Author: Adriana Rodriguez

BISHOP DIMARZIO ANNOUNCES CHURCHES IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS TO RETURN TO FULL CAPACITY, AMONG OTHER COVID-19 GUIDELINE UPDATES

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP DIMARZIO ANNOUNCES CHURCHES IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS TO RETURN TO FULL CAPACITY, AMONG OTHER COVID-19 GUIDELINE UPDATES

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced that effective this weekend, May 22-23, all Catholic churches throughout Brooklyn and Queens can return to full capacity.  The change was made among a listing of COVID-19 policy guidance updates.

“It is a good day,” said the Most Reverend Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, citing the forms of limitations on churches that have been in effect since last March. “Our churches are at full capacity once again, though we continue to keep restrictions in place knowing there are people yet to be vaccinated. We are not giving up our guard and as a community, it is very important that we continue to provide the safest environment possible for all to worship.”

The State of New York, following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has relaxed many of the current restrictions due to lower rates of infection, and higher numbers of people being vaccinated against COVID-19. Because of that, with the pastoral care of the people of Brooklyn and Queens in mind, Bishop DiMarzio is issuing the following guidelines:

*Brooklyn and Queens churches may open to full 100% capacity. There is no longer a need to rope off a pew between the occupied rows.

*Social distancing is still required for those who are not vaccinated. Unvaccinated parishioners should distance themselves from others who are not members of the same household.

*Masks are still mandatory in church for those who are not vaccinated. However, everyone is encouraged to wear masks while in church.

*Hymnals and missalettes can once again be used.

*Lectors can read from the main pulpit.

*Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may resume their ministry with proper hand hygiene before and after assisting in the distribution of Holy Communion.

*Collection baskets may resume as normal.

*The Offertory Procession with the gifts of bread and wine can resume.

*Choirs with vaccinated members can operate as normal; unvaccinated choir members must continue to maintain social distancing.

*Altar servers may resume their ministry with proper hygiene protocols.

*Hand hygiene is still required and disinfectant use should be encouraged. Additionally, it is wise to provide disinfectant at church entrances.

The Diocese of Brooklyn is relying on the honesty of the faithful as to their vaccination status. The dispensation from attending Holy Mass, which has been in effect since the start of the pandemic, will be lifted the weekend of June 5-6, on the Feast Day of Corpus Christi (The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord). Although the dispensation will be lifted, those who are feeling ill and those caring for the sick, continue to be dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass.

Parishes are encouraged to continue live-streaming of Mass, and DeSales Media will continue the broadcast of the Holy Mass on the Diocesan cable channel, NET-TV, which can be seen on FIOS by Verizon (Ch. 548), Spectrum (Ch.30), Optimum (Ch. 30), or the channel’s website at netny.tv.

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CALLS ON NYPD TO INCREASE PATROL AROUND CHURCHES AS SECOND ACT OF VANDALISM IS DISCOVERED WITHIN THREE DAYS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

VANDALISM DISCOVERED ON GROUNDS OF THE OFFICES OF DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

            The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing that a statue depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus, was vandalized over the weekend on the grounds of the Diocesan administrative offices, located at 310 Prospect Park West in the Windsor Terrace section of Brooklyn.

Jesus, held in the arms of His Mother Mary, was decapitated. The destruction was discovered by a facilities manager and immediately reported to the New York City Police Department. The crime is currently being investigated as a hate crime. The Diocese is already working towards repairing the statue to its original form.

This is the second incident in a matter of three days. During the early morning hours of Friday, May 14, a Crucifix was toppled and damaged, and an American Flag burned, at St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church in Bensonhurst. Parishioners gathered Friday evening in prayer.

“We are definitely concerned that there is a pattern of hate crimes against Catholics. There was a hate crime at a Bensonhurst parish on Friday morning and now, just a few days later, this is act of hatred has been discovered at the Diocesan offices. The Diocese will be notifying our churches to be on alert, and we are asking the NYPD to increase patrols in and around the area of our churches. Hatred and intolerance of the Catholic faith, and for that matter any faith, has no place here,” said Monsignor Anthony M. Hernandez, Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).  A photo of the damaged statue is attached.

