Decree of Reduction

Whereas, the historic church of SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, dedicated in 1848, was demolished in 1957 after years of disrepair due to a fire;

Whereas, the current church, located at 82 South Second Street, between Berry Street and Wythe Ave, was from its construction provisional in nature;

Whereas, the changing population demographics and financial challenges faced by the parish present serious concerns for the future stability of the Parish of Ss. Peter and Paul;

Whereas, Monsignor Anthony Hernandez, Administrator of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, after having consulted the members of the faithful and having determined that the care of the souls would not be harmed has requested the current church structure as part of a larger strategic plan to ensure the future vibrancy of Ss. Peter and Paul…

Click here to read the full text of the Decree (original document).

Bishops Inaugurate New Academies

From The Tablet

new academiesFifteen new academies opened this fall, and diocesan bishops have been busy visiting each one to commemorate their opening and inaugural year.

Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski visited the community of St. Bartholomew Catholic Academy, Elmhurst, on Nov. 6.

He celebrated Mass for the students, faculty and staff as well as many parents and parishioners in attendance. Fathers Rick Beuther, pastor, and John Gildea, pastoral associate, concelebrated the morning liturgy.

Students greeted Bishop Mroziewski by learning how to say good morning and welcome in his native language of Polish. Students also sang a hymn in Polish in honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa, and were proud to present a portrait of the patroness of Poland to the bishop as a memento of his visit.

Read the complete article

Theology On Tap: November 2015

Join us for the next two editions of Theology On Tap! The first takes place on Tuesday, November 10 with special guest Fr. Kevin Abels discussing Pope Francis and the Joy of the Gospel. The second edition is Tuesday, November 24 with Fr. Carlos Velasquez and he will be discussing the Liturgy: Where Heaven Meets Earth. Both of these events take place at Donovan’s Pub in Woodside. Don’t miss the action! Read more »

‘Steps To Strengthen Marriage’ by Bishop DiMarzio

November 4, 2015 – Excerpted from Put Out Into the Deep, Bishop DiMarzio’s column in The Tablet:

My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,

Family life is beautiful and important. It is in a family that a child comes to know that he or she is loved and first learns to love others. It is in the family where a child first recognizes the gift of faith and the obligations of charity. While beautiful and important, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, also reminds us that no family is perfect.

As you know, Pope Francis convened the Synod of Bishops to discuss the theme of “The Vocation and Mission of The Family in The Church and in The Contemporary World.” Much of the conversation centered on the many challenges that face the family and how we as a Church might support those in distress. In his closing Mass for the Synod, the Holy Father reminded us “Jesus shows that he wants to hear our needs. He wants to talk with each of us about our lives, our real situations, so that nothing is kept from him.”

The bishops participating in the Synod were chosen by their brothers in each region of the world. A smaller number of bishops were invited to participate personally by the Holy Father. Also participating were representatives of the Orthodox Church and the leadership of our separated brethren in the Protestant community. Lastly, certain laymen and women who have particular expertise were invited to give voice to the many complex issues we face in our modern world.

Read the full text of the Bishop’s column on The Tablet website.