Brooklyn Diocese Announces Former NYPD Detective Appointed to Key Roles in the Office of Child Protection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2022

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Former NYPD Detective Appointed
to Key Roles in the Office of Child Protection

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced the selection of Elizabeth Harris, a retired New York City Police Department Detective, to fill two critical roles in the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Office of Protection of Children and Young People – Victim Assistance Coordinator and 1722 Supervisor.

“Detective Harris brings a unique breadth of experience that will further enhance our efforts to protect the faithful with the strong safe environment protocols we already have in place. I am grateful she is now sharing her expertise with the Diocese to assist us in this most important mission,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

Harris served in the NYPD for 21 years, 12 of which she worked in the Manhattan Child Abuse Squad, investigating a high volume of allegations of child sexual abuse. She specialized in interviewing sex assault victims. Before that, Harris spent four years in the NYPD’s sex offender monitoring unit. Since retiring from the NYPD, Harris worked at The Safe Center of Long Island as the Director of Forensic Services, where she worked with victims of physical and sexual abuse.

The Office of Victim Assistance provides pastoral care and assistance to those who have presented themselves to be victims of clergy sexual abuse and is committed to helping them begin the healing process. The 1722 Supervisor is responsible for the monitoring of priests who have been removed from ministry.

Harris received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta, majoring in Sociology and Child and Family Studies.

“I am thrilled to bring my experience to the Diocese of Brooklyn and join their mission to advocate for victims of sexual abuse.  It is impressive to witness the level of commitment by Bishop Brennan and the diocese in their work to eradicate any further abuse of children.  I am so proud to be a part of this movement,” said Elizabeth Harris.

The above-referenced appointments recently took effect.

The photo attached is courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

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Elizabeth Harris Headshot

DIOCESAN CLASSROOMS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS WELCOME ENHANCED DIGITAL RESOURCES PROVIDED BY THE CATHOLIC TELEMEDIA NETWORK AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION

The Catholic Telemedia Network (CTN) and Discovery Education —the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place—are teaming up to send teachers and students in schools across the Diocese of Brooklyn back to the classroom with award-winning digital resources. These new resources connect the Diocese’s schools and academies to the world outside the classroom, supporting the delivery of a comprehensive academic education that will help students reach their full human potential and contribute to the common good of our nation and the world.

CTN has been serving the educational and spiritual needs of the children in the diocesan schools and academies of Brooklyn and Queens since 1966. CTN’s initiatives fall into three main categories. First, to provide digital content for Catholic school classrooms in Brooklyn and Queens. Second, to offer professional development for teachers and instructional coaches. Third, to bring technology in the form of personal computing devices/tablets, LTE broadband connectivity, and network infrastructure to schools. In addition, CTN services assist teachers in meeting national technology standards established by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Next Generation Standards, enabling students to collaborate with the world around them.

Through this partnership, which is underwritten in part by the generosity of Stanley Black & Decker, 68 diocesan schools will receive access to Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform.

Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education provides educators with an enhanced learning platform that facilitates engaging, daily instruction in any learning environment.

Discovery Education’s team continues adding, contextualizing, and organizing exciting new content, and timely and relevant resources to the platform each month in response to current events and the ever-evolving needs of educators. These resources, sourced from trusted partners, are aligned to state and national standards, and help educators bring the outside world into teaching and learning every day.

The K-12 learning platform is designed to work within the school systems’ existing infrastructure and workflows, and provides safe, secure, simple access methods for educators and students. Through expanded, lasting partnerships with Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Brightspace, and Clever, integrating Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform into existing IT architecture is easier than ever.

“Discovery Education’s resources are unparalleled, and CTN is excited to have this opportunity to support the educators and students of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s schools and academies,” said Gina Krainchich, Director of CTN. “We look forward to seeing the creative ways educators across Brooklyn and Queens will use these digital resources to develop challenging lessons that reflect the New York State Learning Standards in a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment while preparing students for high school and beyond.”

“The Diocese of Brooklyn is at the forefront of creating dynamic digital learning environments supportive of a Catholic education,” said Shayla Rexrode, M.Ed Director of Partner Success at Discovery Education. “We are excited to partner with CTN and the innovative and dedicated team using these services across this school system.”

“These exciting new digital tools from CTN and Discovery Education support the Diocese of Brooklyn’s effort to challenge students to grow through digital learning experiences that thoughtfully integrate technology into instruction,” said Joseph Paniccia, Principal of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy. “These resources will play a critical role in growing each child’s love of learning and deepening their opportunities to see our Catholic faith in action within our local school communities.”

Diocese of Brooklyn educators using Discovery Education’s services also enjoy access to the Discovery Education Community. A global network of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.