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO HOST FORUM ON THE YEAR OF RENEWAL FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO HOST FORUM ON THE YEAR OF RENEWAL FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS

Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of School Support Services for the Diocese of Brooklyn, has announced the 2021 Catholic Education Year of Renewal Summit will take place on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.  The virtual event will celebrate the students, teachers, staff, and parish communities throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens who have made Catholic education possible throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will offer the opening prayer and remarks. A panel discussion will include Monsignor David Cassato, Vicar for Catholic Schools, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Vicar for Development, Father Joseph Gibino, Vicar for Evangelization and Catechesis, and Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of School Support Services.

“Teachers and principals have been so strong, dedicated and present for their students.  We opened fully in-person in September and while taking all of the necessary precautions, have supported our students as they adjusted and pushed forward in this new world. The 2021 Catholic Education Year of Renewal Summit will be a special night that will warm your heart,” said Superintendent Thomas Chadzutko.

The 69 Catholic elementary schools and academies in Brooklyn and Queens opened on time and have maintained safe and consistent in-person instruction from Nursery (PreK-3) through the 8th grade. An innovative online program with live instruction is also offered to those needing, or choosing, to keep their children at home. K-8 enrollment has increased at 40% of the elementary schools this year.

The dual-language program at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in Flushing will be among the curriculum highlights of programs taking place within the Diocesan schools. Father Alonzo Cox, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Coordinator of the African-American Apostolate, will speak about cultural integration in the schools and religious education.

The event will also feature interviews with priests, principals, students, teachers, and parents of Diocesan schools and Religious Education programs, both essential to the growth of parishes in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Throughout this pandemic, the Catholic schools, academies, and Religious Education programs have been a source of strength for communities, joining together to help afflicted families.

Members of the media are invited to participate in this virtual event and can receive the event link by emailing jquaglione@desalesmedia.org.

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BISHOP DIMARZIO TO OFFER MASS IN REMEMBRANCE OF FATHER GIOACCHINO BASILE; LOST TO COVID-19 ONE YEAR AGO

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP DIMARZIO TO OFFER MASS IN REMEMBRANCE OF FATHER GIOACCHINO BASILE; LOST TO COVID-19 ONE YEAR AGO

Brooklyn – The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will join the parish community of St. Gabriel’s in remembering the life of Father Gioacchino Basile at a Mass tomorrow, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 7 p.m. Father Basile passed away on April 4, 2020, from COVID-19. He was 60 years old.

Bishop DiMarzio will celebrate the memorial Mass at St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church, located at 26-26 98th Street in the East Elmhurst section of Queens, where Father Basile served as Pastor at the time of his death. Father Basile also served as the Spiritual Director of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Douglaston, and assisted as a chaplain at LaGuardia Airport.

Father Gioacchino Basile was born in Calabria, Italy, and was ordained to the Priesthood in the Archdiocese of Newark on May 27, 1995. He was assigned to the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2008, and was appointed as the Administrator of St. Gabriel’s. Father Basile, before coming to the Diocese of Brooklyn, spent time in service as a Priest in the Diocese of Ponce in Puerto Rico.

At the time of his passing, Bishop DiMarzio said, “Father Gioacchino Basile was small in stature but mighty in energy for the Lord. He ministered well to all of the people of his parish and the faithful of the Diocese in Brooklyn and Queens.”

Members of the media are invited to attend and are asked to confirm their attendance with the Diocesan press office. Masks must be worn at all times inside of the Church and social distancing guidelines must be followed.

