Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Leonard F. Badia, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who was exercising priestly ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach in Florida. Father Badia was born on August 23, 1934, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 1960, and died Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

Father Badi served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parish of Saint Francis Assisi, and Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Saint Margaret (Middle Village), Saint Andrew Avellino (Flushing), and Saint Kevin (Flushing). On March 25, 2001, he was named a canon of the Roman Catholic Church in the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Lowicz, Poland.

The arrangements are as follows:

Emmanuel Catholic Church
15700 South Military Trail Delray Beach, Florida 33484 Tel: (561) 496-2480
Monday, June 20, 2022
11:00 AM

Emmanuel Catholic Church
15700 South Military Trail Delray Beach, Florida 33484 Tel: (561) 496-2480
Monday, June 20, 2022
12:00 PM

INTERNMENT:
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 them to his niece, Madeline Turan, 1289 Roosevelt Way, Westbury, NY 11590.

A Memorial Mass will be held in the diocese in the near future.

Reverend Monsignor Steven Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor

Death of Reverend Michael J. Himes

On Saturday, June 11, 2022, our office sent out a notice regarding the death of Reverend Michael J. Himes, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who was released from Diocesan Assignment and had been a Professor of Theology at Boston College. Father Himes served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Saint Jerome (Brooklyn). Father Himes died Friday, June 10, 2022 in Massachusetts. Our office has recently been informed of the following:

A MEMORIAL MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: (718) 229-8001
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
11:00 AM

Priests who wish to concelebrate are asked to wear their diocesan vestments.
Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor

Death of Reverend Michael J. Himes

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Michael J. Himes, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who was released from Diocesan Assignment and had been a Professor of Theology at Boston College. Father Himes was born on May 12, 1947, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 27, 1972, and died Friday, June 10, 2022.

Father Himes served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Saint Jerome (Brooklyn).

Funeral arrangements will follow shortly.

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.

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


 

DECREE

I, the undersigned Bishop of Brooklyn, decree that the Church of St. Lucy – St. Patrick located at 924 Kent A venue, in the Borough of Brooklyn, which is within the territory of the Parish of Mary of Nazareth is hereby RELEGATED TO THE PROFANE BUT NOT SORDID USE according to the provisions of Can. 1222 §2.

After careful consideration of the pastoral and financial needs, a determination was reached that the cost of maintaining the Church of St. Lucy – St. Patrick as an additional worship site was prohibitive to both the Parish of Mary of Nazareth as well as to the Diocese of Brooklyn, especially in light of the significant financial hardship being experienced by both entities.

Taking into consideration the needs of the entire Diocese of Brooklyn, especially in light of the shortage of priests available for ministry as well as the significant financial burden that this structure is imposing on the Parish of Mary of Nazareth and in view of the current demographical shifts that have resulted in a diminished number of faithful in the surrounding area, I have decided to permanently relegate this space to the profane but not sordid use.

Reverend Henry Torres, the Administrator, wrote to request that the Church of St. Lucy -St. Patrick be relegated from the sacred to the profane. Prior to the issuance of this decree and in keeping with the universal norms of the Roman Catholic Church, after consultation with parishioners as well as the Episcopal Vicar for Brooklyn, the Most Reverend Neil Tiedemann, and after having definitely determined that the care of souls would not suffer because of this decision due to the close proximity of the parish church, I consented to this reduction.

After having determined that no other parties can legitimately claim rights for themselves in the Church of St. Lucy – St. Patrick, I presented this matter for a consultation to the Diocesan Presbyteral Council on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Having considered the matter carefully, the Council overwhelmingly supported my decision to relegate this structure.

Therefore, having carefully followed the provision set forth in Can. 1222 §2 and having determined with moral certitude that the care of souls would suffer no determent, I declare that this decree will take effect thirty (30) days after its publication and that by virtue of the same the Church of St. Lucy – St. Patrick will no longer be used for divine worship. In addition, I order that any sacred furnishing and artwork, which the Parish of Mary of Nazareth does not retain for its own use, be disposed of in a manner befitting their character and the known intentions of any donor. Furthermore, in addition to the usual requirements of law for the valid and licit alienation by the parish of the property concerned, any disposition of the church is subject to my approval as being constant with the requirements of Can. 1222 §2.

