BROOKLYN CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS SEND LOVE AND PRAYERS TO THE CHILDREN OF THE UKRAINE
Students of St. Mark’s Catholic Academy, located in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn, held a special dress-down fundraiser for the children of Ukraine on Monday, March 7, 2022.
The school raised over $2,000 for “Voices of Children,” which provides psychological and psychosocial support for children affected by war.
Photos attached are courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn/St. Mark’s Catholic Academy.
POPE FRANCIS ACCEPTS RETIREMENT OF DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN’S AUXILIARY BISHOP RAYMOND F. CHAPPETTO
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has accepted the resignation of Diocese of Brooklyn’s Auxiliary Bishop Raymond F. Chappetto. The resignation was publicized in Washington on March 7, 2022, by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
As required by Canon (Church) law, at the age of 75, all bishops must submit a letter of resignation from the ecclesiastical office that they hold. It is then a determination of the Holy See as to when to accept the resignation.
“I share the appreciation of so many in the diocese for Bishop Chappetto’s many years of dedicated service here in Brooklyn and Queens. Personally, I thank him for staying on beyond the retirement age to assist with the transition, and to Pope Francis for allowing that,” said The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn.
“It has been an honor and a privilege for me to serve for 51 years as a priest, 10 of those years as a Bishop, for the great Diocese of Brooklyn. I am grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and to Bishops DiMarzio and Brennan, for their support of my ministry,” stated Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Raymond F. Chappetto.
The Most Reverend Raymond F. Chappetto, D.D., was born on August 20, 1945, in Astoria. He studied at Cathedral College in Brooklyn and was awarded a Master of Divinity from Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Albany. Bishop Chappetto also holds a Master of Arts in Religious Education from St. John’s University and is certified in Pastoral Counseling.
Raymond F. Chappetto was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1971. Throughout his ministry, he has served in numerous parishes in Brooklyn and Queens, and as an Episcopal Vicar for Brooklyn West. In 1997, then-Father Chappetto was named a Prelate of Honor (Monsignor) by Saint John Paul II.
In 2008, while assigned as Pastor of Our Lady of Snows in Floral Park, then-Monsignor Chappetto was named Pastor of the Year by the National Catholic Education Association. During his ministry at Our Lady of Snows, he was named Minister for Priests. In 2009, he was named Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life, a position held until 2021.
On July 11, 2012, then-Monsignor Chappetto was ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn. In September 2013, Bishop Chappetto was named Diocese of Brooklyn’s Vicar General.
The Most Reverend Raymond F. Chappetto will now serve as an Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Brooklyn effective immediately.
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Catholic Telemedia Network (CTN), a service of DeSales Media Group, will host the 4th Annual Great Diocesan Read Aloud next week, March 7-11, 2022, with 80 classes from 40 Catholic schools and academies throughout Brooklyn and Queens participating.
This year, 30 authors from around the world will be reading their published work including award-winning authors Laura James, Jennie Englund, and Derek Keilty. The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, and Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools, will be among the special guest readers. Congresswoman Grace Meng and Laurie Windsor, representing Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, will also be featured guest readers.
“The Great Diocesan Read Aloud is an opportunity for students to share an experience through a story, and in many cases, to have the unique opportunity of hearing the words read by the person who crafted them. We are thrilled with the increased participation of children’s authors from many genres, and the eagerness of our guest readers to ‘step’ into our classrooms,” said Gina Krainchich, Director of Educational Media Services for CTN.
The goal of the Great Diocesan Read Aloud is to encourage school participation in National Reading Month. Guests will be virtually welcomed into classrooms to read their favorite children’s books throughout the week. The program aims to inspire students to enhance their love of reading by showcasing books they may not have selected to read on their own.
The Great Diocesan Read Aloud highlights the integration of technology and literacy to expand the world of reading beyond the classroom doors. During each 30-minute classroom “visit,” students will have the opportunity to ask questions to their guest readers and better foster a relationship between reading and curiosity.
DeSales Media is the communications and technology arms of the Diocese of Brooklyn.
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The students at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy in the Bellerose section of Queens, for the eighth year in a row, have participated in a schoolwide campaign, “Valentine’s for Veterans.” Each year, special notes and handmade cards are sent to different Veteran Administration medical centers. This year, the students of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy made nearly 200 cards.
