New Priest Ordination 2023

PRIEST ORDINATION: June 3, 2023

CO-CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOSEPH

 

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

As the eldest of six children, Deacon 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. Deacon 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. Deacon 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. Mr. Ernesto Alonso

Deacon 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, Deacon 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. Deacon 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. Deacon 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. Deacon 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. Mr. Samuel Mwiwawi

Deacon 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.  Deacon 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. The deacon speaks English and Swahili, adding that learning Spanish is “a work in progress.”

 

 

 

 

Rev. Mr. Thimote CherelusRev. Mr. Thimote Cherelus

The youngest of six children, born to Cevelorme and Nostha Cherelus in Portau-Prince, Haiti, Deacon 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, Deacon 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 Deacon 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, he has been helping out at Our Lady of Fatima, Jackson Heights, Queens. 

 

Meet the Ordinandi Class of 2023

ORDINATION: SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023

CO-CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOSEPH

11:00 AM

Mr. Edwin ArgueraMr. 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 CabreraMr. 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 CorderoMr. 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 CordonMr. 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 CruzMr. 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 CheriaparampilMr. 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 GleasonMr. 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 IIMr. 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 LonieDr. 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. MaherMr. 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 CidMr. 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 PabonMr. 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 ParkMr. 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 PearceMr. 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 PetersonMr. 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 SantanaMr. 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 GutierrezMr. 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 TorresMr. 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 VelezMr. 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.

Sex Abuse Crisis Communications 2003-2021 

Announcements of Sex Abuse Investigation Results 2003-2021

 

November 22, 2021 – Diocese of Brooklyn Zero Tolerance Policy Leads to Removal of Priest From Ministry Following Investigation 

July 15, 2021 – Former CYO Sports Director Named in Two Child Abuse Lawsuits

July 29, 2020 – A Letter to the Faith Community of Saint Pancras – August 2 & 2, 2020

August 13, 2019 – Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Decision Reached in Four Investigations 

February 15, 2019- Diocese of Brooklyn Releases Names of Clergy Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse

January 21, 2019 – The Tablet: Laicized B’klyn Priest Still Cause For Concern

November 9, 2017 – Official Statement of the Diocese of Brooklyn

November 9, 2017 – NY Times: Brooklyn Diocese Names 8 Priests Who Sexually Abused Children

May 26, 2012 – Statement Regarding Msgr. Thomas Brady

October 22, 2011 – Bishop Places Retired Priest on Administrative Leave

January 30, 2010 –  Priest Under Investigation for Inappropriate Behavior

May 16, 2009 – Bedford-Stuyvesant Pastor Removed Over Allegation of Sexual Abuse

June 2007 – Bishop Places Retired Pastor from Queens on an Administrative Leave

December 2007 – Queens Pastor Administrative Leave

November 2007 – Former Queens Pastor on Leave from Ministry

February 7, 2007 – Jamaica Pastor placed on Leave

April 29, 2006 – Bishop places Priest on Administrative Leave

October 29, 2005 – Bishop Comments on Priest’s Arrest

June 28, 2005 – Capellupo

November 6, 2004 – Accusations Not Credible

August 23, 2004 – Official Statement by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio

August 14, 2004 – Pastor placed on Leave

July 3, 2004 – Charges against Priest found to be Credible

February 28, 2004 – Statement by Bishop DiMarzio on Clergy Sexual Abuse

November 1, 2003 – Bishop Bars Priest from Active Ministry

General Communication On Sex Abuse

 

November 10, 2021 – Diocese of Brooklyn Creates Office For Protection of Children and Young People

November 10, 2021- Column Child Victims Act Lawsuits Reveal More Facts About Sexual Abuse Cases

August 14, 2019 – Statement By Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio As New York’s Child Victims Act Takes Effect

August 7, 2019 Column – The Continuing Fight vs. Sexual Abuse

October – November 2018 – Regional Meetings With The Faithful

November 21, 2018 – The Tablet: Bishop DiMarzio Holds A Dialogue With the Faithful About Sexual Abuse in the Church

August 27, 2018 – Statement on the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report

June 22, 2017 – Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Independent Reconciliation and Conpensation Program For Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse

