5 Unshakeable Pillars: How Blessed Trinity Breezy Point Is Rising From The Ashes Of Tragedy
The Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish in Breezy Point, NY, is more than just a collection of churches; it is the spiritual bedrock of a resilient coastal community. As of late December 2025, the parish is navigating a critical and inspiring phase of its history, defined by the devastating loss of a beloved house of worship and the ambitious, community-driven effort to rebuild and expand its future. This article delves into the current status, historical foundations, and the powerful initiatives—like the ongoing 'Campaign for the Point'—that are cementing the parish’s legacy for generations to come.
The parish, which serves the tight-knit communities of Rockaway Point, Roxbury, and Breezy Point, has demonstrated an extraordinary spirit of faith and perseverance, particularly following a catastrophic event that tested the very heart of its congregation. The story of Blessed Trinity is a powerful testament to how deep-rooted faith can turn tragedy into a catalyst for renewed strength and unity.
Blessed Trinity Parish: A Profile of Faith and Resilience
The history of the Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish is intrinsically linked to the development of the Rockaway Peninsula, a story of faith established against the backdrop of the sea. The Parish itself is a modern entity, yet its roots stretch back nearly a century, representing a consolidation of three historic churches that serve the unique geographical and spiritual needs of the area.
- Parish Name: Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish
- Location: Rockaway Point / Breezy Point, New York (Queens County)
- Formation: Established in 2008 through the merger of St. Genevieve and St. Edmund parishes.
- A Trinity of Churches: The Parish is composed of three distinct churches:
- St. Edmund Church: Established in 1937, it was the site of the recent devastating fire.
- St. Genevieve Church: A foundational church in the Parish’s history.
- St. Thomas More Church: Located on Rockaway Point Boulevard, it continues to serve as a primary house of worship.
- Parish Leadership: The Parish is overseen by the Diocese of Brooklyn.
- Community Focus: Provides religious education, spiritual formation, and community services through centers like the Agape Center.
The Parish’s mission is to be a beacon of faith, a role it has fulfilled for decades, providing sacraments, spiritual guidance, and a central gathering place for the residents of the Point communities.
The Holy Saturday Fire: A Test of Faith at St. Edmund Church
In a moment that stunned the entire Breezy Point community, St. Edmund Church, one of the three churches comprising Blessed Trinity Parish, was ravaged by fire on Holy Saturday. This tragic event, occurring just before the most sacred day in the Catholic calendar, Easter Sunday, left a significant portion of the historic building destroyed, reducing the beloved house of worship to a shell.
The fire, which was determined to be electrical in origin, devastated the structure that had been a spiritual home for parishioners for nearly a century since its establishment in 1937. The immediate aftermath saw Bishop Robert Brennan visiting the site on Easter Sunday to inspect the damage and offer support, underscoring the gravity of the loss to the Diocese of Brooklyn and the local faithful.
Despite the profound setback, the response from the community was immediate and inspiring. The pastor of Blessed Trinity shared "bittersweet news" with the congregation, expressing a firm commitment that "Our Church Will Rise From The Ashes." This promise has galvanized the community, turning the disaster into a new chapter focused on restoration and renewal.
The 'Campaign for the Point': Rebuilding the Future
The parish's resilience is best embodied by its ongoing capital campaign, aptly named the 'Campaign for the Point.' This initiative serves two critical purposes: to maintain the existing churches and facilities, and to fund the construction of a vital new Parish Center and Gym.
The need for a new facility stems from the aging structure of the Monsignor Connolly Parish Center, which has long served as the community's hub but is now slated for replacement. The new Parish Center and Gym will be a modern, state-of-the-art facility designed to serve the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the entire Breezy Point community, including the Roxbury and Rockaway Point areas.
Key Successes and Goals of the Campaign
The community's response to the capital campaign has been overwhelmingly generous. As a testament to the deep commitment of the parishioners, the campaign has already raised over $1,350,000 from hundreds of households. This initial success provides the foundation for several key objectives:
- New Parish Center: Construction of a modern, multi-purpose facility to replace the Monsignor Connolly building.
- New Gymnasium: A dedicated space for youth sports, community events, and parish activities.
- Church Maintenance: Ensuring the structural integrity and upkeep of the remaining churches, St. Thomas More and St. Genevieve.
- St. Edmund Reconstruction: The funds will also be crucial in supporting the extensive reconstruction efforts for St. Edmund Church, aiming to recreate the spiritual home that parishioners have known for decades.
The 'Campaign for the Point' is not just a financial drive; it’s a spiritual commitment to honor the past, serve the present, and prepare for the future of the Catholic community on the peninsula.
The Enduring Community Spirit and Key Entities
The strength of Blessed Trinity is rooted in the vibrant, tight-knit community it serves. The parish's activities extend far beyond the Mass schedule, encompassing a wide range of spiritual and social programs that define life on the Point.
Faith Formation and Youth Programs
The Parish maintains a robust Office of Faith Formation, providing essential religious education for students. While there is no full-time Blessed Trinity Catholic Academy located directly in Breezy Point, the parish serves families whose children attend various Catholic Academies in the wider Queens area. The programs ensure that the youth of Breezy Point are spiritually grounded through the Christian Community’s Agape Center and other dedicated facilities.
The 9/11 Memorial and Community Events
A significant marker of the community’s shared history and patriotism is the annual Memorial Mass held at the Breezy Point 9/11 Memorial. This event is a solemn tradition that honors those lost from the community during the tragic events of September 11th. Furthermore, the Parish actively runs a sports program, utilizing local facilities like Roxbury Field and Breezy Field for youth activities, reinforcing its role as a central pillar of community life.
A Pilgrimage of Perseverance
The human stories emerging from the parish also highlight its unique spirit. For instance, parishioner Kenny Hogan gained attention for completing a personal spiritual pilgrimage to every Catholic church in the area, a testament to the deep personal faith nurtured within the Blessed Trinity community.
The journey of Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish in Breezy Point is a powerful narrative of faith tested by fire and strengthened by unity. The ongoing rebuild of St. Edmund Church and the success of the 'Campaign for the Point' demonstrate an unshakeable resolve to not only restore what was lost but to build a stronger, more vibrant spiritual home for the future. The community's commitment to its trinity of churches—St. Edmund, St. Genevieve, and St. Thomas More—ensures that the beacon of faith on the Rockaway Peninsula will continue to shine brightly.
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