The religious brothers of the diocese were honored along with women religious at a jubilee celebration May 22 at Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston. They were guests of honor at a liturgy celebrated by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and at the dinner that followed. This year’s men religious jubilarians are:

BROTHERS OF THE SACRED HEART

75 Years

Brother Julian Przytulski, S.C., was born in New Britain, Conn., attending elementary school in Connecticut, and entering the Juniorate of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Metuchen, N.J., and the novitiate in 1940. He pronounced his first vows a year later on Aug. 15, 1941.

He graduated from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., and later obtained teacher certifications in Mississippi and Louisiana. Before retiring from the classroom in 1986, Brother Julian taught in Muskogee, Okla.; Alexandria, La.; Baton Rouge, La.; Donaldsonville, La.; New Orleans, La.; and Msgr. McClancy Memorial H.S., East Elmhurst.

After the classroom, he served the province as financial assistant.

Now 94, he resides at Ozanam Hall, Bayside, but joins his Brothers at McClancy for special occasions.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS

70 Years

Brother Peter Bonventre, F.S.C., a Brooklyn native and graduate of St. Catherine of Genoa School, Flatbush, is a member of the guidance department at Bishop Loughlin Memorial H.S., Brooklyn, where he coordinates scholarship and special programs. He has served there for 45 years.

A graduate of St. Augustine H.S., Park Slope, he earned his bachelor’s in English from The Catholic University of America, a master’s degree in English from Fordham University, a master’s in school administration from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and did doctoral studies in English at Fordham University.

After brief stints at Sacred Heart School, Highbridge, N.Y., and at St. Mary High School, Waltham, Mass., he began his first of three tours of duty at the Fort Greene school in 1954. He taught religion and English and also served as assistant principal. From 1966 to 1971, he was principal of Bishop Loughlin. In 1985 he began his third term there.

In the Lasallian world, Brother Peter participated in the Second Novitiate Program headquartered in Rome and has served in school leadership at La Salle Military Academy in Oakdale, L.I., and St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, RI. He spent a year as teacher of English at La Salle Academy, Providence, RI.

He continues to serve as a moderator of The Familiares, an organization of laypersons who are associates of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He is a recipient of the George Centrella Award of The Familiares.

He holds membership in the Catholic Secondary School Counselors Association of New York City, serving as the organization’s treasurer. A writer of poetry, who has dabbled in art and enjoys singing, he is a voracious reader and patron of the theater, cinema and opera.

FRANCISCAN BROTHERS

65 Years

Brother Robert Schaefer, O.S.F., entered the Franciscan Brothers from St. Thomas Aquinas parish, Flatlands, in 1951 and professed first vows two years later.

He taught in the elementary schools at St. Francis Xavier, Park Slope, and Notre Dame, New Hyde Park, 1953-61, before teaching at St. Francis Prep, Brooklyn, 1961-64. He was principal of St. Anthony’s H.S., Smithtown, L.I, 1964-70.

Beginning in 1970, he was registrar of St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, until his retirement from full-time ministry as Dean Emeritus of Registration and Academic Records in 1998.

Since 1998, he has continued teaching mathematics there.

Brother Alan Zodda, O.S.F., entered the Franciscan Brothers from Our Lady of Peace parish, Lynbrook, L.I., in 1951 and professed first vows in 1953.

He taught in the elementary schools at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Bedford-Stuyvesant; St. Anthony of Padua in Greenpoint; Our Lady of Lourdes, Bushwick; and St. Patrick’s, Fort Greene, from 1953 to 1962, before teaching at St. Leonard’s H.S., Bushwick; Bishop Ford H.S., Park Slope; and St. Francis Prep, both Brooklyn and Fresh Meadows, from 1962 to 1975.

Beginning in 1975, Brother Alan served as an administrative assistant at St. Francis Prep until he retired from full-time ministry.

60 Years

Brother Adrian Fannon, O.S.F., entered the Franciscan Brothers from St. Anthony of Padua parish, Greenpoint, in 1956 and professed first vows in 1958.

He taught in the elementary schools at St. Joseph, Babylon; St. Mary, Star of the Sea in Carroll Gardens; St. Anthony of Padua in Greenpoint; and Our Lady of Angels in Bay Ridge, from 1958 to 1968, before taking over as principal of St. Brigid’s, Bushwick, and the Robert F. Kennedy Incentive Program, from 1976 to 2003.

In 2003, he began teaching at St. Michael’s, Sunset Park; and later at Bishop Ford H.S., Park Slope.

He currently ministers at St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows.

50 Years

Brother Thomas Barton, O.S.F., entered the Franciscan Brothers from Our Lady of Angels parish, Bay Ridge, in 1966 and professed first vows in 1967.

He taught in the elementary schools at Our Lady of Angels and St. Joseph, Babylon, L.I., before serving in campus ministry at Bishop Ford H.S., Park Slope.

He also served as special education administrator for the Diocese of Brooklyn and in other social services areas as well as Franciscan Pilgrimage leader and instructor in the Franciscan Institute of India.

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Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, announced that Marie McGoldrick-Raico has been named the school’s girls’ volleyball coach as it prepares to go co-ed this fall.

McGoldrick, a Bay Ridge native, most recently served as the first assistant coach of the women’s volleyball team at her alma mater St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights.

