News

I think that most of you would agree that the past two years have been a long and difficult reminder that, as much as we would like to think differently, we have very little control over what the future brings. There is so much suffering in this world and challenges that we    never thought that we would face. However, it has also been a reminder that one thing we can always rely on is the promise of our Lord, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the last day.” (John 6: 40)

The past 40 days have been an opportunity to reconnect with our Lord. For me, it has been an opportunity to take a long hard look at where I am in my relationship with God through additional time in prayer and reflection. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the enormity of our Lord’s sacrifice and what is says about His love for us. It is very easy not to feel worthy of that love. However, we know that through the resurrection, since Jesus’s sacrifice was accepted by God, we have been accepted by God through Jesus Christ. How powerful and liberating…to know that we have been accepted and beloved by God.

The resurrection of Jesus also gives us hope. 1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” As our humanity and sinfulness may cause us to fall, Christ is there to forgive us. He offers us the opportunity of renewal and regrowth. Through repentance and dying to our old selves we are given the promise of salvation.

I wake these mornings to the beautiful sounds of birds singing. I can’t help but notice the longer hours of light and the buds blooming on every tree. These are physical reminders to me of the opportunity of renewal—that each day we are invited to a new life in Christ and it truly fills my heart with hope and joy.

 

Sadly, Men’s Cursillo Team Member Danny O’Brien passed away in May after a long battle with heart related issues. He is now at home with   Jesus and many of the other great people from St. Paul’s who went    before him.  Danny always had a smile and a laugh for you. He loved the Cursillo so much and was a good    sponsor who brought many men to Cursillo. He was a man who talked the talk and, actually, walked the walk. A good man who had a profound devotion to the Blessed Mother. He said that the month of May was his special month. The first time he gave an Ultreya talk was in May, and he said, “That was no                    coincidence, my mother arranged that.“ He planned to give another 4th Day talk, and was slotted for May of last year, but that was cancelled due to his struggles with his health.
The first time he presented his CCIA talk on a Cursillo weekend, he approached the podium—all dappered up, stepped away so all the men could see him and said, “Does this suit make me look fat?“ The guys all laughed, as well as Danny. This was true Danny-style, always a laugh.
His funeral mass was a beautiful tribute to the man, the policeman, and the Irishman that he was. The NYPD Police Honor Guard and a bagpiper were visible signs in tribute to him. At the close of his homily, the Mass celebrant said, “Jesus says to Daniel, enter my son into the eternal paradise of my Father in heaven, because you already experienced hell on earth.“ Rest in Peace, our brother, Danny. Your angel duties will continue.  

This year was our first in-person couples weekend since the pandemic. The theme for the weekend was, “Staying Connected at the Speed of Life.” At first, I thought it was just a title—but the weekend talks described that life goes by quickly with speed—and if we don’t slow down, we may miss life.

What I mean is that life goes by so fast that we can miss important opportunities to spend time with our spouses and our family. There were talks from our Cursillo Community couples about putting things off for another time. However, when life gets in the way—changes or tragedy happens—those things that have been put off may never get done. We had time to reflect on that. We talked as a couple about our own experiences with putting things off, wondering if we will ever have the time to do the things that we’ve been putting off. We realized  that each day together is a gift and we need to spend our time wisely. I was humbled by this, thinking about how many times I said, “I’ll see you later,” or thinking I would always have time to do that on another day.

We had prayer time, thanking God for our spouses and for our time. We questioned ourselves, asking, “What are we doing with our time together and is it enough?”

We used our free time this weekend  to walk together. We played games and we laughed. We bonded as a couple, and as friends. 

We were blessed by the Holy Spirit and realized that our Lord has touched all our lives in one way or another—and was always present. We left the weekend feeling fulfilled, blessed and thankful for everything that was given to us so freely. 

If you have never made a Married Couples Weekend, I hope you will consider coming on the next one. You will not be disappointed. This weekend was truly a gift.

The time we have today is a gift, that’s why they call it, “the Present.” 

 God Bless us all. Joe & Ede Moscioni 

 

 

Whenever we head off for the Married Couples weekend – something we have been fortunate to do many times over the years – there is always a sense that whatever the subject, theme, whoever is there, it’s going to be a nice time.  And that is always a gross underestimation of the experience that Darlene and Mike McGovern and their team provide for the people who are lucky enough to  accept the invitation to join. This year was no exception.

