St Joseph’s Village.”

“[It] had been a boarding school for decades and eventually became a day school about 15 years ago, sadly, we had to close the building,” Sister Tesa Fitzgerald, the president of the Sisters of Saint Joseph at Brentwood, told Currents News.

The religious sisters were looking at ways for the building to be of use to the greater community, and got in touch with the organization Concern Housing. 

“I got very excited,” executive director of Concern Housing, Ralph Fasano, told Currents News. “We will bring them back to their original glory and maybe even a little bit better.”

The Long Island non-profit will take ownership of the buildings, which were deemed a historic site, so that the facade will stay the same. 

“That was a selling point to our sisters, of course, because some people said, ‘Oh, you’re going to knock it down.’ No way will we be knocking this gorgeous building down,” said Sister Fitzgerald. 

Half of the units will be affordable for those have a hard time paying rent. 

“One bedroom apartments now go for about $2,600 a month, and we can rent apartments for about $1,200,” said Fasano. 

Residents will also have supportive services.

“Some people need help with their medications. Some people need help with caring for themselves, food,” Fasano added.

Fasano and Sister Fitzgerald both have the same goals, to serve the needy. 

“There was a real compatibility of our missions. and, and I thought about, you know, what we can do to make this place wonderful,” said Fasano. 

“Our mission is really love of God and love of the neighbor without distinction. And it means to pay attention to the needs of the time, to pay attention to the people in our neighborhood and beyond,” explained Sister Fitzgerald. 

The estimated cost is $150 million, 90% of which will be government -funded. 

Before construction can begin, they have to close on financing, which they hope to do by June 2026. 

If you would like to donate, you can visit Concern Housing and click the “how to help” tab at the top of the homepage.

Catholic News Headlines for Thursday 10/2/2025  

The Sisters of St. Joseph are partnering with a Long Island non-profit to turn a school they once operated into affordable apartments for struggling New Yorkers.

Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to decide whether an assisted suicide bill becomes law, but recent comments from her on the topic have New York Catholics hopeful that the politician could choose life.

The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is officially a national holiday in Italy, and pets around the world will soon be getting blessed as part of a centuries-old tradition relating to the animal loving saint.

First Responders Honored at Guardian Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral

By Currents News

New York City’s first responders were celebrated at a special Guardian Mass held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Oct. 2, coinciding with the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels. 

Cardinal Timothy Dolan led the service, offering blessings to the packed congregation of NYPD, FDNY, Secret Service, and State Police members.

In his homily, Cardinal Dolan expressed deep gratitude for the first responders’ dedication to keeping communities safe, emphasizing that they are always welcome in the Church. 

Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan, who concelebrated the Mass and has family ties to the NYPD, highlighted the unifying power of the prayers for these protectors.

“It’s meaningful on a personal level because of my own family involvement in law enforcement,” Bishop Brennan said. “My dad, my brothers, and even the next generation in different forms are getting involved. It’s also very important because of my esteem for those who watch over our city and particularly our local communities.”

Lieutenant Steven Jerome of the New York City Police Department shared the significance of the event for his faith and profession. “My Catholic faith is very important, but I think it’s something good for all of us as first responders,” he told Currents News. “Police responding to emergencies, the things that officers see, having a way to reflect, having an hour just to celebrate Mass with His Eminence.”

Assistant Chief Brian Gorman of the New York City Fire Department also expressed appreciation. “It was very impressive to be part of it,” he said. “We appreciate it. We really do. We enjoy the blessings and the prayers. And it’s nice to be recognized by the Church.”

Held every two years, the Guardian Mass also honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, recognizing their courage and service.

La Salle Academy Students Return to Historic Building

By Katie Vasquez

Class is back in session for La Salle Academy students in the East Village. 

While they are in a new location this year, it’s not unfamiliar territory. 

“I don’t like to say being back. I say we’ve moved forward,” said campus minister Brother Richard Galvin, FSC, ” I believe it was 1956, that we moved from Canal street to Second street. So it has a wonderful place in the history of La Salle Academy and really in the history of New York City.”

The all-boys Catholic school moved from E 6th street to E 2nd street over the summer. 

The previous building was shared with another school but now these five floors are exclusively for La Salle, providing a better learning experience for senior Joseph Mantilla. 

