NEW YORK CITY’S ONLY FULLY REMOTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC ONLINE ACADEMY, GRADUATES ITS FIRST CLASS

The Diocese of Brooklyn is proud to announce St. Thomas Catholic Online Academy recently held its first graduation ceremony, where 12 students who completed the eighth-grade were awarded their diplomas.

Each of the graduates was featured individually and offered a reflection and words of encouragement from their classmates. The high school choice of each graduate was also featured as part of the graduation. The graduation ceremony was conducted fully online, and family and friends were able to log in to share in the special event.

 Math teacher Mr. James Mastricovo, a former NYPD Sergeant, encouraged the graduates to take risks as they reach for their goals. MaryAnne Rubino, a graduate of the Class of 2022, delivered a reflection on the meaning of learning together remotely and the value of an online learning community.

Brother Guy Consolmagno, the Director of the Vatican Observatory, also addressed the graduates. The Vatican Observatory is an astronomical research and educational institution established by the Holy See.

In his remarks, Brother Consolmagno stated, “The more you learn, the more you realize there is to learn.” He continued to encourage the students to remember that God devotes all of His attention to each of them, and so in their life, they should, “spend some of your attention on Him and His creation.”

Dr. Stephen J. Haessler is the Principal of St. Thomas Catholic Online Academy. The school was officially launched in September 2020, in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. The K-8 Catholic Online Academy is chartered by the New York State Department of Education. For more information about this online Catholic education, visit stacoa.org or find them on Facebook or Instagram @STACatholicAcademy.

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St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Online Academy 2022 Graduation
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Online Academy 2022 Graduation graphic. This is the first graduating class of the online academy.
The graduates of St. Thomas Aquinas Online Catholic Academy
A screenshot of the eighth-grade graduation of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Academy online graduation on June 24, 2022.

Brother Guy’s full video message can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ACKCaT9K4Y

 

BISHOP BRENNAN CONSECRATES NEW CHURCH ALTARS IN HOWARD BEACH AND BREEZY POINT

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, this week consecrated two new altars at churches in Queens, including Our Lady of Grace in Howard Beach and St. Thomas More in Breezy Point, where the Sanctuary was also renovated.

As part of the special ceremony, the bishop anointed the new altar. In Catholic tradition, the rites of anointing, incensing, covering, and lighting the altar are visible signs of the invisible work that the Lord accomplishes through the Church.

“It is a joy to celebrate the consecration of the new Altar with Bishop Brennan, which represents Christ in the center of the parish community.  I pray that as we celebrate the Eucharist on this Altar, all will be drawn to the heart of Jesus,” said Father Marc Swartvagher, Pastor of Our Lady of Grace in Howard Beach.

“The renovation of the Sanctuary and the installation of the new Altar was an opportunity to continue to address repairs needed to the church as a result of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It also was the first time the church was updated since the early 70s. I am very pleased with how it came out and equally happy by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from parishioners,” said Father Michael Gelfant, Pastor of Blessed Trinity Parish which encompasses three churches including St. Thomas More.

“I was honored to be with these parish communities for these two great occasions. This ritual is filled with signs and symbols, one of the more beautiful rituals, that is very, very powerful. We dedicated these altars to God, for the worship of God, to offer the sacrifice of the Eucharist, the altar of Jesus Christ, the altar of His Cross, and His Resurrection. The altar is central to our lives as Catholics and gets us connected to the Lord Jesus Christ.” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

Blessing of the Altar at Our Lady of Grace in Howard Beach
Bishop Robert Brennan blessing the Altar at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Howard Beach. (Photo by Vincent Coronati).
Bishop Brennan at Our Lady of Grace in Howard Beach to bless the new altar on Saturday, June 11, 2022. (Photos by Vincent Coronati).
Bishop Brennan at Our Lady of Grace in Howard Beach to bless the new altar on Saturday, June 11, 2022. (Photos by Vincent Coronati).
Bishop Brennan blessing the altar at St. Thomas More.
Bishop Robert Brennan blessing the altar at St. Thomas More.
Bishop Robert Brennan with members of the Blessed Trinity Sports Program.
Bishop Robert Brennan with members of the Blessed Trinity Sports Program.

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Leonard F. Badia, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who was exercising priestly ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach in Florida. Father Badia was born on August 23, 1934, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 1960, and died Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

Father Badi served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parish of Saint Francis Assisi, and Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Saint Margaret (Middle Village), Saint Andrew Avellino (Flushing), and Saint Kevin (Flushing). On March 25, 2001, he was named a canon of the Roman Catholic Church in the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Lowicz, Poland.

The arrangements are as follows:

Emmanuel Catholic Church
15700 South Military Trail Delray Beach, Florida 33484 Tel: (561) 496-2480
Monday, June 20, 2022
11:00 AM

Emmanuel Catholic Church
15700 South Military Trail Delray Beach, Florida 33484 Tel: (561) 496-2480
Monday, June 20, 2022
12:00 PM

INTERNMENT:
Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail them to his niece, Madeline Turan, 1289 Roosevelt Way, Westbury, NY 11590.