Given in Brooklyn, New York, this l 51 day of June in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Two.

 

Death Notice of a Priest-Rev. Msgr. August Bednartz

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor August C. Bednartz, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Bednartz was born on September 27, 1926, in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on June 7, 1952, and died Sunday, January 23, 2022.

Monsignor Bednartz served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the parish of Saint Raphael (Long Island City). He also served as Parochial Vicar of the parishes of Saint Aloysius (Brooklyn), Saint Margaret (Middle Village), and Our Lady of Miraculous Medal (Ridgewood). Monsignor Bednartz served as the director of the Diocesan Priests Day Recollection, as Advocate of the Brooklyn Diocesan Tribunal, and was also a member of the Priests Senate. He received the honor of Chaplain
of His Holiness in 1989.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:                           

American Martyrs Roman Catholic Church
79-43 Bell Boulevard
Bayside, New York 11364
Tel: (718) 464-4582
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

FUNERAL:                   

American Martyrs Roman Catholic Church
79-43 Bell Boulevard
Bayside, New York 11364
Tel: (718) 464-4582
Thursday, January 27, 2022
10:30 AM

BURIAL:                       

Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, 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 Bishop Mugavero Residence, Office for Senior Priests, 7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362.

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

I, the undersigned Bishop of Brooklyn, decree that the Church of Saint Margaret Mary, located at 918 27th Avenue, in the Borough of Queens, which is within the territory of the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is hereby RELEGATED TO THE PROFANE BUT NOT SORDID USE according to the provisions of Can. 1222 §2.

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

Taking into consideration the needs of the entire Diocese of Brooklyn, especially in light of the shortage of priests available for ministry as well as the significant financial burden that this structure is imposing on the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and in view of the current demographical shifts that have resulted in a diminished number of faithful in the surrounding area, I have decided to permanently relegate this space to the profane but not sordid use.

Reverend Monsignor Cuong Pham, Pastor, wrote to request that the Church of Saint Margaret Mary be relegated from the sacred to profane. Prior to the issuance of this decree and in keeping with the universal norms of the Roman Catholic Church, after consultation with parishioners as well as the Episcopal Vicar for Queens, the Most Reverend Paul Sanchez, and after having definitely determined that the care of souls would not suffer because of this decision due to the close proximity of the parish church, I consented to this reduction.

After having determined that no other parties can legitimately claim rights for themselves in the Church of Saint Margaret Mary, I presented this matter for consultation to the Diocesan Presbyteral Council on Thursday, December 2, 2021. Having considered the matter carefully, the Council overwhelmingly supported my decision to relegate this structure.

Therefore, having carefully followed the provision set forth in Can. 1222 §2 and having determined with moral ce11itude that the care of souls would suffer no determent, I declare that this decree will take effect thirty days (30) after its publication and that by virtue of the same the Church of Saint Margaret Mary will no longer be used for divine worship. In addition, I order that any sacred furnishing and artwork, which the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel does not retain for its own use, be disposed of in a manner befitting their character and the known intentions of any donor. Furthermore, in addition to the usual requirements of the law for the valid and licit alienation by the parish of the property concerned, the sale of the church is subject to my approval as being constant with the requirements of Can. 1222 §2.

Given in Brooklyn, New York, this 2nd day of December in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty One.

 

 

 

DECREE

I, the undersigned Bishop of Brooklyn, decree that the Church of Epiphany, located at 96 South 9th Street, in the Borough of Brooklyn, which is within the territory of the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul is hereby RELEGATED TO THE PROFANE BUT NOT SORDID USE according to the provisions of Can. 1222 §2.

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

Taking into consideration the needs of the entire Diocese of Brooklyn, especially in light of the shortage of priests available for ministry as well as the significant financial burden that this structure is imposing on the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul and in view of the current demographical shifts that have resulted in a diminished number of faithful in the surrounding area, I have decided to permanently relegate this space to the profane but not sordid use.

