Sister Anne Brendan Delaney, C.S.J., a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., for 72 years, died March 11.

She entered the congregation from Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sunset Park. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Italian from Manhattan College in 1955 and earned college credits in sacred science at St. Bonaventure University in 1961.

She taught at St. Teresa of Avila, Prospect Heights, 1945-48 and 1981-85; St. Malachy, East New York, 1948-55; St. Anne, Brentwood, 1955-63; Holy Name of Mary, Valley Stream, L.I., 1963-65; St. Anthony of Padua, East Northport, L.I., 1965-69; St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf, Crown Heights, 1969-77; St. Augustine, Park Slope, 1977-79; Fort Greene Catholic, Fort Greene, 1979-81; St. Mary Mother of Jesus, Bensonhurst, 1985-2004, and St. Mary-St. Frances Cabrini Academy, Bensonhurst, 2004-06.

She retired in 2006.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place March 16 in Sacred Heart Chapel, Brentwood. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery, Brentwood.

The post Sister Anne Brendan Delaney, C.S.J. appeared first on The Tablet.

Sister Anne Josephine Brennan, C.S.J., a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., for 61 years, died Feb. 20.

She entered the congregation from St. Joan of Arc, Jackson Heights, in 1954. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in English from St. Joseph College, Clinton Hill, 1967; a master’s in religious education from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, Pa., 1974 and a doctorate in sacred theology in adult spirituality from San Francisco Theological Seminary, 1987.

Formerly Sister St. Agatha, she taught elementary school at St. Michael, Flushing, 1956-58; St. Gabriel, East New York, 1958-67, and St. Elizabeth Catechetics Center, South Huntington, L.I., 1967-81.

From 1981 to 1986, she taught adult education at Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J.

Together with Sister Janice Brewi, C.S.J., she co-founded the Mid-Life Directions Center, N.J., where faith and spirituality retreats, workshops and seminars were scheduled.

She and Sister Janice also published several books together, including “Mid-Life Psychological/Spiritual Perspectives,” “Celebrate Mid-Life Jungian Archetypes” and “Mid-Life Spirituality, Mid-Life Directions: Praying, Playing Sources of New Dynamism.”

An honorary Doctor of Laws degree was conferred upon her by Assumption University.

She retired in 2005.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place in Sacred Heart Chapel, Brentwood, Feb. 25. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery, Brentwood.

The post Sister Anne Josephine Brennan, C.S.J. appeared first on The Tablet.

The Bridge to Life, a Queens-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women choose life for their babies, marked its 23rd anniversary with a dinner at Leonard’s of Great Neck, L.I., last month.

The honorees were Walter Kedijerski, N.Y.S. Council Knights of Columbus, State Pro-Life Chairman, pictured above with Catherine Donohoe, president of Bridge to Life, along with Bridge to Life board members and pro-life supporters. At left, Jeanne E. Head, RN, president, Metropolitan New York Right to Life Foundation, holding her plaque and bouquet, with Donohoe, Bridge to Life board members and pro-life supporters. (Photos by Catherine Murawski)

• • •

Alumnae of Stella Maris H.S., Rockaway Beach, are invited to a special cocktail reception on May 13, 6-8 p.m. at Bishop Kearney H.S., Bensonhurst. Tickets are $30 and may be reserved by calling Christine Downes at 718-236-6363 ext. 259.

• • •

Discover the architectural, cultural and historical significance of St. Matthias Church, Ridgewood, as part of the annual New York State Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Open House, May 16.

Take in the beauty of the church at your own pace with a self-guided tour, 2-4:30 p.m., while also enjoying sacred music. For full details, call 718-821-6447.

• • •

In celebration of the Year of Consecrated Life, Visitation Monastery and Academy, Bay Ridge, is proud to present “Pray to Love,” The Annecy France Nun Series by photographer and artist Anne Goetze, May 13-20 in the Alumnae Room. The exhibit will be open 12 to 3 p.m. each day. All are welcome. For more details, call 718-745-5151.

• • •

The Magnificat Foundation has announced that Mary Ann Glendon will be the featured speaker at the 2015 Edward Cardinal Egan Lecture in New York University’s Catholic Center, May 16 at 6 p.m. Her address, titled, “Religious Freedom: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”

Professor Glendon is the Learned Hand Professor of Law at Harvard University, a former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See and a member of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

To reserve complimentary seats for the lecture and reception, register at www.cardinaleganlecture.com or call 914-502-1859.

• • •

This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to HeartShare Human Services of New York, which raised almost $600,000 at its 2015 Spring Gala and Auction, held at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Over 950 guests attended the event which directly benefits HeartShare’s programs that serve almost 42,200 New Yorkers in need.

• • •

If mom enjoys golf — and you’re still looking for a Mother’s Day gift, treat her to a day on the greens with the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I. The Sisters’ 20th annual Golf Classic is June 10 in Manorville, L.I. For details, call 631-273-1187 ext. 125.

