Court community takes part in Catholic Lawyers Christmas celebration

December 19, 2018 By Rob Abruzzese, Legal Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The Catholic Lawyers Guild, led by President Dominic Famulari and Executive Director Lucy DiSalvo, hosted the group's annual Christmas party, which starts with Christmas carols in front of the courthouse and ends with dinner in Brooklyn Heights. Eagle photos by Rob Abruzzese

Share this:

The Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kings County celebrated an annual tradition on Thursday, Dec. 13, when its members met outside of the Supreme Court in front of the creche for prayer and Christmas carols.

The Rev. Patrick Keating and Father Peter Mahoney helped to lead the group in prayer. Then everyone sang Christmas carols. The number of Christmas carols sung always depends on the weather. Since this year it was raining and cold, the group was quickly off to Caffe Buon Gusto for dinner.

“It’s always beautiful to see our members, judges and court employees join us as we remember what’s important about Christmas,” said Gregory Cerchione. “Due to the Christmas weather it was kind of brief this year, but it’s still good to see everyone come together during the holiday.

From left: Gregory Laspina, Hon. Loren Baily-Schiffman and Mark Longo.

From left: Heather Stiell, Valery Jean Felix and Alexis Riley.

From left: Kelly Melin, Kim Smalley, Irena Golodkeyer, Margherita Racanelli, Susan Iannelli, Betsey Jean-Jacques, Y. Gail Goode and Yolanda Guadagnoli.

From left: Inga O’Neale, Natasha Delille, Linda LoCascio and Roderick Randall.

From left: Joe Kenny, Brooklyn Bar Association President David Chidekel, Keith Lonesome and Charles Small.

Yolanda Guadagnoli (left) and Hon. Genine Edwards.

From left: Nina Kurtz, Hon. Donald Kurtz, Gregory Cerchione and Dean Delianites.

Members of the Catholic Lawyers Guild brave the harsh weather to keep their tradition alive.

The creche located in front of the Brooklyn Supreme Court where the Catholic Lawyers Guild meets every year for prayer and carols.

“We have a lot to be thankful for, including the judges for their support and the new members who have not taken part in this in the past,” Cerchione continued.

The annual event is advertised around the Brooklyn courts and often attracts many members of the legal community, even those who do not celebrate Christmas.

“It’s really about coming together as an entire community in a positive way,” said Cerchione.