Very Reverend Jason Espinal, the Administrator, wrote to request that the Church of Epiphany be relegated from the sacred to profane. Prior to the issuance of this decree and in keeping with the universal norms of the Roman Catholic Church, after consultation with parishioners as well as the Episcopal Vicar for Brooklyn, the Most Reverend Neil Tiedemann, C.P., and after having definitely determined that the care of souls would not suffer because of this decision due to the close proximity of the parish church, I consented to this reduction.

After having determined that no other parties can legitimately claim rights for themselves in the Church of Epiphany, I presented this matter for a consultation to the Diocesan Presbyteral Council on Tuesday, September 28th, 2021. Having considered the matter carefully, the Council overwhelmingly supported my decision to relegate this structure.

Therefore, having carefully followed the provision set forth in Can. 1222 §2 and having determined with moral certitude that the care of souls would suffer no determent, I declare that this decree will take effect thirty days (30) after its publication and that by virtue of the same the Church of Epiphany will no longer be used for divine worship. In addition, I order that any sacred furnishing and artwork, which the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul does not retain for its own use, be disposed of in a manner befitting their character and the known intentions of any donor. Furthermore, in addition to the usual requirements of the law for the valid and licit alienation by the parish of the property concerned, the sale of the church is subject to my approval as being constant with the requirements of Can. 1222 §2.

Given in Brooklyn, New York, this 28th day of September in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty One.

 


 
 

 

 

BISHOP DIMARZIO URGES SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 19, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP DIMARZIO URGES SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI AMONG FAITHFUL OF BROOKLYN AND QUEENS

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, announced today that he has asked all parishes in the Diocese of Brooklyn to schedule a special voluntary collection for victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Bishop DiMarzio has requested that parish administrators throughout Brooklyn and Queens take up this collection as soon as possible. Each parish will schedule a collection and notify their congregation of the date over the next two weekends.

“We have all seen the painful images of devastation and heard of the deaths caused by the most recent earthquake in Haiti. Our heartfelt prayers go out to all those affected by this terrible disaster. I ask the Lord to extend His blessings upon our brothers and sisters in Haiti during this difficult time,” said The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

The Diocese of Brooklyn will send the money from this special collection to Haiti for distribution and direct assistance to those who have been affected. Checks for this collection should be made payable to the Compostela Fund of the RC Diocese of Brooklyn, with the notation “Haiti 2021” in the check’s memo section. Donations may also be sent via mail to: Compostela Fund c/o Diocesan Finance Office, 310 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215.

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NEWLY DEDICATED STATUE OF ST. BERNADETTE DAMAGED OUTSIDE QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

NEWLY DEDICATED STATUE OF ST. BERNADETTE DAMAGED OUTSIDE QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCH

            The Diocese of Brooklyn this afternoon is reporting an act of vandalism that has caused destruction to a newly installed statue of St. Bernadette, located outside St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in the Flushing section of Queens.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. this morning when a man jumped over the church fence and knocked the statue over. The damage to the statue is in the area of the left forearm and wrist.

The statue of St. Bernadette and a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes were dedicated earlier this summer, in remembrance of all parishioners who lost their lives to the Coronavirus.  Father Vincentius Do, Pastor of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, is already planning to have the statue repaired.

            “St. Michael’s plays a central role in the faith and care of our neighbors through our masses and faith-based services and that feed the hungry.  For sure this act of vandalism is upsetting, but the faithful of St. Michael’s and I are praying for the person who committed this act against our church. It is important to find the good in all things, and so I wish to take this opportunity to encourage the public to respect our church and our property, as well as that of all houses of worship,” said Father Vincentius Do, Pastor.

The 109th Precinct of the New York City Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).

St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, the first parish founded in Queens County in 1833, is located at 136-76 41st Avenue in Flushing. St. Bernadette is the patron saint of the poor, those ridiculed for their faith, and the sick.

Photos of the damaged statue are attached.

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