She played volleyball in addition to basketball and softball as a student-athlete and is a member of the school’s hall of fame.

She previously coached varsity girls’ volleyball and taught English for 16 years at St. Edmund Prep H.S., Sheepshead Bay.

“I am extraordinarily grateful to join the Xaverian community during such an exciting time in the school’s history,” McGoldrick said. “I value Catholic education and have tremendous respect for the sacrifices that parents make to provide their children with this unique educational opportunity.”

Xaverian is set to field girls’ soccer, basketball, softball, lacrosse and volleyball teams during the upcoming school year.

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Father Richard Skarbek, whose ordination in Rome by Pope John II in 1986 at age 54 followed several decades as director of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ridgemen drum and bugle corps in Sunset Park, died on June 22 at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, L.I. He was 83.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 27 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sunset Park.

Born in Bay Ridge, he attended Our Lady of Angels School and St. Francis Prep, Northside. He then was hired as a teller by Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company. He rose to the position of a vice president at the bank when he left in 1980 to join the Society of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles.

In the late 1940s, he joined the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cadet Corps and soon was promoted to a leadership position in the corps. In 1955, he decided to leave the Cadet Corps and became the director of  the OLPH junior drum and bugle corps. He served in that unsalaried position until 1977 when OLPH parish could no longer support the operation of the corps.

After losing parish sponsorship, the Ridgemen competed for a few years as an independent entity before disbanding.

“He watched over our young lives and through his example he made us better people,” said Bobby Steinhilber, a former Ridgemen and now an official with the OLPH Alumni Association.

He later attended St. Francis College, Brooklyn, and Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Conn.

He continued his studies in Rome and on May 25, 1986, he was ordained by Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica.

In September, 1986, Father Skarbek was assigned to Holy Apostles Seminary in Connecticut where he was a teacher, spiritual advisor, finance director and fundraiser.

For the past five years, he resided at Our Lady of  Consolation Nursing Home in West Islip.

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A Mass of Christian Burial for James “Jim” McElroy, 86, former baseball coach at St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, was celebrated July 22 at Good Shepherd Church, Marine Park. He also was the long-time director of the Brooklyn Cadets Baseball Club.

A former printer by trade, he became more involved in athletics in the 1970s as the industry became more automated.

He coached many future major league stars such as Joe and Frank Torre.

He also had served with the Brooklyn-Queens Catholic High School Athletic Association.

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Vincent Bezecourt, a 2016 graduate of St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, is currently playing his first season with the New York Red Bulls II of the United Soccer League.

He recently scored his first two goals of his professional career in a 5-0 victory over the Harrisburg City Islanders.

He spent two years as a midfielder for the Terriers’ men’s soccer squad. The Aire sur l’Adour, France, native helped lead St. Francis to its second straight Northeast Conference championship and NCAA berth in 2014.

That same season, he finished second in the conference with six assists, which earned him a spot on the conference’s Second Team.

In 2015, he led the Terriers with seven goals and 17 points – both good for fourth in the conference. He was a First Team all conference selection and a Third Team All-American.

(Photo courtesy St. Francis College Athletic Communications)

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Sister Lois Keller, R.S.M., 83, a Sister of Mercy of the Americas Mid-Atlantic Community for 65 years, died July 3 at Calvary Hospice in Lutheran Hospital, Sunset Park.
Born in New York City, she attended Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal School in Ridgewood, and then Bishop McDonnell M.H.S., Clinton Hill.

She received a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, a master’s a doctorate in biology from Fordham University and was certified as a pastoral counselor from the Post Graduate Center for Mental Health. She received a canon law degree from St. Paul University, Ottawa, Canada.

She entered the Sisters of Mercy in February, 1951, and professed her final vows on Sept. 5, 1956.

Formerly known as Sister Mary Dolorosa, she taught in St. Patrick’s, Kent Ave., Fort Greene, 1953-55 and 1959-61; St. Therese of Lisieux, East Flatbush, 1955-56; St. Thomas Aquinas, Flatlands, 1961-63; Holy Innocents, Flatbush, 1963-65; Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Syosset, L.I., 1967-69; SUNY Farmingdale, 1973-75, and St. John’s University, Jamaica, 1975-80. She was in community administration from 1980 to 1984.

In 1984, she was elected superior general, where she served until 1993. In 1995 she served as defender of the bond for the Rockville Centre Diocese.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, Whitestone. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn.

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A Value-Added Approach

Founded more than 150 years ago by the Franciscan Brothers, the mission of St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights has always been to help young people achieve their life dreams of personal and professional success by making a quality college education more affordable.

Generations of St. Francis College graduates have gone on to achieve great success as leaders in business, finance, education, public service, health care and more. And as alumni, they remain actively involved with the college by providing mentoring and internships to the next generation of dreamers. That’s the St. Francis way.

As one of the most affordable private colleges in the New York metropolitan area and an exceptionally generous financial aid program, St. Francis College’s value-added approach provides an education with all the benefits and opportunities associated with a small, private college. It’s no surprise that St. Francis has been consistently ranked as a top college by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes.com and Money magazine.

