FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

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Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Dispensation from the

Law of Abstinence for the Fridays of Lent

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has granted all the faithful of the Diocese of Brooklyn a dispensation from the law of abstinence for the Fridays of Lent for this year. This is being done to assist people who may have difficulties in shopping for food or other reasons which would make this practice difficult at this time. Parishioners are reminded the Fridays of Lent remain days of penance and prayer, which is needed now more than ever.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

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Diocese of Brooklyn Churches and Rectories Closed

Two priests test positive for Coronavirus

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn has closed all churches in Brooklyn and Queens effective Noon today, Friday, March 20, 2020. The decision was made so to prevent the ever-present possibility of the virus spreading. All rectories were also closed for business today at noon, and parish office business will continue by telephone only.

 

As a result of the closures, funerals, weddings, and baptisms will not be permitted in church. This is because limiting them to 10 people is proving not to be feasible. Graveside services outdoors will be permitted, maintaining the recommendations of the CDC regarding social distancing and at the discretion of the cemetery administration. A memorial Mass for the deceased can be celebrated later. Weddings and baptisms will be postponed to a later date.

 

“We want to ensure that there cannot be any more possible exposure to the virus at one of our Churches in Brooklyn and Queens. This was not an easy decision to make, however, the safety of our parishioners and our priests, deacons, and religious and parish staff weigh heavily on my mind. Already, we have received word that two of our priests have tested positive. With the celebration of Masses on NET-TV in different languages and live-streamed on our website (dioceseofbrooklyn.org/masses), we can still experience a sense of solidarity that we feel at Church, knowing we are all in this situation together. United in prayer to our Lord, He will guide us out of the desert,” said the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

 

One priest with a confirmed case of Coronavirus is from Sacred Heart of Jesus in Glendale, Queens. He last celebrated Mass on Sunday, March 15 at 8 am and 11:30 am. He was also at the soup supper on Saturday, March 14 in the church basement. The other priest with Coronavirus celebrated Mass at St. Matthew’s Church in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 11:30 am. Both churches and rectories now will undergo a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be limited to emergencies only, and while it is necessary for the confession to be one-on-one and in-person, social distancing measures will be observed. A Confession could be held outdoors during this time so that the priest and penitent can be at some distance from each other. Spiritual counseling will be provided over the phone.

 

The Diocese is committed to serving the faithful in Brooklyn and Queens during this difficult time. While contact in person is limited at this time, the pastors and priests at our parishes are available by phone and via social media to help the faithful get through this trying time.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2020

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BISHOP DIMARZIO RELEASES VIDEO MESSAGE TO THE FAITHFUL FROM HIS HOME

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, on this the Feast of St. Joseph, Patron Saint of the Universal Church, has issued the following video statement to the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens.

 

Bishop DiMarzio, speaking from the Chapel in his residence, addresses the Coronavirus and speaks to the need at this time for people to not be far from the Word of God.

 

In the video, Bishop DiMarzio calls on St. Joseph, the protector of Jesus and Mary, to protect us from this virus and reminds the faithful to adhere to the precautions.

 

The video of the message, recorded in English, Spanish and Italian, follows:

ENGLISH

https://vimeo.com/398863371

SPANISH

https://vimeo.com/398875036

 

ITALIAN

https://vimeo.com/398876742

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2020

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Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Catholic Academies and Parish Schools

Will close until at least April 20, 2020

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D., has announced today all elementary Catholic Academies and Parish Schools in Brooklyn and Queens will remain closed until April 20, 2020. This follows last week’s announcement that the schools would be closed this week, March 16-March 20, 2020, out of an abundance of caution. The decision mirrors the New York City public schools announcement made last night.

 

“The decision to close is based on the interdependency of services between public schools and Catholic schools,” said Dr. Chadzutko.

 

Many families that attend Diocesan schools depend on the New York City services such as bus transportation, meals, nurses, and crossing and security guards.

 

“If there was a safe way for us to open sooner, we would, but we cannot function without those essential services,” said Joan McMaster, Associate Superintendent for Principal and Teacher Personnel.

 

The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control is to restrict gatherings of 50 or more people. Clearly, the school environment would be in violation.

 

The contingency pandemic plan, which is part of the Office of the Superintendent school crisis management plan, includes digital, distance and alternative instruction for students so that their education is not disrupted. A complete transition to that model of instruction will take place this week.

 

The Office of the Superintendent is in daily communication with city and state officials and is part of the Coronavirus Education Task Force of the NYC Department of Education. During this time, there is a constant reassessment of the situation and the necessary response in an effort to keep our school community safe.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2020

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BROOKLYN BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO DISPENSES THE FAITHFUL FROM MASS OBLIGATION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 

In an effort to be proactive in our response to the spread of the Coronavirus, the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice for Catholics of Brooklyn and Queens.

 

Sunday Public Masses will still be celebrated; however, the faithful are urged to exercise caution if they are to attend. The Diocese of Brooklyn will comply with the State’s regulations about large public gatherings. This dispensation remains in effect until further notice. 

 

Additionally, weekday masses will continue as usual with the normal precautions people should take when gathering in public places. Other celebrations (such as weddings and funerals) may take place but attendance should be limited. In these extremely difficult and challenging times, it is the primary duty of the Diocese to keep the faithful safe and healthy.

 

When gathering, the faithful are urged to take the necessary precautions, including remaining at a safe distance from others and receiving Holy Communion in the hand. The distribution of the Precious Blood has previously been suspended as well as the Sign of Peace with a handshake. Holy Water Fonts may also be emptied in Churches as a precaution.

 

Those who do not attend Mass can tune in to the Celebration of the Eucharist within the Diocese of Brooklyn on NET-TV, the 24/7 cable channel of the Diocese. The Mass schedule is as follows:

 

• Saturday – 6 pm Vigil Pre-recorded from Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica (English)

 

• Sunday – 11 am Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)

 

• Sunday – 1:30 pm Pre-recorded from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)

 

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and FIOS (Channel 48). Viewers can also tune in online at www.netny.tv.

 

Additionally, all in-person parish religious education classes, all youth ministry classes, group meetings, CYO activities, and adult faith formation sessions will be canceled until further notice.

 

The health of all the faithful of the Diocese is of utmost concern, and the Diocese of Brooklyn joins in prayer to the Lord who is a healer, to protect us and to quickly bring about an end to this current public health crisis.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2020

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Diocese of Brooklyn Catholic Academies and Parish Schools to Close Next Week

 

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D., has announced all elementary Catholic Academies and Parish Schools throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes Brooklyn and Queens, will close next week, Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20.

 

“Monday will be used as a professional day for teachers to develop their distance learning plans.

The Schools Office anticipates that beginning on Tuesday, students of the Diocese of Brooklyn Catholic schools and academies will have access to online learning. While we understand that not all families may have access to online learning, we have directed all academies to utilize alternative instructional processes,” said Dr. Chadzutko.

 

In addition, the leadership of all Catholic Academies and Parish Schools are committed to following CDC guidelines regarding deep cleaning and sanitization of buildings.

 

The decision to close schools was made out of an abundance of caution due to the rapidly changing situation surrounding the Coronavirus and after further consultation with representatives of city and state agencies. For your information, there are no confirmed cases in our schools reported to us by the New York City Department of Health.

 

Please continue to monitor your Catholic Academy and Parish school websites next week for further updates, or the Diocesan Coronavirus section of our website: https://catholicschoolsbq.org/coronavirus/

 

The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is of the utmost importance. Our continued quest is to maintain safe and clean environments.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2020

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THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN AND CHRIST THE KING HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCE A SETTLEMENT

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn and Christ the King High School are pleased to announce a resolution to their dispute, that ensures the rights of all are honored, valued, and respected. This is positive news for the Diocese and the Middle Village community.

Under the terms of this settlement agreement, Middle Village Preparatory Charter School and Christ the King Community Day Care, may continue to operate on the Christ the King campus.  The agreement also ensures that the majority of the property will continue to be used for the operation of a Roman Catholic high school.  The Diocese of Brooklyn will also have one member on the Christ the King board.

The heart and center of the property is Christ the King High School that has been providing a high-quality Catholic education for more than 50 years.

With this agreement, the parties look forward to their continued relationship with a renewed commitment to keeping alive the Catholic Church’s mission and fostering the spiritual and educational growth of students and their families in our community.

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2020

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St. Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Academy in Queens to Close in June

 

The Board of Members and Board of Directors of St. Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Academy, located at 104-06 101st Ave, in Ozone Park, have voted to close the school at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. The difficult decision was made as a result of declining enrollment resulting in severe budget deficits.

“The Diocese of Brooklyn is committed to making sure that each child currently enrolled in St. Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Academy will be able to continue receiving a Catholic education. As you can imagine, this is an emotional time for this school community because closing a school greatly impacts the lives of students, parents, and faculty. The decision was reached after intense analysis of enrollment trends and the financial status and forecast of the Academy,” said Thomas Chadzutko, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools.

