BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN’S STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF POPE BENEDICT XVI

The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, has issued the following statement on the death of Pope Benedict XVI:

“Please join me in prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict XVI. Joseph Ratzinger, the late Pope, was a man of tremendous intellect and holiness who deeply loved God and served the Church generously throughout his whole life, first serving in Germany and then the Universal Church.

He made tremendous contributions to the Second Vatican Council as a priest and theologian. Many of his contributions made their way into the documents of the Council, which charted the course for the Church in the modern era.

Pope Benedict XVI had a great mind, and his books have inspired me. He was a great teacher who helped us to understand and live our faith more profoundly.

On a personal note, ten years ago, in 2012, he appointed me an auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Later that year, he received the newly ordained bishops. There was a genuine kindness and gentleness about him. He gave us his full attention and encouraged us in our ministry as bishops.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace.”

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Decree

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DECREE

Changes in the spiritual practices among the faithful, a decrease in available clergy and men and women in consecrated life, changes in the general population within our Diocese, as well as concerns regarding temporal matters have affected the means by which the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed within the Diocese of Brooklyn. In an effort to respond in the best possible way to the gifts of the Holy Spirit generously given to us in our current situation, I have overseen a comprehensive pastoral plan, which included the whole of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

In an effort to evangelize more effectively the community in Queens, as well to administrate the temporal goods of the faithful more efficiently, Reverend Thomas G. Pettei, Pastor of Resurrection-Ascension, located at 61-11 85th Street, Middle Village, New York 11379, and also Administrator of Our Lady of the Angelus, located at 63-93 98th Street, Rego Park, New York 11374, petitioned that they be canonically merged.

In keeping with the requirements of the Universal Law of the Church, the Presbyteral Council was consulted on December 1, 2022 (Canon 515 § 2), and after having heard the reasons for the proposed merger its members expressed their support for this action. In addition, after having consulted the territorial Episcopal Vicars, clergy, pastoral ministers and other members of the faithful of the parishes involved, I, the undersigned Bishop of Brooklyn, hereby declare and decree that the Parishes of Resurrection-Ascension and Our Lady of the Angelus, both within the Diocese of Brooklyn, shall be merged to form one Parish.

  • This one Parish shall be named Resurrection Ascension-Our Lady of the Angelus parish, with the main Parish office to be located 61-11 85th Street, Middle Village, New York 11379.
  • Reverend Thomas Pettei shall be the Pastor of the Parish.
  • The territorial boundaries of the new parish shall encompass all of the territory which, up until now, has constituted the territories of Resurrection-Ascension and Our Lady of the Angelus.
  • All assets and obligations currently belonging to aforementioned parishes are by this canonical merger, transferred to the Resurrection Ascension-Our Lady of the Angelus parish.
  • The parochial registers and the seals of the aforementioned parishes shall be kept at 61-1185th Street, Middle Village, New York 11379.
  • The Parish shall have two churches for worship: The Church of Resurrection- Ascension and Our Lady of the Angelus.

This merger shall take effect on January 1, 2023, at which time the public juridic persons of Resurrection Ascension-Our Lady of the Angelus shall be merged. Recourse action may be sought according to the norms of Canons 1732 to 1739 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law.

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Video/Photos-Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan Lights Diocesan Christmas Tree in Grand Army Plaza

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN LIGHTS CHRISTMAS TREE AND BLESSES
NATIVITY SCENE IN GRAND ARMY PLAZA

 

The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, joined DeSales Media at the official Diocesan Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and blessing of the Nativity Scene, in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch located at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn this evening.

“We are going to push back the darkness in the light of this glorious Christmas tree so that all of Brooklyn can see what we are celebrating, that Brooklyn can see our joy, Brooklyn can see our love, Brooklyn can see our unity. And there, in the center of it all – God came to live among us, to bring us peace, to draw us together, to help us along the way,” said Bishop Brennan.