 

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MONSEÑOR KIERAN HARRINGTON, VICARIO DE COMUNICACIONES DE LA DIÓCESIS DE BROOKLYN, ES NOMBRADO DIRECTOR NACIONAL DE LAS OBRAS MISIONALES PONTIFICIAS

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA: 14 de abril de 2021

CONTACTOS DE PRENSA:

Adriana Rodríguez

646-241-9805

arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione

718-576-9180

jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

MONSEÑOR KIERAN HARRINGTON, VICARIO DE COMUNICACIONES

DE LA DIÓCESIS DE BROOKLYN, ES NOMBRADO DIRECTOR

NACIONAL DE LAS OBRAS MISIONALES PONTIFICIAS

 

Mons. Nicholas DiMarzio, obispo de Brooklyn, tiene el placer de anunciar el nombramiento de Mons. Kieran E. Harrington como nuevo director nacional de las Obras Misionales Pontificias. El nombramiento fue hecho por el cardenal Luis Antonio Tagle, prefecto de la Congregación Vaticana para la Evangelización de los Pueblos. Las Obras Misionales Pontificias son organizaciones bajo la dirección del Santo Padre, el papa Francisco. Su propósito es la promoción de un espíritu misionero universal entre todos los católicos bautizados.

“He trabajado con Mons. Harrington en numerosas funciones durante los últimos 17 años o más, cinco de ellos viviendo en la Residencia del Obispo, y sé que su elección para esta asignación es absolutamente correcta. Siempre ha sentido un inmenso deseo de llevar las buenas nuevas de Jesucristo y la fe cristiana a lo demás, no solo en su parroquia, sino en todo el mundo. Mons. Harrington se destacará en este puesto por esa profunda fe y motivación para evangelizar. La Iglesia Universal se beneficiará gracias a la devoción de Mons. Harrington a nuestro Señor y a la comunidad a la que la Iglesia Católica está llamada a servir”, dijo Mons. Nicholas DiMarzio en un comunicado.

“Agradezco al obispo DiMarzio por su tutela y la confianza que ha depositado en mí como Rector / Párroco de la Concatedral de San José y la Iglesia de Santa Teresa. Además, estoy agradecido por la oportunidad de haber servido como Vicario de Comunicaciones de la Diócesis de Brooklyn y presidente y director ejecutivo de Desales Media”, dijo Monseñor Harrington. “También estoy agradecido al Cardenal Tagle por esta oportunidad de servir a la Iglesia Universal en este ministerio nacional para volver a despertar el impulso misionero en cada uno de nosotros, que está en el corazón de nuestro llamado bautismal”.

Ordenado sacerdote de la Diócesis de Brooklyn en el año 2001, Mons Harrington fue nombrado Vicario de Comunicaciones en 2006 y, dos años después, Rector de la Concatedral de San José en Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. Su Santidad el papa Benedicto XVI lo elevó al rango de Capellán Papal con el título de Reverendo Monseñor el 3 de septiembre de 2009. Desde el año 2011, Mons. Harrington se ha desempeñado como presidente y director ejecutivo de DeSales Media Group, la compañía sin fines de lucro de comunicaciones y tecnología de la Diócesis de Brooklyn. En este cargo, Mons. Harrington ha supervisado el periódico diocesano, The Tablet, NET, la estación de cable de la Diócesis de Brooklyn y las oficinas de asuntos gubernamentales y políticas públicas. Desde 2009 hasta 2018, Monseñor Harrington presentó In The Arena, un programa semanal en la radio WOR, que contó con invitados de renombre mundial, debates intensos y fascinantes entrevistas sobre temas actuales desde una perspectiva cultural católica.

“Ha sido un privilegio durante estos últimos trece años supervisar la restauración y el renacimiento de la Concatedral de San José. Durante este mandato, me encantó presenciar una primavera de renovación en la vida parroquial. Asimismo, reunir a un equipo de profesionales talentosos y llenos de fe para enfrentar los innumerables y complejos desafíos de comunicar el mensaje del Evangelio en un entorno de medios rápidamente cambiante, secular y muchas veces hostil, me ha permitido crecer espiritual y profesionalmente. Estoy en deuda con mis colegas y feligreses, por ayudarme a crecer en mi fe y en mi vida como cristiano”, declaró Mons. Harrington.

