Author: Kristina Valente

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN JOINS FDNY IN REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN JOINS FDNY IN REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11

 

Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, was the main celebrant at a Mass in remembrance of the 23rd Anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, dedicated to members of the New York City Fire Department, earlier today at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.

 

“We saw how firefighters went into the crumbling towers, knowing that it was not only dangerous, but that certainly some would end up giving their lives. Yet all went in courageously to shine the light in the darkness. To save all of us, to save those in the building. Just to do what they could. The light shatters the darkness,” said Bishop Brennan.

 

Prior to the Mass, members of the FDNY’s Battalion 57 in Brooklyn led a procession from Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. The firefighters carried 25 flags, one American flag, and 24 FDNY flags to represent the 23 members of Battalion 57 who died that day, and a Battalion member’s brother who also lost his life in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Bishop Brennan joined the procession on the Brooklyn Bridge.

 

Battalion 57 consists of several fire stations and multiple fire companies including 4 Battalion Chiefs, Engine Companies 217, 219, 230 and 235, as well as Ladder Companies 102 and 105.

 

VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/1008601965

Photos attached are courtesy of John Quaglione/DeSales Media.

 

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BISHOP BRENNAN LEADS PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION IN BROOKLYN

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP BRENNAN LEADS PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION IN BROOKLYN

Bishop Robert Brennan marked the start of Holy Week this afternoon, as he led the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph’s Palm Sunday Procession which kicked off in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza.

After an opening prayer and blessing, Bishop Brennan led more than 250 people in a public witness of faith with their blessed palms, down Vanderbilt Avenue to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located on Pacific Street.

“In this procession, we walk with Jesus remembering that Jesus always walks with us. Today we gave public witness to our Catholic faith on the streets of Brooklyn, showing the greatness of God to those who walked, drove, biked, and jogged by us as we walked. Thamk you to the New York City Police Department for their logistical and safety involvement, and to DeSales Media for broadcasting it live ON NET-TV for many more to see” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

“As we begin this Holy Week, I encourage Catholics throughout Brooklyn and Queens to make this week different from other weeks. Let yourself spend more time in prayer, or in church, or perform an act of charity. May you come to better understand how much God loves you, and may you be an example of His love to those you encounter,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, where those who greeted Jesus waved palms and set them on the ground along His path. Palms are recognized as a symbol of victory and peace.

Following the procession, Bishop Brennan celebrated the Spanish Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. Holy Week concludes on Easter Sunday with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The photos and video are courtesy of John Quaglione/DeSales Media.

VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/926900585

Photos attached.

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NEARLY 110-YEAR-OLD STATUE OF THE BLESSED MOTHER DAMAGED BY VANDAL AT QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCH

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2023

 

NEARLY 110-YEAR-OLD STATUE OF THE BLESSED MOTHER DAMAGED BY VANDAL AT QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCH

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing an attack on a statue of the Blessed Mother at St. Andrew Avellino parish located at 35-60 158th Street in the Flushing section of Queens, citing the parish’s determination to repair and return the statue of Mary to the Rosary Garden.

At some point late Monday night into Tuesday morning, the right hand of the statue of Mary was broken off the statue, and an attempt to remove the left hand was also made. The statue is nearly 110-years-old and has been part of the parish since 1914.

“The people of the parish of St. Andrew Avellino are saddened that events such as this are happening within our community and our city. We pray the individual who attacked our beloved statue of Mary in the Rosary Garden has a conversion of heart. The parish will get through this experience, and we are determined to put the Blessed Mother back in her rightful place,” said Father Gregory McIlhenney, the parish pastor.

The parish hosts a Rosary Rally on the first Saturday of every month at the Rosary Garden in front of the Blessed Mother statue. The Rosary Rally will go on as planned this Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 9 AM.  All are invited to join in prayer.

The New York City Police Department’s 109th Precinct is investigating the incident. No parish video surveillance is available as the cameras were damaged in the recent storm. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Photos of the vandalized statue of the Blessed Mother at St. Andrew Avellino are attached, courtesy of St. Andrew Avellino Roman Catholic Church.

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Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor James F. Spengler

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Office of The Chancellor Letter Head Logo

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor James F. Spengler, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Spengler was born on November 17, 1942 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on June 1, 1968 and died Thursday, October 12, 2023. 

Monsignor Spengler served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Rose of Lima (Brooklyn), Saint Gerard Majella (Hollis), and Our Lady of Mercy (Brooklyn). He also served as Administrator of the Parish of Holy Cross (Brooklyn); and as Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Saint Ambrose (Brooklyn). Monsignor Spengler was also Episcopal Vicar for Queens South. 

On February 25, 1988, Monsignor Spengler was named Prelate of Honor. 

The arrangements are as follows: 

WAKE: Immaculate Conception Center 

7200 Douglaston Parkway 

Douglaston, New York 11362 

Tel: (718) 229-8001 

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM 

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM 

VIGIL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center 

7200 Douglaston Parkway 

Douglaston, New York 11362 

Tel: (718) 229-8001 

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 

7:30 PM 

FUNERAL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center 

7200 Douglaston Parkway 

Douglaston, New York 11362 

Tel: (718) 229-8001 

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 

11:00 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 his niece, Mrs. Teresa Spinosa, 113 Clover Drive, Massapequa Park, New York 11762. 

 

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

Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor Joseph L. Cunningham

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor Joseph L. Cunningham, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Cunningham was born on March 4, 1937, was ordained to the Priesthood on June 1, 1963, and died Thursday, October 12, 2023. 

Monsignor Cunningham served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of Saint Gregory the Great (Bellerose). He also served Temporary Ministry at Saint Joan of Arc (Jackson Heights); also as Temporary Administrator of Saint Andrew the Apostle (Brooklyn); and as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mercy (Forest Hills). Monsignor Cunningham was also the Executive Secretary of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, Liturgy Advisor for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, and a board member of the Diocesan Pastoral Institute. He also served as Principal at the Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, and as Rector at the Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Florida. 

On December 19, 2019, Monsignor Cunningham was named Chaplain of His Holiness. 

The arrangements are as follows: 

WAKE: Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home 

125 Hillside Avenue 

North New Hyde Park, New York 11040 

Tel: (516) 354-0634 

Sunday, October 15, 2023 

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 

Monday, October 16, 2023 

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

VIGIL: Our Lady Queen of Martyrs R.C. Church 

110-06 Queens Boulevard 

Forest Hills, New York 11375 

Tel: (718) 268-6251 

Monday, October 16, 2023 

7:30 PM 

FUNERAL: Saint Gregory the Great R.C. Church 

242-20 88th Avenue 

Bellerose, New York 11426 

Tel: (718) 347-3707 

Tuesday, October 17, 2023 

11:00 AM 

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery 

Middle Village, New York 

Monsignor Cunningham was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society. 

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 his sister Mrs. Mary O’Donnell, 57 Sylvia Lane, New Hyde Park, New York 11040. 

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

Announcement of Death – Rev. Msgr. Anthony F. Sherman

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor Anthony F. Sherman, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Sherman was born on March 13, 1945, was ordained to the priesthood on February 28, 1970, and died Sunday October 8, 2023.

Monsignor Sherman served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of Saint Anastasia (Douglaston) and Saint Matthias (Ridgewood). He served as parochial vicar of Saint Anastasia (Douglaston), Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (Richmond Hill) and Saint Matthias (Ridgewood). Monsignor Sherman was a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Committee, Diocesan Education Office, and the Committee for Sacramental Guidelines. He was an adjunct professor of liturgy at the Immaculate Conception Seminary. Monsignor Sherman was named Prelate of Honor in 1986. He served as Director of the Liturgy Office at 75 Green Avenue and the Director for Liturgy at the USCCB in Washington, D.C.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Saint Anastasia Church
45-14 245th Street
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: (718)-631-4454
Thursday October 12, 2023
3:00 PM-7:00PM