The 28-foot Norway Spruce tree is decorated with 16,000 multi-colored LED lights to represent the diversity of the Diocese of Brooklyn, often referred to as the “Diocese of Immigrants.” The event featured a Christmas musical presentation as well.

Christine Persichette, the anchor of Currents News on NET-TV, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

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VIDEO: Courtesy DeSales Media
https://vimeo.com/781307486

Brooklyn Church Christmas Tree and Nativity.
Brooklyn Church Christmas Tree and Nativity
Nativity closeup
Closeup of Nativity
Christmas Tree Arch Evening
Top of Christmas Tree

 

Announcement of Death – Deacon Joseph C. Denzler

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Deacon Joseph C. Denzler, a retired deacon of the Diocese of Brooklyn who served at the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes (Queens Village). Deacon Denzler was born on June 13, 1946, was ordained to the Diaconate on May 23, 2009, and died Wednesday, December 7, 2022 in Texas, where all arrangements are scheduled to take place.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.

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 wife, Mrs. Erlinda Denzler, 100 East Louise Drive, Unit #205, Beeville, Texas 78102.

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

Video/Photos: Thousands of Brooklyn & Queens Catholics honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patron Saint of Mexico

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2022

THOUSANDS OF CATHOLICS MAKE ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO HONOR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

The Diocese of Brooklyn celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe today with two Spanish masses at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. About 3,000 pilgrims filled the pews to pray to Our Lady as they were serenaded by Mexican mariachis singing cultural and liturgical songs. The Mass for Queens Catholics took place at 9:30 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. for Brooklyn Catholics.

During his homily in Spanish, the Most Reverend Robert Brennan, the Bishop of Brooklyn, told the faithful that Mary tells us, like she told Juan Diego in an apparition, not to fear, not to be afraid, for God is always with us, but especially during the difficult times. He also preached to a huge audience of young people, asking them to listen for God’s call as He may ask them to serve the Church as priests or religious.

The annual lighting of the torches followed the Mass on the steps of the Co-Cathedral. Bishop Brennan lit the torches carried by representatives from 44 parishes. After the torch lighting, the pilgrims marched the streets of Queens and Brooklyn to their respective parishes.

The group of pilgrims represents, in its vast majority, the Mexican Catholic population of Brooklyn and Queens. An estimated 175,000 Mexicans live in Brooklyn and Queens.

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VIMEO: vimeo.com/780526070

Procession into Mass
Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Mariachis at Mass
The Mariachis at the Mass celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe added to the festivities of the celebration.
Catholics in pews
Thousands of the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens participated in two Masses at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Bishop Brennan lights torch
Bishop Brennan lighting one of the 44 torches carried throughout Brooklyn and Queens in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
FloralShrinetoOurLadyofGuadalupe
A floral shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Bishop Brennan Marchers
Bishop Robert Brennan outside the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph greeting the marchers as they embark on their torch journey in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Pilgrims begining March
Following the Mass and the lighting of the torches, the faithful begin their journey back to their home parishes.

Announcement of Death- Reverend Christopher T. Cashman

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Christopher T. Cashman, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn ministering as Pastor of Saint Mary Star of the Sea, Brooklyn. Father Cashman, was born on March 15, 1958, was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1989, and died Friday, December 9, 2022.

Father Cashman served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of Saint Mary Star of the Sea (Brooklyn), Saint Aloysius (Ridgewood), and Parochial Vicar of Saint Bernadette (Brooklyn), Saint Sebastian (Woodside), Good Shepherd (Brooklyn), and Our Lady of Sorrows (Corona).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:        Saint Mary Star of the Sea
467 Court Street
Brooklyn, New York 11231
Tel: (718) 625-2270
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

FUNERAL:      Saint Mary Star of the Sea
467 Court Street
Brooklyn, New York 11231
Tel: (718) 625-2270
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
11:00 AM

BURIAL:       St. John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Father Cashman was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

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 brother William Cashman, 283 Avenue C, Apartment #5G, New York, New York 10009.

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