The college offers more than 70 programs, majors and minors including Sports Management, Entrepreneurship and Interactive Media. Communication Arts majors take advantage of the state-of-the-art HDTV production studio and art theater, while the five-year combined BS/MS degree in accounting, as well as an MS degree in professional accounting takes graduates on to jobs at the top four accounting firms.

Project Management

In addition, a five-year combined BA/MA in psychology offers students the benefits of the same degrees but graduating in less time. A graduate-level certificate in project management is also growing in popularity and is designed for individuals who want to enhance their project management skills through an intensive executive-level program.

A minor in project management is also being offered and is open to all majors.

With today’s high demand for qualified health care professionals, the Healthcare Management, Health Promotion and Sciences and other health-related programs are teaching students the necessary skills by conducting research and lab experiments in the college’s newly designed labs and classrooms. The BS in nursing program is offered to incoming qualified freshmen and transfers, which prepares students for the NCLEX Exam.

Students also participate on 19 NCAA Division I athletic teams, including men’s and women’s basketball, golf, men’s soccer, women’s volleyball and the nationally ranked men’s water polo team.

St. Francis College has partnered with EHS to provide safe and affordable student housing in the newly renovated residence hall located just a few minutes away from the campus.

Become a vibrant part of the community and enroll today. Classes begin Sept. 7, 2016.

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Young people at St. Mary’s, Long Island City, acted like town criers announcing the sale of Italian Ice and St. Mary’s 50/50 raffle to raise funds for an outreach concert of Handel’s “Messiah” later this year. The fundraising activities continue after Masses on Aug. 27 and 28, and Sept. 3 and 4. (Photo: Antoinette Stromberg)

• • •

Join the good people of St. Rose of Lima, Parkville, to celebrate the feast of their parish patroness this Sunday, Aug. 28. Festivities begin with the 10:45 a.m. Mass, which will be multilingual to celebrate the Catholic heritage of the congregation whose members hail from different corners of the world. Lunch will follow Mass, and all are welcome to attend.
The School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center in Woodhaven offers classes to prepare women to take the high school equivalency test (formerly called GED). Registration is Sept. 8, 9 and 13. For more information, go to www.ssndecwomens.com or call 718-738-0588.

• • •

Jesuit Father Joseph Koterski will give a talk on “Enjoying Dante’s Divine Comedy” as part of the Book Talk Series at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, L.I. Father Koterski, editor-in-chief of International Philosophical Quarterly, will speak on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2-4 p.m. in the seminary library.
For more information, call 631-423-0483 ext. 141 or send an email to libraryweb@icseminary.edu.

• • •

This Saturday, Aug. 27, Our Lady of the Cenacle Church, Richmond Hill, will host the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Pro-Life Mass and Prayer Vigil. Arrive for 7:30 a.m. Mass with Msgr. Philip Reilly followed by procession to nearby abortion mill. Call 718-291-2540.

• • •

Bay Ridge residents, St. Patrick Church is hosting a Back-to-School Barbecue and Moonlight Movie Event, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. in the parking lot. Hosted by the parish, this family-friendly evening is sponsored by brooklynONE productions and Dorsa Group Realty. Admission is free, and food and beverages will available for sale. Moviegoers should bring their own blankets and chairs.

• • •

As part of the Year of Mercy, the Diocese of Brooklyn invites young adults, ages 18 and up, to a Walking Pilgrimage of Brooklyn churches on Oct. 15. The pilgrimage begins at 9 a.m. at Diocesan Offices in Park Slope, and will continue onto eight parishes, including the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, Prospect Heights, and conclude with Mass at St. James Cathedral-Basilica, Downtown Brooklyn.
Contact Paul Morisi at 718-965-7300 ext. 5556 or email pmorisi@diobrook.org.

• • •

Brooklynites, the 18th Ave feast is back! The annual Festa di Santa Rosalia along Cristoforo Colombo Blvd., between 68th and 75th atreets. Enjoy food, live music, rides and carnival games on weeknights and weekends. On Aug. 28, join in the street procession to St. Dominic’s Church in Bensonhurst, followed by a 3 p.m. Mass and refreshments. Cannoli anyone?

• • •

There are a limited number of seats available for a pilgrimage to Italy, France and Portugal, Oct. 7-23.
The spiritual director will be Father Thaddeus Abraham from St. Sebastian, Woodside, and the cost is $4,530 per person. For more information, Belinda at 718-304-3267, or Tom at 516-610-5612.

• • •

St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, has scheduled the Brother Urban Gonnoud, O.S.F. Memorial Golf Classic for Sept. 20 at Dyker Beach Golf Course in Dyker Heights. To participate, or support this event, contact Dennis McDermott. Call 718-489-5362 or email dmcdermott@sfc.edu.

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Last weekend was bittersweet in Greenpoint as members of St. Anthony-St. Alphonsus parish bid farewell to one priest and welcomed another. Father Jilson George, C.M.I., a parochial vicar who served the parish for more than two years said goodbye as he moves to his new assignment as director of the Carmelite Chapel in Peabody, Mass. Joining the parish family is Father Antony Vadakara, C.M.I., who was appointed as the new parochial vicar. Prior to his arrival to Brooklyn, Father Vadakara served on three continents, Asia, Africa and Australia. Above, from left, Fathers Vadakara, George and Kavungal Davy, C.M.I., pastor. (Photo courtesy Father Kavungal Davy, C.M.I.)