VIGIL MASS: Saint Anastasia Church
45-14 245th Street
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: (718)-631-4454
Thursday October 12, 2023
7:30 PM

FUNERAL: Saint Anastasia Church
45-14 245th Street
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: (718)-631-4454
Friday October 13, 2023
11:00 AM

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Monsignor Sherman was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

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 his niece Terri Gendron, c/o Saint Anastasia Church, 45-14 245th Street, Box 472, Douglaston, New York 11362.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.
Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Announcement of Death – Reverend Jerome E. Nadine

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Jerome E. Nadine, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Nadine was born on June 10, 1933, was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1958, and died on Saturday, September 30, 2023 in California where all arrangements will take place. Father Nadine served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar at the Parishes of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Ridgewood), Saint Catherine of Sienna (St. Albans), and Holy Rosary (Brooklyn). He also served as Military Chaplain at the U.S. Air Forces. 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 Mr. Sam DeSanctis, 318 Mason Road, Vista, California 92084.

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

Catholic Foundation hosts its first-ever Hispanic Stewardship Conference

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This past Saturday the Catholic Foundation hosted its first-ever Hispanic Stewardship Conference for Parish Leaders held at the Emmaus Center. With inspiring speakers, enriching talks, and heartfelt discussions, attendees were empowered to embrace the spirit of stewardship and strengthen the bonds of their Spanish-speaking faith community. The Conference concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert J. Brennan. This unforgettable weekend was a resounding success, fostering a deeper commitment to service, generosity, and the enthusiasm to promote stewardship in their respective parish communities.

 

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New Priest Ordination 2023

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PRIEST ORDINATION: June 3, 2023

CO-CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOSEPH

 

Rev. Mr. Nnamdi E. EzeRev. Nnamdi Eusebius Eze

As the eldest of six children, Rev. Eze was born in Nigeria to Linus and Stella Eze, who instilled in him Godly teachings and examples. He lived near a local Catholic church, where he became an altar server after his First Holy Communion, and credits his uncle Kevin Eze for demonstrating a profound passion for prayer, giving him hope and direction. Rev. Eze attended Boys High School in Orba and graduated from the University of Nigeria in Nsukka with a degree in mechanical engineering. His decision to enter the seminary was encouraged by his parents and another uncle, Father Franklin Ezeorah, who already was ordained and serving in the U.S. as the parochial vicar at St. Martin de Porres Parish in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Rev. Eze arrived in New York in 2015. Since his ordination as a transitional deacon last November, he has been serving at Our Lady of Grace, Howard Beach, while remaining in formation at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie.

 

Rev. Mr. Ernesto AlonsoRev. Ernesto Alonso

Rev. Alonso was born in 1978  in Havana, Cuba. He became a missionary in rural areas as a young adult, armed with knowledge he learned from Vincentian priests while studying philosophy at a minor seminary. In 2007, Rev. Alonso left Cuba for Miami where his father had become a U.S. citizen. He earned an associate’s degree from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Miami and became a  personal chef for the families. Rev. Alonso settled in Astoria, Queens where he became active in St. Joseph’s Parish as a catechist. He then became the director of religious education, which started him thinking about his priestly vocation again as he did when he was 29 years old. Rev. Alonso worked summers in Saints Simon and Jude Parish in far southwest Brooklyn and helped out at Immaculate Conception Parish in Astoria while in formation at the national seminary in Westin.  He worked at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in East Boston as well. Rev. Alonso loves teaching students of all ages and ministering to the homebound where he visits the sick daily at Immaculate Conception.