“Monseñor Kieran Harrington, mientras se desempeñaba como Rector de la Concatedral de San José —donde supervisó la hermosa restauración de la iglesia— y párroco de Santa Teresa de Ávila, pudo enfrentar muchos de los desafíos más grandes en nuestra Diócesis. Bajo su liderazgo con DeSales Media, ha liderado los esfuerzos para actualizar la tecnología en nuestras escuelas e iglesias, ha mejorado significativamente la presencia en las redes sociales y digitales de la Diócesis de Brooklyn y ha trabajado para aumentar la presencia de nuestros medios católicos locales. Agradezco a Mons. Harrington sus años de servicio, que le han permitido compartir sus múltiples talentos con nosotros, como un verdadero líder pastoral y de comunicación. Le pido al Señor que lo bendiga mientras asume este nuevo papel en la Iglesia”, continuó el obispo DiMarzio.

Mons. Harrington se graduó con honores de la Universidad de St. John con una licenciatura en Filosofía. Tiene una Maestría en Divinidad del Seminario de la Inmaculada Concepción y una Maestría en la Escuela de Negocios Stern de la Universidad de Nueva York.

Mons. Harrington es Caballero de la Orden Ecuestre del Santo Sepulcro, Caballero de Colón y miembro de la Antigua Orden de los Hibernianos. Es miembro de las juntas directivas de Futures in Education Foundation, Catholic Technology Network y Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School. Ha recibido numerosos premios y distinciones, incluidos el premio Saint Thomas More del Catholic Lawyers Guild, el premio Father Mychal Judge Award en la Great Irish Fair en Brooklyn, Nueva York, y el John Paul II Distinguished Stewardship Award.

Mons. Harrington sucede al padre Andrew Small, OMI, quien está completando su segundo mandato de cinco años como director de las Obras Misionales Pontificias. Las cuatro sociedades: la Sociedad para la Propagación de la Fe, la Asociación de la Santa Infancia, la Sociedad de San Pedro Apóstol y la Unión Misionera de Sacerdotes y Religiosos, recibieron el título de “pontificia” en 1922 para indicar su condición de instrumentos oficiales del Papa y de la Iglesia católica universal. El director nacional encabeza las cuatro sociedades en los Estados Unidos y supervisa la Colecta Dominical de Misiones Mundiales, que se lleva a cabo el tercer domingo de octubre de cada año.

(Se adjunta una foto de Mons. Kieran E. Harrington).

 

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DECLARACIÓN DEL OBISPO NICHOLAS DIMARZIO SOBRE LA LEGALIZACIÓN DE LA MARIHUANA EN EL ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA: 31 de marzo de 2021

CONTACTOS DE PRENSA:

Adriana Rodríguez

646-241-9805

arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione

718-576-9180

jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

DECLARACIÓN DEL OBISPO NICHOLAS DIMARZIO SOBRE LA LEGALIZACIÓN DE LA MARIHUANA EN EL ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK

Mons. Nicholas DiMarzio, obispo de Brooklyn, ha emitido la siguiente declaración en respuesta a la aprobación de la Legislatura del estado de Nueva York de un proyecto de ley que legaliza la marihuana en el estado de Nueva York, firmada por el gobernador Andrew Cuomo. El obispo ha expresado constantemente su oposición a la legalización de la marihuana como parte de este debate actual y durante intentos anteriores de los legisladores de Nueva York.

“Estoy muy decepcionado de que la marihuana recreativa pronto sea legal en el estado de Nueva York. La ciencia es clara y la estamos ignorando. La marihuana es una ‘droga de entrada’ que no es buena para la salud y tiene los mismos efectos cancerígenos que los cigarrillos. Con esta ley, más jóvenes empezarán a consumir marihuana porque piensan que son invencibles y que nada les afectará”.

“Esto no es bueno para nuestra sociedad”, añadió, “en Nueva York ni en ningún otro lugar. La marihuana recreativa también adormece los sentidos y no nos permite rendir al máximo. Nuestra fe aboga porque no hagamos nada que ponga en riesgo nuestra salud y nuestra vida. Evidentemente, esta es una ley que pondría a muchos católicos en desacuerdo con sus obligaciones morales”.

DECLARACIÓN DEL OBISPO NICHOLAS DIMARZIO SOBRE LA LEGALIZACIÓN DE LA MARIHUANA EN EL ESTADO DE NUEVA YORKDECLARACIÓN DEL OBISPO NICHOLAS DIMARZIO SOBRE LA LEGALIZACIÓN DE LA MARIHUANA EN EL ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK“Rezo por todos los neoyorquinos”, concluyó Mons. DiMarzio. “Pero especialmente por nuestros niños y jóvenes, a quienes estamos poniendo en peligro con la adopción de esta lamentable ley”.