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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional support, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

About Catholic Telemedia Network
The Catholic Telemedia Network, created over 50 years ago as a member of the Catholic Television Network, is committed to providing curriculum-based instructional media resources that support the educators of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, which also includes Queens. CTN services include a library of on-demand instructional media, online coursework, and T-Mobile Cellular internet service. As technology in the classroom changes and becomes ever more integral, CTN continually upgrades services, committed to providing relevant, engaging resources valued by both teacher and student. The Catholic Telemedia Network is a service of DeSales Media Group, Inc., which provides communications and technology services to the Diocese of Brooklyn and beyond. Learn more at www.ctnbq.org.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF DEATH FOR REVEREND LEROY J. SMITH

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend LeRoy J. Smith, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Smith was born on August 25, 1935, in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 27, 1978, and died Tuesday, September 20, 2022 in Florida where all arrangements will take place.

Father Smith served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the parishes of Saint Saviour (Brooklyn), and Immaculate Conception, (Long Island City). He was also appointed as Coordinator of the Office of the Apostolate of the Sea in 1985.

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 to his nephew, Mr. Christopher Smith, 53 Estherwood Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522.

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

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN NAMES IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CENTER’S NEW DIRECTOR

The Diocese of Brooklyn has announced that Deacon Andrew T. Mastrangelo has been appointed as the new Director of the Immaculate Conception Center located in Douglaston, New York. Deacon Andrew Mastrangelo replaces Deacon Stanley Galazin whose retirement took effect on August 31, 2022, after serving 19 years in this role.

“I am grateful to God for guiding me to this new position working with the Diocese of Brooklyn. I appreciate Deacon Stanley’s guidance, confidence, and support during the transition, as I assume responsibility for the operations of this building which is central to the Catholic faith in Brooklyn and Queens. I look forward to advancing the mission of the Immaculate Conception Center while supporting the day-to-day work that happens here,” said Deacon Andrew T. Mastrangelo.

“Knowing this position would allow me to assist the retired priests, who were instrumental in my faith and to many in the Diocese, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I also am ready to assist the seminarians as they discern their vocation and calling,” continued Deacon Mastrangelo.

Andrew Mastrangelo graduated from St. John’s University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and completed the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Diaconate Formation Program in May 2015.

Deacon Andrew is a Permanent Deacon at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church in the Howard Beach section of Queens. Deacon Mastrangelo most recently served as the Business Manager for Most Precious Blood-St. Simon and Jude in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn, while working at the Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens Office of Mission ministering to those in need and the homebound during the recent pandemic. He officially took over as the Director of the Immaculate Conception Center on September 6, 2022.

A resident of Howard Beach, Deacon Mastrangelo is married to his wife Linda for 38 years and together, they are the proud parents of three children and they have two grandchildren. He enjoys playing golf in his free time.

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Deacon Andrew Mastrangelo
Deacon Andrew Mastrangelo has been named the new Director of the Immaculate Conception Center by the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Video Update: Bishop Brennan Joins FDNY Procession Over Brooklyn Bridge To Co-Cathedral of St Joseph for 9/11 Memorial Mass

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN PROCESSES WITH FDNY OVER BROOKLYN BRIDGE,

LEADS BROOKLYN FDNY MASS THIS SEPTEMBER 11TH

            The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, joined members of the FDNY’s Battalion 57 in Brooklyn for a procession over the Brooklyn Bridge to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. Bishop Brennan met the marchers, who were coming from Lower Manhattan, as they entered Brooklyn. The marchers carried 25 flags; 24 FDNY flags represented the 23 members of Battalion 57 who were lost at the World Trade Center and a Battalion member’s brother who also died that day, and one American flag.

The procession ended at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in Brooklyn, where the 11 a.m. Mass commemorated the 21st Anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001. At the start of the Mass, the names of the fallen firefighters from Battalion 57 were read aloud.

In his homily, Bishop Brennan preached “That day saw the worst of humanity in those attacks, but you know what, it saw also the greatness of humanity, in the men and women who responded so courageously, and so generously, many of your companions, many of your coworkers, collaborators, colleagues, and many who were in these places before you. We saw the goodness and the bravery, the courage of people.”

         Bishop Brennan continued, “Today as you marched, as you came in here with those flags standing for those firefighters, your companies, from our companies from here, the fire companies who serve us, I saw the icon, stark icon of the horrors of September 11th, 2001. But as I look beyond and I see all of you here in this church gathered in prayer, I see an icon not only of September 11th, but I see an icon of September 12th, of September 13th.  I see an icon of 2002, 2003, 2021, 2022. I see the icon of people who, even in spite of some of those most horrendous things we have witnessed, still stand up and offer themselves in service to their neighbor with courage and generosity; I see you as icons of that courage and generosity; I see you as icons of those who never ever give up.”

Battalion 57 consists of several fire stations and multiple fire companies, including 4 Battalion Chiefs, Engine Companies 217, 219, 230, and 235, as well as Ladder Companies 102 and 105.