“My first experience was working with another teacher who had Veterans in her family. She made Valentine’s with her class every year and brought them to the VA Hospital. Since then I have heard stories of how some Veterans were victims of neglect and I thought that I wanted to make a difference,” said teacher Michele Morano who organizes the project.
“Being a member of the military is definitely a calling, just as teaching is. So, I decided after that first encounter with my co-worker, that I would make Valentine’s for Veterans every year. It is something so small and simple that has such a huge human impact. Over the years I have had students, brownie & Girl Scout troops, and religion classes contribute to this project as well,” continued Morano.
Fourth-grade students commented on the project upon its completion saying:
“I think they will be happy because sometimes they’re all alone and this will make them happy,” said Bryce.
“They would feel happy to know we are thinking about how they risked their lives for us, and giving them something in return lets them know they are loved,” said Quinn.
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Dr. Miguel Martinez-Saenz, President of St. Francis College, made a special visit to Bay Ridge Catholic Academy this morning to officially launch a new partnership between the college and elementary academy. This collaborative opportunity has been designed to enrich the academic programs at both schools.
Dr. Martinez-Saenz joined Bay Ridge Catholic Academy Principal Gary Williams, and St. Francis College Assistant Vice President Robert Oliva in visiting classrooms from Pre-K through the eighth grade. Dr. Saenz also met with Monsignor John Maloney, Pastor of St. Anselm Roman Catholic Church, Father Kevin Abels, Pastor of Our Lady of Angels, and members of the Bay Ridge Catholic Academy Board including Chair Vincent Iannelli and member George Prezioso.
“I know this will be a flourishing experience and I know the students at Bay Ridge Catholic Academy will benefit immensely. I am proud to say that this is the only such grammar school partnership with Saint Francis College. We are eager to embark on this distinguished alliance to advance the educational opportunities at our school,” said Dr. Gary Williams, Principal of Bay Ridge Catholic Academy.
“Building these kinds of relationships is important and it is never too early to engage students. It is never too early to inspire people to dream and get them focused on the importance of service to others. It was inspiring to see the future right in front of us, and I think we have an obligation to get that future orientated in a positive way. The students at St. Francis College will have the opportunity to come in and be role models for these young folks. This is what we are committed to; this is our values in action,” stated Dr. Miguel Martinez-Saenz, President of St. Francis College.
The partnership will include student teachers from St. Francis College, as well as student volunteers assisting at Bay Ridge Catholic Academy in their field of study. There will also be tutorials in subject areas, class trips to the science and communication arts labs at the college, and a foreign language after-school program. The collaborative summer program will feature a science program, CPR training, and E-Boot camp.
“St. Francis College is a college of opportunity and we are constantly seeking opportunities for our students to go out into the community to make a difference in the world. This partnership allows us to do that, whether by student teachers, mentors, tutors, or simply having Bay Ridge Catholic Academy students experience a day in the life of a college student. We are providing opportunities for our young people in our Diocese,” Robert Oliva, Assistant Vice President of St. Francis College.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 31, 2022
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Adriana Rodriguez
646-241-9805
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org
John Quaglione
718-576-9180
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org
BISHOP BRENNAN ACCEPTS RECOMMENDATION OF DIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD;
PASTOR REMOVED FROM MINISTRY
The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, announced today 54-year-old Father John O’Connor, Pastor of St Gregory the Great in Bellerose, Queens, has been removed from ministry. The decision was made based on the recommendation of the independent Diocesan Review Board (DRB).
The DRB had been investigating the claims made in a Child Victims Act (CVA) lawsuit filed against Father John O’Connor on August 13, 2020. This investigation turned up new evidence concerning a March 2000 accusation detailing inappropriate internet communications with teenagers while assigned at St. Athanasius. As a result of this information, the Diocesan Review Board found sufficient information to substantiate allegations of sexual misconduct with minors via the internet and recommended Fr. John O’Connor’s removal from ministry.
After that accusation in 2000, the Diocese of Brooklyn placed John O’Connor on leave to enable him to receive treatment from May 2000 to August 2001. He returned to ministry in the Diocese of Brooklyn in August of 2001 and continued treatment through 2005.
The removal from ministry means that he is no longer permitted to celebrate Mass publicly, cannot exercise any public ministerial duties, and cannot live in an ecclesiastical residence. His name will also be added to the List of Credibly Accused Priests on the Diocese of Brooklyn website.
