Join the March for Marriage in Washington on June 19

March for Marriage 2014The Diocese of Brooklyn is sponsoring a bus trip to Washington, D.C., for anyone interested in joining the second annual March for Marriage on Thursday, June 19.

Those who support the traditional definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman will have a chance to make their voices heard at this march. Last year more than 10,000 people attended the rally. A promotional video released by the National Organization for Marriage is below.

The bus will stop at Resurrection-Ascension parish (61-11 85th Street, Rego Park) at 6:30AM and St. Patrick parish (9511 Fourth Avenue, Bay Ridge) at 7:30AM. The cost is $20, and passengers should bring lunch. To register, go to bqonlineformation.org or contact Christine Georgi at 718-965-7300 ext. 5416 or cgeorgi@diobrook.org. The deadline to register is June 13.

“The Gifts of the Spirit” by Bishop DiMarzio

2014-07-21 DimarzioJune 4, 2014 – Excerpted from “Put Out Into the Deep”, Bishop DiMarzio’s column in The Tablet:

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost and we recognize that the coming of the Holy Spirit did not just happen to the Church 2,000 years ago, but it is a present event, especially as we receive the Holy Spirit in all the sacraments. Because it is the Holy Spirit that makes our encounter with Jesus possible.

Our Holy Father Pope Francis has a series of catecheses on the gifts of the Holy Spirit beginning in April. It is not yet complete, but he has already covered five of the gifts of the Holy Spirit which I wish also to summarize for you. In my preaching for the Sacrament of Confirmation, I have developed a Confirmation Lectionary based on nine sets of readings which deal with a specific theme. One of them deals with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and I will supply the gifts not covered by the Holy Father.

Read the full text of the Bishop’s column on The Tablet website.

‘Grilling With God’ Series Returns in June

Grilling With God 2014The fourth annual Grilling With God series kicks off June 4 and will once again feature weekly cookouts with guest speakers and a discussion of issues that are important to young adult Catholics.

The events will all be held at the Leonard Center at Holy Child Jesus parish, located at 86-13 112th St. in Richmond Hill, Queens. Each evening will feature a holy hour at 6 and a cookout at 7, with the speakers beginning at 7:30. Here’s this year’s lineup:

June 4  “Prayer: Why Bother,” featuring Dr. Phil Franco, principal of St. Margaret School in Middle Village

June 11  “Nothing to Lose: A Talk on Discernment,” featuring Fr. James Rodriguez, associate vocation director for the Diocese of Brooklyn

June 18  “Busy Yet Spiritual,” featuring Mr. Chris Bethge, seminarian at St. Joseph’s in Yonkers

June 25  “Living a Life of Purpose,” featuring Deacon Chris Heanue, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria