BROOKLYN BISHOP JOINS NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT DREAMERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 6, 2017

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
718-408-6367
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

 

BROOKLYN BISHOP JOINS NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT DREAMERS 

On Wednesday, December 6, the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, along with Catholic bishops from across the country, is taking part in the #iMarch campaign, a national day of action for immigration reform.

In a 40-second social media video and a 30-second radio spot, Bishop DiMarzio calls on Congress to act now to protect hundreds of thousands of young people from deportation. These young people, known as Dreamers, were children when their parents brought them to the United States. They now face deportation because the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been terminated.  The DACA program is set to expire in March 2018, unless Congress comes up with a legislative alternative.

The video message is being shared on Facebook and Twitter. The radio spot is airing on 1010 WINS, WOR, and 106.7 FM.

In his messages, Bishop DiMarzio says “America is a beacon of hope, and these innocent young people, have done nothing wrong and should not be punished.  They should not be forced to leave America which is their home. Congress must pass legislation that allows them to stay, study and work legally in the United States.”

The #iMarch campaign was launched by the New American Economy, a group of republican, democratic, and independent mayors and business leaders who support immigration reform that will help create jobs for Americans. Dreamers, along with faith, business, education, agricultural, and political leaders are being asked to participate.

The Wednesday, December 6 day of action will extend through Thursday, December 7, with a number of cities planning events on the second day.

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Diocese Christmas Tree Lighting

The Christmas Tree and Nativity Creche are world-wide symbols of the holidays in New York City. This year, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s 2018 Christmas Tree will be lit for the first time on Tuesday, December 11th at 5:00 PM at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

Join Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and parishioners from all over Brooklyn and Queens for this special occasion. The Tree will remain lit and can be viewed until January 2019.

 

Official Statement of the Diocese of Brooklyn

The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that James Lara, aka Jaime Lara, who was ordained in 1973 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1992, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized by the Holy Father.  This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric.  This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is consistent with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Joseph P. Byrns, who was ordained in 1969 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2002, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that William E. Finger, who was ordained in 1962 and was in active ministry until his departure in 1980, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship, which at the time was the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Stephen Placa, who was ordained in 1995 and was in active ministry until his departure in 2002, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Thomas O. Morrow, who was ordained in 1971 and was in active ministry until his departure in 1987, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Romano J. Ferraro, who was ordained in 1960 and was removed from active ministry in 1988, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Charles M. Mangini, who was ordained in 1968 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1993, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Christopher Lee Coleman, who was ordained in 1994 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2011, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Robert McConnin, who was ordained in 1973 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2007, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Thomas Nohilly, who was ordained in 1981 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2002, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Barry E. Ryan, who was ordained in 1976 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1994, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Patrick Sexton, who was ordained in 1977 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1990, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Daniel J. Sheehan, who was ordained in 1979 and was in active ministry until his departure in 1998, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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Passing of Monsignor Joseph R. Rosa

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor Joseph R. Rosa, a retired senior priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, who was residing at the Bishop Mugavero Residence. Monsignor Rosa was born on June 16, 1937 in Syracuse, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 8, 1976, and died Thursday, July 6, 2017, at NYU Lutheran Medical Center.

Monsignor Rosa served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of Most Precious Blood (Brooklyn), Our Lady of Lourdes (Brooklyn) and as Administrator and Parochial Vicar of St. Agnes (Brooklyn). He was appointed as a member of the Diocesan College of Consultors. On September 5, 1995, he was named Prelate of Honor to His Holiness.

The arrangements are as follows:

Wake:
Saturday, July 8, 2017
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m.

Labella Funeral Home
2625 Harway Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11214
Tel: (718) 372-4242

Sunday, July 9, 2017
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Most Precious Blood R.C. Church 
70 Bay 47th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11214
Tel: (718) 372-8022

(Please note change in location for Sunday)

Vigil Mass
Most Precious Blood R.C. Church
Sunday, July 9, 2017, 7:30 PM

Funeral Mass
Most Precious Blood R.C. Church
Monday, July 10, 2017, 10:30 a.m.

70 Bay 47th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11214
Tel: (718) 372-8022

Burial
The Evergreens Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Monsignor Rosa was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society. All priests are invited to concelebrate the Liturgy. Please bring your diocesan vestments.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his niece, Ms. Patricia Rosa:
7-2 Deptford Court
Freehold, New Jersey 07728.

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 Anthony Hernandez, J.C.L.
Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Independent Reconciliation And Compensation Program

For Spanish click here

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

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.

