Giving Thanks for What We Have

 November 27, 2013 – Excerpted from “Put Out Into the Deep,” Bishop DiMarzio’s column in The Tablet:

“As we approach this year’s Thanksgiving holiday, it is always good to count our blessings in anticipation of this day in which we give thanks not only for the harvest, as was in its origins, but also for the many gifts that life brings to us.

Pope Francis has led us out into the deep as he called for a Church that would be especially attentive to the needs of the poor. Thanksgiving is a time when we are called to share what we have with others. As we give thanks to God’s goodness to ourselves, let us remember those who are less fortunate.”

Read more »

Rally Today to Support Education Investment Tax Credit

Dr. Tim McNiff, Superintendent, Archdiocese of New York at the rally for the Education Investment Tax Credit.
Dr. Tim McNiff, Superintendent, Archdiocese of New York at the rally for the Education Investment Tax Credit.

November 19 — Parents, students, and teachers rallied in White Plains today to support New York’s proposed Education Investment Tax Credit. This bill would boost contributions to public school programs and scholarships for students who seek to attend parochial and other private schools.

The new donations for scholarships would make private and parochial education a reality for families seeking new quality educational opportunities and assist those already enrolled who are struggling to afford tuition at the schools that best meet their needs.

The “Invest in Education Rally” was co-sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center, the NYS Coalition or Independent & Religious Schools, the Business Council of Westchester, the Children’s Scholarship Fund, The Jewish Education Project, Lutheran Schools Association, and the Archdiocese of New York Catholic Schools.

Read more »

Filipino Apostolate to hold Mass of Healing and Hope on Nov. 17 for Typhoon Tragedy

November 15, 2013 – On Sunday, November 17th at 4 p.m., the Filipino Apostolate of the Diocese of Brooklyn, along with the Filipino Apostolate of St. Michael’s Church, 138-25 Barclay Avenue in Flushing, will host a Mass of Healing and Hope following the tragedy of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

“We are taking this opportunity to pray as a community for those who have been affected by the Typhoon not just in the Philippines but those living here in the United States,” said Father Patrick Longalong, coordinator for the Filipino Apostolate of the Diocese of Brooklyn. “Many of ourkababayans have already heard good news that their family are alive but some received heart breaking news of the death of their loved ones. However, there are still those who are anxiously waiting for news. We are also coming together to support some of our brethren who might not be able to travel back to the Philippines and attend religious services for their loved ones because of immigration issues.”

Read more »

FILIPINO APOSTOLATE TO HOLD MASS OF HEALING AND HOPE AFTER TRAGEDY OF TYPHOON HAIYAN (YOLANDA)

FILIPINO APOSTOLATE TO HOLD MASS OF HEALING AND HOPE

AFTER TRAGEDY OF TYPHOON HAIYAN (YOLANDA)

 On Sunday, November 17th at 4 p.m., the Filipino Apostolate of the Diocese of Brooklyn, along with the Filipino Apostolate of St. Michael’s Church, 138-25 Barclay Avenue in Flushing, will host a Mass of Healing and Hope following the tragedy of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

“We are taking this opportunity to pray as a community for those who have been affected by the Typhoon not just in the Philippines but those living here in the United States,” said Father Patrick Longalong, coordinator for the Filipino Apostolate of the Diocese of Brooklyn. “Many of ourkababayans have already heard good news that their family are alive but some received heart breaking news of the death of their loved ones. However, there are still those who are anxiously waiting for news. We are also coming together to support some of our brethren who might not be able to travel back to the Philippines and attend religious services for their loved ones because of immigration issues.”

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has asked that a voluntary second collection be taken up in each of the parishes as soon as possible. “The whole Diocese is mourning with those who lost loved ones and praying for those who are still awaiting word from their family and friends,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “We pledge to pray and support our brothers and sisters in need.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Stefanie Gutierrez
917-587-2784
sgutierrez@desalesmedia.org

Rosemarie Santiago
718-517-3118
rsantiago@desalesmedia.org

 -30-

Coat Donations at Tonight’s Young Adult Mass

November 12, 2013 – The Young Adult Mass takes place tonight at 7:30 PM in the main chapel at the Diocesan Offices (310 Prospect Park West in Brooklyn).

Young adults ages 21-39 are invited to celebrate liturgy together, then gather at a local bar for fellowship.

Before mass begins, the group will be collecting new and gently used winter coats and blankets for Midnight Run, a consortium of synagogues, schools and civic groups that distributes food, clothing and blankets to the homeless poor of New York City.
Read more »

Statement by the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D., D.D., Bishop of Brooklyn

November 12, 2013 – As Bishop of Brooklyn, it was with great sadness and reluctance that the Diocese was left with no other option than to initiate a lawsuit against Christ the King High School. I wish to personally assure each and every student, faculty member, and parent of Christ the King High School that the Diocese of Brooklyn has no intent or desire to seek the closing of your High School. It is also necessary for me to correct a number of unfortunate misstatements that have been reported in the press this past week concerning the lawsuit.

The lawsuit was commenced on November 4, 2013, after two years of futile and disappointing negotiations with the Board of Trustees of the High School. The Diocese had requested that the Board of Trustees reaffirm the 1976 agreement which established the parameters for the conveyance of the property to the High School some 37 years ago. Included in the 1976 agreement was a binding commitment on the part of the High School that if the Board of Trustees no longer maintained and operated a Catholic high school, that the property would be returned to the Diocese.
Read more »

“Governing Our New Academies” by Bishop DiMarzio

November 8, 2013 – Excerpted from “Put Out Into the Deep,” Bishop DiMarzio’s column in The Tablet:

“As I reflect upon the New Evangelization, I also contemplate the various roles and ministries embraced within it. Catholic schools and academies certainly remain a vital component. One may recall the words of Blessed John Paul II: “Catholic schools are at once places of evangelization, of complete formation, of inculturation, of apprenticeship in a lively dialogue between young people of different religions and social backgrounds.”

It is with this profound vision of Catholic education that the Diocese of Brooklyn launched the Preserving the Vision Strategic Plan for its elementary schools in 2008. Developed together by clergy, lay people, educators and professionals of various fields, Preserving the Vision is, most simply, a strategic planning process to ensure the success and vitality of Catholic education within our diocese. With numerous goals and strategies, it is an ongoing initiative taking place in every Catholic school and academy. It is a living process that continuously grows and develops.
Read more »