• • •

Collecting spare change in a jar, can or couch somewhere? Put it to good use: Support the youth group at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Flatlands.

Bring loose change to TD Bank on Flatbush Ave. and Ave. H this Friday, Sept. 2 to benefit the youth group through the Bring Change Campaign. TD Bank will match the sum of any money donated that day, and on top of that, will make a donation to the youth group.

• • •

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Astoria, is celebrating its 175th anniversary with a dinner/dance on Oct. 8 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Riccardo’s by the Bridge.

Tickets are $70 per person, and available in the rectory office. For more information, call 718-278-1834 or email media@mountcarmelastoria.org.

• • •

A novena to Our Lady of Velankanni (Our Lady of Good Health) will be prayed Aug. 31 to Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes, Queens Village. There will also be a recitation of the rosary and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The celebration of the feast will culminate on Sept. 11 with a 4 p.m. street procession followed by 5 p.m. Mass and fellowship. Call 718-479-5111.

• • •

Brooklyn-born Bishop Frank Caggiano, now of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., will be the main celebrant and homilist of the annual Rosary for Life Mass, Oct. 3 at Good Shepherd Church, Marine Park.

The rosary will begin at 7 p.m. followed by Mass and investiture in the brown scapular. This year’s honorees are Audrey Mullins, Judy and Frank Chiarchiaro, Marta and Deacon Jaime Cobham and Msgr. Kevin Noone.

For more details, call 718-377-6920.

• • •

Maronite Catholics and friends from all over the U.S. will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the presence of a Maronite bishop in the U.S. on Friday, Oct. 7.

The celebration will begin with a 6 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lebanon, Brooklyn Heights, with Bishop Gregory Mansour, followed by an 8 p.m. dinner at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge.

Tickets are $150 per person/$2,500 for a table of 10, and journal ads are still being accepted. For tickets, call 718-624-7228 or email cathrectory@verizon.net.

• • •

As part of the Year of Mercy, the Diocese of Brooklyn invites young adults, ages 18 and up, to a Walking Pilgrimage of Brooklyn Churches on Oct. 15.

The pilgrimage begins at 9 a.m. at Diocesan Offices in Park Slope, and will continue onto eight parishes, including the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, Prospect Heights, and conclude with Mass at St. James Cathedral-Basilica, Downtown Brooklyn.

Contact Paul Morisi at 718-965-7300 ext. 5556 or email pmorisi@diobrook.org.

• • •

St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, will host the Brother Urban Gonnoud, O.S.F. Memorial Golf Classic for Sept. 20 at Dyker Beach Golf Course, Dyker Heights.

To participate, or support this event, contact Dennis McDermott. Call 718-489-5362 or email dmcdermott@sfc.edu.

• • •

The auxiliary members of the Little Sisters of the Poor are hosting a Garden Party on Sept. 17, on the grounds of Queen of Peace Residence, Queens Village.

Enjoy a luncheon buffet, wine and a relaxing piano trio as well as raffles and a Chinese auction. The attire is business casual and the cost is $65 per person. Proceeds benefit the Little Sisters’ ministry.

Reservations must be made by Sept. 13. Call 718-464-1800 or email qpdevelopment@littlesistersofthepoor.org.

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As their family and friends from the Knights of Columbus looked on, Irving and Jennie Stuart of Nativity B.V.M.-St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr parish, Ozone Park, renewed their wedding vows on Sept. 25. Father Paul Palmiotto, pastor, witnessed the vow renewal and blessed the Stuarts, who are celebrating 60 years of marriage. (Photo courtesy Jennie Stuart)

• • •

October is Respect Life Month, and members of the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants will hold their monthly pro-life Mass and prayer vigil at St. John Vianney parish, Flushing, Oct. 15. Msgr. Philip Reilly, founder of the Helpers, will celebrate Mass at 7:30 a.m. followed by exposition. Participants will then process to a local abortion clinic to peacefully pray the rosary for the conversion of hearts and salvation of souls before returning to church for benediction. All are welcome.

• • •

As part of its St. Clare and St. Francis Week festivities, Sept. 29 to Oct. 7, St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, will host an “Interfaith Panel Discussion on Mercy,” Oct. 5 in Founders Hall. Representatives of the Abrahamic traditions will discuss the virtue of mercy starting at 12:20 p.m.

• • •

Chief Theresa C. Tobin, deputy chief of the New York City Police Department,will be among the honorees when the Sisters of St. Dominic, Amityville, L.I., host their annual Dominican Gala at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, L.I., Oct. 25. Cocktails will begin at 6 p.m followed by dinner and dancing.
Also being honored are three Dominican Sisters ministering in social services in the Brooklyn Diocese, namely Sisters Ann Elizabeth Diliberti, from SS. Simon and Jude parish, Gravesend; Regina Corde Hockenberry from St. Anselm’s parish, Bay Ridge; and Jeanne Elaine Matullo from St. Patrick’s parish, Bay Ridge.
Chief Tobin is the highest ranking female ever to receive the NYPD Medal of Valor for her actions as a first responder on Sept. 11, 2001.
Proceeds from the dinner support the ministries of the Sisters of St. Dominic.
For tickets and more details, contact Mary Fuchs, at 631-842-6000 ext. 241 or mfuchs@amityop.org.

