Catholic Charities: Charities In Action Newsletter
Nishi Akter has one main goal in her studies at Fordham University: “I’m doing all this as a way out of the cycle of poverty.”
Born in Noakhali, Bangladesh, Ms. Akter came to the United States with her family in 2013 and settled in the Bronx. She struggled with the abrupt shift in language and culture while also navigating troubles at home, where money was tight.
Despite the challenges, she excelled academically. When she was awarded multiple scholarships and a significant financial package to attend Fordham, Ms. Akter, 18, was excited not only to begin studying for her medical degree, but also to develop a sense of community.
Catholic New York: Catholic New York E-Edition
Catholic New York’s e-edition is an exact digital copy of the biweekly print edition. It has been very well received over the past two years as the number of those requesting it has grown steadily. The e-edition is offered at no cost to your parish or your parishioners.
Institutional Commodities Services (ICS): Easter
As we prepare for Easter once again, I want to give you updates about our product selection and ordering deadlines. Please remember that our ability to secure great prices for you is based in part on our collective purchasing power and depends on parishes ordering through ICS. Please order as soon as you can! We can save you money, time and headaches.
Schools: Updates from the Department of Education
New York Post: NYC Catholic school enrollment rising amid end of Gifted and Talented program. As Mayor de Blasio announces his plan to overhaul Gifted and Talented education, more parents than ever are looking to Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York, which have been consistently rigorous and responsive throughout the pandemic.
The Pillar: How a New York Catholic school hopes to transform education for students with disabilities. John Cardinal O’Connor School, which offers Catholic education to children with learning differences, is distinguished as the “gold standard” of special education among Catholic schools in the country.

Iona College presents Michael J. Deegan, Class of 1975, with the 2020 Brother Arthur A. Loftus Award for Outstanding Achievement. Held annually during Heritage Week, the Loftus Award Celebration recognizes and honors Ionians who have brought acclaim to the College by brilliant accomplishments in their chosen careers.
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Michael J. Deegan gives a video address at the inaugural Man Up New York Conference. Over 400 men were in attendance at the event, which strives to teach participants how to “man up” in the face of adversity.
Michael J. Deegan announces his prayer intentions for Immaculate Conception School. As part of the Prayer Buddy Program, which pairs a staff member from the Superintendent of Schools Office with one of our schools, Mr. Deegan will pray for that school community throughout the school year.
Superintendent Deegan also recently appeared on Fox Business Channel’s top-rated daytime show Varney & Co. with host Stuart Varney to discuss our Catholic schools’ guidance on vaccines and other topics in the news.