The Junior Ladies of Charity from St. John’s Prep and Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy, both in Astoria, Queens, are highlighted in The Tablet, the publication of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Click here to read.
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The Junior Ladies of Charity at St. John’s Prep and Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy are giving back, with a needle and thread.
The girls are creating stylish pieces from scratch through the organization “Dress a Girl Around the World,” so that other girls can feel their best, regardless of their circumstances.
Pat Mulé and Anna Rocchio, moderators for the Junior Ladies of Charity, and members Belenna Lauto, Cindy Phillips, and Mary O’Donoghue have helped the Juniors improve their sewing skills. They were all amazed and proud of how much progress the group made. We all look forward to seeing the results of their hard work and dedication.
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The Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University will present the St. Louise de Marillac Spes Unica Award to Lisa A. Gatti, founder of Pal-O-Mine, at the annual “Evening of Hope” on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The event will take place at Terrace on the Park in Flushing, Queens, from 5:30 to 9:30 pm. Ms. Gatti will deliver the keynote address.
Lisa A. Gatti has had a lifelong love affair with horses — a passion that inspired her to launch Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, a nonprofit that provides a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning, and healing for children and adults with disabilities, veterans, people on the autism spectrum, individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, cancer survivors, and others.
The organization has grown enormously since its founding in 1995, with 25 horses, a vocational program, and much more at its 13-acre farm in Islandia, N.Y.
Gatti, who began her career as a special education teacher, helps local government identify the most crucial issues facing the special needs population as a member of the Town of Islip Disability Advisory Committee, and she chairs the Board of Directors of global equine-assisted psychotherapy organization EAGALA.
Gatti served on the board of Autism Communities, lending her expertise on vocational opportunities for those on the spectrum. These experiences helped Gatti shape Pal-O-Mine into one of the nation’s most-trusted therapeutic equine organizations. She has an 18-year-old daughter, the pride and joy of her life.
“Evening of Hope” begins at 5:30 pm. Participation will support the charitable works of the Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University.
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St. John’s Prep made a final pilgrimage to the Doors of Mercy, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Astoria. During the Year of Mercy, St. John’s led ongoing visits with groups of students and this was the final group to pass through and receive the plenary indulgence, the second walk sponsored by the Prep’s Junior Ladies of Charity.
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The Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University and friends became artists on Sunday, November 2, at Bourbon Street in Bayside, Queens. The event, “Ladies Who Hope,” brought together 80 participants for “Sip & Paint,” featuring a delicious brunch followed by artistry and fun: painting a fall-themed design on a wine glass!
Under the direction of St. John’s Prep High School art teacher Kayley Kemp, the group of 80 set about to paint their wine glasses. Using the four colors provided —brown, yellow, orange, and red —the budding artists painted branches and fall-colored leaves on the glasses.
Following Kayley’s direction and using the same four paint colors, the group created 80 uniquely beautiful works of art! Alas, only one participant could take home the prize for best-painted wine glass.
Each table chose their best, then judges Belenna Lauto and Frances Hynes selected the beautifully painted winning wine glass by Michelle Foley.
All attendees went home with a beautifully painted wine glass, a bottle of wine, and the memory of a lovely afternoon, and member Anna Rocchio took home the door prize!
The LoCSJU is grateful to all who made Ladies of Hope—Sip & Paint such a success: Chairperson Mary O’Donoghue, and committee members Adrianna Dino, Belenna Lauto, Mary Pat Bierne, Mary Ellen Freeley, Dianna Rowan, Diane Babula, Veronica Loehle, Mary Ellen Terraciano, Pat Mule, Cindy Phillips, Maura Wrynn, and Nell Wrynn; judges Frances Hynes and Belenna Lauto; and art teacher Kayley Kemp.
Through the generosity of donors, the majority of event fees will benefit LoCSJU charities, including: the SSND Educational Center, Rev. Michael Whalen Scholarship for a Jr. LOC attending St. John’s University, DePaul USA Dax Program, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, and the Bridge of Life.
The next LoCSJU event is the Evening of Hope on May 7 at Terrace on the Park in Queens. We look forward to continuing our community spirit and sharing our mission with new and old friends alike.
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On Saturday, April 5th, Pat Mulé and Anna Rocchio, Junior Ladies of Charity Moderators at St. John’s Prep, attended the Bridge to Life Gala at Leonard’s Palazzo. It was a beautiful afternoon celebrating life, hope, service, and the power of faith in action.
As moderators, Pat and Anna were overjoyed to see the girls recognized for their compassionate service and unwavering commitment to living the Gospel. The award presented to them read:
“In recognition for your unwavering commitment to the mission—serving rather than to be served. Guided by the virtues of Humility, Simplicity and Charity, you bring the Gospel to life, seeing Christ in the poor through service, education and advocacy. Your dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable is an inspiration and a testament to the power of faith in action.”
This recognition is a testament to the heart, dedication, and joyful spirit these young ladies bring to every act of service. The moderators and all Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University are beyond proud!
LCSJU extends its deepest gratitude to Bridge to Life for this honor and for all they do to support women and families.
Photo: The Junior Ladies of Charity of St. John’s receiving their award from Francesa Yellico, at the 2025 Bridge to Life Gala.
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Easter break in April provided a unique opportunity for the Junior Ladies of Charity from St. John’s Preparatory School. Accompanied by St. John’s University Ladies of Charity Junior moderators Pat Mulé and Anna Rocchio and LC member Jen Borg, the Juniors visited St. John’s Bread & Life in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. The experience left an indelible impression on the group. Juniors president, Ariana Yepez, reflected on the day’s events:
“I had the opportunity to work in the kitchen, where we helped prepare and pack lunches for people in need. The meals we put together included cereal, milk, cookies, and fruit, seemingly ordinary yet substantial items that could bring comfort and nourishment and make a difference in someone’s day. I was responsible for carefully placing the food into containers, ensuring each was filled properly and neatly, knowing that these packages would soon be handed out to individuals and families who rely on this support.
“Though the service hours we earn through school are part of a requirement, that’s never why we do it. What matters most is the feeling of purpose and connection that comes from helping others, even in a small way.
“It’s humbling to take part in something that directly touches lives, and being behind the scenes in the kitchen gave me a deeper appreciation for the volunteers who show up consistently, not for credit, but simply to give.”
The Juniors plan a return visit to St. John’s Bread & Life in June.
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