October 22, 2020 marked the founding of the Shalom Catholic Community in Brooklyn, a date providentially aligned with the feast day of Saint John Paul II. For the past five years, the Community has lived its mission of contemplative prayer, fraternal life, and evangelization—serving the Church and all those in search of God, in need of His love, and longing for an encounter with Him.
A Mission in the Heart of Brooklyn
Nestled between the gentrified neighborhoods of Greenpoint and Williamsburg, the Shalom Community house is surrounded by a youthful and diverse population. While these areas are known for trendy bars, restaurants, and waterfront parks, they are not commonly associated with active faith life—some have even referred to the area as a “dead zone of faith.”
Yet for the Shalom missionaries, this is not a discouragement but an opportunity. Their mission is rooted in daily contemplative prayer, drawing inspiration from Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Francis of Assisi, both of whom are patrons of the Shalom charism. This prayer life is marked by intimacy with God, a spousal love for Christ, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit, the true protagonist of their apostolic work.
Community Life and Evangelization
The Shalom Community in Brooklyn is known for its dynamic rhythm of spiritual and social activities that are open to all:
- Prayer groups
- Brunches and hangouts
- Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Mass
- Volleyball and workout sessions
- The SH NY Workspace, open Tuesday to Friday from 2:30–6:00 PM, where anyone can stop by for coffee, free Wi-Fi, and a welcoming space to work, read, or relax.
In addition to its weekly events, the community also organizes monthly outreach missions, sending service teams throughout Brooklyn and Queens to offer essentials like bagels, clothes, and hygiene products to those in need.
Throughout the year, the Community hosts various retreats and festivals, such as Acamps for young adults, Halleluya Festival, and the World Day of the Poor. These moments serve as powerful opportunities for spiritual renewal and for many, a life-changing encounter with the love of God.
A Night to Remember – The 5-Year Gala Celebration
On Saturday, October 18th, the Shalom Catholic Community in Brooklyn celebrated its 5th anniversary with a Gala Evening that brought together members, friends, and benefactors. The night began with a thanksgiving Mass, followed by a festive dinner with live music by Mylène Otou, a Shalom missionary from Montreal.
The Gala aimed not only to celebrate but also to raise funds for the continuation of Shalom’s mission in Brooklyn and to support other communities in need, such as Shalom Antsiranana in Madagascar.
🎥 Watch the Madagascar Video displayed during the Gala Celebration
Book Launch: Finding God in the Big Apple
A highlight of the evening was the launch of the new book, Finding God in the Big Apple — a collection of powerful testimonies from young adults whose lives were transformed through encounters with God in New York City.
The book begins with a foreword by Bishop James Massa, a longstanding friend and supporter of the Shalom Community. He writes, “The presence of the Shalom Community here in New York City is the fulfillment of a dream.”
The introduction by Father Cristiano Pinheiro recounts the earliest days of the Brooklyn mission, including stories of divine providence and the daily miracles that have shaped its journey. What follows are real-life stories of redemption—young people once distant from faith, caught in cycles of addiction or despair, who discovered hope and healing through the mercy of Christ.
📚 Order the book on Amazon:
Finding God in the Big Apple
Looking Ahead
As they celebrate this milestone, the Shalom Catholic Community in Brooklyn expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who have been part of the journey—attendees, servants, volunteers, donors, clergy, and especially the poor. It is a blessing to have each of them as part of the Shalom family.
For the missionaries, this is just the beginning. With hearts burning to “go into the deep,” they look ahead to the next chapter of their mission—rooted in prayer, empowered by the Spirit, and alive with the joy of the Gospel.