Of course it was extra special just to be together, since the pandemic kept us on Zoom for so long.  And to be in the new space in Jamaica Estates, Thomas Berry Place, was exciting and new and a bit of its own adventure.  But all of that falls away and seems unimportant when compared with the depth of the spiritual experience that we were invited into as we gathered in the presence of the Holy Spirit to talk about our marriages, share honestly with each other, and recommit to do better in whatever ways we each needed to grow. 

The theme of the weekend was time, and how our marriages and our spouses are often too low on the list of priorities when it comes to managing and dedicating our time. Heartfelt and vulnerable talks from the team helped us focus on what we do, and fail to do, for one another, and allowed us to see our spouse’s needs with new eyes.  The retreat gives couples a safe place to talk about what matters, and whether it was at the   table, during a raucous game, or as we participated in a beautiful ritual of forgiveness, it was easy to see the healing that was taking place for so many.  So thank you Darlene and Mike – and your team, Rosemary and Rich Maikis, Ed and MaryAnn Caskin, and Liz and Rob Palumbo (who gave us their talk via Zoom because of illness – what troopers, thank you!).  We never know what we will walk away from this weekend with, but we know it will always be something sacred and blessed. 

 

I had the good fortune to be present for a recent Zoom Guided Meditation conducted by Darlene McGovern. It was offered in the early afternoon on a day when I had nothing else scheduled so it was an ideal situation to immerse myself in the moment and to devote my senses to the spiritual adventure that was about to unfold.

Under Darlene’s gentle guidance, we were encouraged to relax and focus on our breathing as she led us to a feeling of deep relationship with Jesus during His time of fasting in the  desert. I was able to slowly let go of the other demands of my life and gradually evolve into a place of peaceful openness. We were told to imagine that we were in the desert, as Jesus was, and we were led through a series of experiences that resulted in us envisioning that we were actually in Jesus’ presence in the desert. Darlene then presented us with the    question, “What would you say to Jesus?”

At this point, I could actually imagine Jesus emerging from a tent within the sand dunes. I could picture Him in a flowing red robe. He was vibrant, charismatic, smiling and He said to me, “What is it that you would like me to do for you?” I shared with Him my deepest hope for a resolution of a situation that has been a source of great disappointment to me.

As Darlene slowly brought us back to reality, I realized that, for those few moments, I had been in an intimate conversation with Jesus. It was prayer in its purest form, and, for me, an experience that I shall always remember.

+++ Darlene McGovern leads a Guided Meditation over Zoom conferencing bi-monthly. Please check the Newsletter, our Facebook page & website for upcoming dates.+++

 

It’s about two weeks into Lent … are you still pondering “what will you do” to make a good Lent?  What to give up; how to get reconnected; what’s this time all about?

 If you were able to join us on March 1, we spoke about Lent being a second chance; an opportunity to reconnect by taking a Long Loving Look at our Lives … the Real of our lives.  Take the time, and lovingly look at where you are right now.  I have used this prayer often and it seems fitting to continue to look   during this time asking for the Grace to be open to what God wants to do with me this Lent.  That can be challenging and scary sometimes because, let’s face it, I’m thinking how much more … I’m so busy … I do so much.  That may be true for you, but if we are living in Relationship with God, this is where we need to be challenged, at least that’s true for me.  The first Sunday of Lent’s Gospel reminds me that Jesus had courage and faith in His     Father to resist Satan and stand his ground when he offered the world to Jesus.  No matter when this Gospel comes up in rotation, I’m still awed by Jesus’ response; can I be that             disciplined, that faith filled, that courageous?  Am I willing to stretch myself this Lent and be open to God’s invitation?

 Sitting with this prayer and taking the time each day to listen to what God is saying; perhaps you do that already, or maybe it’s time to start doing it again.  I know for me, it’s easy to get fidgety and want to move out of my prayer space too quickly before I can really hear God speaking with me.  So that’s what I am doing this lent.  How about you?

 I often read Ron Rolheiser, OP and he has posted a great piece on “Images for Lent”.

 There are some wonderfully rich anthropological images for Lent. Here is one of them:

In virtually every culture there is, somewhere, the concept of having “to sit in the ashes for a time” as a necessary preparation for some deep joy or fulfillment. We see this, for example, in the story of Cinderella. The name itself, Cinderella, holds the key: It is derived from two words: Cinders, meaning ashes; and Puella, the Latin word for young girl. Etymologically, Cinderella means the eternal girl who sits in the ashes, with the further idea being that, before she, or anyone else, gets to put on the royal clothes, go to the ball, and dance with the prince, she must first spend some time sitting in the ashes, tasting some emptiness, feeling some powerlessness, and trusting that this deprivation and humiliation is necessary to help bring about the maturity needed to do the royal dance.