• • •

St. Finbar Church, Bath Beach, is teaming up with the Kiwanis Club of Mapleton to present, “Yesterday and Today,” a live tribute to the music of The Beatles on Friday, Oct. 28 in the parish’s Msgr. Scanlan Center. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and proceeds will benefit the Bensonhurst Volunteer Ambulance Service. Tickets are $35. For tickets, call Joe at 917-282-9498, or Marty at 917-532-7750.

• • •

Douglaston Parish Installs Newest Altar Servers

Eight new altar servers were installed at St. Anastasia Church, Douglaston, on Sunday, Sept. 25. They are: Anastasia Aviles, Kate Estevez, Ava Loftus, Gabriella Murillo, Mikayla Traill, Victoria Wilson, Sarah Brito and Giana Giannopoulus. The new servers are picture with Msgr. Anthony F. Sherman, pastor; Brian J. Payne, altar server coordinator, and Deacon Vincent Lino. (Photo courtesy Brian Payne)

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By Antonina Zielinska

A Catholic, a Jewish, a Muslim and a Protestant leader got together at St. Francis College last week to talk about Mercy.

“God has 91 names in Islam: all knower, the punisher, but of all the names the first phrase of the Quran emphasizes this specific trait of God,” said Iman Boukadoum, director of Community Partnerships at the Interfaith Center of New York. An English translation of that first line is: “In the name of God, most gracious, most merciful.”

She said mercy is on the lips of Muslims throughout the world many times a day as it is often referred to in common prayers.

“Compassion as mercy is at the heart of Islam,” she said.

Of course, Boukadoum said, mercy is nothing without deeds. Therefore, she said, her faith has led her to her work as an attorney helping immigrants in this country, welcoming the stranger as the Quran commands. Actions show holy mercy because as she said, “All are children of God.”

“For Catholics, mercy in action is the outgrowth of what we believe,” said Father Joel Warden, C.O., pastor of the Oratory Church of St. Boniface, Downtown Brooklyn, and administrator of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish, Brooklyn Heights.

He spoke to those present about Pope Francis’ call to mercy through this specially designated Year of Mercy encouraging all Catholics to perform acts of spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

Father Warden said mercy must be a habit to be a virtue, performed often.

“For you to be severe is a violation of Jewish tradition, of all faith traditions,” said Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis.

Having listened to the Catholic and Muslim presentations, the rabbi said had the speakers not identified themselves, it would have been difficult to tell which religion they practiced solely on their explanation of mercy.

“We are different branches but have the same roots,” he said.

The three speakers and moderator Rev. Dr. Barbara Senecal-Davis, executive minister at First Presbyterian Church,  Greenwich Village, were invited to the Brooklyn Heights campus for a panel dis- cussion as part of a special Year of Mercy St. Francis-St. Clare Week at St. Francis College.

As the speakers further discussed their faith traditions, some difference in philosophy surfaced.

The rabbi spoke of the Jewish understanding of seeking reconciliation. First, one must forgive God, then others and finally, oneself, he explained.

In explaining the necessity to forgive God, the rabbi said it comes from our necessity to act as God acts.

“Forgiveness is a reciprocal force,” he said. He also said: “God created an imperfect world”

Boukadoum explained that in Islam there is no concept of original sin; there is forgetfulness.

“When you forget the pillars, you have to go back to the pillars,” she said.

Speaking of violence done in the name of Islam, she said it is often hard for people to be true to their faith. Violence is against Islam, she said, but goodness is humble.

If one were to only look at the news headlines regarding any religion, one would be discouraged from any of the major faiths, but true believers accomplish their work in humility and are often not recognized, she said.

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By Antonina Zielinska

Big K9 unit dogs, little dogs in pink tutus, cats in baskets and pets of all kinds depicted on physical photos and digital screens received a special blessing from the Downtown Brooklyn Franciscan community.

Father Brian Jordan, S.F.C., led the blessing of the animals Oct. 7 in front of St. Francis College at the conclusion of the college’s special Year of Mercy St. Francis and St. Clare Week.

He told those gathered that mercy must be extended to all of God’s creation and so he asked that all those present pray with him over the animals.

Brother Bill Boslet, OSF, who is a member of the board of St. Francis College, said the 800-year-old Franciscan tradition of blessing of the animals has always been important, but it is especially important in modern times.

“Hopefully this is an educational opportunity to think about taking care of others rather than self,” he said. “It’s particularly important in today’s world when we need to think about helping others and taking care of the planet.”

Father Jordan told those gathered that even though the blessing comes from ancient traditions the Franciscan brothers have now adopted it to the modern age by encouraging people to not only bring their pets for a physical blessing but also use technology to pray in a way that transcends into their homes. Therefore, he asked for anyone who has one to show a photo of their pet on their phones during the blessing.

Student Venesa Gomez, who came with her public health care class to the event, said she was moved by the ceremony. It brought back memories of her dog, who died a year ago. She said it reminded her of the special love a dogs can have for people. And although that brought sadness into her hear, she said the ceremony also made her feel joy.

She was happy to see the K9 units from the police department and the bomb squads receive special recognition during the blessing. With everything that has been happening relating to terrorism in the news, it’s important to remember all those who keep New Yorkers safe.

