HUNDREDS BRING EASTER BASKETS TO BE BLESSED THIS HOLY SATURDAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2024

POLISH COMMUNITY BRINGS THEIR EASTER FOOD BASKETS TO BE BLESSED

Diocese of Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski presided over the annual blessing of Easter food baskets this morning at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in the Maspeth section of Queens.

“”It was great to see so many children and families on this Holy Saturday morning, giving thanks to God for their many blessings, and bringing their Easter food to church to be blessed. Easter time is a time of Resurrection. It is a time of Salvation. We are so thankful to Christ Jesus our Lord, for His death and Resurrection. He saved us by His love,” said Bishop Witold Mroziewski.

The blessing of the Easter food baskets is one of the most beloved Holy Saturday Polish traditions. The basket contains a sampling of Easter foods including bread, eggs, ham, and sweets. The custom dates back to the 15th Century.

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Bishop Witold Mroziewsski blessing Easter baskets at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Maspeth, Queens, on Holy Saturday.
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Children gather at the altar at Holy Cross Catholic Church after having their Easter baskets blessed on Holy Saturday.
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Members of the community gathered for the blessing of the Easter Baskets waits for Bishop Witoldf Mroziewski to bless their baskets.
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Hundreds of people attending the Easter basket blessing at Holy Cross Church on March 30, 2024, including this family.

BISHOP BRENNAN LEADS PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION IN BROOKLYN

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP BRENNAN LEADS PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION IN BROOKLYN

Bishop Robert Brennan marked the start of Holy Week this afternoon, as he led the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph’s Palm Sunday Procession which kicked off in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza.

After an opening prayer and blessing, Bishop Brennan led more than 250 people in a public witness of faith with their blessed palms, down Vanderbilt Avenue to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located on Pacific Street.

“In this procession, we walk with Jesus remembering that Jesus always walks with us. Today we gave public witness to our Catholic faith on the streets of Brooklyn, showing the greatness of God to those who walked, drove, biked, and jogged by us as we walked. Thamk you to the New York City Police Department for their logistical and safety involvement, and to DeSales Media for broadcasting it live ON NET-TV for many more to see” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

“As we begin this Holy Week, I encourage Catholics throughout Brooklyn and Queens to make this week different from other weeks. Let yourself spend more time in prayer, or in church, or perform an act of charity. May you come to better understand how much God loves you, and may you be an example of His love to those you encounter,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, where those who greeted Jesus waved palms and set them on the ground along His path. Palms are recognized as a symbol of victory and peace.

Following the procession, Bishop Brennan celebrated the Spanish Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. Holy Week concludes on Easter Sunday with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The photos and video are courtesy of John Quaglione/DeSales Media.

VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/926900585

Photos attached.

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Announcement of Death – Reverend John J. Garkowski

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend John J. Garkowski, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Garkowski was born on January 18, 1939, was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1966, and died Saturday, March 23, 2024. 

Father Garkowski served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (South Ozone Park), Saint Pancras (Glendale), and Saint Bartholomew (Elmhurst). 

The arrangements are as follows: 

WAKE:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help R.C. Church
111-50 115th Street
South Ozone Park, New York 11420
Tel: (718) 843-1212
Monday, April 1, 2024  – 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday, April 2, 2024  – 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM 

FUNERAL:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help R.C. Church
111-50 115th Street
South Ozone Park, New York 11420
Tel: (718) 843-1212
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
11:00 AM 

BURIAL:
Saint John’s Cemetery
Middle Village, New York 

Father Garkowski 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, Mr. Gary Garkowski, c/o Our Lady of Perpetual Help R.C. Church, 111-50 115th Street, South Ozone Park, New York 11420. 

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

Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs 

 

Announcement of Death- Reverend John S. Wtulich

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend John S. Wtulich, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Wtulich was born on August 19, 1946 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 27, 1972 and died Friday, March 22, 2024.

Father Wtulich served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Administrator of the Parish of Saint Virgilius (Rockaway Beach), and Pastor of the Parish of Saint Catharine of Alexandria (Brooklyn). He also served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Saint Francis de Sales (Belle Harbor), Our Lady of the Snows (Floral Park), Saint Rosalia–Basilica of Regina Pacis (Brooklyn), Our lady of Angels (Brooklyn), Saint Robert Bellarmine (Bayside), Good Shepherd (Brooklyn), and Sacred Heart (Brooklyn). Father Wtulich was in residence at Bishop Mugavero Residence (Douglaston), and Saint Camillus–Saint Virgilius (Rockaway Beach).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:

Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
9:00 AM – 10:45 AM

FUNERAL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
11:00 AM

BURIAL:      Calvary Cemetery
Woodside, New York

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 sister-in-law, Mrs. Rita Wtulich, 16 Meadowbrook Lane, Goshen, New York 10924.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.
Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

 

CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS OPEN FOR CONFESSION MONDAY IN PREPARATION FOR EASTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2024

Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, is inviting Catholics throughout Brooklyn and Queens to confession on Reconciliation Monday, Monday, March 25, 2024

The goal of Reconciliation Monday, held on the Monday of Holy Week, is to encourage Catholics to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection from the dead. Most parishes will have a priest available to hear confessions from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“Reconciliation Monday is an opportunity to experience the healing power of our Lord. As we seek to grow closer to the Lord, let us ask our all-loving and merciful God to forgive us of our sins. Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate Easter with a clean heart, free of the burden of our sins,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

The faithful are invited to visit any parish in Brooklyn and Queens, however times and availability may change based on the parish. For a complete listing of parishes, please visit dioceseofbrooklyn.org/parishes/locator/

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Reconciliation Monday is March 25, 2024.

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