Still not sure about what to do for Lent?  Then how about just sitting for a few minutes longer each day and listen to what God has to say, listen to that still small voice.  Maybe He’s whispering, “thank you for being here” or “so glad to see you for a few minutes more”.

Take that long loving look at your life this Lent and imagine if you will that God wants to Grace you with something wonderful.  Are you open to the adventure?

And then when we sit on Easter Morning, we can truly celebrate the Resurrection; put on the royal cloths, go to the ball, and dance with the prince … Jesus!  Celebrate all He has graced you with this season and live as resurrected people. De Colores

 

We are so excited to be back in person! The last time we were together in person was in March 2020, before the pandemic shut us down.  However, we never stopped staying connected.  We have since had 2 evening reunions virtually and one entire day virtually. Although these programs were wonderful and kept us together, there is nothing like being in person.

Our weekend this year will be held at the Thomas Berry Place in Jamaica Estates.  It’s been newly renovated and is beautiful. 

Our theme is “Staying Connected At  The Speed of Life.” Life passes us by so quickly, we need to recognize the need to stay connected as a couple.  The weekend is packed with talks, couples discussions, fun activities, celebrating Mass, and quality time with your spouse and other like minded couples.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to connect with your spouse, your God and other couples. Registration form can be found in this  newsletter.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

 Darlene and Mike McGovern

 

Yesterday morning, February 5, 2022, the Brooklyn Queens Diocese laid to rest one of its finest priests, Monsignor Larry Hinch.

I heard about his passing on Friday and decided to drive to Queens for his funeral mass.

Father Hinch was one of three priests to found the Brooklyn Cursillo and Christian Awakening retreats. Along with Father Jim Tugwood, Father Doug Brown, and Professor Michael Brown of St. John’s University, they restructured the Spanish language Cursillo for adult men and adult women and make changes where they saw fit.  They also created versions of it that were for high school boys, high school girls, and co-ed for college students. Bishop Mugavero helped to underwrite the costs, and a permanent retreat center was opened on Humboldt Street in Greenpoint. Thousands of high school and college students made the retreats, and area Catholic high schools strongly supported it by sending students. It is a retreat that is transformational in the lives of  many people. Thousands of Christians around  the NYC Metro area  will point to their Cursillo or Christian Awakening as initiating or renewing their faith journey, as much of an experience in Christ as it is a little course (the literal translation of Cursillo).

Monsignor Hinch was a deeply spiritual and loving man, and devoted Catholic. After St. Paul’s Center, he was also assigned to Holy Child Jesus parish in Richmond Hill among several stops in his priesthood, where his funeral mass was celebrated. Monsignor Tom Caserta, also a former Cursillo priest, and one of the most highly regarded priests in the      diocese (as well as faculty member of St. John’s University and Immaculate Conception Seminary), preached the homily. If you’ve never heard Father Tom speak, I’d advise it. He is a powerful speaker, and amazing person, and a brilliant guy. The main celebrant was Bishop Bob Brennan, also a St. John’s alum. One of the other celebrants (there were more than 20) was Monsignor Bob Romano, who is the NYPD chaplain. Monsignor Romano also has his roots in the C.A. and Cursillo  programs, and although lesser known than Father Michael Judge, was present at 9-11 and every other tragedy involving NYPD officers (there are far too many of those). I cannot think of a finer person to bring comfort to the aggrieved family of NYPD officers than Father Romano. He was recently a concelebrant at the televised NYPD Detective Rivera funeral.

About ten years ago, Larry Hinch and George Cowan did a two night retreat which I attended in my home parish at the time, Our Lady of the Snows in Queens. They spoke about painful life events they had to endure, which tested their own faith. George spoke of a post surgery stint in a rehab, and his interactions with a seriously ill young boy he befriended.  Larry spoke about being called to provide solace to family friends of a girl he had baptized many years prior, who died in an Arizona smoke lodge tragedy. To remember the specifics ten years later is a testimony to how powerful their examples were. I spoke to Monsignor Hinch afterwards. I told him that the late Father Jim Tugwood was a close friend of mine. He immediately responded, “Jim Tugwood! What a wonderful priest!”  They had remained lifelong friends who he had last seen just weeks before Jim passed away tragically. I then remarked to him, “You know, Monsignor, you did some really great work while at St. Paul’s Center.” Before I could continue, he sharply rebuked me. “No!!!” he said emphatically, “God did all the work.”