• • •

Peace Through Partnerships

Creating peace through partnerships was the focus in Dyker Heights when the St. Bernadette/Our Lady of Guadalupe Girl Scouts observed World Thinking Day.

On World Thinking Day, Girl Scouts around the world celebrate being part of a global community. This year’s theme was: “We can create peace through partnerships,” and John Fitzgerald, a St. Bernadette alumnus, spoke about serving in the Peace Corps in Papua New Guinea.

Over 75 scouts attended, ages ranging from 6 to 16, and also present were St. Bernadette’s Principal Sister Joan DiRienzo, M.P.F., and Father Stephen Giulietti, parochial vicar. Above, Brownie Troop 2443 members design recyclable tote bags. (Photo courtesy Dina Amatore)

The post Tablet TALK: Bridges of Support for Life appeared first on The Tablet.

Sister Mary Theresa McGarrity, C.S.J., a member of the Sister of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., for nearly 75 years, died in Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood, May 18.

She entered the community in 1940 from Transfiguration, Williamsburg, and
went on to attend Manhattan College, and earn a masters from St. John’s University.

Formerly Sister Theresa Immaculate, her first assignment was St. Agnes, Cobble Hill, 1942-49.

She went on to Mary’s Nativity, Flushing, 1949-51, and 1957-60; St. Michael, Sunset Park, 1951-57; Blessed Sacrament, North Valley Stream, L.I., 1960-62, and St. Brendan H.S., Midwood, 1962-71. Following a year at the Bethel House of Prayer, Brentwood, 1971-72, she taught for two years at Fontbonne Hall Academy, Bay Ridge, 1972-74, before assignments at Maria Regina Residence, 1974-75; Elizabeth Seton Hostel, Amityville, L.I., 1975-77; and the Diocesan Media Center, Brentwood, 1977-79.

She spent two years with the contemplative order of the Redemptoristines in Esopus, 1979-81, and returned to teach at Immaculate Conception B.V.M., Williamsburg, 1981-83, and St. Stanislaus Kostka, Maspeth, 1983-84.

In 1984, she was drawn to the St. Pius X House of Prayer in Plainview, L.I., and was there for two years before continuing her ministry at the Academy of St. Joseph H.S., Brentwood, 1986-91; and Maria Regina Residence, 1991-94.

In 1994, she retired to St. Joseph Convent, Brentwood. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Brentwood.

The post Sister Mary Theresa McGarrity, C.S.J. appeared first on The Tablet.

Immaculate Conception School in Jamaica was happy to be part of the nation’s first Red Nose Day, May 21. Students and faculty bought red noses and paid $1 to dress down in red. In all, the school collected over $600 for this worthy cause.

Red Nose Day is a campaign dedicated to raising awareness and money for children and young people living in poverty by simply having fun and making people laugh. (Photo courtesy Carl Ballenas)

• • •

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Dominican Sister Ave Clark’s Heart to Heart Ministry at American Martyrs parish, Bayside, next Saturday, June 13. Gather with Heart to Heart friends in Sullivan Hall starting at 1 p.m. Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Chappetto will preside at a special prayer service. Sister Ave says there will be refreshments, music and surprises. All are welcome.

• • •

James F. Crystal, executive vice president of Crystal & Company, and Peter M. Meyer, NYC market president, TD Bank, received the 2015 Bishop’s Humanitarian Award from Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ), June 3.

Mary C.E. Thompson, member of CCBQ’s board of trustees, was given the Ubi Caritas Award.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio serves as honorary chairman of the dinner, held annually to benefit more than 160 CCBQ programs and services.

At the dinner, Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Service Awards were presented to CCBQ’s retired CEO Robert Siebel; Judith Kleve, retired vice president, CCBQ Older Adult Services, and Robert Marquez, retired vice president, CCBQ Early Childhood Services.

• • •

The Cursillo Movement is hosting its Ultreya de Campo on Saturday, June 20 at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Asbury, N.J. All are welcome. For more details, contact Jesus, 646-515-0954, or Norberto, 347-239-5476.

• • •

In honor of the feast of the patron saint of lost things, the Secular Franciscan Fraternity of St. Adalbert, Elmhurst, will sponsor a St. Anthony Prayer Service, June 15 at 7 p.m. The event will include traditions related to St. Anthony and St. Anthony Bread, followed by refreshments. For more information, call Constance Watz at 718-821-1875.

• • •

In anticipation of the summer solstice, join the Sisters of St. Joseph at their organic garden in Brentwood, L.I., June 19, at 5 p.m. for an hour of prayer to welcome the light, warmth and growth of the summer season. Registration is appreciated. Email garden@csjbrentwood.org.

• • •

All couples married 10 years or less are invited to attend a Post-Cana Couple Day, this Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Stewart Hall at Our Lady of Lourdes, Queens Village. Call Father Tedone, 718-479-5111.