Read more »

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

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

Passing of Bishop Thomas Daily: Viewing and Funeral

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio regrets to inform the faithful of the Diocese of Brooklyn of the death of Most Reverend Thomas Vose Daily, Bishop Emeritus of Brooklyn. Bishop Daily was born on September 23, 1927, ordained a priest on January 10, 1952, ordained a bishop on February 11, 1975, appointed as Bishop of Palm Beach from 1984 through 1990, and served as Bishop of Brooklyn from 1990 through 2003. Bishop Daily died on May 15, 2017 at the Bishop Mugavero Residence at Immaculate Conception Center.

The arrangements are as follows:

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Viewing: 2:00 PM – 9:00PM
Immaculate Conception Center Main Chapel 7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: 718-299-8001 Ext. 2100
Evening Prayer: 5:30 PM

Immaculate Conception Center Main Chapel 7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: 718-299-8001 Ext. 2100

Vigil Service: 7:30 PM
Immaculate Conception Center Main Chapel 7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: 718-299-8001 Ext. 2100

Thursday, May 18, 2017 

Viewing: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cathedral Basilica of Saint James 250 Cathedral Place
Brooklyn, New York 11201
(718) 852-4002

Vigil Mass: 7:30 PM Cathedral Basilica of Saint James 250 Cathedral Place
Brooklyn, New York 11201
(718) 852-4002

Friday, May 19, 2017 

Viewing: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Immaculate Conception Center Main Chapel 7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: 718-299-8001 Ext. 2100 Funeral: 11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Center
Main Chapel 7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: 718-299-8001 Ext. 2100

Burial:
Bishops’ Crypt
Douglaston, New York

Condolences may be sent to his nephew, Reverend Vincent Daily, at Saint Gregory Rectory, 2223 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02124. 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.

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio
Bishop of Brooklyn

Bishop Thomas V. Daily Dies at 89

“Bishop Daily was a man who personified the Second Vatican Council’s call for a preferential option for the poor. He ministered to indigenous people amidst poverty in Peru, women in crisis pregnancies, as well as new and often poor immigrants living in Brooklyn. He never acted out of malice or to further his own self-interest. At heart he was a missionary. I suspect he wished he could have remained in the missions his entire life.”  -Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn


MOST REVEREND THOMAS V. DAILY, BISHOP EMERITUS OF BROOKLYN, HAS DIED AT 89 YEARS OLD 

The Most Reverend Thomas Vose Daily, Bishop Emeritus of Brooklyn died overnight at the Immaculate Conception Center’s Bishop Mugavero Residence in Douglaston, Queens. Bishop Daily, served as Bishop of Brooklyn from 1990 until his retirement in 2003.

Bishop Daily was installed as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, in 1990 and served during a time of racial tension and financial hardship. In his later years, Bishop Daily suffered declining health. Read more »

Assumption Means Renewal by Bishop DiMarzio

August 10, 2017 – Excerpted From Put Out Into The Deep, Bishop DiMarzio’s column in The Tablet:

My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,

There is a wonderful story of a little girl who is lost in a shopping mall. She was crying and no one could comfort her. Finally, a policeman came upon her and asked, “Little girl, have you lost your mother?”

The little girl stopped crying and responded, “No, my mother lost me!”

Many times in the course of our lives we feel that we are lost. This coming week, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In many ways, it is about a mother who cannot lose any of her children, a mother to whom we can go whenever we feel lost, alienated, or simply in need of comfort.

Read the full text of the Bishop’s column on The Tablet website.

‘Declaring A Year For Vocations’ by Bishop DiMarzio

April 19, 2017 – Excerpted from Put Out Into The Deep, Bishop DiMarzio’s column in The Tablet:

My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,

This is the complete text of Bishop DiMarzio’s homily at the Chrism Mass celebrated April 11 at St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral in Prospect Heights.

During one of my Catholic Schools Week visits, a young student asked me, “Bishop, do you give the priests “pep talks?” Well, consider tonight your “pep talk!”

It was during one of my school visits that a third grader asked the question, “What does God look like?” I was surprised by his question and answered, with the Holy Spirit’s assistance, “God is love, when you see love or express love, you see God.”

A priest friend of mine was working with mentally challenged people and went door-to-door in his parish seeking out children for special catechism classes. He rang the bell at one home and the door was answered by a young boy with Down Syndrome. When he saw the priest, the boy called to his mother and shouted, “God is here!”

Read the full text of the Bishop’s column on The Tablet website.