Paula Katinas

1 week ago | thetablet.org | Paula Katinas

FLUSHING — As one school year winds down at Holy Cross High School, anticipation is already growing for the next, as sometime this fall, the school expects to have a new Arts, Technology and Athletics Center. The $8 million, 11,000-square-foot center, which will stand alongside the current school building, is still under construction on the north side of the Flushing campus.

1 week ago | thetablet.org | Paula Katinas

QUEENS VILLAGE — Deacon Alvaro Morales Sanchez trained to become a diesel mechanic, but what really revs up his engine is his relationship with God. Ordained as a transitional deacon in 2024, he spent the past several months serving weekends at St. Finbar Church in Bath Beach while completing his seminary studies, eagerly awaiting June 28 — the day he will be ordained to the priesthood at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights. “I’m very happy, very excited.

2 weeks ago | thetablet.org | Paula Katinas

SUNNYSIDE — Deacon Callistus Ibeh’s journey toward the priesthood wasn’t as easy as riding a bike, but the avid cyclist said he didn’t encounter too many bumps along the way. Growing up in Nigeria in a family that placed a priority on going to church, Deacon Ibeh said he knew he wanted to be a priest from the age of 8. His grandfather was a catechist at the local St. Patrick Church, and the young Callistus grew up immersed in the faith.

2 weeks ago | thetablet.org | Paula Katinas

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate has just barely begun, but he has already had an impact on Melanie Robinson’s life. Melanie, a junior at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, said the new pontiff has inspired her to go to church more often. “I am Catholic, but it’s been a bit busy in my life, so I haven’t gone to church as often as I would like,” Melanie acknowledged.

3 weeks ago | thetablet.org | Paula Katinas

WOODSIDE — At first glance, working as a waiter in restaurants like Olive Garden might not seem like good training for the priesthood. However, Deacon Nelson Gerardo Tlatelpa said the two occupations have something in common. “When you work as a waiter, you have to create conversation with people,” Deacon Tlatelpa explained. “In order for you to be a priest, you need to talk to people.