• • •

Visitation Monastery, Bay Ridge, is hosting a novena of Masses, June 4-12, 7:30 p.m., in preparation for the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 12.

• • •

On June 12, Father John Murray, C.Ss.R., will lead an 11 a.m. Scripture study on “The Four Authors of the Pentateuch” in the rectory of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sunset Park. All are welcome. Participants should bring a Bible.

• • •

Remembrance and Respect

An interfaith prayer service at St. Anastasia, Douglaston, kicked off the local Memorial Day Parade, May 24. The prayer service was conducted, from left, by Pastor Lindsay Lunnum of the Zion Church of Douglaston, Msgr. Anthony Sherman and Father Dariusz Strezelecki of St. Anastasia, and Pastor Forest Parkinson and Pastor Moira Parkinson of the Community Church of Little Neck. (Photo courtesy Fred Bedell)

The post Tablet TALK: Red Nose Day at Jamaica School appeared first on The Tablet.

This spring, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Academy, Queens Village, raised over $3,700 for the American Cancer Society by hosting a Zumba Relay for Life fundraiser. Directed by seventh-grade teacher Brianne Rogers, a certified zumba instructor for adults and children, seventh graders led a school-wide dance workout that brought younger and older grades together with faculty using upbeat music and fun moves. It was such a success that they’re already planning for next year.

• • •

Feast your eyes on a variety of landscapes, still lifes and miniatures created by local artists at the Northside Senior Citizen Center next Friday, June 19.

The center will be hosting its annual art exhibit and sale and all are welcome to see the works and meet the artists at the opening reception, 1-3 p.m.

The Northside Senior Citizen Center, located at 179 North 6th Street in Williamsburg, is sponsored by Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, and funded by the N.Y.C. Office for the Aging. For more information, call 718-387-2316.

• • •

Belated birthday wishes to Sister Alice Francis Young, C.S.J., who turned 100 years young this spring!
A professor emeritus of St. Joseph’s College, Clinton Hill, Sister Alice Francis joined the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., in 1932, and became a pioneer in early childhood education.
At St. Joe’s she was an associate professor in the child study department for 43 years, and spent nearly 20 years as a master teacher and director of the Dillon Child Study Center.

Sister Alice Francis was also a driving force in the establishment of the first Head Start programs in New York and the country. She has had a hand in educating thousands of children and giving them the ability to reach their potential.

• • •

Congratulations to Steven Aranha and Laura Bueno, who were recently installed as lectors at Our Lady of the Snows parish, North Floral Park. God bless you in your new ministry!

• • •

Bishop-elect James Massa was the main celebrant of a Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass on the Feast of Corpus Christi at Our Lady of Peace, Gowanus/Park Slope, last Sunday, June 7.

The parish celebrates a Traditional Latin Mass every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Missalettes with translation are available. To learn more, call Joan, 718-238-7280, or Dorothy, 718-836-0804.

• • •

If you have a devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel or are interested in living a more spiritual life, consider attending “A Day of Discovery: Who Are the Lay Carmelites” at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Staten Island, June 27.

The day runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will provide an introduction to this association of lay people who live in the spirit of the Carmelite Order. To register, call Maria, 718-356-1886.

• • •

The St. Teresa of Avila School, Brooklyn, Alumni Association is hosting a Golf Outing on June 22 at Marine Park Golf Course. A dinner will follow at Buckley’s Restaurant. Call Charlie Norton at 917-868-5801.

• • •

Rockaway Principal Marks 20 Years

Congratulations to Theresa Andersen, principal of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy, as she was presented with an award from the Brooklyn Diocese for 20 years of dedication and service as principal at the Rockaway school. Andersen, center, received her award from Brother Ralph Darmento, F.S.C., deputy superintendent of schools for academy governance, leadership and strategic planning, and Bridget Murphy, assistant principal at St. Rose. (Photo by Linda Kittle)

The post Tablet TALK: Zumba for Life in Queens Village appeared first on The Tablet.

Students, parents and teachers were filled with joy as 10 students graduated from Catherine Laboure Special Education Program at a graduation ceremony June 18 at St. Frances Cabrini Church, Bensonhurst.

Principal Mary Nafash shared the teachers’ smiles as she talked about the students, whom she described as motivated, kind and hardworking.

“Laboure is just another name for extended family,” she said after recounting the students’ growth and many accomplishments.

The students then received their diplomas from the principal and Father Guy Sbordone, pastor. Following an award ceremony, they gave white roses to their families and thanked their parents and teachers.

As teachers said goodbye to the class of 2015, they were preparing for a change of location next fall.

Graduation day for the Catherine Laboure Special Education Program was June 18.

Commencement exercises were held at St. Frances Cabrini Church, Bensonhurst.

Principal Mary Nafash and Father Guy Sbordone congratulate one of the graduates.