 

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN VICAR FOR COMMUNICATIONS MONSIGNOR KIERAN HARRINGTON APPOINTED NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN VICAR FOR COMMUNICATIONS

MONSIGNOR KIERAN HARRINGTON APPOINTED

NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington, as the new national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The appointment was made by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The Pontifical Mission Societies are organizations under the direction of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Their purpose is the promotion of a universal missionary spirit among all baptized Catholics.

“I have worked with Monsignor Harrington in many capacities for the past 17 plus years, five of which were spent living at the Bishop’s Residence, and I know his selection for this assignment is the absolute right choice. There has always been an extraordinary desire within him to bring the good news of Jesus Christ, and the Christian faith, to the people not only of his parish, but throughout the world. Monsignor Harrington will excel in this position because of this deep faith and motivation to evangelize. The Universal Church will benefit because of Msgr. Harrington’s devotion to Our Lord, and to the people the Catholic Church is called to serve,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

“I am grateful to Bishop DiMarzio for his tutelage and the confidence he entrusted to me as Rector/pastor of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph and Church of St. Teresa. Moreover, I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as Vicar for Communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn, and President and Chairman of DeSales Media,” said Monsignor Harrington. “I am also thankful to Cardinal Tagle for this opportunity to serve the Universal Church in this national ministry to re-awaken the missionary impulse in each of us, which is at the heart of our baptismal calling.”

Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2001, Monsignor Harrington, was appointed Vicar for Communications in 2006 and Rector of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, in 2008. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the rank of Papal Chaplain with the title of Reverend Monsignor on September 3, 2009. Since 2011, Monsignor Harrington has served as the President and Chairman of DeSales Media Group, the communications, and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn. In this role, Monsignor Harrington has overseen the diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, NET, the cable station of the Diocese, and the diocesan public information and governmental affairs offices. From 2009 through 2018, Monsignor Harrington hosted ‘In The Arena,’ a weekly program on WOR radio, which featured world-renowned guests, intense debates, and compelling interviews on current topics from a Catholic cultural perspective.

“It has been a privilege over these last thirteen years to oversee the restoration and rebirth of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.  During this tenure, I was delighted to witness a springtime of renewal in parochial life. Likewise, drawing together a faith-filled and talented team of professionals to face the myriad and complex challenges of communicating the Gospel message in a rapidly changing, secular, and sometimes hostile media environment has enabled me to grow spiritually and professionally.  I am indebted to colleagues and parishioners for helping me to grow in my faith and life as a Christian,” said Monsignor Harrington.

“Monsignor Kieran Harrington, while serving as Rector of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, where he oversaw the beautiful restoration of the church, and Pastor of St. Teresa of Avila, was able to take on many of the great challenges facing our Diocese. Under his leadership with DeSales Media, he has led efforts to upgrade technology in our schools and churches, has significantly enhanced the digital and social media presence of the Diocese of Brooklyn, and has worked to grow the presence of our local Catholic media. I thank Monsignor Harrington for his years of service which have allowed him to share his many talents with us, as a true pastoral and communications leader. I ask the Lord to bless him as he takes this new role in the Church,” continued Bishop DiMarzio.

Monsignor Harrington graduated with honors from St. John’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. He holds a Masters of Divinity from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception and an MBA from the New York University Stern School of Business.

Monsignor Harrington is a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, a Knight of Columbus, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He serves on the boards of the Futures in Education Foundation, the Catholic Technology Network, and Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Saint Thomas More Award of the Catholic Lawyers Guild, the Father Mychal Judge Award at the Great Irish Fair in Brooklyn, New York, and the John Paul II Distinguished Stewardship Award.

Monsignor Harrington succeeds Father Andrew Small, OMI, who is completing his second five-year term as director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The four societies, the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Holy Childhood Association, the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious each received the title “pontifical” in 1922 to indicate their status as official instruments of the pope and of the universal Catholic Church. The national director heads the four societies in the United States and oversees the World Missions Sunday Collection, which is taken up on the third Sunday of October each year.