As the mass ended, the casket carrying Monsignor Hinch was brought to the back of the church for a final blessing. As it ended, the church broke out into an affectionate and thankful long and loud applause

I had a good friend who I met at St. Paul’s Center, the late team member John Quigley, who would refer to such priests as “The real stuff,.” men who lived with extraordinary faith well and shared the Gospels in word and deed. 

 Father Romano said wistfully to me outside the church, “The old guard from St. Paul’s is all gone now.” Certainly, there is the next generation: Holcomb, Caserta, Romano, Musumeci and a few others, whose Cursillo experience helped form the core of their priestly vocation and who are approaching retirement themselves. But mostly and gratefully we remain,   beneficiaries of their wisdom, patience, counsel and encouragement to live a DeColores life in God’s friendship.

R.I.P., Larry. I can imagine God’s first words upon meeting you were, “This is my son Lawrence, of whom I am well pleased.” 

 

LOVE:  That small yet powerful word can evoke a myriad of images and emotions, that range from joy to distress and hit many notes in between. February has become synonymous with love, affection and romance due to the mid-month celebration of the secular holiday Valentine’s day. There is no missing it, the chocolate shaped hearts are visually present since wrapping paper was marked down to half price on December 26. For some of us, this day may conjure up feelings of    disappointment or sadness. The grieving, the single, those with difficult relationships. Wishing and wanting something more or something different. For some of us we wrestle in this reality on a regular basis. So, how can we, as Christians, manage the periodic discontentment in our lives? By leaning into God’s love and allowing His love to permeate us. God has poured out His love into our hearts. True love materializes into action.

Now, it is one thing to talk about love and quite another thing to show it. How easy it is for us to say that we love someone. Yet if that love is real, it will be made visible.  Real love takes on the form of sacrifice and self-giving. God doesn’t just say that He is love; He demonstrated that love by sending us Jesus.

How do I regularly demonstrate love towards others? Do I love all God’s people?  How do I love in ways that cause me to sacrifice for others—whether it be time, money, or something else?

For me, as I suspect many of us, time is a precious commodity. It’s not the carving out of a piece of time or even the spending of that time. It is being present to that person or activity that I have at times struggled with. I mean fully present, without distraction. That requires a great deal of focus to be deeply engaged but that is where the gift is, in that connection. I have experienced that connection with special people in my life and with Jesus in prayer. God becomes visible when believers love one another. Because it shows that God abides in us.

Love has its origin in God. But there is another truth that helps us to understand love and understand Jesus’ teaching to love others. It is the fact that love is seen in the cross of Christ. God poured out His awesome love for us on the cross. Love leaves a mark-one look at Jesus’ hands and feet let’s us know that there is no greater love.

So, this Valentine’s day, do something different, “be” about love, but “be” about true love—the love that God has for us. Be about our love for Him—and be    present to one another and to Him and we just might have God show up right in the middle of it all and whisper, “ I love you. I will never leave you.”

 

The Cursillo Community lost our friend, S. Mary Geraghty, on January 31, 2022. The following is the reflection that Mary Ann Ambrose, CSJ, delivered at  S. Mary’s funeral:

 S. Mary Geraghty – a woman of great faith and great love.

Mary treasured her heritage, Irish Strong! Her Family and the Community of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

To quote Rev. Michael Himes, theologian at Boston College who in this very chapel in July 1986 stated, “We come from community – to community!”  I dare say Mary Geraghty and the Geraghty Family are a beautiful sign to this day of that reality.  There are the nightly calls with Alice and Marty.  Jimmy’s calls on Sunday afternoon.  Their care, love and concern for each other began in the home that Martin and Alice Geraghty created in Brooklyn so many years ago. How very proud they must be of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Mary beamed when she spoke of her siblings and two generations of nieces and      nephews.  We come from community – to community.

September 8, 1948, Mary entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph.  Being a Sister of St. Joseph meant everything to Mary. Whatever she was asked to do Mary did; it was for the community.  Each day of the 2016 Chapter, Mary would drive to Brentwood from Levittown to be there.  Each day she would say, if I am breathing, I will be here.  And that she was!