Photos by Maria-Pia Negro Chin.

This year marks 50 years of continuous service by the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens to students with special educational needs.

The program began in 1965 by the Sisters of St. Joseph with seven students attending two classes at St. Joseph Church on Pacific Street, Prospect Heights. It continues today at St. Frances Cabrini, and will be relocated to Our Lady of Miracles, Canarsie, in the fall.

The Catherine Laboure Special Education Program is a New York state‐approved academic program for students with learning disabilities, speech impairments and developmental disabilities, currently serving intermediate, junior and high school students.

In 1989, on occasion of its 25th anniversary, Sister Patricia Lynch, C.S.J., then-director, wrote, “Our Special Education Program offers an exemplary academic and vocational program enhanced by the support services of speech and language, counseling, independence/travel training and vocational training.

“A student moves through an individually tailored program to become as independent as possible and a contributive member of our society and work force. Perhaps the greatest testimony to the worth of the program is the 75 percent success rate in placing graduates in full time competitive employment.”

On its 30th anniversary, the Office of Catholic Education announced that the program would be renamed the St. Catherine Laboure Special Education Program. It is registered with the NYS Department of Education as a non-public school offering special education services to speech impaired, learning disabled and intellectually deficient students.

Under the Part 200 regulations of the New York State Commissioner of Education, private schools and special-act school districts are eligible for approval by the commissioner to receive public funds for the education of students with disabilities, provided such schools meet the criteria established by the state.

Safe, Cooperative Environment

Catherine Laboure is the only such school remaining with a Catholic presence in Brooklyn and Queens. Students, parents and staff are all key partners in the effort to create and maintain a safe and cooperative learning environment. The special education opportunities available in the Laboure Program are designed to provide the best possible educational services to children with learning disabilities who possess a valid Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Approximately one out of every five students in NYC schools currently has an IEP. In 2009, 16.9 percent of students enrolled in NYC schools had an IEP. In 2014 that percentage was at 19.2. Most of the students with IEPs, approximately four out of five, are classified as having either a speech impairment or a learning disability (79.8 percent).

A smaller number of students with special needs are classified with autism, emotional disabilities, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, speech impairment, learning disability and other less commonly occurring disabilities.

The mission of the Laboure Program is to improve the lives of as many students as possible, by providing all of the academic resources necessary for them to develop to their highest potential.

Catherine Laboure Class of 2015 Graduation Photo

The post Special Needs Program Celebrates Graduation appeared first on The Tablet.

Far from their Gravesend neighborhood, Our Lady of Grace Boy Scout Troop No. 376 enjoyed a weekend camping trip at Ten Mile River Scout Camps, owned and operated by the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America in Narrowsburg, N.Y. Twenty boys from the troop, along with their leaders and some relatives, attended the trip. The leaders of Troop No. 376 include Andrew Bocchino, committee chairman; Nicholas Di Francesco, scout master; and Patricia Marotta. (Photo courtesy Mary Ann DeLuca)

• • •

A trilingual Mass closes a triduum in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at her namesake basilica in Sunset Park, on June 26 at 6:45 p.m. with a street procession and refreshments in Notre Dame Hall to follow.

• • •

Married couples, rediscover something amazing this summer – each other. Treat yourselves to a weekend away with the Worldwide Marriage Encounter at the Immaculate Conception Pastoral Center in Douglaston, July 11-12. For more details, visit www.wwmebq.org org call 1-877-697-9963.

• • •

If you’ve always wanted to visit the Holy Land, the parish of Blessed Sacrament, Jackson Heights, is organizing a pilgrimage, Nov. 9-18, for $2,998 per person. For a brochure, call Regina Tours at 1-800-228-4654, and ask for Angelica Villegas.

• • •

This summer, the New York City Fire Department is hosting summer block parties to get to promote community relations and fire safety education at locations throughout the city.
This Saturday, June 27, the party will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New York City Fire Museum, located at 278 Spring Street in Manhattan. All are welcome. Call 718-999-8112.

• • •

The Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., are proud to report that golfers, sponsors and guests who attended the community’s 20th annual golf classic on June 10 not only had a beautiful day, but also raised more than $120,000 to support the Sisters’ mission and ministries!

• • •

Kujengans, supporters and friends are invited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Kujenga Leadership Program at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Huntington, L.I., on July 26.
Sponsored by the Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns, the festivities begin with a rite of passage ceremony for this year’s youth and a Mass of thanksgiving at 2:30 p.m. Cocktails and a dinner dance follow at 5 p.m. Tickets are $60, and formal attire is required.
For tickets and details, call 718-774-3806.

• • •

All are invited to St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Far Rockaway, this Sunday, June 28 for the International Feast of St. John the Baptist, 1-8 p.m. with DJ, rides, games and food. Call 917-690-8781.

