FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2017

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org
Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

CATHOLIC NUN TO CATCH FIRST PITCH AT METS GAME
FOR “CATHOLIC DAY” AT CITI FIELD 

Sister Maria Bello, a Queens nun, will be dressed in her habit as she catches the ceremonial first pitch before Saturday’s Mets vs Reds game at Citi Field. Sister Maria will be joined by thousands of Catholics at the ballpark in celebration of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s first annual Catholic Day.  The event, Saturday, September 9, will begin with a 9:45 a.m. Mass, celebrated on the field by the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn. A full day of entertainment will follow, culminating with the New York Mets taking on the Cincinnati Reds.

“I’m a little nervous. I’ve never played baseball, but I’ve been called to serve for Catholic Day. I never thought part of my mission would involve the New York Mets, but here I am,” said Sister Maria, a native of Colombia who is doing missionary work at St. Bartholomew Church in Elmhurst, Queens.

LOCATION: Citi Field, 123-01 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY 11368

EVENT SCHEDULE:                                                                                                  
9:45 a.m. – Mass with Bishop DiMarzio 
11:30 a.m. – Marina Parking Lot entertainment featuring food, performances, carnival games, basketball
4:00 p.m. – Mets Plaza entertainment
7:00 p.m. – Sister Maria catches first pitch
7:10 p.m.– Mets vs Reds 

As part of Catholic Day, the Diocese will ask baseball fans to contribute to “Catholics Care,” a volunteer effort and text-to-donate campaign for Hurricane victims across the country. Fans can text “Catholics Care” to 917-722-4565.  People interested in volunteering can learn more on Saturday by going to dioceseofbrooklyn.org/care.

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