During the blessing ceremony Father Jordan told those present that there have been about 20 terrorists attacks prevented since Sept. 11, 2002 in New York City and a portion of them have been prevented thanks to the work of the city’s K9 units. He likened them to guardian angels who keep the city safe.

Maryanne Gentile, a parishioner of the neighboring Oratory of St. Boniface, said she is grateful to St. Francis College for organizing events that bring the community together.

She said she has been coming to the St. Francis College ceremony every year and has always brought her cat with her. She currently takes care of a white cat, Kennedy, who is deaf and was found abandoned in front of a high school. Kennedy is in his senior years now, so she says she tries to get him all the help he can get.

She sees the blessing as a way to help her cat and honor the saint she admires for his dedication to the care of all animals.

“I’m a big fan of St. Francis,” she said.

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The St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, men’s soccer team won its third Northeast Conference (NEC) championship title in the past four seasons with a 1-0 victory over St. Francis University, Loretto, Pa.

Junior forward Lukas Hauer delivered the match-winning penalty kick in the second overtime. Senior midfielder Sal Barone, a graduate of Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, was awarded NEC playoff MVP honors.

The win secured the Terriers a spot in the NCAA College Cup, where it fell to Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., in the opening round.

An exciting season of CHSAA fall sports concluded recently. Here are the champions for girls’ volleyball and boys’ and girls’ soccer:

In girls’ volleyball, St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows, varsity won the diocesan title in Division I and then the ‘AA’ city championship.

St. Edmund Prep H.S., Sheepshead Bay, was the varsity Division II diocesan champion and finished at the ‘B’ city championship runner-up.

St. Saviour H.S., Park Slope, finished as varsity ‘B’ city championship runner-up.

Archbishop Molloy H.S., Briarwood, JV capped off an undefeated 23-0 season by capturing the Brooklyn-Queens Division I title en route to a victory in the ‘AA’ city championship.

Bishop Kearney H.S., Bensonhurst, won the Division II Brooklyn-Queens JV title and finished as the ‘A’ city championship runner-up.

In girls’ soccer, in its first year with female enrollment, the Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, JV won the Tier 1 Brooklyn-Queens title as well as the city championship.

Christ the King H.S., Middle Village, won the varsity Tier 1 diocesan title and city championship.

In varsity Tier 2, Fontbonne Hall Academy, Bay Ridge, won the Brooklyn-Queens title.

St. Agnes Academic, College Point, emerged as the varsity Tier 3 city champions.

In boys’ soccer, Archbishop Molloy JV captured both the diocesan and city championship titles.

In the varsity ‘AA’ division, Holy Cross H.S., Flushing, won the Brooklyn-Queens title.

St. John’s Prep, Astoria, won the North division of varsity ‘B,’ while St. Edmund Prep won the South.

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A Mass of Christian burial for Brendan J. Dugan, president of St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, was celebrated on Friday, Dec. 23 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Court St., Carroll Gardens. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was the main celebrant.

Dugan, a 1968 graduate of the college, died Dec. 18. He was 69.

He served as president for the last four years following the death of Frank Macchiarola, who died four years to the day prior to Dugan’s death.

Dugan worked in commercial banking for 40 years before becoming president of St. Francis College on July 1, 2008. Before that, he was chairman of the college’s board of trustees and was instrumental in completing the college’s $40 million Campaign for Big Dreams, a transformational project that resulted in the building of the Anthony J. Genovesi Athletic Center, the Academic Center and set the stage for the Eileen C. Dugan Life Sciences Center, which opened during his presidential tenure and houses the college’s fast-growing nursing program.

He was honored Dec. 7 at the Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon with the Emma A. Daniels Benefactor Award. The honor was accepted by his son Joseph Dugan, principal of Cristo Rey Brooklyn H.S., Flatbush.

Reading from President Dugan’s comments that afternoon, Joseph said, “Barbara (Dugan) and I would not be the people we are today were it not for our Catholic faith and the Catholic education that we have received throughout our lives. It has formed our identity, and that of our family, reinforcing the values and beliefs that our parents lovingly instilled in our homes.”

President Dugan was involved with the diocese for many years, serving on the diocesan finance council, as trustee for the St. Mary Star of the Sea parish, and spending years on the board of the Futures in Education Foundation and Bishop Loughlin Memorial H.S.
Last week, he also was honored by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce at its Annual Gala. His son Patrick Dugan, a 2001 graduate of St. Francis College and a senior director at Cushman & Wakefield, accepted the award.

During his four decades of banking, Dugan served at a number of institutions, his most recent banking position was chairman and CEO of Sovereign Bank’s Metro NY/NJ Division. Sovereign had recently acquired Independence Bank where Dugan served as a senior executive since 2003.

Prior to joining Independence, he served as chief operating officer of Citibank Commercial Markets, 2001-03; president of European American Bank, 1991-2001, and president and C.E.O. of NatWest USA, 1974-91.

In June 2009, Dugan was inducted into the Pontifical Order of the Knights of St. Gregory the Great.

