Catholics Celebrate First-Ever World Day of the Poor

The Pope says the poor are the “passport to paradise.” During the first-ever World Day of the Poor, St. Peter’s Basilica was filled with marginalized and needy people as the Holy Father celebrated Mass. Afterwards, Pope Francis hosted guests for lunch at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. Currents News Tim Harfmann reports how the theme of the day is being addressed in the Brooklyn diocese.

Twenty Nine Apostolates But One Church

The immigrant communities of Brooklyn and Queens are the bedrock of the diocese. So that all may join together in worship, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio celebrates the annual migration day mass. Currents News Katie Engesser has the story.

Diocesan Paper Makes Christmas Brighter

Catholics Care in the Brooklyn Diocese…and a further example is the Christmas campaign intended to brighten the holiday for many. The Diocese’s Tablet newspaper spearheads the effort. Currents News Katie Engesser looks at what the drive accomplishes.

Blessed Sacrament

Blessed Sacrament parish in Manhattan first church serves started in a stable. Anthony Mangano visits with Father John Duffell and learns how the church has continued to serve the Lincoln Center community for more than a century.

Father James Martin on Building a Bridge to LGBT Catholics

The author is a well-known Jesuit priest – Father James Martin. His book “Building a Bridge” calls on the institutional Church and LGBT Catholics to reach out to each other in respect, understanding and compassion. The book has sparked widespread reaction – positive and negative. In a Currents news exclusive, Konrad Aderer takes an in-depth look at the controversy, sitting down with Fr. Martin, gay and lesbian Catholics, and Father Roger Landry, chaplain of Catholic Voices U.S.A., who is critical of Fr. Martin’s book.

Major Soup Kitchen Prepares for Thanksgiving

The gift of an open door to neighbors in need is the purpose behind Saint John’s Bread and Life. For 35 years, the charitable organization has worked to alleviate hunger and poverty in Brooklyn and Queens. Currents News, Michelle Powers, visits them as Thanksgiving preparations are underway.