Author: Carolyn Erstad

SURVEILLANCE VIDEO CAPTURES MAN THREATENING TO KILL NUN INSIDE BROOKLYN CHURCH

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Surveillance video: https://vimeo.com/224391895

Police are investigating a possible hate crime tonight after a man walked inside a Prospect lights Church and threatened a nun.p

The nun, Mother Superior of her community, was praying in a pew at about 2:00 p.m. inside the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in Brooklyn, when the man approached her.

He said, “I don’t believe in this because you don’t help the poor.” When the nun did not respond, he said, “What did I say?”

The nun began to look toward a woman in another pew when the man said, “She can’t help you. I’m going to kill you.” The nun ran and called for help.

The crime was caught on surveillance video. The man is described as African-American, bald, about 6’ tall with a medium build. He was wearing khaki shorts, white sneakers, carrying a white baseball-style cap in his hand and a shirt in his back pocket.

The nun was praying in the church while another sister from the parish is leading a service mission to assist the poor in West Virginia.

The victim is available for media interviews by contacting Carolyn Erstad at 323-384-7098.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

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DE LA MANO DE LAS VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSO SEXUAL

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Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo:

Como Obispo de Brooklyn, les anuncio un nuevo e importante paso en el esfuerzo continuo de nuestra Diócesis para promover la sanación de menores víctimas de abuso sexual por parte de miembros del clero. Esta nueva iniciativa será el Programa Independiente de Reconciliación y Compensación (IRCP, por sus siglas en inglés) y es algo más que hace nuestra Diócesis —que sirve a las comunidades de Brooklyn y Queens— para reconocer el daño causado por sacerdotes o diáconos, y mostrar nuestra solidaridad con los sobrevivientes.

El IRCP toma como modelo el programa establecido en octubre pasado por la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York. Las decisiones de compensación serán tomadas por Kenneth R. Feinberg, quien administró numerosos programas de indemnización de alto perfil, incluyendo el Fondo de Compensación de Víctimas del 11 de Septiembre y el fondo de compensación para víctimas del derrame de petróleo de BP en el Golfo de México; sirvió como mediador para casos de abuso sexual en Penn State University, y administró muchos otros programas corporativos y caritativos independientes de indemnización. El Sr. Feinberg tendrá independencia total para determinar la compensación para los sobrevivientes.

Durante mis años como obispo diocesano, primero en Camden, y luego en Brooklyn y Queens, me he reunido con más de 50 víctimas. Es duro oírlos hablar del dolor causado por el comportamiento criminal de miembros del clero. Sé bien que ninguna cantidad de dinero borrará jamás las cicatrices del abuso, pero este programa de compensación es una expresión concreta de nuestra contrición y nuestro deseo de reparar el daño causado. Esperamos que ayude con el proceso de sanación y contribuya a poner fin a la traumática experiencia.

La Oficina de la Diócesis de Brooklyn de Ayuda a Víctimas de Abuso Sexual continuará todos los esfuerzos que ha venido haciendo para apoyar a las víctimas, entre ellos el pago de terapias provistas por profesionales independientes que no estén afiliados a la Iglesia, seguirá ofreciendo varios grupos de apoyo y grupos de oración mensual, y continuará celebrando cada año la Misa de la Esperanza.

Hace cuatro años, las víctimas de abuso sexual por parte de miembros del clero en nuestra diócesis formaron un Comité Asesor de Sobrevivientes de la Diócesis de Brooklyn. Este programa, al igual que todos nuestros esfuerzos de divulgación, ha sido consultado con este grupo de sobrevivientes. Continuaré escuchando y teniendo en cuenta los criterios de estas personas para desarrollar nuevas maneras de responder a sus necesidades como víctimas.

Quiero también asegurarles a todos los feligreses y donantes de nuestra Diócesis de Brooklyn, que ni un centavo de sus contribuciones será destinado para cubrir los costos de compensación a las víctimas de abuso. La Diócesis pedirá un préstamo para cubrir el costo y lo pagará con los ingresos generados por los alquileres. La diócesis no usará dinero que donen los fieles para apoyar a sus parroquias, escuelas, obras benéficas, ministerios y apostolados o a la campaña de recaudación de fondos Generations of Faith. La carga financiera será asumida adecuadamente por la administración diocesana central.

De acuerdo con nuestras normas diocesanas, todas y cada una de las reclamaciones de conducta sexual inapropiada contra un menor han sido reportadas al fiscal del distrito. Cualquier nueva denuncia que salga a la luz a través de este programa también será reportada al fiscal del distrito y a cualquier otra autoridad correspondiente.

En consonancia con las fuerzas del orden, la diócesis entiende la importancia de proteger la identidad de las víctimas de abuso sexual. Con ese fin, la diócesis y el programa IRCP respetarán la privacidad de los participantes. Sin embargo, queremos dejar claro que bajo los protocolos de la Carta de Dallas, aprobada por los Obispos de los Estados Unidos en 2002, los participantes mismos no estarán sujetos a ningún acuerdo de confidencialidad y podrán hablar sobre cualquier aspecto de su caso y la compensación que pudieran recibir con quien deseen hacerlo.