 

Rev. Mr. Samuel MwiwawiRev. Samuel Mwiwawi

Rev. Samuel Mwiwawi spent his childhood living all over Kenya, one of six children of Hendrick and Florence Lucy Mwiwawi. He is fluent in American Sign Language as he started learning it in Kenya to help teach the Gospel to hearing-impaired people there. Once he came to the U.S., he joined the Dominican Missionaries for the Apostolates of the Deaf and Disabled. His sign-language skills improved during a summer-long “immersion” program at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. In 2018-2019, the Dominicans referred him to help interpret sign language for Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens.  Rev. Mwiwawi completed his studies at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Since his ordination as a transitional deacon, he has immersed himself in parish life, including helping at Mass and with the administration of sacraments, visiting the homebound, and religious education program at St. Bernard Catholic Academy. He speaks English and Swahili, adding that learning Spanish is “a work in progress.”

 

 

Rev. Mr. Thimote CherelusRev. Thimote Cherelus

The youngest of six children, born to Cevelorme and Nostha Cherelus in Portau-Prince, Haiti, Rev. Cherelus was fascinated with the priesthood at the age of 5 and 6. His pastor encouraged him to join a Church group to develop his prayer life and participate in Church ministries and activities. He attended  Catholic schools and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Port-au-Prince. He began working as a business owner. While visiting Haiti, Rev. Cherelus met some recruiters from Divine World College in Epworth, Iowa. The college offered him a scholarship and there he earned a second bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Father Suckiel, now pastor of Holy Family Parish in Flushing Queens,  made a space for Rev. Cherelus in the St. John Paul II House of Discernment, where he resided for a year. During that time, his vocation solidified. St. Joseph Seminary in Dunwoodie admitted him and he embarked on earning his master’s in theology and attended workshops to teach future priests the business side of running a parish. As a transitional deacon, helped at Our Lady of Fatima, Jackson Heights, Queens. 

 

Meet the Ordinandi Class of 2023

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ORDINATION: SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023