Father John O’Connor was ordained on June 23, 1993, and completed post-graduate studies in Rome. He then served at the following parishes: Our Lady of Mount Carmel (BK), St. Athanasius, and St. Clare’s. He also served as Pastor at Incarnation and most recently at St. Gregory the Great, Queens. In 2014, Father John O’Connor was named the Director of the Liturgy Office for the Diocese of Brooklyn.
The Diocese of Brooklyn takes all allegations of sexual misconduct with minors seriously and has instituted significant programs to prevent sexual abuse and protect children. In 2002, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops passed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which includes a Zero Tolerance policy that states any clergy member who is determined to be credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor is permanently removed from ministry. The Diocese also conducts initial and ongoing background checks of all employees and volunteers and provides age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness training for children and adults.
The Diocese of Brooklyn places great emphasis on providing pastoral care to victims. The Office of Victim Assistance Ministry provides supportive initial counseling, therapy referrals, and pastoral resources for the victims of sexual abuse. The Diocese hosts a yearly Mass of Hope and Healing where the faithful come together and pray for victims of clergy sexual abuse.
Anyone who has been the victim of clergy sexual abuse is encouraged to report it to law enforcement or to the Toll-Free Reporting Line established by the Diocese at 1-888-634-4499. All calls are forwarded to law enforcement officials.
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Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, has issued the following update on Catholic schools and academies throughout Brooklyn and Queens in light of this morning’s snowstorm:
“Our schools are open today because of our dedicated faculty and administrators who are capable of an immediate switch to remote learning utilizing the technology we have in place and the robust online learning platforms.
Our students are learning and our educators are teaching. Our Catholic schools and academies did not skip a beat because of today’s snow.”
The Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes Queens, has over 20,000 students enrolled in their 70 Catholic schools and academies.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 6, 2022
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Adriana Rodriguez
646-241-9805
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org
John Quaglione
718-576-9180
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org
BROOKLYN AND QUEENS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TO MAKE RAPID AT-HOME COVID TEST KITS AVAILABLE
Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, has issued the following statement regarding the availability of at-home COVID test kits for students, faculty, and staff of Catholic schools and academies throughout Brooklyn and Queens:
“Catholic schools and academies throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes Brooklyn and Queens, have received a supply of at-home COVID tests from New York City and are awaiting a delivery from New York State. Our schools will begin distribution upon further information from the Department of Health to ensure the most efficient use of the test kits for our school families.
The Diocese of Brooklyn Schools Office reminds any student or teacher who feels ill to stay home, and for those in school, wear your masks, maintain social distancing, and practice good hand hygiene. Our schools have and continue to show true leadership throughout this pandemic in an effort to keep everyone safe.”
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St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church and Catholic Academy Hosts Special Celebration
Brooklyn – St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church and St. Patrick’s Catholic Academy, hosted a special celebration of Christmas on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, to usher in the joy of the season.
The event began with an outdoor Christmas Concert featuring the students of St. Patrick’s Catholic Academy on the steps of the Academy. Following the musical performance, a fireworks display took place in the skies above the parish, and then Santa Claus arrived on a horse-drawn carriage.
Father Gerard Sauer is the Pastor of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. Ms. Kathleen Curatolo is the Principal of the Academy.
A Vimeo link can be found here: https://vimeo.com/
Restored Opera House Hosts “Spirit of Christmas” Concert
The “Spirit of Christmas Concert,” hosted by Futures in Education to raise money to support scholarships for Catholic education in the Diocese of Brooklyn, took the stage last night at the newly renovated Emmaus Center in Williamsburg.
The concert featured a selection of Christmas and spiritual songs performed by contemporary Christian music artist and songwriter Matt Maher, and American operatic tenor Danny Rodriguez. The show also featured entertainment from one of the three New York Tenors, Christopher Macchio, as well as movie star Daniel Roebuck. Anthony Mangano, star of film and song, served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The newly refurbished and named 600-seat Emmaus Center is housed in the historic Williamsburg Opera House which was built in 1897. Many of the historical details of the theater were maintained in the renovation.
“This is a place that has strong history and tradition. I love the name Emmaus, because this is to be a place of encounter. People are going to encounter Jesus Christ through the arts and through encounters with one another. I am so proud to be part of this grand opening, and for all of those who support Futures in Education, as students will have the chance to encounter Jesus and His love through the gift of a Catholic education,” said The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn.
To learn more about the history, mission, and upcoming events at The Emmaus Center, visit emmausbrooklyn.org.