• • •

During Fleet Week, the Commodore Barry Club of Brooklyn visited the U.S.S. Barry, a naval destroyer at its homeport of Sullivan Piers in Staten Island. Named in honor of Commodore John Barry, the Catholic son of a poor Irish farmer who became the father of the American Navy, the ship conducts air defense, anti-submarine, anti-surface and strike operations.
On board, Commander Patrick M. Foster greeted Barry Club Mary Nolan with a medal and a plaque. Retired Admiral Robert Lunney presented the commander with a copy of Tim McGrath’s “John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail.” Liam Murphy of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Councilman Vincent Gentile joined in the festivities. (Photo courtesy Brian Kassenbrock)

The post Tablet TALK: Camping Trip for Gravesend Scouts appeared first on The Tablet.

When Pope Francis published his encyclical Laudato Si’, about caring for all of God’s creation, members of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, were ecstatic.

The pope’s words reinforced something that they have been doing for years at their motherhouse in Brentwood, L.I.

Two of the sisters, Mary Lou Buser, and Heather Ganz, who happens to be the youngest member of the Order, maintain and nourish a Garden Ministry that was begun in 1986.

Tucked away on one side of the community’s land on eastern Long Island, the Sisters’ garden harvests a healthy crop of vegetables and flowers, as well as houses several animals.

“What we do is very much in keeping with the new encyclical,” says Sister Mary Lou Buser.

She explains that the garden grows a combination of turnips, Swiss chard, beets and other vegetables and fruits, as well as beautiful flowers.

“The flowers attract both good and bad insects and they take care of each other,” she said, pointing out that they have never used potentially dangerous pesticides in the growing of their crops.

Everything is natural, say the sisters. Crops are rotated so that the soil remains healthy. Bees pollinate the flowers. The manure from the livestock is composted into a rich fertilizer to regenerate the soil.

“One thing relates to another so that what the bees are doing relates to the flowers and the crops. Everything has a connection,” says Sister Helen Kearney, C.S.J., president of the Order.

Some sisters use the vegetables on their own dinner tables to supply a healthy salad. Other foods are left on a community table, to which local folks are welcome to help themselves.

Garden plots are available to local residents who wish to grow their own organic vegetables.

The sisters also conduct an educational program. Local schools are encouraged to bring students for field trips.

“We have to give children the opportunity to love the Earth before we can ask them to clean it,” says Sister Heather.

Popular among the children who visit are the rabbits, goats and chickens who are safely kept on the grounds. Chickens also yield eggs that the sisters say taste much better than store-bought produce.

Sister Helen says that many young people have lost a sense of the consequences of their actions upon the environment.

“We have no sense of the impact of our behavior upon creation and the world,” she points out. “What the pope has done – and very courageously – is to make that link as a moral issue.”

The sisters point to a careless pollution of the air, water and soil as threatening the future of the ecology. Through education and raising their voices in the public square, they hope to raise people’s consciousness about all of creation.

For starters, Sister Mary Lou recommends that people be mindful of the amount of water they use and where their food comes from. They particularly urge support of local farmers so that the produce is fresher, healthier and not treated with preservatives.

Recently, the Sisters of St. Joseph spent a year of study, research and communal discussion before endorsing a Land Ethic Statement that promises “to treat all parts of Earth as sacred and Earth’s beings as our neighbors to be respected and loved…”

Says Sister Heather, “We’re planting seeds of transformation every day.”

Related:

Sisters’ Garden Project Fulfills Papal Theme
NET Coverage: St. Joseph Sisters: We Are the Dust of the Earth

The post Sisters Continue to Plant Seeds of Hope appeared first on The Tablet.

Sisters Mary Lou Buser, C.S.J., and Heather Ganz, C.S.J., are the keepers of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Organic Garden program at their motherhouse in Brentwood, L.I. The sisters grow vegetables, fruit and raise a variety of farm animals, in an effort to respect all of God’s creation. It’s a theme struck by Pope Francis in his recent encyclical, “Laudato si’.” For more on the Sisters’ project, see The Editor’s Space story: Sisters Continue to Plant Seeds of Hope.

The Sisters of St. Joseph maintain and nourish a Garden Ministry at their motherhouse in Brentwood, L.I. (Photos © Ed Wilkinson)

The post Sisters’ Garden Project Fulfills Papal Theme appeared first on The Tablet.

Sister Kathryn Slevin, C.S.J., formerly Sister Agnes Patricia, died June 26, in Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood, L.I. A member of the congregation for 56 years, she entered in 1960 from St. Camillus parish, Rockaway Beach.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Brentwood College and a master’s in reading from NYS University of Albany along with certification in spiritual direction and early childhood administration.

She taught at Our Lady of Victory, Floral Park, L.I., 1963-70; Academy of St. Joseph, Brentwood, 1970-79; SS. Cyril and Methodius, Deer Park, L.I., 1979-82; St. Martha, Uniondale, L.I., 1982-86; Sacred Heart-North Fork Catholic, L.I., 1986-95.