A Memorial Mass will be held in the diocese in the near future.

Reverend Monsignor Steven Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor

Death of Reverend Michael J. Himes

On Saturday, June 11, 2022, our office sent out a notice regarding the death of Reverend Michael J. Himes, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who was released from Diocesan Assignment and had been a Professor of Theology at Boston College. Father Himes served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Saint Jerome (Brooklyn). Father Himes died Friday, June 10, 2022 in Massachusetts. Our office has recently been informed of the following:

A MEMORIAL MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: (718) 229-8001
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
11:00 AM

Priests who wish to concelebrate are asked to wear their diocesan vestments.
Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor

BROOKLYN SCHOOL FILLS WITH SUPPORT, HOPE, AND DONATIONS FOR STUDENT DIAGNOSED WITH NON-HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy in Brooklyn today hosted a “Wear Lime Green” donation dress-down day to show their support and raise money for 7th grader Marco Wilen who has recently been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

In addition to the dress-down, the fundraiser included the sale of desserts and treats donated by Frost-A-Cake. There was also a basketball tournament for the students of grades 4-8, featuring a Free Throw and Three-Point contest which was also part of the fundraiser.

Financial donations are still being accepted and can be made by sending a check payable to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy in Brooklyn with “Marko” written on the envelope, or through Venmo @OurladyofGraceschool-AlumniAss. All funds raised will support his family and medical-related expenses.

Kelly Wolf is the Principal of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy located in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn.

To watch the video from the event, click on this VIMEO link: https://vimeo.com/720361870

Treats donated by Frost A Cake
Treats Donated by Frost A Cake to support the Our Lady of Grace fundraiser for 7th-grade student Marko Wilen.
A picture of some of the students who participated in the dress down day and basketball tournament to raise money for their fellow student.
A picture of some of the students who participated in the lime green dress-down day and basketball tournament to raise money for their fellow student.
Marco Wilen and a friend playing basketball during the fundraiser.
Marco Wilen and a friend played basketball during the fundraiser to help him pay his medical expenses due to his recent diagnosis.

 

Death of Reverend Michael J. Himes

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Michael J. Himes, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who was released from Diocesan Assignment and had been a Professor of Theology at Boston College. Father Himes was born on May 12, 1947, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 27, 1972, and died Friday, June 10, 2022.

Father Himes served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Saint Jerome (Brooklyn).

Funeral arrangements will follow shortly.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.
Chancellor

STUDENTS PLANT SEEDS FOR VEGETABLE GARDEN TO GROW IN CANARSIE

The students of Our Lady of Trust Catholic Academy, in partnership with Cornell University and 4 H, this week kicked off a vegetable garden planting initiative, “Advanced Cooking Education (ACE)” in the yard of the Canarsie school.

The project is a partnership between Our Lady of Trust Catholic Academy, Cornell University, Harvest New York, and 4 H. The goal is to incorporate a healthy living agricultural program into the Academy’s curriculum program. Throughout the 10-week program, chefs assisted provided recipes, cooking lessons, and bags of food to take home and cook.

On Friday, the students planted different seeds in planters including tomatoes, onion, basil, carrots, parsley, and collard greens. The seventh and eighth-grade students also took part in the painting of a mural read “God’s Love Grows at OLTCA.” Students also painted clouds featuring the words: Friendship, Kindness, Love, and Respect.

Muriel Wilkinson is the Principal of Our Lady of Trust Catholic Academy, located at 1696 Canarsie Road in Brooklyn.

Planting vegetables in the backyard of Our Lady of Trust Catholic Academy
Planting the seeds as part of the ACE Program, Advanced Cooking Education, in the backyard at Our Lady of Trust Catholic Academy.
Students at Our Lady of Trust Catholic Academy taking part in a vegetable planting program at their school.
Students at Our Lady of Trust Catholic Academy take part in a vegetable planting program at their school.
Getting the planters ready to grow vegetables.
Students at Our Lady of Trust Catholic Academy getting their planters ready to grow vegetables as part of a healthy eating initiative.

BISHOP BRENNAN ORDAINS HIS FIRST THREE PRIESTS TO SERVE THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, ordained three men as priests during a Mass of Ordination, on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. This was the first ordination Bishop Brennan presided over since being installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn on November 30, 2021.

“I was blessed to ordain three men to the priesthood who will serve in our parishes faithfully for many years to come. We are so proud of them – and grateful to their family and seminary faculty who have helped bring them to the altar,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

The following were ordained and their assignments announced at the conclusion of the Mass:

Father Andrew Tsui – assigned to St. Bartholomew in Elmhurst.

Andrew Tsui will be the first American-born Chinese priest to serve the Diocese of Brooklyn. Tsui credits the Catholic Church for helping to save his family. His great-grandmother faced such extreme poverty that her daughters became indentured servants; his father was orphaned in Hong Kong and helped by priests from the Salesian order. His spirituality increased during his high school and college years. Andrew later spoke with Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio about the need for Chinese-speaking priests and from there, he received a strong calling to serve the Chinese people. Tsui enjoys fishing, hiking, and especially cooking.