Nunca dejaremos de trabajar por la rehabilitación, la compensación y la reconciliación. Aquí en la Diócesis de Brooklyn, reafirmamos nuestro compromiso con la protección de los menores, al tiempo que vamos de la mano con los sobrevivientes camino a su sanación integral.

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES INDEPENDENT RECONCILIATION AND COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE

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The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing a significant step in its ongoing response to the sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy. The Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) will allow survivors of sexual abuse by priests or deacons of the Diocese to seek financial compensation. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio is implementing the voluntary program in Brooklyn and Queens to promote healing and to bring some element of closure.

“I am well aware that no amount of money will ever heal the scars of abuse, but this compensation program is a concrete expression of our contrition and our desire to make amends,” Bishop DiMarzio said in a video statement announcing the IRCP. (Read Bishop DiMarzio’s written statement here)

How the Program Works
The Diocese of Brooklyn’s IRCP will be administered by renowned settlement administrators and compensation experts Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille S. Biros. Modeled after a program launched last October by the Archdiocese of New York, Feinberg and Biros will have total independence in determining compensation for survivors, and the Diocese will abide by their decisions. To further ensure public confidence in the IRCP, the Independent Oversight Committee has been established. Retired NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Joseph P. Dunne, retired New York State Supreme Court Justice Joseph G. Golia, and former president of the Queens Chapter of the American Psychiatric Association Dr. Barbara L. Ponieman have agreed to serve on this committee. Commissioner Dunne and Justice Golia have reviewed and approved the program’s protocol and will oversee its implementation and administration. The decisions made by Feinberg and Biros will not, however, be subject to appeal and cannot be overturned by the committee or the Diocese.

“We commend Bishop DiMarzio and the Brooklyn Diocese for their decision to implement the Brooklyn IRCP,” Feinberg said. “The Brooklyn Program continues the successful implementation of our work with the New York Archdiocese for which we have made payments to over 120 eligible individuals. We look forward to working with the Diocese and the Independent Oversight Committee.”

Policy on Reporting Abuse and Issues of Confidentiality
The Diocese of Brooklyn reports all claims of sexual abuse against a minor, irrespective of when the alleged abuse occurred, to the appropriate law enforcement agencies including the local district attorney.

Along with law enforcement authorities, the Diocese understands the importance of protecting the identity of victims of sexual abuse. To that end, the Diocese and the IRCP will respect the privacy of participants. However, participants themselves will not be bound by any type of confidentiality agreement and are free to discuss any and all aspects of their case and the compensation they may receive with anyone they wish.

Continued Victim Outreach
The Diocese of Brooklyn’s Office of Victim Assistance will continue all of its past efforts to support victims, such as paying the cost of therapy provided by independent professionals who are unaffiliated with the Church, offering various support groups, providing monthly prayer groups, and holding our annual Mass of Hope and Healing. Bishop DiMarzio will continue to listen to and be guided by the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Survivors Advisory Committee, whose members were victims of clergy abuse, in developing new ways to respond to the needs of victims.

Victim Response to the IRCP
Anthony Hughes, 41, came forward in 2006 to report being abused by a priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn in the 1980s. Hughes says at first the Church was unsupportive and he felt that he was not believed, but in recent years there has been a significant shift. “This Bishop [DiMarzio] is listening to survivors. People need to know that the Church is moving in the right direction.” Today, Hughes is a member of the Survivors Advisory Committee and speaks publicly about his story.

Funding the IRCP
The Diocese will take out a loan to pay for the cost of compensating survivors. Donations given by the faithful in support of parishes, schools, charitable works, ministries, apostolates, and the Generations of Faith fundraising campaign will not be used to fund the IRCP.

How to File a Claim
The Diocese has already begun reaching out to survivors who have previously reported abuse by a diocesan clergy member. These known survivors are invited to participate in Phase I of the IRCP. In the next few days, these individuals will be receiving further information by mail from Mr. Feinberg and Ms. Biros with details about the IRCP process and instructions for submitting a claim. (The deadline for filing a claim in Phase I of the IRCP is September 30, 2017.)

Those who may come forward with a previously unreported allegation of abuse will be eligible to participate in Phase II by first registering through the program’s website to receive information for Phase II when it becomes available.

To learn more about the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program and for information on how to file a claim, go to www.BrooklynDiocese-IRCP.com or call toll free 855-796-3463.

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DIÓCESIS DE BROOKLYN ANUNCIA FONDO INDEPENDIENTE DE RECONCILIACIÓN Y COMPENSACIÓN PARA SOBREVIVIENTES DE ABUSO SEXUAL POR PARTE DEL CLERO

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22 de junio, 2017 – La Diócesis de Brooklyn realizó un anuncio importante relacionado a sus continuos esfuerzos por responder a los casos de abuso sexual de menores por parte de integrantes del clero. La diócesis establecerá el Programa Independiente de Reconciliación y Compensación (IRCP por sus siglas en inglés), que permitirá a todos los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual por parte de sacerdotes o diáconos de la diócesis reclamar compensación monetaria. Monseñor Nicholas DiMarzio, obispo de Brooklyn, ha decidido implementar este programa voluntario en Brooklyn y Queens, para promover la sanación de las víctimas y ayudar a poner fin a la traumática experiencia.

