Parish News 170 Years and Countless Blessings for the Church of Saint Mary

Almost 200 guests gathered at the picturesque manhasset bay yacht club on saturday, june 10, 2023, to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the Church of Saint Mary and recognize Mrs. Catherine Morrissey as this year’s Parish Gala honoree.

With parishioners, clergy, religious, school community members, and friends of St. Mary’s present, the evening was spectacular from start to finish. The guests’ excitement set the tone for the night with joyful well-wishes for the continued blessings and success of the parish, which has existed since 1853 and now ministers to 11,000 Catholics in Manhasset.

During the celebration, Fr. Bob presented Cathy Morrissey with the Magnificat Award, which recognizes individuals in the parish whose lives exemplify St. Mary’s “yes” in their own lives.

“Cathy’s devotion to her faith and family exudes her love for our Blessed Mother and is personified in following Christ’s message of hope and evangelization in the Church and her daily actions. Through her good works sharing the message of the Gospel with adults and children alike, we bestow this year’s Magnificat Medal upon Cathy in recognition of her boundless energy, faith-filled and charitable efforts.”

Upon receiving the prestigious medal, Cathy humbly thanked Fr. Bob for his words and for recognizing her devotion to the Blessed Mother. “Those of you who know how very much I love Our Lady will understand I could not be more delighted if I won the Nobel Prize tonight.” She continued, “For me to accept this medal with the grace it deserves, I believe I must share the honor – first of all, with Mary, whose very real power has been keeping an eye on me for years and who has been bringing me deeper into the love of her Son since joining this parish.” In addition to thanking her husband, Brian, of 43 years, and her entire family, it was with much humility and grace that Cathy shared, “this night is not just about one individual, it is the recognition of our entire parish community. We, parishioners, parents, family members, seniors, kids, teens, administrators, teachers, staff, religious sisters, and our exceptional priests make up St. Mary’s. The whole is far greater than any one part. Our parish and schools are undoubtedly successful because of the gifts each of us commits to St. Mary’s.”

We want to express our sincere gratitude to the Morrissey Family, the Gala co-chairs, the committee, and staff members for their hard work organizing this special evening. We are thankful to everyone who attended, donated to our raffles, underwrote, or sponsored the event. Our Parish Gala was a tremendous success because of your support!

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Today is the last Sunday of the season that Children’s Liturgy of the Word will take place at the 9:00 AM Mass. Special thanks to our prayer leaders Tintin Bariso, Tara Baranello, Dianna Figueroa-Russo, Anita Gallo, Rosemary Mascali, and Gianna Saphia who worked lovingly and diligently to bring the Word of God to our little ones. Wishing everyone a blessed summer. See you in September!

Let the little children come to me... (Matthew 19:14)

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