Father Alexander Olszewski – assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas in Flatlands.

Alexander Olszewski is a former businessman wanting to help redevelop a passion for the faith among people. Alex was born in Bangkok, Thailand to Richard and Vivian Olszewski of Brooklyn.  His father was stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Thailand during the Vietnam War. The family was later transferred to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he became an altar boy at his local church. He credits his attendance at Sunday Mass as a contributing factor in his vocation, as well as the sickness and eventual passing of his parents for accelerating his discernment.

Father Dung (Vincent) Vu – assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes in Queens Village.

Dung (Vincent) Vu is a native of Vietnam who started to feel the calling to the priesthood while attending college in Ho Chi Minh City. At the time, he was serving as an altar server and Catechist at Holy Family Parish and asked the pastor about a vocation to the priesthood. After graduating college, he traveled to the United States to continue his vocational discernment. He was admitted to the House of Formation in Douglaston by former Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and completed his studies at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut, and Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts.

The attached photos are courtesy of DeSales Media.

Prior to their being ordained, the three candidates lay prostrate on the floor during the Litany of Saints.
Father Alexander Olszewski, Father Dung (Vincent) Vu, and  Father Andrew Tsui at the ordination.
Father Alexander Olszewski, Father Andrew Tsui, and Father Dung (Vincent) Vu at their ordination.
(Left to right) Retired Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez, Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio, Father Andrew Tsui, Father Alexander Olszewski, Bishop Robert Brennan, Father Dung (Vincent) Vu, Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski, and retired Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros.
(Left to right) Retired Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez, Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio, Father Andrew Tsui, Father Alexander Olszewski, Bishop Robert Brennan, Father Dung (Vincent) Vu, Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski, and retired Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros.

INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE REMEMBERS VICTIMS OF RECENT MASS SHOOTINGS

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, and the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns led an Interfaith Prayer Service for the victims of the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, this afternoon at Immaculate Conception Church, located in the Jamaica Estates section of Queens.

“How right we are to talk about gun violence and racism. How right we are to see the human dignity of each and every one of us, made in the image and likeness of God. We united our voices and let us proclaim The Gospel of Life amidst such violence and hatred,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

The prayer service featured the musical performance of “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” “God Has Smiled on Me,” “The Prayer,” and “We Shall Overcome.”

The names of each of the 31 victims who died in the mass shootings at the Tops Supermarket in Buffalo, New York, and Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, were read in between the ringing of the church bells on the altar.

Michele Guerrier, a membe of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Commission on Racism and Social Justice was among the speakers, as was Detective Mohamed Amen an NYPD Clergy Liaison who represented the Department’s Muslim Chaplain.

Father Alonzo Q. Cox is the Vicar of the Office of Black Catholic Concerns for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.

VIMEO is courtesy of DeSales Media: https://vimeo.com/717372170

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Bishop Brennan at the Interfaith Prayer Service to remember the victims of the recent mass shootings.
Father Alonzo Cox the Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns for the Diocese of Brooklyn who was among the organizers of the memorial service.

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN TO BLESS ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH FOLLOWING LAST WEEKEND’S DESECRATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2022

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
646-241-9805
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-576-9180
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN TO BLESS ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH
FOLLOWING LAST WEEKEND’S DESECRATION

The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, will bless St. Augustine Church following last weekend’s desecration and burglary of the church’s tabernacle. The blessing is part of a Penitential Rite of Reparation that will take place during the 5 pm Mass on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, located at 116 6th Avenue in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn.

“A horrendous crime has been committed in our church, and that affects the entire community of the parish,” said Bishop Robert Brennan. “In the commission of this crime, the Holy Eucharist, the body of Christ, was strewn all over the altar. That is a grave and hateful act of sacrilege as the Eucharist is central to our life as Catholics. The ritual I ask the community to join me in prayer is for the reparation of the wrong that has been done to them,” continued Bishop Brennan.

The brazen theft was discovered in the afternoon of Saturday, May 28, 2022. The burglar cut through a metal protective casing and made off with the tabernacle, which dates back to when the church was built in the late 1800s. This holy sacramental receptacle is irreplaceable due to its historical and artistic value. The angels which flanked the tabernacle were decapitated and destroyed.

At the start of the Penitential Rite of Reparation, the altar of the church will already be stripped bare. After entering, Bishop Brennan will bless the water and sprinkle the altar, the congregants, and the walls of the desecrated church as a sign of purification. The altar will then be dressed as the offertory of the Mass takes place. Parishioners will vest the altar and light the candles as they prepare for the liturgy of the Eucharist. The Holy Mass will then be celebrated and the desecrated church is restored to divine service.

“The restoration of the church building to its sacred dignity renews the resolve of the local church in Brooklyn and Queens to grow in holiness and in witness to the presence of our Risen Lord in the world today,” said Bishop Brennan.

Members of the media are invited to attend and should respond to confirm.

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