She also was the director of the Rainbow Program at Molloy College, Rockville Centre, 1995-97; served at St. Francis de Sales, Belle Harbor, 1997-2000; was religious education coordinator of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Inwood, L.I., 2000-12; and a member of the pastoral team, St. Joseph Convent, Brentwood, 2013-15.

The post Sister Kathryn Slevin, C.S.J. appeared first on The Tablet.

This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to Frank Fellone III and Tessa Grant, both members of the Young Professionals Organization at Mercy Home, a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy that serves persons of all races and creeds who are developmentally challenged.

Last month, Fellone and Grant ran in the world-renowned Boilermaker Road Race to increase awareness about persons living with developmental challenges. Together, they raised more than $2,000 for Mercy Home. Way to go!

(Photo courtesy of Mercy Home)

• • •

The Vigil for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated at St. Leo’s parish, Corona, on Friday, Aug. 14. Arrive by 6 p.m. for the street procession, outdoor trilingual recitation of the rosary and Mass.

• • •

Hats off to Visitation B.V.M. Church, Red Hook, on the success of its recent carnival, which raised $4,622 for the parish.

• • •

Married couples trying to conceive a child are invited to a special Mass and healing service at St. Anastasia Church in Douglaston on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. The main celebrant of the Mass will be Father Augustine Fernando. All are welcome. For more details, call 718-631-4454.

• • •

Join the good people of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Queens Village, in praying the rosary by the parish grotto on Tuesday evenings between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. through the month of August. For more details, call 718-479-5111.

• • •

Have you ever wanted to go to the Holy Land? Blessed Sacrament parish, Jackson Heights, is planning a 10-day pilgrimage of intense prayer, following in the footsteps of Jesus, Nov. 9-18. The price is $2,998 per person. For a brochure, or to register, call Regina Tours at 1-800-228-4654. Ask for Angelica Villegas.

• • •

Appreciate the gifts of God’s creation with the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., when they host a Garden Open House on Aug. 22. Visitors may begin arriving at 9 a.m., and are welcome to stay through the afternoon. Call 631-273-1187 ext. 126.

• • •

Speaking of gardens, save the date for a Sept. 12 Garden Party, hosted by the auxiliary members of the Little Sisters of the Poor at Queen of Peace Residence, Queens Village.
Join the Sisters and friends for an elegant luncheon buffet, wine and live jazz music on the residence grounds. Admission is $65 per person and the dress code is business casual. To reserve your seat, call 718-464-1800 or email qpdevelopment@littlesistersofthepoor.org by Sept. 8.

• • •

Congratulations to the Msgr. Cafiero Columbiettes of Our Lady of Grace, Gravesend.
The auxiliary, founded two years ago, has been recognized by the Columbiette Supreme Council with an honorable mention in the Margaret Mary J. Mangan Achievement Award Program for the charitable works ​the auxiliary has accomplished​ in the past year.​ Keep up the great work!

• • •

Volunteers from St. Sebastian parish, Woodside, have started a peanut butter and jelly ministry: They’re making sandwiches for their neighbors in need. To volunteer or donate supplies, call Brian at 917-363-7081.

• • •

Whitestone Children Learn GP4U=J

Vacation Bible Campers at Holy Trinity parish had an awesome experience as they learned about God’s life-changing plan for them over four days in late July. Now in its sixth year, the Whitestone-based camp included 132 youngsters, 54 helpers and 11 adult leaders. This year’s science-themed program, “GP4U=J (God’s Plan for You = Jesus!)” from SonSpark Labs, taught campers how God created all of the scientific laws and principles. (Photos courtesy of Donna Spoto)

The post Tablet TALK: Go Team Mercy Home! appeared first on The Tablet.

Sister Julia Veronica Hannon, C.S.J., a Sister of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., for 66 years, died Oct. 5 in Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood.

She entered the congregation in 1950 from the Our Lady of Good Counsel parish, Bedford-Stuyvesant. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Joseph College and a master’s degree in education from Queens College.

Her ministries included St. Matthew, Crown Heights, 1952-55; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Astoria, 1955-56; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Williamsburg, 1956-57 and 1958-61; St. Robert Bellarmine, Bayside, 1957-58; St. Ambrose, Bedford-Stuyvesant, 1961-65; St. Philip Neri, Northport, L.I., 1965-67; St. Anne, Brentwood, L.I., 1967-69; and St. Ann, Flushing, 1969-74.

From 1985 until her retirement in 1999, she worked in the medical claims office of Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood.

The post Sister Julia Veronica Hannon, C.S.J. appeared first on The Tablet.

Sister Alice Haigney, C.S.J., a Sister of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., for 83 years, died Sept. 11 in Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood.