“Entiendo bien que ninguna cantidad de dinero borrará jamás las cicatrices del abuso, pero este programa de compensación es una expresión concreta de nuestra contrición y nuestro deseo de reparar el daño causado”, dijo monseñor DiMarzio en el vídeo en que anunció la creación del programa IRCP. (Para leer el mensaje del monseñor DiMarzio, haz click aquí.)

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STATEMENT FROM BISHOP DIMARZIO ON THE IRCP

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I am announcing a significant new step in the ongoing effort of the Diocese of Brooklyn to address the wounds of those sexually abused by members of the clergy. It is called the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP). It is one more way our diocese, which serves Brooklyn and Queens, can acknowledge the harm that was done by those who were priests or deacons and show our solidarity with survivors.  Our Program is modeled after the program recently launched by the Archdiocese of New York. Compensation decisions will be made by Kenneth R. Feinberg who administered numerous high-profile compensation programs, including the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, the compensation fund for the victims of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, served as a mediator for sexual abuse cases for Penn State University and administered many other corporate and charitable independent compensation programs. Mr. Feinberg will have total independence in his decisions.

Throughout my time as a diocesan bishop, first in Camden and then in Brooklyn and Queens, I have met with more than 50 survivors.  It is difficult to hear about the pain caused by the criminal behavior of members of the clergy.  I am well aware that no amount of money will ever heal the scars of abuse, but this program is a concrete expression of our contrition and our desire to make amends. We hope it will help with the healing process and bring survivors some element of healing.

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STATEMENT ON MIDDLE VILLAGE PREPARATORY CHARTER SCHOOL AND CHRIST THE KING HIGH SCHOOL

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The Diocese of Brooklyn supports the parents and students of Middle Village Preparatory Charter School (MVP). The diocese wants the school to remain open and its students to continue to thrive. We hope to resolve the ongoing dispute that threatens the school’s future.

We would like parents, students and the public at large to understand the nature of this dispute. Read more »

Bishop James Massa’s Address to Parents and Students

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Dear Parents and Students,

I am writing to clear up some misinformation that was disseminated by the administrations of Christ The King Catholic High School and Middle Village Preparatory Charter School. Letters sent home to students and parents indicated that the Diocese of Brooklyn is ordering the closure of Middle Village Prep. This is a misrepresentation of the truth and we at the diocese feel it is our obligation to clarify the facts.

The Diocese of Brooklyn believes in education, both parochial and public. Multiple charter schools currently utilize or share space in Catholic high school and parish buildings throughout the Diocese with the full support of the Church. We wish to see all of these schools, including Middle Village Prep, continue to thrive. But the power to keep Middle Village Prep open lies with Christ the King High School.

In recent years Christ the King has refused to re-affirm and honor its long-standing covenant with the Diocese of Brooklyn—a covenant that is honored by all other Catholic regional high schools in the Diocese. This covenant requires that these high schools operate in consultation with the Diocese when conducting enterprises unrelated to their function as Catholic schools.

After years of unsuccessful efforts to work in cooperation with Christ the King High School, the Diocese of Brooklyn was left with no other recourse but to file a lawsuit. In March of 2017, and after several years of litigation, the Supreme Court ruled that use of the premises for the operation of a charter school is a breach of Christ the King’s agreement with the Diocese. The court ordered Christ the King to discontinue the use of the premises for a charter school without the permission of the Diocese, effective at the end of the current academic year.

The diocese has made it clear to Christ the King that it will permit use of the property for a charter school, hence allowing Middle Village Prep to remain open. The diocese’s sole requirement is that Christ the King adhere to the same conditions accepted by all other Catholic regional high schools and parishes in the diocese.

It is the Diocese of Brooklyn’s fervent hope and prayer that Christ the King will forever continue to serve the young men and women of the Diocese and that the property will continue to serve the most worthy cause of education.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

 

 

Bishop James Massa

Diocese of Brooklyn

DECREE PERTAINING TO ST. ROSALIA

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I, the undersigned Bishop of Brooklyn, decree that the Church of Saint Rosalia, located at 6301 14th Avenue in the Borough of Brooklyn, which is within the territory of the Parish of the Basilica of Regina Pacis is hereby RELEGATED TO THE PROFANE BUT NOT SORDID USE according to the provisions of Can. 1222 § 2.

After a careful consideration of the pastoral and financial needs, a determination was reached that the cost of maintaining Saint Rosalia as an additional worship site was prohibitive to both Parish of the Basilica of Regina Pacis as well as to the Diocese of Brooklyn, especially in light of the significant financial hardship being experienced by both entities.

Click here for the Decree pertaining to St. Rosalia

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO SPONSOR BILINGUAL MASS OF HOPE AND HEALING WITH SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

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On Wednesday, April 26 at 7:00 PM, the Diocese of Brooklyn, in partnership with survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy, will hold the third annual Mass of Hope and Healing. The bilingual Mass at St. Anselm Church, 356 82nd Street, Brooklyn is offered for all those affected by sexual abuse. The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will be the main celebrant.

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