CO-CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOSEPH

11:00 AM

Mr. Edwin ArgueraDeacon Edwin Arguera – 64, Holy Name of Jesus in Brooklyn. He was born in El Salvador. He is a Financial Counselor for Patients. He is involved in his parish as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, Hospitality, and Choir Ministry, also serving as Acolyte in the Spanish Mass. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on March 28, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
Mr. Heriberto Antonio CabreraDeacon Heriberto Antonio Cabrera – 65, St. Bernard Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in the Dominican Republic; he has been married to Ramona for 39 years and they have 4 daughters and 3 grandchildren. He is a lawyer. He is involved in his parish’s Spanish Ministry, he is a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and is also involved in the Mission to Dominican Republic. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.
Mr. Alberto Jesus CorderoDeacon Alberto Jesus Cordero – 41, Blessed Sacrament – St. Sylvester Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico; he has been married to Cheimaggie for 21 years and they have 3 children. He is a financial advisor. He is involved in his parish as a Catechist, Eucharistic Minister, Food Pantry, Grupo de Parejas, Hermandad de Emaus, Knights of Columbus, Lector, Movimiento Juan XXII, and RCIA. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 7:15 p.m.
Mr. Marial Alfonso CordonDeacon Marcial Alfonso Cordon – 50, Saint Sebastian Parish in Queens. He was born in Guatemala; he has been married to Vivian for 25 years and they have 4 children. He is a software engineer, consultant, and social business entrepreneur. He is involved in his parish as the Spanish Lector Coordinator, Eucharistic Extraordinary Minister Coordinator, Baptism Catechesis, Hispanic Pastoral, and Marriage Hispanic Pastoral. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 12:00 p.m.
Mr. Robert CruzDeacon Roberto Cruz – 49, St. Sebastian Parish in Queens. He was born in the Bronx, NY; he has been married to Romelyn for 13 years and they have 3 children. He is a Collections Specialist. He is involved in his parish’s Hospitality Ministry, Baptismal Instructor Ministry, Stewardship Committee, Outreach to the Homeless, is a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Timothy Gladson CheriaparampilDeacon Timothy Gladson (Cheriaparampil) – 58, Our Lady of the Snows Parish in Queens. He was born in India; he has been married to Bindu for 27 years and they have 2 children. He is a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Indian Apostolate, Finance Committee, Pre-Baptism Classes, he is the Vice Chair of Our Lady of Snows School Board, he is also a Religious Ed. Teacher (substitute). A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 12:30 p.m.
Mr. Thomas GleasonDeacon Thomas Gleason – 55, St. Columba Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Amy for 27 years and they have 3 children. He is a retired NYC Correction Officer and is an active Plant Manager at St. Columba Parish. He is the president of the St. Columba Holy Name Society, lector, Sacristan, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and altar server coordinator. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.
Mr. John Leo Heyer IIDeacon John Leo Heyer II – 40, Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary & St. Stephen Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in New York; he has been married to Maria for 14 years and they have 3 children. He is a Funeral Director, Director of Parish Based Stewardship for CFBQ and the Pastoral Associate of Sacred Hearts – St. Stephen Parish. He is involved in Parish-Based Stewardship & Italian Ministry. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 12:00 p.m.
Mr. John Michael LonieDeacon John Michael Lonie – 59, Good Shepherd Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Lynne for 36 years and they have 3 children. He is a Professor of Pharmacy. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Acolyte, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and Homebound Communion visits. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 12:00 p.m.
Mr. Daniel D. MaherDeacon Daniel D. Maher – 55, Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians Parish in Woodside. He was born in Queens, NY; he has been married to Anne Marie for 24 years and they have 2 children. He is an Assistant Professor of Military Science. He is involved in his parish as a Lector. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
Mr. Jose Ismael Munoz del CidDeacon Jose Ismael Muñoz del Cid – 55, Divine Mercy Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Guatemala; he was married to Marisa for 29 years and she passed away in February 2020. They have 4 children and 1 grandchild. He is self-employed. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, and he is the Head of the Ushers, Acolyte. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday May 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish (St. Nicholas).
Mr. Rigoberto PabonDeacon Rigoberto Pabon – 62, Ss. Peter and Paul and Epiphany Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Puerto Rico; he has been married to Vivian for 41 years and they have 2 children. He is a Security Systems Installer. He is involved in his parish as a Lector and Acolyte. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
Mr Yoon Richard ParkDeacon Yoon (Richard) Pak – 57, Holy Spirit Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in South Korea; he has been married to Sarah for 28 years and they have 2 sons. He is a Finance Manager. He is involved in his parish as an Acolyte, Lector, and Catechist for High School Students. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Michael PearceDeacon Michael Pearce – 65, St. Camillus – St. Virgilius Parish in Rockaway Park. He was born in New York; he has been married to Elizabeth for 21 years. He is retired. He is involved in his parish’s Legion of Mary, Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, he is also a Lector and Extraordinary Minister. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28 at 11:30 a.m.
Mr. Eric Michael PetersonDeacon Eric Michael Peterson – 46, Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Royal Oak, Michigan. He is a park manager. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Religious Education/Catechesis, he also has been a member of the Parish Council and Liturgy Committee. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Dimitri SantanaDeacon Dimitri Santana – 57, St. Michael’s Parish in Flushing. He was born in Puerto Rico. He is a Software Engineer. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Eucharist Minister, Acolyte, Feeding the Hungry & the Homeless by assisting with the packing and distribution of food. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.
Mr. Edgar Saucedo GutierrezDeacon Edgar Saucedo Gutierrez – 42, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Mexico; he has been married to Olivia for 12 years and they have 1 child. He is a custodian; he also works as a chef and is in the process of completing his Licenciatura en Teología online program from the Universidad de Mexico. He is involved in his parish’s Catechism Class. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 11:15 a.m.
Mr. Alonzo TorresDeacon Alonzo Torres – 47, St. Agatha Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Consepción for 23 years and they have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. He is an IT Professional. He is involved in his parish as a Catechist, and Sacramental Coordinator. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Mr. George Louis VelezDeacon George Louis Velez – 46, Ss. Peter and Paul and Epiphany Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Amarilys for 25 years and they have 5 children. He is a Coordinating Manager. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Acolyte and Catechist. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

Want to know more about the role of a deacon? Find out here.