She entered the congregation in 1933 from St. Anselm’s parish, Bay Ridge, and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology from St. John’s University.

She taught at St. Teresa of Avila, Prospect Heights, 1935-36; Our Lady of Victory, Floral Park, L.I., 1936-43; Holy Child of Jesus, Richmond Hill, 1943-44; and Blessed Sacrament, Cypress Hills, 1944-47.

For several years, she taught in Puerto Rico at Academia San Jorge, Santurce, 1947-49 and 1950-53, and served as principal at Academia San Luis, Lajas, 1949-50.

In 1953, she returned to New York and taught at Sacred Heart Academy H.S., Hempstead, L.I., until 1956; St. Pascal Baylon, St. Albans, 1956-58; Stella Maris H.S., Rockaway Park, 1958-63, and 1969-87; and St. Brendan Diocesan H.S., Midwood, 1963-69.

She retired in 2007.

The post Sister Alice Haigney, C.S.J. appeared first on The Tablet.

Sister Vincent Louise Tesoriero, C.S.J., 96, a Sister of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., for 73 years, died Sept. 29, in Sacred Heart Convent, Hempstead, L.I.

She entered the congregation from St. Thomas Aquinas parish, Flatlands, in 1942.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Rivier College, Nashua, NH, in 1962 followed by master’s degree in the same field from Brooklyn College in 1970.

She taught at St. Joseph, Prospect Heights, 1944-45; St. Angela Hall Academy, Fort Greene, 1945-49; St. Francis de Sales, Belle Harbor, 1949-50; St. Thomas Aquinas, Flatlands, 1950-52; St. Teresa of Avila, Prospect Heights, 1952-61; St. Augustine, Park Slope, 1961-62; St. Anthony of Padua, Greenpoint, 1962; Bishop Kearney Diocesan H.S., Bensonhurst, 1962-68; and Sacred Heart Academy H.S., Hempstead, 1968-2002.

The post Sister Vincent Louise Tesoriero, C.S.J. appeared first on The Tablet.

In order to honor the seven original religious communities who, for nearly 200 years, have served the people of Brooklyn and Queens, the diocese held a special Mass of thanksgiving at St. James Cathedral Basilica, Downtown Brooklyn.

“Today we gather… to say ‘Thank You’ to those very early pioneer communities who paved the way and planted the seeds of faith on our Brooklyn soil in the early 1800s and whose fruit still feeds our souls today,” said Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo, S.C., the episcopal delegate for religious in the diocese.

Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez shared with the congregation a realization he had during a time of prayerful retreat shortly before the announcement of his episcopacy became public.

“Though I could not prove it, in my heart I knew I was able to serve as a priest in the diocese because of religious men and women who prayed for me,” he said.

The bishop spoke these words in the parish that founded the first Catholic Church on Long Island in 1822.

“Having this ceremony here at St. James Cathedral is also significant for it was home to most of those early communities, almost a ‘doorway’ into the diocese,” Sister Maryann said.

“Imagine with me those early chilly mornings in 1823 when the Sisters of Charity and Brothers of the Christian Schools came across from Manhattan by ferry to teach the growing groups of children and care for the orphans left by a church door.

“In due time, both communities took up residence here in the parish and taught in surrounding church basements, built orphanages, schools and assisted many in need. As they spread to other places, new groups came. In 1853, the Dominican Sisters sailed from Bavaria and stopped in Brooklyn waiting for their next transport to Pennsylvania, which never happened. So they were welcomed and invited to stay at Most Holy Trinity, Williamsburg.

“In 1855, the Sisters of Mercy opened an American Motherhouse next door with education and child care as their mission. Nearby, a house was secured for the Visitation Monastery to be established as a house of prayer for the mission of the diocese and to also educate young girls.

“By 1856 the Sisters of St. Joseph opened their first mission in Williamsburg and in 1858 the Franciscan Brothers arrived from Ireland to open a school for boys and care for orphans.

“By the time we were named a diocese in 1853, the impact and presence of the sisters and brothers and also religious order priests had changed the Catholic climate of the Village of Brooklyn.”

Sister Anne Mollica, C.S.J., came to the diocesan Mass to continue her celebration of the Year of Consecrated Life. Throughout the year she has gone to several diocesan events organized for those in consecrated life.

“It has given me a greater appreciation for my vocation and the work of the diocese,” she said. “I can see what others in the diocese are doing” and have come to better appreciate their work.

At the end of the Mass, representatives of each of the original seven congregations were asked to come before the altar and hold a lit candle as Bishop Sanchez blessed them.

Among those standing were Franciscan Brothers Joseph Bach and Jeremy Sztabnick. Brother Jeremy said he was thankful for the Year of Consecrated Life because it has brought a spotlight, with the help of the diocese and hard work of Sister Maryann, to local religious life. He said he hopes this will yield a greater response to religious vocations, both as religious sisters and religious brothers.