Mary took community life seriously.  Cooking – a meal would be prepared with extra touches – her famous twice baked potato and the delicious Rum Cake.  I do have the recipe if anyone is interested.  Perhaps one could say St. Bernard’s in Levittown was unique in Mary’s life, having lived in that convent for 39 years. Those sisters shared many ups and downs (joys and sorrows) with Mary.  The birth of nieces and nephews, the death of her parents.  It was in St. Bernard’s, the Geraghty Clan would gather for Thanksgiving.  Mary loved preparing the meal and the laughter that would be part of the day.   Mary became involved with the Consolation Ministry and Hospitality Committee.  She was very excited to form the St. Joseph Guild (her hospitality weekend group).  She immediately struck a deal with Panera Bread for fresh bagels, spreads, and juices to be delivered.  Not to mention prayer cards and ‘gimmicks for God to be put on the table.  Mary continued this until 2019 when she moved to Sacred Heart.  We come from community – to community.

Mary also created community for others to come to – to be loved and I dare say be challenged.  St. Joseph’s High School was a place where lifelong friendships were formed with some of the young women who graduated.  Mary was all about relationship.  If she called you friend, she meant it and lived it.  You could count on her.  Ro Pavlick shared how S. Mary had gone from teacher; to friend; to family.  There would always be a group of St. Joseph’s girls at the Annual Spring Luncheon in Brentwood sitting with Mary.

Mary Geraghty so enjoyed her time at the St. Paul’s Center with the Cursillo Movement.  Mary was the first woman to be named Spiritual Director.  A distinction few knew – I learned it when I emptied a box that was under her bed.  Awards were not important to Mary – people were.  One of her many joys was when the women from the various Cursillo groups would call inviting her to give a talk or join the group for lunch.  When COVID changed our lives, Mary was doing ZOOM Presentations for the women.

Then of course, was the standard Friday morning gathering – Weight Watchers with the women.  Mary earned lifelong member status but she also made friends that would continue to connect with her calling to see how she was and if she needed a ride.  We come from community to community – and sometimes we invite others to become community.  Mary did just that!

Many if not all who knew Mary immediately see a butterfly when you think of her.  It was her trademark.  A butterfly pin, a butterfly sticker on a card or even a butterfly stamp.  That was Mary.  So much so that at one of her celebrations there was even a butterfly release.  Perhaps it was the transition to butterfly from caterpillar that attracted Mary.  She had many transitions.  Mary took risks often stepping out first to give it a try.  Looking through pictures with Mary there was the house picture with all the sisters in their modified habit and Mary in her blue polka dot dress.  Or the year she spent in an apartment with sisters on Front Street to be closer to the people.

Mary’s time as Regional Superior was full of excitement as she and Eileen Taylor would take road trips to Colorado or Florida when needing to visit a sister at a distance.  Oh, how the two of them would laugh describing the adventure.  Our very own Thelma and Louise!

After that wild ride Mary was hired to work at Thompson Solution Center in Connecticut in the clerical and event planning department.  You know that was right up Mary’s alley.  She loved it.  2000-2005. One of her responsibilities was following up on executives who failed to respond to events.  One executive called the CEO of Thompson Solution and asked, “Who is Mary Geraghty?”  He was coming to the event just to meet her.  His description of his experience was perfect!  He said, “You know – she is a Velvet Hammer!”  Mary had a way of driving her point home.

She spoke her truth to you – of course the truth was followed by a twinkle of the eye and a sly smile and sometimes the raising of the eyebrow, often accompanied by her keen Irish wit.

I know – we often had hours long conversations in her favorite place – Millers Ale House – and every meal ended with a hot fudge sundae.  The server would be told – I’ll have an Arnold Palmer and end with a hot fudge sundae.  The actual dinner was incidental.  But oh, how we laughed.  How lucky was I to be called her friend and she mine!

This final transition was challenging for Mary, but I believe she is at peace in the arms of the God who loved her into being.

Finally, Rob Pavlick, Mary’s Godson, shared how sometimes he would call her phone just to hear her voice message.  Always one to be encouraging, Mary always had an upbeat message to remind you to be good to yourself.  Perhaps some have never heard her message.  I invite all to hear it and remember it – it’s Mary’s wish for each of us.

This is S. Mary.  I’m sorry that I’m not here at the moment to answer your phone, but if you would leave your name, phone number and a brief message, I will be delighted to get back to you.  With all this chaos that we have experienced the past couple of months just remember God loves you through it all.  He loves you just the way you are not the way you want to be.  Take some time today to just think how much you are loved.  Take a few minutes today and put your feet up and just say thank you. Have a wonderful day!  God’s Peace.

Yes Mary!  Well done.  Today we celebrate your life with us now and how you will be with us.

Mary Geraghty, I invite you and all the Saints of God in glory, be with us, rejoice with us,

sing praise with us, and pray with us now.