You: He's not really going to review a church, is he? Me:…read moreYou're go... sh darn right I am! Let's make one thing clear right off the bat - I don't like organized religion, and I certainly don't like going to mass. But I'm also not one of those Atheist a-holes who refuses to let other people express their spirituality. That said, I had to come here for a baptism, and you know what? It really could've been worse. From the outside, the church looks tiny, but inside, the ceilings are surprisingly tall, and there's a good amount of seating. As the name suggests, most of the churchgoers are Chinese, though there were some non-Asian folks. The mass was conducted in three languages (Cantonese, Mandarin, and English) to make it welcoming to most everyone. So that was nice. Some of the translations were a bit dodgy though. At some points, it kind of devolved into a comedy act, where the Cantonese pastor would finish speaking, the English speaker would start translating, and then the pastor would interrupt him before he was done. Must've sucked for people who only understood English, but it was probably the most entertaining part of my Sunday morning. Anyway, this is a full-body immersion baptism. There's a little pool on stage. When not in use, it's covered by 3 or 4 of those plastic Costco tables. Can't imagine that's OSHA compliant, but whatevs. They also broadcast it on a screen above so everyone can watch. The screen was also pretty funny. It's right in the middle above the stage, so it blocks the giant cross behind it. So when they're not showing stock image Powerpoint presentations, they project a photo of the cross on the wall... on the screen that's blocking the actual cross. The whole Bible thing isn't my cup of tea, but the only thing that made me roll my eyes were the bits about how wives should always submit to their husbands. Lots of younger people in the crowd, so that's a great message. Oh, and also the slightly anti-Muslim/pro-Israel rhetoric kinda turned me off. The service was reeeeally long (over 2 hours long), but afterwards, there was a free Chinese lunch. I didn't stay for that (the place basically became a mob scene), and I just went to go get pizza down the road at Joe and Pat's instead. Oh, and two other good things about this church - they have a decently sized parking lot, and it's located right by the highway. So you can really spend just the bare minimum amount of time in Staten Island.

one of the most welcoming churches i have been too. they made me feel at home and i am not chinese…read more the service was in english and would recommend it to all to try at least once

This past Saturday morning, I attended the funeral and burial of John M. "Jack" Murphy, former U.S…read more congressman, Captain of his West Point class, who during his military service received the Distinguished Service Cross and the Bronze Star, and was discharged as a captain. Murphy was born in Staten Island, New York City, New York and attended La Salle Military Academy, Amherst College, and the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served in the U.S. Army from August 1944 to July 1956, first as an enlisted man before receiving his commission after four years at West Point. He was elected as a Democrat to the 88th U.S. Congress and to the eight succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1963 - January 3, 1981). John M. "Jack" Murphy was a devout Catholic. His funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Staten Island, where he was baptized, served as an alter boy, and was a life-long member and served as an usher from time-to-time. Mr. Murphy is survived by five daughters, Dierdre Murphy, Eve Reid, Emily Hynes, Elizabeth Murphy and Amanda Murphy; two sons, John Jr. and Mark; two brothers, Frank and Charles; a sister, Rose McBrien; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His son, Mark Murphy, is a friend of mine and a devout Catholic, who, like many of us, has had more than a "fair share" of ups and downs, yet in spite of adversity has had a huge positive impact on the lives of a host of people. Please join me in keeping the Murphy family in your prayers. Thank you,

I love Sacred Heart....so much that I got married there. Haha I guess I'm biased but it's a great…read morechurch.

As long as I have lived on Staten Island I've been curious about Alba House. It always looks under…read moreconstruction and therefore never stopped. Today I stopped and spent some time admiring the religious statutes in the outside reflection area. There is a small cottage that houses a few beautiful pieces along with flame candles to light for an intention and/or reflection. I made the suggested donation and lit a candle with a small prayer for peace. I walked over to the Gift Store which had an amazing array of religious books and other items. I've been wanting to replace my miraculous medal that was snatched from my neck back in Brooklyn in my early 20's. I spoke with Brother Frank who was very helpful. I inquired about Mass as I noticed a sign that indicated that Mass was daily at 9:00am. I was disappointed to learn that weekday Mass was private. Brother Frank did advise that Sunday Mass was open to the public, however Brother Frank had a difficult time explaining exactly where Mass was held and indicated that it probably be best that I not join a service... well at least for the the next well, not any time soon. Perhaps it was just me but I felt he was uncomfortable with me and I was not welcome to worship with the small group (about a dozen per Br. Frank). I did purchase a beautiful silver and blue metal which I will cherish and wear proudly. I am however saddened by the feeling of not being welcomed to worship or participate in the Sunday service open to the public. This certainly may not have been the intent... but I did feel a general feeling of discomfort of my presence in this religious establishment. Will I go back.... Absolutely... Faith is free and open to the public. Alba house is a public business that represents the faith my mother baptized me into. Will I attend service there... no I won't.... My God is welcoming and does not look to dissuade anyone from worshiping with and amongst other sinners and saints. Again, this may not have been the intend, I can only speak of the feeling I walked away with. The Alba House grounds while under construction does offer a beautiful outside area for reflection and prayer. The store has many offerings. I do recommend it.... I just don't feel that I was welcome there. But again that is my perception and my feeling.... I encourage you to have your own experience.

good church even though they dont have english services yet.. but still is a great place to worship…read morethe lord

Great Community Church! Calvary goes above and beyond to make good on what a church is supposed to…read morebe. There is a food pantry that services the community weekly and there are events at least 3 times a week most times of the year aside from Sunday service. There is even a Spanish service once a month and all services are broadcast on the radio. Calvary gives out turkeys and has a tree lighting for the local community. Overall anyone looking for an authentic community church experience look no further than Calvary Chapel SI, check them out on the radio if you're unsure before coming in.

The best church in NYC .. I love this place and recommended to all ages, young and old.read more

A terrific corner church that delivers the message well and ensures yet another bastion for the…read moreCatholics of Staten Island.