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McAuley Women Have Stories to Tell
Writer Janine A. Morris, author of the book “Diva Diaries,” recently visited Catherine McAuley H.S., East Flatbush, to talk to a group of ninth-grade students about her road to success.
Morris discussed the importance of returning to her community to inspire young writers to follow their goals. She explained that time management is key to success, and advised students about how to take a gift or hobby, like writing, and turn it into a winning career.
English teacher Tula Richards started this program at McAuley two years ago. She came up with the concept of combining writing and art to enable students to express themselves and share their stories.
Richards guided students as they wrote their own books and Jill Kulka, a guidance counselor at McAuley and moderator of the after school art program, 4 Year Itch, assisted students in the creation and design of their book covers.
Author Janine A. Morris, above, left, congratulates three of the four student book winners at Catherine McAuley H.S., East Flatbush. Morris visited the school and spoke to students at the request of teacher Tula Richards,
with Morris at right.
Based on the experiences they had creating their own books, students were excited to start their question and answer session after Morris’ talk. The author watched a slideshow presentation of the McAuley students writing their books and designing covers and then she proceeded to a classroom where the books were displayed. Morris surveyed the exhibit and chose four books that caught her attention. The winning authors — freshmen Lyanne Cureton, Tia Cummings, Vanessa Duval, and Phyllis Francis — each received an autographed copy of “Diva Diaries” and the book’s music soundtrack.
Richards reminded her students that they are all winners for having the courage to share their stories with others. “The purpose of this event is to enable the students to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment upon seeing their work displayed. In addition, I hope it fosters within them a love for writing because it is such a powerful tool,” she said.
Simple Ash Wednesday At St. Mark’s
The Youth Group at St. Mark, Sheepshead Bay, served approximately 40 parishoners at their Second Annual Ash Wednesday Soup and Bread Dinner on Feb. 21. After distributing ashes at the 7:30 p.m. Mass, Father Joseph Grimaldi, pastor, invited parishioners to join him in the school cafeteria, where the Youth Group and Confirmation candidates served a simple meal of soup, bread, coffee and cake. Father Grimaldi, at left, commends the youth on their efforts.
YOUTH VIEWS
My favorite book is...
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Rita Mannino
St. John’s Prep
Senior
The Autobiography of Malcolm X. It offers an insight into the life of an African- American male growing up during a time of change in American history. I enjoyed the detail and authenticity he offers to help us understand his life.
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Michael Banome
St. Francis Prep
Senior
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. I like this book because it shows the close bond between two people and how they make sacrifices for one another.
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Ramazan Musovic
St. John’s Prep
Junior
Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra. What appealed to me about this book is that it was based on a true story. It shows the reader how life throws you curve balls but you always have to believe in God.
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Oliver Smolinski
St. John’s Prep
Sophomore
Animal Farm by George Orwell. The comparison between the farm animals and the Russian Revolution is great. I like the way the pigs get into power, which is similar to what happened in Russia. The storyline is excellent.
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Alice Boleware
St. Francis Prep
Freshman
A Child Called H because it’s a true story. It’s moving to read about someone who at a young age went through so much.
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The next Project Andrew, an opportunity for young men to learn about the priesthood, is set for March 9, 6 p.m., at Our Lady of the Snows, Floral Park. Host: Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio. Diocesan priests and seminarians join him. Evening includes prayer, dinner and honest discussions. R.S.V.P. by March 6. Call 718-399-5900 ext. 5525.
The Youth Group at St. Gabriel the Archangel, New Lots, has bilingual Lenten activities, Monday - Friday, 5 - 8 p.m. Register by calling 718-257-0612.
Attention seventh- and eighth- graders! Junior High Diocesan Youth Days are March 10 and 17, 12:30 - 7 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston. Theme: “Dare to be Different.” Workshops, Mass and dinner, all sponsored by the diocesan Faith Formation Office and the Alive in Hope Foundation. Cost: $15 per person. To register, contact Marilyn Santos at 718-281-9584 or msantos@rcdob.org.
St Gregory’s Theater Group, Bellerose, presents comedy, The Karaoke Lounge Musical Review, March 14 - 17 at 8 p.m.; March 18 at 2 p.m. in the church basement. Entertainers of all ages. Tickets: $15, adults; $14, seniors and kids. Call 718-989-2451.
Catholic Committee on Scouting Bishop’s Dinner, March 15, El Caribe Country Club, Mill Basin. Call 718-722-6112.
Yoga classes at Assumption, Brooklyn Heights, meet in Church Hall on Mondays, 7 - 8:15 p.m. until March 26. Dress comfortably and bring mat or towel. Call Ms. Maguire at 718-858-7520.
Charismatic Renewal Office’s 20th Youth Conference/ Retreat, March 17, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., at Mary Queen of Heaven, Mill Basin. Guest Speaker: Father John Maduri. Music: Life Teen Music Ministry. Call 718-859-7065.
Module Youth Program of Northeast Queens hosts an Overnight Retreat for high schoolers, ages 14 - 18, March 23 - 24. For details, go to www.mypneq.org.
Girl Scout Retreat Day is March 25, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the diocesan office, Park Slope. Fee: $10, includes activities, lunch and two patches. Call Frances at 718-238-2871 or Mary Ellen at 718-494-5366.
High school students from Brooklyn and Queens are invited to Senior High Diocesan Youth Day on April 28, 12:30 - 7 p.m. at Bishop Loughlin M.H.S., Fort Greene/Clinton Hill. Theme: “Walk This Way.” Workshops, Mass, keynote speakers Chris and Linda Padgett, St. Michael’s Warriors dance ministry and dinner. Cost: $15 per person. Contact Marilyn Santos at 718-281-9584 or msantos@rcdob.org.
The New York Lotto is offering Leaders of Tomorrow four-year scholarships to high school seniors going on to a N.Y.S. accredited college, university, trade school or community college. Call 516-388-3415 or e-mail lotscholar@lottery.state.ny.us. Deadline: March 9.
Countdown to World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia: 499 days!!!
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