Education Updates, Reminders, and Resources Child Tax Credit: The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service urge families to take advantage of a special online tool that can help them determine whether they qualify for the Child Tax Credit and the special monthly advance payments which began on July 15th, 2021. Available exclusively on IRS.gov, the new Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant, launched earlier is interactive and easy to use. By answering a series of questions about themselves and their family members, a parent or other family member can quickly determine whether they qualify for the credit. Using this tool can help them decide whether they should take the next step and register for the Child Tax Credit payments on another new IRS tool unveiled earlier. NYC School Reopening Updates: Mayor Bill de Blasio announced New York City schools will fully reopen this fall with no remote option for the city's one million public school students. NYC DOE Testing Data Website: Families can now track the testing rate within their student’s public school using this online tool. Access Internet Service: Find suggestions at Free and Low-Cost Internet Solutions. NYC DOE COVID Response Situation Room Map: The DOE has launched an online map updating families and the public on which school buildings have active cases of COVID-19 and which require either temporary classroom or full-building closures. This map will be updated daily with the latest information from the School Reopening Situation Room. NYC Student Loan Debt: For Student Loan Debt Tips during COVID-19, click here.
Today, I share the sad news of the passing of Julia Kathleen Deegan, mother of our Superintendent of Schools, Michael J. Deegan.mJulia entered into Eternal Life on February 4th. Mike has spoken often of his mother and of the influence and impact she had on his faith. Our hearts go out to him. Details of the arrangements will be shared shortly. We ask that you keep Mike, his wife and your former St. Helena colleague, Angela, and all of his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Grace to you, and peace, as we, like the Samaritan leper, who had more struggles than joys, give thanks to God with the hope of a better tomorrow. As you know, late last night, the United States Supreme Court issued an emergency writ of injunction in a case brought by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn against New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, in which the diocese alleged that the COVID-19 restrictions on church attendance in red and orange zones violate the diocese’s fundamental right to the free exercise of religion protected by the United States Constitution. The Supreme Court decision blocks the implementation of capacity restrictions in red and orange zones because they treat houses of worship differently than other institutions and businesses in New York. The decision will remain in effect until the court can hear the case in full after briefing and oral argument. While the injunction addresses the dispute of the Diocese of Brooklyn, its practical impact is to void these state-imposed capacity restrictions on houses of worship in the red and orange zones across the state. 2 Effective immediately, the attendance restriction for our churches will remain at 50% of maximum capacity regardless of whether the parish is located in a red, orange, or yellow zone, or in no zone, as always subject to the two-meter physical distancing guideline. If there are any changes to these limitations arising from future state-imposed restrictions or by a final determination of the Diocese of Brooklyn case, we will inform you immediately. We are grateful to the United States Supreme Court for recognizing and protecting our right to the free exercise of religion enshrined in the United States Constitution. Again, a blessed Thanksgiving.
Dear Parents: As New York State experiences a surge in COVID cases and hospitalizations, today Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced new restrictions that will go into effect on Friday, November 13th, at 10PM. The new restrictions include: Bars, restaurants, and any establishment with a state liquor license will be required to close in-person service from 10PM to 5AM daily. Restaurants can continue to provide food-only pick-up or delivery after 10PM, but will not be permitted to serve alcohol to go. Gyms and fitness centers must close daily from 10PM to 5AM. Indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences must be limited to no more than 10 people. According to the Governor’s office, local governments will be responsible for enforcing these new restrictions. While I urge you to remain calm, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over yet – our communities must stay vigilant and continue to take the necessary precautions to keep flattening the curve. This includes wearing a mask outside of your home, maintaining six feet apart from others, frequently washing your hands, staying home if you are sick, and following New York State travel and quarantine guidelines. I also encourage you to keep utilizing the free COVID diagnostic and antibody testing sites in District 34. St. Helena will become a COVID-19 Self-testing Site from November 30-December 12. Test and Trace staff will be onsite and will assist you in using self-swab testing kits. These tests are less invasive and more comfortable, and self swab tests provide results within 48 hours. The tests are commercially available but provided free of charge through the city and will be a great resource for St. Helena parishioners as well as Parkchester residents.
Regis High School is an all-scholarship Jesuit secondary school for Catholic boys, and it will hold a VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE for students and their parents on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 7-8:30PM. To register, go to: https://www.regis.org/section/?id=21 For more info, call 212-288-1100 X2057
Free school and safety supplies for youth ages 14 and under. First come first served (while supplies last). Saturday, September 12 from 1-3PM in the St. Helena parking lot.
