Month: March 2020

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Four More Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at

Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn today is announcing it has learned of four confirmed cases of the coronavirus within several parish communities in the Diocese.

St. Kevin’s Church in Flushing, Queens – a choir member has tested positive for the coronavirus. The choir member last attended Mass at noon on Sunday, March 15, 2020, and was at the choir loft during the entire Mass.

St. Rose of Lima Church in Rockaway Beach, Queens – a priest has tested positive for the coronavirus. He last celebrated Mass at 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

Our Lady of Charity in Crown Heights, Brooklyn – a member of the choir tested positive for the coronavirus. The individual was last at 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

Diocesan Headquarters at 310 Prospect Park West in Park Slope, Brooklyn – there is one confirmed case of an individual who attended the Annual Lenten Reflection on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. The individual attended the evening session and the dinner before the session.

Anyone who was at the above locations during the noted dates and/or times and is concerned about exposure, contact your doctor. If you experience symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately.

As a result of this information, all of the locations mentioned above are undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

 

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DeSales Media Expands Broadcast Schedule of Masses in Seven Languages

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

DeSales Media Expands Broadcast Schedule of Masses in the Diocese of Brooklyn

Masses to be Live-Streamed in Seven Languages Beginning Sunday

 

DeSales Media Group, the communications and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, is announcing an expanded broadcast schedule of 14 Masses per week, celebrated in seven languages, beginning this Sunday, March 22, 2020. The Masses can be viewed live on the Diocese of Brooklyn’s cable channel, NET-TV, or online on the diocese’s website, dioceseofbrooklyn.org/masses.

The Sunday schedule, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., includes the broadcast of seven Masses celebrated in the following languages: English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Korean, Creole and Italian.

The weekday schedule, between 8 a.m. and noon includes seven Masses celebrated in English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Korean, Creole and Italian.

“The celebration of Mass in so many languages reflects the diversity of our city and a reminder that even during a time of social distancing, Christ and His Church are very close to us,” said Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington, President & Chairman of DeSales Media Group and Vicar for Communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and FIOS (Channel 48).  A graphic of the Mass schedule is below and attached.

“DeSales Media immediately recognized the need for the faithful to have the opportunity to have the celebration of the Eucharist continue as part of their life, and that is why we have enhanced our schedule in these uncertain times caused by the Coronavirus. This extensive schedule allows many to hear the Word of God in their native tongue, uniting us as a Diocese in prayer for our individual intentions, for those who have fallen ill and who have perished from the Coronavirus, and for the brave doctors, nurses, law enforcement personnel, and caregivers on the front lines,” said Harrington.

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Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Dispensation from the Law of Abstinence for the Fridays of Lent

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Dispensation from the

Law of Abstinence for the Fridays of Lent

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has granted all the faithful of the Diocese of Brooklyn a dispensation from the law of abstinence for the Fridays of Lent for this year. This is being done to assist people who may have difficulties in shopping for food or other reasons which would make this practice difficult at this time. Parishioners are reminded the Fridays of Lent remain days of penance and prayer, which is needed now more than ever.

Diocese of Brooklyn Churches and Rectories Closed ; Two priests test positive for Coronavirus

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

Diocese of Brooklyn Churches and Rectories Closed

Two priests test positive for Coronavirus

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn has closed all churches in Brooklyn and Queens effective Noon today, Friday, March 20, 2020. The decision was made so to prevent the ever-present possibility of the virus spreading. All rectories were also closed for business today at noon, and parish office business will continue by telephone only.

 

As a result of the closures, funerals, weddings, and baptisms will not be permitted in church. This is because limiting them to 10 people is proving not to be feasible. Graveside services outdoors will be permitted, maintaining the recommendations of the CDC regarding social distancing and at the discretion of the cemetery administration. A memorial Mass for the deceased can be celebrated later. Weddings and baptisms will be postponed to a later date.

 

“We want to ensure that there cannot be any more possible exposure to the virus at one of our Churches in Brooklyn and Queens. This was not an easy decision to make, however, the safety of our parishioners and our priests, deacons, and religious and parish staff weigh heavily on my mind. Already, we have received word that two of our priests have tested positive. With the celebration of Masses on NET-TV in different languages and live-streamed on our website (dioceseofbrooklyn.org/masses), we can still experience a sense of solidarity that we feel at Church, knowing we are all in this situation together. United in prayer to our Lord, He will guide us out of the desert,” said the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

 

One priest with a confirmed case of Coronavirus is from Sacred Heart of Jesus in Glendale, Queens. He last celebrated Mass on Sunday, March 15 at 8 am and 11:30 am. He was also at the soup supper on Saturday, March 14 in the church basement. The other priest with Coronavirus celebrated Mass at St. Matthew’s Church in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 11:30 am. Both churches and rectories now will undergo a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be limited to emergencies only, and while it is necessary for the confession to be one-on-one and in-person, social distancing measures will be observed. A Confession could be held outdoors during this time so that the priest and penitent can be at some distance from each other. Spiritual counseling will be provided over the phone.