 

• At St. Mary Gate of Heaven, enrollment has fallen nearly 51 percent since 2015. The budget for this school year shows an approximate $300,000 shortfall, with the total fund balance projected to be a deficit of $750,000 by the end of this school year.
• Collectively, the Catholic Foundation and Futures in Education, through the disbursement of financial assistance to families in need, have invested more than $500,000. The parish of St. Mary Gate of Heaven has also subsidized the operational expenses and building repairs of the Academy, in excess of $1.5 Million.

 

“I respect the boards’ decisions on these matters,” continued Dr. Chadzutko. “When resources are constrained, it affects all aspects of the learning environment, which eventually impacts students and their needs. Our children always remain our first priority, and it is our goal to place all students who wish to continue their Catholic education in one of our neighboring academies.”

 

The affected students will be accommodated at nearby Catholic academies. They will automatically receive a $500 tuition assistance grant if they attend an academy or parish school within the Diocese of Brooklyn, as long as they have met all of their financial obligations. That one-time grant is made possible by the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Trust.
A parent meeting was held at St. Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Academy last night. An information and registration fair, featuring seven area Catholic schools, is planned for next week.

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2020

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POPE FRANCIS ELEVATES NINE PRIESTS TO MONSIGNORS

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has issued the following statement:

 

“With thanksgiving to Almighty God, it is with great joy that we announce the conferral of the title of Chaplain of His Holiness upon nine priests of the Diocese of Brooklyn.  It is an honor that carries the title of Reverend Monsignor.

 

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has honored:

 

• Reverend Monsignor Richard J. Ahlemeyer – Pastor of St. Camillus – St. Virgilius Parish in Rockaway Beach, Queens. He was ordained to the Priesthood on March 12, 1977.

 

• Reverend Monsignor Joseph L. Cunningham – Retired in residence at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, in Forest Hills, and Pastor Emeritus of St. Gregory the Great in Bellerose. He was ordained to the Priesthood on June 1, 1963.

 

• Reverend Monsignor Edward P. Doran – Retired priest, who is also a part-time chaplain at Queensborough Community College. He was ordained to the Priesthood on January 14, 1984.

 

• Reverend Monsignor Casper J. Furnari – Retired in residence and Pastor Emeritus at Holy Family Church in Fresh Meadows, Queens. He was ordained to the Priesthood on June 1, 1968.

 

• Reverend Monsignor John J. Gildea – Retired in residence at St. Bartholomew Church in Elmhurst, Queens. He was ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 1966.

 

• Reverend Monsignor John P. Harrington – Retired in residence at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, Queens and Pastor Emeritus of St. Joseph’s Parish in Astoria, Queens. He was ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 1966.

 

• Reverend Monsignor William M. Hoppe – Pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Jackson Heights, Queens. He was ordained to the Priesthood on April 15, 1978.

 

• Reverend Monsignor Raymond P. Roden – Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Corona, Queens. He was ordained to the Priesthood on October 3, 1981.

 

• Reverend Monsignor John E. Vesey – Pastor of St. Michael Parish in Flushing, Queens. He was ordained to the Priesthood on June 1, 1968.

 

Each of these senior priests has given extraordinary service, as missionaries and pastors for many years. May God give them many more years of service to His people in Brooklyn and Queens.”

 

The date for the conferral of these honors will be announced at a later time.

Reverend Monsignor Richard J. Ahlemeyer

Reverend Monsignor Joseph L. Cunningham

Reverend Monsignor Edward P. Doran

Reverend Monsignor Casper J. Furnari

Reverend Monsignor John J. Gildea

Reverend Monsignor John P. Harrington

Reverend Monsignor William M. Hoppe

Reverend Monsignor Raymond P. Roden

Reverend Monsignor John E. Vesey

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 26, 2020

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Attached please find photos from this morning’s Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church in Sunset Park. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio offered remarks and prayers for all those affected by the Coronavirus.

 

BISHOP DIMARZIO JOINS CHINESE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

IN PRAYER AND SOLIDARITY THIS ASH WEDNESDAY

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, joined Father Vincentius Do, Pastor of St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church in Sunset Park, for the Chinese Mass and distribution of Ashes this morning at 10:00 am.

 

“At a time of great concern over the Coronavirus, I thought it would be good to support our Chinese community and to offer prayer and solidarity as we begin the Holy Season of Lent,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

 

Following the Mass, a special Novena was prayed in Chinese by the congregation with a map of China on the altar (Photo #5). St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church is located at 702-48^th Street in Brooklyn.