Photo of Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington is attached.

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STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO ON THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA IN NEW YORK STATE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO ON THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA IN NEW YORK STATE

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has issued the following statement in response to the New York State Legislature’s approval of a bill legalizing marijuana in New York State, which has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The Bishop has consistently voiced his opposition to the legalization of marijuana as part of this current debate and during previous attempts by New York lawmakers.

“It is extremely disappointing that recreational marijuana will soon be legal in the State of New York. The science is clear, and we are ignoring it. Marijuana is a gateway drug that is not good for your health and has the same carcinogenic effects that cigarettes do. With this law, more young people will start to use marijuana because they think they are invincible and nothing will affect them.

This is not a good thing for our society in New York or anywhere else. Recreational marijuana also deadens the senses and does not allow us to perform at our peak. Our faith says we should not do anything to endanger our health and our lives. So clearly, this is a law that would put many Catholics at odds with their moral obligations.

I pray for all New Yorkers, but especially our children and young people, who we are putting in harm’s way with the adoption of this terrible law.”

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CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS LEARN BRAILLE AS PART OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH PROJECT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS LEARN BRAILLE AS PART OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH PROJECT

            This year, to mark Women’s History Month at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy in Gravesend, Brooklyn, the fourth-grade students focused on learning about the life and legacy of Helen Keller. To complete the educational experience, teacher Christine Latona introduced the Braille alphabet to the students. The 19 students were then assigned a project to write their first and last names in Braille using green pigeon peas.

“The objective of teaching students about Helen Keller was to highlight the challenges Helen Keller suffered because of her disabilities. The students learned how difficult it is to communicate and write in Braille. They also learned that no matter how difficult their life is, anything can be accomplished with hard work, dedication and perseverance,” said Ms. Latona.

In addition to the Braille name card projects, currently on display in the hallway outside of the classroom, students were asked to prepare reports “All About Helen Keller.” Through their research, students had to explain why Helen Keller is an important historical figure, the obstacles she faced, the impact she had on the world, and identify interesting facts and characteristic traits about her.

“When my teacher told me we were going to learn about Helen Keller, I became very excited and interested. Her life was fascinating. I couldn’t imagine being like her. We learned that Helen used Braille to read and write, so when we did a project on Braille, it gave me a little experience of what it was like. Helen Keller is an inspiration and interesting person to learn about,” said fourth-grader Isabella Vizcarrondo.

Members of the media are invited to visit Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy to view the student work and for interviews. Attached is a photo of the Helen Keller bulletin board displaying the students’ Braille projects. On-site and virtual interviews can be arranged.

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN’S MASS FOR LIFE KICKS OFF NOVENA TO PRAY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ALL HUMAN LIFE

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 20, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN’S MASS FOR LIFE KICKS OFF NOVENA
TO PRAY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ALL HUMAN LIFE

The Diocese of Brooklyn is honoring the sacredness of human life by holding an opening Mass for Life on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. The Mass will kick off the Diocese’s 9 Days for Life Novena, which will provide daily reflections and opportunities for prayer and actions to promote the respect of all human life.

“Every year, Diocese of Brooklyn parishioners attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C. to pray for an end to the tragedy of abortion. This year due to the pandemic, the March for Life is virtual so attendance was not possible. But here in our Diocese, we can pray in communion for the protection of all human life, either at one of our Masses or through this year’s special Novena,” said Rev. Joseph Gibino, Vicar for Evangelization and Catechesis.

9 Days for Life is sponsored by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishop’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities and began in 2013. To participate in the Novena go to https://www.usccb.org/committees/pro-life-activities/join-9-days-life

Thursday’s Mass will be broadcast live on NET-TV, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s cable channel.  NET-TV, New York’s Catholic Station, can be seen on Channel 97 on Spectrum, Channel 30 on Optimum, and on Channel 548 on Verizon by Fios.

The closing Mass for Life will be held next week on Friday, January 29 at 7:30 pm at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Brooklyn.

 

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