 

The Diocese is committed to serving the faithful in Brooklyn and Queens during this difficult time. While contact in person is limited at this time, the pastors and priests at our parishes are available by phone and via social media to help the faithful get through this trying time.

Ten Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Ten Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at

Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn today is announcing it has learned of ten confirmed cases of the Coronavirus within several parish communities in the Diocese.

At Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Queens Village, Queens there are four confirmed cases. One individual last attended Mass on Sunday, March 1, 2020. The other three individuals are from the same family. They last attended Mass on Sunday, February 23, 2020. One of them also attended a bible study group on Monday, February 24, 2020, in the Bethsaida Spirituality Center.

There is one confirmed case of Coronavirus at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Fresh Meadows, Queens. The individual was last at the parish on March 4, 2020, at a soup supper in the Holy Family Catholic Academy school hall.

There are two confirmed cases at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Jamaica, Queens. One individual was last at the 11 am Mass on Sunday, March 8, 2020. The other individual has not been at the Church for the last few weeks.

One case of Coronavirus has been reported at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in Jackson Heights, Queens. The individual was last at the Church on Wednesday, March 5, 2020, for a funeral.

We have one reported case of a parent at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy in Rockaway Beach, Queens. The parent visited the school for a short time to speak to the principal on March 11, 2020, but there was very limited exposure to the rest of the academy.

There is one confirmed case at Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn. The individual came from another parish to a meeting of a faith-based group that was held in the convent hall on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

As a result of this information, all of the locations mentioned above have undergone or are undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anyone who was at the above locations during the noted dates and/or times and is concerned about exposure, contact your doctor. If you experience symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately.

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, until further notice.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

 

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BISHOP DIMARZIO RELEASES VIDEO MESSAGE TO THE FAITHFUL FROM HIS HOME

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

BISHOP DIMARZIO RELEASES VIDEO MESSAGE TO THE FAITHFUL FROM HIS HOME

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, on this the Feast of St. Joseph, Patron Saint of the Universal Church, has issued the following video statement to the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens.

 

Bishop DiMarzio, speaking from the Chapel in his residence, addresses the Coronavirus and speaks to the need at this time for people to not be far from the Word of God.

 

In the video, Bishop DiMarzio calls on St. Joseph, the protector of Jesus and Mary, to protect us from this virus and reminds the faithful to adhere to the precautions.

 

The video of the message, recorded in English, Spanish and Italian, follows:


ENGLISH

https://vimeo.com/398863371

SPANISH

https://vimeo.com/398875036

 

ITALIAN

https://vimeo.com/398876742

 

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 3-18-20

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 3-18-20

 

As a follow-up to the directive to suspend all Public Masses until further notice, the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has issued a number of additional guidelines, governing the practice of the faith as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, to all parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

To comply with the government recommendation to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, the following has been implemented in the Diocese of Brooklyn effective immediately:

 

PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK SERVICES

  • There will be no Masses open to the public on Palm Sunday. Priests throughout Brooklyn and Queens will bless palms and will be asked to leave them on tables in the back of the Church for pickup.
  • Reconciliation Monday, a special time devoted to confession at the start of Holy Week, has been canceled.  However, Priests will be available for individual confessions throughout the remainder of the Lenten season and during this period of crisis.
  • The Chrism Mass will not be celebrated publicly. The Bishop will celebrate the Mass from the Cathedral and the oils will be available for distribution at designated sites around the diocese. Further information will be released at a later date.
  • The Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion (Good Friday) the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, will not be celebrated publicly. A broadcast schedule of the services with no congregation, to air on NET-TV, the cable channel of the Diocese of Brooklyn, will be announced at a later date.

 

CONFIRMATIONS/FIRST COMMUNIONS

  • All Confirmations and Communions have been postponed until May 15, 2020.

MASS INTENTIONS

  • All intentions will be satisfied in private Masses.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

  • The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be administered to individuals as needed, with Priests visiting those with COVID-19 taking extra precautions.

COMMUNION

  • Priests will try to make Communion calls, adhering to necessary health precautions.

PARISH SERVICES

  • Parish food pantries may remain open, but those in need are asked to contact their specific parish for schedule and procedural updates.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous groups will continue to meet but only with less than 10 people and adhering to the social distancing practice.
  • Churches may remain open for silent adoration but in adherence to capacity guidelines.
  • All parish meetings and parish events will be canceled.
  • Bulletins will be posted on parish websites.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

  • The Diocese of Brooklyn’s administrative offices will be closed to the public due to the Coronavirus beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, for an undisclosed amount of time. The diocesan staff will be working remotely. You can reach the Diocese by calling 718-965-7300.