Every ten years, we must fill out a census form. Every state receives money from the federal government that funds such things as: Infrastructure Public education Special education programs Pell grants Medicaid and Medicare Section 8 WIC and SNAP Unemployment insurance Supportive housing for the elderly Community development Wildlife preservation Public housing, etc. If you have ever felt that our state needed more funding for any of the above items, then you MUST complete and return your census form. Regardless of your citizenship status or age, every resident counts. A form would have been already mailed directly to your household. For easier processing, it can now be done via the Internet. To fill out a form online, please visit www.my2020census.gov.
St. Helena Will Distribute HEALTH BUCKS Next Weekend Health Bucks are $2 coupons that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at all NYC farmers markets, especially the one we have right here in Parkchester. At the end of each Mass, we will distribute $10 worth of Health Bucks to those parishioners who will buy fresh fruits and vegetables at the Parkchester Farmers Market. We will also be providing good nutritional information to all parishioners. In addition, Health Bucks help anyone who receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, to buy fresh, locally-grown produce. For every $5 spent at farmers markets using SNAP on an EBT card, you can get $2 in Health Bucks. Health Bucks are available year-round at NYC farmers markets that accept EBT. That means you can buy 40% more groceries. For more information, email [email protected].
Yesterday, we listened to the announcement that the opening of houses of worship has been moved from NYS (New York State) Phase IV to NYS Phase II which will commence on Tuesday, June 9 except in the three NYC boroughs. In addition, the maximum number of people allowed to be present has been raised from ten individuals to 25% of the church’s occupancy, provided that physical distancing and other guidelines are followed. I am pleased that the Faith Forward initiative was critical in laying the foundation for this modification. Today, the City of New York began NYS Phase I of reopening with the resumption of construction, manufacturing, and curb-side retail pickup. This phase affects our parishes in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island who will remain in ADNY (Archdiocese of New York) Level I of the Faith Forward plan, allowing our churches to be open only for visits and confession. Cardinal Dolan has permitted me to be the bearer of more good news. According to Faith Forward, ADNY Level II (the celebration of baptisms and weddings) and Level III (the celebration of weekday Masses and funerals) are now combined. In NYC, Phase II could start as early as the beginning of July. All precautions must be taken (wearing of masks, maintaining a six-foot distance, no physical contact except for communion, frequent washing of hands, and sanitizing surfaces). Our first priority is the safety of the clergy and people, and self-care of all ministers. The second priority is to resume in-person worship. Very soon, but not yet, ADNY Level IV will permit Sunday Mass with supervised attendance. We will continue to rely on health experts to guide us on when it is safe for us to resume. Once we finally get there, entrance to churches will be through one door only. A greeter will be present to count the faithful as they enter. The strict cutoff will be when 25% of the church capacity is reached. The final level and our ultimate goal, ADNY Level V will see us resuming our full parish Mass schedule and sacramental activity. The faithful are reminded that for now there is no obligation for them to come back to Mass once churches are open. Those who are at a greater risk of COVID-19 (those older than 65 or who have underlying health conditions) are cautioned not to come to church for Mass. They may join us only when they feel safe and comfortable to do so. His Eminence has dispensed everyone from an obligation to attend Sunday Mass at this time. As an alternative, Mass may we watched online or on TV, and make the act of spiritual communion instead of receiving the Eucharist. At St. Helena, our daily and weekend Masses in English and Spanish can be viewed at www.Facebook.com/St.HelenaBronx. While we miss you when you are not here, and we still rely on your continued spiritual and financial support of St. Helena and the Archdiocese. We encourage all of you to either mail or bring in your parish envelopes or contribute by way of online giving by going to our parish website www.churchofsthelena.com and clicking the WeShare tab on the right column. There is also new information about the virus itself, which will continue to drive decision making. Now we are told the virus can live in the air for three hours, surfaces are less likely to cause transmission, children may also be affected, infected people may get re-infected, and masks are more important than originally thought.
Perhaps you know someone who has been going above and beyond the call of duty during this pandemic. Brawny paper towel company is rewarding Good Samaritans in this time of need. For more information, their website is http://www.brawny.com/giants-take-action#the-program.
The NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) has partnered with NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to launch the city-wide tracing work as part of COVID response. The City is working with a firm to hire these tracers and it has been noted that we have not yet had applicants from some of the neighborhoods hardest hit by COVID-19. In order to ensure equity in our tracing team’s outreach to NYC communities, we want to actively engage residents in Bronx neighborhoods to fill these tracer roles. Therefore, we’d greatly appreciate it if you could assist with our tracer recruitment effort. The new hiring link: nyc.gov/traceteam. Please send resumes to [email protected] to prioritize resumes that are received through this channel.