The Franciscans Brothers of Brooklyn have set up a website, www.franciscanbrothersosf.org to encourage men to discern a vocation as a religious friar. Brother Jeremy said people who are considering vocations often go to the Internet to find a congregation they feel called to join.

The post Local Religious Remember Their Roots in the Diocese appeared first on The Tablet.

Sister Ann Maureen Oakman, C.S.J., a Sister of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., for 76 years, died Nov. 11.

She entered the congregation in 1940 from St. Agnes, Cobble Hill. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in guidance from Manhattan College, and a master’s in administration from Fordham University.

Her ministries included St. John the Evangelist, Park Slope, 1942-49; Holy Name, Valley Stream, L.I., 1949-54; Holy Cross, Flatbush, 1954-59; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sunset Park, 1959-60; Academia San Jorge, Puerto Rico, 1960-62; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Astoria, 1962-66 and 1980-81; and Epiphany, Williamsburg, 1966-71.

She served as principal of Immaculate Conception in Williamsburg, 1971-79, and 1981-83.

She also ministered at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Ridgewood, 1979-80; Most Precious Blood, Long Island City, 1980; Academy of St. Joseph, Brentwood, 1981, and Bishop Kearney H.S., Bensonhurst, 1983-2006. She retired in 2007.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held in Sacred Heart Chapel, Brentwood, Nov. 17. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery.

The post Sister Ann Maureen Oakman, C.S.J. appeared first on The Tablet.

Sister Rosemary Anne Wood, C.S.J., a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., for 74 years, died in St. Joseph Convent on Dec. 10.

She entered the congregation from St. Patrick’s parish, Long Island City, and earned her bachelor’s degree in language arts from Manhattan College.

Formerly known as Sister Anne Georgine, she taught in St. Joseph, Prospect Heights, 1943-45; St. Francis of Assisi, Crown Heights, 1945-46; St. Cecilia in Greenpoint, 1946-48; Holy Name of Mary, Valley Stream, L.I., 1948-49; Holy Cross, Flatbush, 1949-51; St. Malachy, East New York, 1951-64; St. Agnes, Cobble Hill, 1964-66; SS. Cyril and Methodius, Deer Park, L.I., 1966-69; and St. Christopher, Baldwin, L.I., 1981-2007.

She was principal of Most Precious Blood, Long Island City, 1969-81. She retired to Brentwood in 2007.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in Sacred Heart Chapel, Brentwood, Dec. 14. Interment followed in Calvary Cemetery.

The post Obituary: Sister Rosemary Anne Wood, C.S.J. appeared first on The Tablet.

Sister Anne Michel Pavell, C.S.J., a Sister of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., for 65 years, died Jan. 5, in St. Joseph Convent, Brentwood.

She entered the congregation in 1951 from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish, Astoria. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph College, a master’s in social studies from Queens College and a master’s in theology from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Huntington, L.I.

She taught at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Bedford-Stuyvesant, 1953-55; St. Teresa of Avila, Prospect Heights, 1955-56; St. John of God, Central Islip, L.I., 1956-57; Our Lady of Sorrows, Corona, 1957-59; St. Augustine, Park Slope, 1959-67; Holy Child of Jesus, Richmond Hill, 1967-73; and St. Brendan, Midwood, 1973-74.

She was the coordinator of religious education in Our Lady of Grace, West Babylon, L.I., 1974-83; audiovisual coordinator at St. John’s Queens Hospital, Elmhurst, 1983-86; and transportation coordinator at Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood, 1986-88.

She also served at Our Lady of Perpetual Help H.S., Sunset Park, 1988-95, and in the CSJ Finance Office, Brentwood, 1995-2003. She retired to St. Joseph Convent in 2003.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in Sacred Heart Chapel, Brentwood, Jan. 9. Interment followed in Calvary Cemetery.

The post Obituary: Sister Anne Michel Pavell, C.S.J. appeared first on The Tablet.

Dear Editor: I have fond memories of Sister Anne Michel Pavell, C.S.J., (Obituaries, Jan. 16) from St. Augustine parish in the early 1960s. I will always remember her as a vibrant young woman devoted to her faith and students.

She exemplified the heroic and self-sacrificing women of that glorious era in Catholic education when religious like Sister Anne Michel lifted generations of Catholic children into middle class and professional status. She introduced me to the Christian Brothers at St. Augustine H.S., for which I will be forever grateful.

Sister Anne Michel prepared several classes for the sacrament of Confirmation after teaching eighth-grade students academic subjects. In those days, 50 or 60 to a class was the norm. It did not seem a burden to her. I read that Sister Anne did graduate work in social science which was in accord with her enthusiasm for current events.

Religious like Sister Anne Michel give Catholic identity a profound meaning.

GERARD DEMAIO

East Flatbush

The post Fond Memories of Nun appeared first on The Tablet.