Other community organizations bestowing honors upon him include the Greater Jamaica Development Corp., the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai Brith, Helen Keller Services for the Blind, the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, the American Jewish Congress, Neighborhood Housing Services, Good Shepherd Services, Touro Law School, St. Francis College, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the Boy Scouts of America and Brooklyn Legal Services Corp.

Dugan cherished his Irish heritage. His family hailed from Kilcar County, Donegal. He was honored by both the St. Patrick’s Society of Brooklyn and The Great Irish Fair.

Dugan is survived by his wife Barbara A. Dugan, his sons Joseph, Michael and Patrick, and his six grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Curtin and brother Brian.

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The St. Francis College Board of Trustees has named Dr. Timothy J. Houlihan as interim president of St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights. Dr. Houlihan currently serves as provost of St. Francis. He will be replacing Brendan J. Dugan ’68 who passed away on Dec. 18. Dr. Houlihan will continue the work of his predecessor while the college’s Board of Trustees conducts a nationwide search to find a new president.

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The St. Francis College Board of Trustees has named Dr. Timothy J. Houlihan as interim president of St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights. Dr. Houlihan currently serves as provost of St. Francis. He will be replacing Brendan J. Dugan ’68 who passed away on Dec. 18. Dr. Houlihan will continue the work of his predecessor while the college’s Board of Trustees conducts a nationwide search to find a new president.

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St. Ephrem’s parish, Dyker Heights, once again came through with a “swish.”

In continuing a winter tradition, the parish hosted its annual “Swish For Kids” basketball classic on Sunday, Jan. 22 in the school gymnasium.

The men’s basketball teams from St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, and the College of Mount St. Vincent, the Bronx, put on a clinic for children battling cancer and those who have completed their treatment.

The life of a college student-athlete can be jam-packed, from schoolwork, to practice, to games, to travel week after week during the season.

However, at least for one day, these athletes gave back to their local community by interacting with children who’ve had a tough road.

“Anything you can do to help people in this situation is probably more rewarding than anything else in your life,” said Glenn Braica, the Terriers’ head coach. “You need to learn the value of that. It’s the most important thing that they can probably do all year.”

“There’s a lot of kids who are battling for their lives,” said Joshua Nurse, a sophomore forward at St. Francis. “Just coming out here and putting a smile on their faces really changes their lives and really helps them a lot.”

The event was founded in December 2011 by the parish athletic representative Frank Stella, who himself is a survivor of stage 4-B Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Six children attended that first year, and the event has continuously grown, with nearly 30 honorees in attendance this year.

“It’s really their day,” said Mary Donnelly, who chaired the event for the first time. “They are the true heroes. They are the ones who overcame obstacles.”

The children are always in awe of the talented college basketball players, who show off their high-level skills while also teaching the kids the basic fundamentals of the game they all love.

“I learned how to dribble behind my back,” said eight-year-old Julianna Cecere, a student at St. Ephrem’s and a participant in the event.

“It’s really cool because every year they come back with something new,” St. Ephrem’s student Tommy Guardavaccaro, 12, said, adding that this year he learned better dribbling skills from the college players.

In addition to basketball drills up and down the court, the children were offered a number of other entertainment opportunities.

Street ball legend Jack “Black Jack” Ryan wowed the crowd with his basketball tricks, and members of the Princess Project, a group of students from Mount St. Vincent who dress up as Disney princesses and visit local children’s hospitals, spread plenty of joy to the youngsters.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Francesco Loccisano Pediatric Cancer Foundation, committed to providing financial support for families all over the country with a child battling pediatric cancer.

Also known as Frankie’s Mission, the non-profit organization was started in memory of Frankie Loccisano, a former student at St. Ephrem’s School and Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, who passed away in September 2007 after a courageous battle with bone cancer and leukemia.

As he went through his treatment, Frankie had a vision of launching his own foundation to assist the childhood cancer community, since he always wanted other children to be able to smile as they went through their treatment.

“These are children that are going through a lot,” said Camille Orrichio Loccisano, Frankie’s mom and the president and founder of the organization. “They have a really serious illness, and they have to do so much to try to get themselves back to good health.

“This is a day for them to just forget about all that. It’s a day of fun, and that’s what my son Frankie wanted.

“This is Frankie’s home (parish). His wish is happening in his home, and it’s just so symbolic and it’s very meaningful to me personally as a mom who went through this.”

The organization, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, recently introduced a new initiative, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Investors Bank.

Members of the program, known as “Frankie’s Smiles,” visit childcare centers at hospitals to provide an enrichment program, including music and art, to children undergoing treatment. The pilot program was launched at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Fort Greene.

Sometimes the most complex cancer treatments can only do so much, but there’s one thing that always lifts these kids’ spirits:

A smile.

To make a donation to help a family of a child with pediatric cancer, visit www.frankiesmission.org.

Have a story idea for the “Good Sports” page? Please contact Jim Mancari via email at jmmanc@gmail.com.

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Brooklyn’s own Father John P. Cush, academic dean of the Pontifical North American College (PNAC), Vatican City-State, and an assistant professor of theology and U.S. Church history, was invested as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre last month.