January 7 2017 – New Support Group for Survivors of Sex Abuse article

August 30, 2016 – Chancery Alert

August 20, 2016 – Chancery Alert

July 30, 2016 – Chancery Alert

April 16, 2016  – The Healing from Abuse continues Column

April 16, 2016 – Protecting Children Safe Environment Office

April 9, 2016 – Prayers for continued Healling Guest column

March 19, 2016 Healing the Wounds of Sexual Abuse Column

March 19, 2016 – Chancery Alert

January 16, 2016 – Chancery Alert

January 16, 2016 – Parenting group offered for clergy abuse victims

October 17, 2015  – Protecting our Children Column

March 21, 2015 – Praying with Survivors of Sexual Abuse Column

July 20, 2013 – Introducing New Victim Assistance Coordinator

August 27, 2011 Teacher Terminated over Abuse Allegations

June 11,  2011 – A Valuable Tool to Fight Sexual Abuse

May 18, 2011 – Statement on the John Jay Report

October, 2010 – Audit Diocese Found in Compliance

July 2, 2010 – New Norms for Sexual Abuse

April 17, 2010 – Column Justice and Forgiveness

April 25, 2009 – Column From Shadow to Light

Oct 4, 2008 – 43 People Trained to Teach Child Safety

July 2008 – Column The Effects of Sexual Abuse

December 22, 2007 – Audit Compliance

May 5, 2007 – Protecting Children Column

April 20, 2007 – Diocese Updates Policy-Sexual Abuse by Clergy

May 6, 2006 – Diocesan Services Respond to Sexual Abuse Allegations

January 28, 2006 – Diocese in Compliance with Child Safety

December 18, 2004 –  Diocese Protects Kids from Pedophiles’ Lures

October 23, 2004 – Creating a Safe Environment for Children

September 11, 2004 – Toll Free Number to Report Sexual Abuse

August 7, 2004 – Diocesan Sex Abuse Hotline

February 28, 2004 –  Statement by Bishop DiMarzio on Clergy Sexual Abuse

January 31, 2004  – Diocese Sets 4 Child Protection Workshops

Diocese Moves Ahead with Anti-Abuse Campaign

 

 

Announcement of Death – Reverend Coleman J. Costello

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Coleman J. Costello, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Costello, was born on September 28, 1941, was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1967, and died Saturday, January 21, 2023. 

Father Costello served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of Saint Saviour (Brooklyn), Saint Francis de Sales (Belle Harbor), Saint Anthony of Padua (Brooklyn), Saint Vincent de Paul (Brooklyn), and Saint Andrew Avellino (Brooklyn). He also served as part-time chaplain of Holy Cross High School (Flushing). 

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:        Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, NY 11362
Tel: (718) 229-8001
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 – 9:00 AM -10:00 AM

FUNERAL:  Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, NY 11362
Tel: (718) 229-8001
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 – 10:30 AM

BURIAL:    Saint John Cemetery – Middle Village, New York

Father Costello 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 them to Reverend Monsignor Joseph J. Bracken, 

129-16 Rockway Beach Boulevard, Belle Harbor, New York 11694. 

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

Chancellor 

Memorial Mass for Deacon Joseph C. Denzler

On Monday, December 12, 2022, our office sent out a notice regarding the  death of Deacon Joseph C. Denzler, a retired deacon of the Diocese of  Brooklyn who served at the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes (Queens  Village). Deacon Denzler died Wednesday, December 7, 2022 in Texas. 

Our office has recently been informed of the following: 

A MEMORIAL MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED: 

Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church 
92-80 220th Street 
Queens Village, NY 11428 
Tel: (718) 479-5111 

Saturday, January 28, 2023 
10:45 AM 

All priests who plan to concelebrate, kindly notify the parish. 

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

Announcement of Death – Deacon Joseph C. Denzler

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Deacon Joseph C. Denzler, a retired deacon of the Diocese of Brooklyn who served at the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes (Queens Village). Deacon Denzler was born on June 13, 1946, was ordained to the Diaconate on May 23, 2009, and died Wednesday, December 7, 2022 in Texas, where all arrangements are scheduled to take place.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.

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 wife, Mrs. Erlinda Denzler, 100 East Louise Drive, Unit #205, Beeville, Texas 78102.

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

Announcement of Death-Reverend James T. Devine

 

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend James T. Devine, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Devine was born on May 13, 1934, was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1960, and died Tuesday, November 1, 2022.

Father Devine served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Administrator-Chaplain of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Skies (Jamaica), and Pastor of Saint Rose of Lima (Rockaway Beach). He also served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Mary Queen of Heaven (Brooklyn), Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament (Bayside), and Saint Gertrude (Edgemere). Father Devine was a member of the Diocesan Priest Senate and ministered at Catholic Charities as Director of Catholic Youth Organization.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:

Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
718-229-8001
Friday, November 4, 2022
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

FUNERAL:

Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
718-229-8001
Friday, November 4, 2022
11:00 AM

BURIAL:

Mount Saint Mary
Flushing, New York

Father Devine 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 Nancy Riley, 254 New Castle Court Unit A, Ridge New York 11961.

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