“It’s like we have more access to resources and like, it’s much bigger. so, like, everyone can engage, and we don’t have to be, like, all crammed into, like, three floors as it was in the old building,” said Mantilla. 

The lease at their old location was ending and the freshman class grew by 60 percent from 43 to 69 which led to a demand for more space.  

Phoenix Nanka-Bruce believes it’s been a good change from public school.

“Pretty different change. It’s different to me. But it’s a good change for me and I like it,” said Nanka-Bruce. 

Overall the total number of students has increased by 25%, now at 216 from 173. 

One of the new scholars is senior Francisco Martinez. 

It was important for him to continue his Catholic education after his last school closed.

“It sure was, as we all need the works of joy in ourselves,” said Martinez. 

And now the principal says these young men have a chance to form core memories here. 

“This home means a lot to many generations of La Salle and men that this was special. This is where they did their formative years, where they learned and grew in their faith,” said principal, Nicole Freeman.

Swim Safety Lesson Makes a Splash With St. Joan of Arc Students in Queens

By Currents News and Paula Katinas

JACKSON HEIGHTS — When she was five years old, Shawn Slevin nearly drowned.  

“It so traumatized me. I refused to go near the water for four years,” Slevin recalled. But when she was 9, her church, St. Sebastian in Woodside, started a girls’ swim team. She joined and became a competitive swimmer. 

Today, many years later, Slevin swims for recreation. Moreover, she enjoys sharing her knowledge of the water with others. Slevin is the founder and executive director of Swim Strong Foundation, an organization founded in 2007 with a mission to teach people how to swim and safely enjoy the water. 

That’s what brought her to St. Joan of Arc Catholic School in Jackson Heights on Sept. 30, where she presented a program, “Know Before You Go,” focused on swim safety.  

Slevin’s audience consisted of students from third to eighth grade, many of whom raised their hands when she asked who among them liked to go swimming. 

Her tips included: 

  • Always swim near a lifeguard 
  • Never swim alone 
  • Do not swim after dark 
  • Be aware of flags on beaches and their meanings: Green (calm conditions), Yellow (moderate surf and currents), and Red (dangerous ocean conditions) 
  • If caught in a riptide, do not panic. Do not swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current and then swim back to the shore at an angle. 

According to Swim Strong Foundation, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under the age of five in the U.S., and the second leading cause of accidental death in children under age 14. 

“This is lifesaving work because water surrounds us and we do not understand the benefits, which are wonderful, but also the dangers,” Slevin explained.  We need to know that balance.”  

Eighth grader Maleyah Millare, who enjoys swimming with her parents and friends, said she came away with something new after listening to Slevin.  

“I learned that water can be a simple but dangerous thing in the world. You don’t know what it does. It’s there, and it can hurt you or your loved ones,” Maleyah said.  

RELATED: With Suitcase Yet Unpacked in Queens, New Pastor Father Christopher Heanue Raises $208,000 for St. Joan of Arc School Scholarships

Father Christopher Heanue, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church, said the swim safety lesson was important because it highlighted the strength of Catholic education.  

“I just want to keep highlighting the beauty of Catholic education — that it’s not just academics, but it’s the whole the whole body, the spiritual needs, the physical needs, the academic and intellectual needs,” he said. 

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday 9/30/2025  

La Salle Academy students have returned to the historic East Village building that once housed the Manhattan Catholic school, thanks to a surge in enrollment.

A commission created by President Donald Trump is examining a range of topics relating to religious freedom in U.S. schools, from the right to prayer to safety in places of worship.

During this Holy Year the Vatican is inviting pilgrims, tourists, and people of all faiths to come and share their thoughts on spirituality as part of a new initiative focused on listening to others.

St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy Celebrates Centennial

By Currents News

Bishop Robert Brennan helped a Queens Catholic academy celebrate 100 years of an excellent education.

He celebrated a Mass for the 100th anniversary of St. Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy.

The Flushing school officially opened its doors on Sept. 25, 1925 under the guidance of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. 

At the time, there were eight classrooms and 250 children enrolled. 

During the anniversary celebration, current students and alumni were allowed to wander the halls of St. Andrew’s after Mass – going through memorabilia and reminiscing about their time in the classroom.