“In the days and weeks ahead, let us ask God to watch over the people of our Diocese and all of His people; those who are sick, those who will fall ill, and those who are caring for them,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

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SEVEN CORONAVIRUS CASES CONFIRMED AT TWO QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCHES

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

SEVEN CORONAVIRUS CASES CONFIRMED AT TWO QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCHES

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn today is announcing they have learned of a combined seven confirmed cases of the Coronavirus within the parish communities of Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church in Woodside and St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in East Elmhurst.

At St. Gabriel’s Church, there are six confirmed cases emanating from three gatherings of a church community group on Tuesday, March 3, Saturday, March 7 and Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

At Corpus Christi, there is one confirmed case. The individual last attended Mass on Saturday, February 29, 2020. The individual is a Eucharistic Minister and last participated in the distribution of Holy Communion on Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2020.

As a result of this information, both parish Churches are undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anyone who was at the above Churches during the noted times should contact their doctor if they exhibit any Coronavirus symptoms like fever or cough.

The Diocese of Brooklyn has canceled all Masses, as of yesterday Monday, March 16, 2020, until further notice. Churches will be open for private prayer but the faithful are being asked to contact their church’s rectory regarding parish scheduled hours.

As a reminder, the Celebration of the Eucharist within the Diocese of Brooklyn can be seen on NET-TV, the 24/7 cable channel of the Diocese. The Mass schedule is as follows:

Weekdays:

  • 8 am Live from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (English)
  • 9 am Live from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)
  • Noon Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 5 pm Replay of the Noon Mass from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 6:30 pm Pre-recorded Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral

 

Weekends:

  • 6 pm Saturday Vigil Pre-recorded Passionate Mass from Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica (English)
  • 11 am Sunday Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 1:30 pm Sunday Pre-recorded from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and FIOS (Channel 48). Viewers can also tune in online at www.netny.tv.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

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Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Catholic Academies and Parish Schools Will close until at least April 20, 2020

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Catholic Academies and Parish Schools

Will close until at least April 20, 2020

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D., has announced today all elementary Catholic Academies and Parish Schools in Brooklyn and Queens will remain closed until April 20, 2020. This follows last week’s announcement that the schools would be closed this week, March 16-March 20, 2020, out of an abundance of caution. The decision mirrors the New York City public schools announcement made last night.

 

“The decision to close is based on the interdependency of services between public schools and Catholic schools,” said Dr. Chadzutko.

 

Many families that attend Diocesan schools depend on the New York City services such as bus transportation, meals, nurses, and crossing and security guards.

 

“If there was a safe way for us to open sooner, we would, but we cannot function without those essential services,” said Joan McMaster, Associate Superintendent for Principal and Teacher Personnel.

 

The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control is to restrict gatherings of 50 or more people. Clearly, the school environment would be in violation.

 

The contingency pandemic plan, which is part of the Office of the Superintendent school crisis management plan, includes digital, distance and alternative instruction for students so that their education is not disrupted. A complete transition to that model of instruction will take place this week.

 

The Office of the Superintendent is in daily communication with city and state officials and is part of the Coronavirus Education Task Force of the NYC Department of Education. During this time, there is a constant reassessment of the situation and the necessary response in an effort to keep our school community safe.

 

CORONAVIRUS CASE CONFIRMED AT QUEENS CHURCH; ALL CATHOLIC MASSES CANCELED IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

CORONAVIRUS CASE CONFIRMED AT QUEENS CHURCH; ALL CATHOLIC MASSES CANCELED IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The Diocese of Brooklyn late yesterday, Saturday, March 14, 2020, learned of a confirmed case of the Coronavirus within the parish community at Incarnation Roman Catholic Church, located in the Queens Village section of Queens.

The individual attended the Noon Mass last Sunday, March 8, 2020.

As a result of this information, Incarnation Church is closed and undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Masses today have been held in the Auditorium.

Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, the Diocese of Brooklyn has canceled all Masses until further notice. However, Churches will be open for private prayer, but Catholics are urged to check with parish rectories regarding a specific parish’s schedule.

The Celebration of the Eucharist within the Diocese of Brooklyn can be seen on NET-TV, the 24/7 cable channel of the Diocese. The Mass schedule is as follows:

Weekdays:

  • 8 am Live from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (English)
  • 9 am Live from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)
  • Noon Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 5 pm Replay of the Noon Mass from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 6:30 pm Pre-recorded Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Weekends:

  • 6 pm Saturday Vigil Pre-recorded Passionate Mass from Immaculate Conception Church in   Jamaica (English)
  • 11 am Sunday Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 1:30 pm Sunday Pre-recorded from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and FIOS (Channel 48). Viewers can also tune in online at www.netny.tv.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

Let us pray for all those who have been diagnosed with Coronavirus and those who have died here in our country and around the world.

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