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VIMEO: Courtesy of DeSales Media – vimeo.com/748540054

:00 Procession on Brooklyn Bridge and throughout Brooklyn streets

2:10 Procession arriving at Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph

2:35 Reading of the names of firefighters lost on 9/11

3:17 Bishop Brennan Quote 1

4:08 Bishop Brennan Quote 2

5:41 God Bless America Recessional

VIDEO UPDATE: BISHOP BRENNAN CELEBRATES SAINT WHO SOUGHT INTERRACIAL JUSTICE THROUGH FAITH

VIDEO UPDATE: BISHOP BRENNAN LEADS THE CELEBRATION OF A SAINT WHO SOUGHT INTERRACIAL JUSTICE THROUGH FAITH

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, led a special Mass in honor of the Memorial of Saint Peter Claver tonight at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

A native of Spain, St. Peter Claver left his homeland in 1610 to head to be a missionary in the New World colonies. St. Peter Claver then began a 40 year-ministry caring for African Americans arriving on slave ships in Cartagena, Colombia by providing them medical care and food.  It is estimated that he baptized 300,000 slaves.

In his homily, Bishop Brennan focused on the importance for all of us to recognize the human dignity of all people as St. Peter Claver showed us. “People treated fellow human beings like commodities, and it wasn’t just the acts of kindness that St. Peter Claver performed, but he looked into the eyes of those suffering and who were being mistreated.  What did he do?  He looked into their eyes and saw Jesus,” said Bishop Brennan.

Bishop Brennan continued, “We ask the Lord to awaken within us that sense of the human dignity of every single person around us. And we ask the Lord, please God, let others see you in me, so that when they look at me, may they experience something of your love and help me where I fall short so that I can be more effective as a witness and sign of your love and compassion”.

The Mass also commemorated the 101st anniversary of the founding of Saint Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church in Bedford Stuyvesant, the first African American Church in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The Church was founded by Monsignor Bernard J. Quinn, currently under consideration for sainthood for his efforts to establish racial equality.

Father Alonzo Cox, Coordinator for Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns for the Diocese of Brooklyn, concelebrated the Mass. The Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of Saint Peter Claver, who work to promote civic and social justice, award scholarships, and nurture youth and family relationships, were in attendance.

The VIMEO link can be found here: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/748233878

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BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN TO LEAD FDNY MASS THIS SEPTEMBER 11TH

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, will be the main celebrant and Homilist at a Mass dedicated to the New York City Fire Department, this Sunday, September 11, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in Brooklyn. The Mass will commemorate the 21st Anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Members of the FDNY’s Battalion 57 in Brooklyn will lead a procession over the Brooklyn Bridge to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. Bishop Brennan will meet the procession on the Brooklyn Bridge and accompany the FDNY along the procession route. The marchers will carry 25 flags, with 24 FDNY flags representing the 23 members of Battalion 57 who were lost at the World Trade Center and a Battalion member’s brother who also died that day, and one American flag.

Battalion 57 consists of several fire stations and multiple fire companies including 4 Battalion Chiefs, Engine Companies 217, 219, 230 and 235, as well as Ladder Companies 102 and 105.

*The procession of flags will walk over the Brooklyn Bridge exiting at Adams Street which becomes Boerum Place, turning left onto State Street (Engine 226), then right onto Nevins Street, followed by a left on Atlantic Avenue, a right on Flatbush Avenue, a left on Dean Street, another left onto Vanderbilt Avenue, and then a right onto Pacific Street where they will arrive at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in time for Mass.

The Mass will be broadcast live on the Diocesan cable network NET-TV available on Spectrum channel 97, Verizon Fios channel 548, and Optimum channel 30. The mass can also be viewed online at www.netny.tv.

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BISHOP BRENNAN TO LEAD CELEBRATION OF A SAINT WHO SOUGHT INTERRACIAL JUSTICE THROUGH FAITH

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, will lead a special Mass in honor of the Feast Day of Saint Peter Claver tomorrow, Friday, September 9, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

Throughout his life, St. Peter Claver cared for African Americans who arrived on slave ships in Cartagena, Colombia by providing them medical care and food.  Over the course of his 40-year ministry, it is estimated that he baptized 300,000 slaves.

The Mass will also commemorate the 101st anniversary of the founding of Saint Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church in Bedford Stuyvesant, the first African American Church in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The Church was founded by Monsignor Bernard J. Quinn, currently under consideration for sainthood for his efforts to establish racial equality. 

Father Alonzo Cox, Coordinator for Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns for the Diocese of Brooklyn, will concelebrate the Mass. The Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of Saint Peter Claver, who work to promote civic and social justice, award scholarships, and nurture youth and family relationships, will be in attendance.

Members of the media are invited to attend and are asked to respond to this e-mail to confirm their attendance.

The Mass will be live-streamed on the Diocesan cable network NET-TV which can be found on Spectrum channel 97, Verizon Fios channel 548 and Optimum channel 30. The mass can also be viewed online at www.netny.tv.

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