STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Immigration issues will be the focus and the Rev. Janet Jones, newly installed president of the Staten Island Council of Churches, will be the keynote speaker at a clergy breakfast for more than 100 religious leaders in St. Clare’s R.C. Church in Great Killls on Monday.
Rev. Jones will deliver “A Pastoral Welcome to Our New Immigrant Neighbors” at the 9 a.m. event, which will include the Rev. Chloe Breyer, executive director of the Interfaith Center of New York, and Diane Steinman, executive director of the New York Interfaith Immigration Network. Imam Dr. Tahir Kukiqi of the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center in Tompkinsville, Monsignor James Dorney, co-vicar of Staten Island and the Rev. Agnes McBeth of St. Philip’s Baptist Church will lead a dialogue with immigrant parishioners from various Island houses of worship.
“The event is being held to educate, equip and empower religious leaders on the issue of immigration reform in order to better inform their parishioners,” said the Rev. Terry Troia, executive director of Project Hospitality, noting that immigration reform is before Congress.
The breakfast, sponsored by Staten Island Clergy Leadership, the Staten Immigrants Council and the Verrazano Civic Engagement Table, is free and open to both clergy and lay faith leaders. RSVP to attend at 718-745-3523.
DAY OF REFLECTION
Sister Margaret Charles Kerry will lead a Lenten Day of Reflection on Thursday at St. Francis Center for Spirituality on Todt Hill.
Overseen by the Rev. Philip Blaine, director of the center, the day will begin with a continental breakfast at 9 a.m. followed by a conference, and conclude with a Holy Hour and Benediction.
Sister Margaret has written the introduction for and edited the book, “Strength in Darkness: Wisdom from John of the Cross,” which is part of the Classic Wisdom Collection from the Daughters of St. Paul.
The fee for the Lenten Day of Reflection is $35. Reservations are necessary and may be made by calling 718-981-3131 or emailing sfcs2@juno.com by Tuesday . The center is at 500 Todt Hill Road.
FISH SUPPER
Christ Church New Brighton will host its annual Fish Supper, a Lenten tradition, on Friday.
The supper will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the parish house. The menu will include homemade fried or baked fish, fries, sides, desserts and beverages. The price for advance adult reservations is $10 and $5 for children, with special family rates.
To RSVP or for additional information, call 718-727-6100 or visit the web site at Christchurchnbrighton.org. Christ Church is located at 76 Franklin Ave.
FAITH IN AFRICA
Sister Mary Crucifix, coordinator of religious education on Staten Island, will be the speaker at this week’s Monday Evening Lenten Series program at St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Rosebank.
Sister will share her experiences of living and teaching in Africa, where the Roman Catholic population is growing, and offer insights into how the African experience relates to the United States. She will speak at 7:30 in the church at 1101 Bay Street.
For additional information, call the church at 718-727-0671.
MISSIONARY TO SPEAK
At Christian Pentecostal Church in Concord on Sunday, the Rev. Mark Johnson, a former church member and now a missionary to Africa, will speak at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. Rev. Johnson, of Oklahoma, has established a mission for children.
The church is at 900 Richmond Rd.
MISSIONS TRIP FUNDRAISER
Calvary Chapel in Mariners Harbor will host a fund-raising concert on March 16 for an forthcoming Missions Trip to Haiti.
The 6 p.m. concert will feature worship leader Michael Basemeo from Westchester County and his worship band. In addition, traditional Haitian food will be sold and a small amount of sports memorabilia will be auctioned.
Calvary Chapel is located at 30 Maple Parkway. For directions or information, call the church office at 718-720-5390 or visit the web site Calvarychapelsi.org.
DISCIPLES TOPIC
Bishop Louis Hunter Sr., the African Methodist Episcopal Zion’s presiding prelate from Suwanee, Ga., will speak on Sunday at Shiloh AME Zion Church, 779 Henderson Ave., West Brighton, which is celebrating its pastor’s 20th anniversary.
“Making Disciples for Christ” is the theme of the service during which the Rev. Eli D. Smith, senior pastor, and his wife, Dale, will welcome Bishop Hunter. The congregation invites the community to meet the bishop and enjoy a free soul food dinner after the service.
MEDITATION MONDAY
The theme is “Don’t Worry, God’s in Control” at this month’s Meditation Monday at the Mother Franciska House of Prayer, 205 Major Ave., at St. Joseph Hill Academy in Arrochar. The 7:30 p.m. session has a suggested donation of $10 per person. RSVP by Sunday to Sister Denise at srdenise1@hotmail.com or call 718-727-5700.