St. Helena School Second Grade teacher Stephanie Seabrook will do an interview for WPIX News Facebook. They will go live from 6:45-7:00 tonight @pix11news Facebook page and end with a 7:00 clap for essential workers
If you are elderly or in need, especially due to the COVID-19, a few days of good food can be delivered to your home sometime next week or the week after. To apply, please send your name, address, cell phone number, Email, and household size to [email protected] or call 718-829-8985
The COVID-19 Resource Center contains critical information on the many government programs available to assist New Yorkers in need, recent policy changes regarding health and safety, options for financial support for residents and businesses alike, and organizations to reach out to for additional assistance. https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/covid-19-resource-center/english/overview
Please remember in your prayers, Julio Vega, Sr. who passed away from Covid-19. He is the grandfather of our alumni Mrs. Stephanie Seabrook and Sabrina Gomez and the great-grandfather of our students Ryu McLeod , Kevin Gomez, Khemoni and Derek Seabrook.
ONE WEEK OF FREE GROCERIES The Department of Probation, Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) Nutrition Kitchens, in partnership with the Food Bank of NYC and the NYC Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) have opened five kitchens - one in each borough - to distribute free food, available to ANY New Yorker who needs it. The Bronx distribution location is 198 E. 161st St. and is open from 9AM-NOON on Tues/Wed/Fri. For more info, call 718-537-5395. UNA SEMANA DE COMIDA GRATIS Las cocinas de nutrición del Departamento de Libertad Condicional y la Red de Oportunidades del Vecindario (NeON), en asociación con el Banco de Alimentos de la Ciudad de Nueva York y la Iniciativa de Hombres Jóvenes de la Ciudad de Nueva York (YMI) han abierto cinco cocinas - una en cada distrito - para distribuir comida gratis, disponible para CUALQUIER neoyorquino que la necesite. El lugar de distribución en el Bronx es 198 E. 161st St. y está abierto de 9AM a mediodía los martes, miércoles y viernes. Para más información, llame al 718-537-5395.
New York City will be distributing over 100,000 face coverings in parks across the city free of charge from Saturday, May 2nd – Tuesday, May 5th. Use the map below to find the closest distribution location, date, and time. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/resources/facecoverings.page There are three park locations where City workers are giving out PPE's on May 4th. These locations are. · Bill Rainy Park from 10am to 12pm · Rose Hill Park from 10am to 12pm · Soundview Park from 2pm to 4pm
Red Cross Offers Virtual Emergency Preparedness Education for Kids and Adults NEW YORK, April 22, 2020 — The American Red Cross is encouraging families to rethink their disaster plans during the coronavirus. To help families, the Red Cross Greater New York Region adapted its preparedness education programs for adults and children to deliver this training virtually. “COVID-19 has reminded us all of the critical importance of being prepared for the unexpected. That why the American Red Cross, is working to bring readiness education to more children and adults as ever,” said Susan Rounds, Interim CEO, American Red Cross in Greater NY. “As families shelter in place together, now is the perfect time to build on these life-saving skills.” KIDS: The Pillowcase Project – The Pillowcase Project is an interactive preparedness education program, typically taught in a classroom setting, for children in grades 3 through 5 that teaches children how to prepare for emergencies, practice what they have learned, and share their knowledge with family and friends. The idea is that when an emergency occurs, everyone in the child’s family knows what to do and how to help each other stay safe. As part of this age-appropriate lesson the kids will also learn skills to help them cope with the emotional brought on by these different emergencies. The Pillowcase Project virtual classes are offered via Webex weekly: Virtual classes are offered every Wednesday at 4pm To register visit: www.redcross.org/gnyprepare Organizations can plan special groups sessions. Email [email protected] to coordinate. ADULTS: Prepare, Respond, Recover: What to do When Disaster Strikes – In partnership with New York State, the Red Cross is providing free this emergency preparedness training. The training gives a comprehensive overview on how to prepare for natural and man-made disasters and how to respond to and recover from them. The training also provides information on types of common disasters, ways to prepare as an individual, family and community member, what to do when disaster strikes and what actions you can take afterwards to aid in your recovery. The presentation, of course, will touch on COVID-19 safety and preparedness, but the theme of the conversation will be much broader than the virus. It will draw our attention to many of the different hazards we could be confronted with and the different ways we can better prepare and stay safe in the face of these often unexpected emergencies. Virtual classes are offered via WebEx weekly. Virtual sessions are offered Tuesdays at 1pm and Thursday 4pm To register visit: www.redcross.org/gnyprepare Organizations can plan special groups sessions. Email [email protected] to coordinate. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossNY. Sincerely, Olga Wallace Regional Emergency Preparedness Specialist American Red Cross Greater New York Region 520 West 49th Street New York, NY 10019 Cell: (917)748-0752 Email: [email protected]