Above, he is pictured, top row, far right, with Cardinal Donald Wuerl; Cardinal Edwin O’Brien; Cardinal Blasé Cupich; Father John Bateman, secretary to Cardinal O’Brien; Father Austin Vetter, director of spiritual formation of the PNAC; Father Peter Harman, rector of the PNAC and officials from the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. (Photo courtesy Father John Cush/PNAC Photo Service)

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Dan and Caroline Dirkes of 2TIM4 Ministries will present a parish mission at Our Lady of Grace, Gravesend, March 5-7. The New Jersey-based husband and wife team utilize a blend of technology, fun illustrations, community-building activities and powerful presentations to engage people of all ages and lead them to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The mission will take place over three days, starting on March 5 with a potluck dinner, games for kids and a talk, all starting at 5 p.m. Prayer, talks and uplifting music will continue on March 6 and 7, 7 to 9 p.m. each evening. Call 718-627-2020.

• • •

Observe this Black History Month by listening to Freedom Rider and civil rights leader Bernard Lafayette tell his story at St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, Feb. 21, 11:10 a.m. in Founders Hall. Sponsored by the college’s Institute for Peace and Justice, the talk is free and open to the public.

• • •

“Exploring Relationships: Your Spiritual Journey Forward” will be the theme for the St. Paul’s Singles Weekend Retreat, set for March 24-26 at St. Josaphat’s Retreat House, Glen Cove, L.I. This retreat is open to adults who are single, widowed, divorced or separated. The weekend includes lodging, five meals, all supplies, a social party, Sunday Mass and an exciting program.

The cost is $200, and an initial $75 deposit is required to reserve a space. Early registration is suggested. Maria Sullivan and Rachel Calantjis will co-direct the retreat. For details or to reserve a space, contact Maria at 646-541-6933 or ptgalore59@gmail.com, or Rachel at 347-738-7398 or maryray4@yahoo.com.

• • •

St. Joseph’s College (SJC), Clinton Hill, was recently ranked as having one of the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report. This is the first time the college was included in the online program rankings. It was selected based upon student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, admissions selectivity and peer reputation.

SJC Online, the college’s fully online learning community, was launched two years ago to offer students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree, advanced certificate or dual degree online. U.S. News & World Report evaluated over 1,200 online programs to decide on the rankings of 308 schools. To learn more about SJC Online, visit sjcny.edu/online.

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This week’s Tip of the Tablet TALK Top Hat goes to the line dancing ministry at Immaculate Conception Church, Jamaica. Coordinated by Lucy and Louie Alibutod, the line dancers donated $9,699 to the parish in 2016. Dancers gather to exercise their minds and bodies while enjoying camaraderie and fun. They are led by Marilou Bugarin, instructor, and DJ Ernie Bugarin. Sessions are held on Wednesdays, 8-10 p.m. after the novena Mass to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. All are welcome.

• • •

“Our Lives Are Entwined with Christ” will be the theme of a four-week Lenten retreat in the spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Midwood. Led by Dr. Bob Giugliano, the one-hour sessions will be held on Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29, after 8:30 a.m. Mass, and repeated at 7:30 p.m. Sessions will include music, prayer, some points about Ignatian spirituality and discussion. Contact the rectory at 718-338-5242 for more details.

• • •

Chad C. Pecknold, theology professor at Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., will be the featured speaker at Theology on Tap NYC, March 6. To learn more, visit totnyc.org.

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Msgr. Michael Dempsey, a senior Brooklyn priest and a pioneer in national television ministry, died March 10 at his private residence in Astoria. He was 84.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 17 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Forest Hills. He had resided at the parish rectory from 1961 to 2010.

Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez was the main celebrant of the funeral Mass.

Born in Most Precious Blood parish, Astoria, he attended St. Patrick’s School, L.I.C.; Power Memorial H.S., Manhattan; St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights; and Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington.

He served as an assistant at St. Finbar’s, Bath Beach, 1958-60, and then was assigned to The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., where he earned a master’s degree in educational psychology.

From 1961 to 1971, he was assistant superintendent of schools, working on religious educaton, special education, curriculum projects and teacher personnel.

Between 1962 and 1966, he designed and built the Brooklyn Diocesan Television Network. In 1969, he was elected president of the Catholic Television Network.

From 1971 to 1978, he was Secretary of Education, earning a doctoral degree in the history and philosophy of education from Fordham University in 1973.

In 1978, he was named director of the Office of Pastoral Communications, which eventually was responsible for the formation and running of The Prayer Channel, the diocesan cable TV network, the predecessor to today’s NET-TV.

He also served as a consultant to the U.S. bishops on the USCC Satellite Project.

He retired from full-time duty in 2007 but continued to serve as executive director of Trans Video Communications.

In January 2010, Msgr. Dempsey was placed on administrative leave (Can. 1722) by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio upon notification that Monsignor was being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. Upon the completion of that investigation, however, the federal government declined to bring charges. Upon review of the information provided by the Diocese of Brooklyn in this matter, the Congregation for Doctrine of Faith advised Bishop DiMarzio to restore him to the status of senior priest and grant him faculties to resume limited priestly ministry, which were to be reviewed periodically and adjusted accordingly.

Msgr. Dempsey is survived by his brother, Robert of Sag Harbor.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, on Saturday, March 18, at 10:30 a.m.

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St. Francis College of Brooklyn Heights made its first appearance in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Naples, Florida. The contingent of Brooklynites was led by the school’s director of development, Thomas Flood, right.

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