Death of Reverend Richard M. Lewkiewicz

 

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Richard M. Lewkiewicz, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Lewkiewicz was born on August 17, 1942, was ordained to the Priesthood on June 1, 1968, and died Wednesday, November 2, 2022.

Father Lewkiewicz served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the parishes of Our Lady
of Angels (Brooklyn), Good Shepherd (Brooklyn), Saint Camillus (Rockaway Park), and Blessed
Sacrament (Brooklyn).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: (718) 229-8001
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, November 10, 2022
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

FUNERAL:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: (718) 229-8001
Thursday, November 10, 2022
11:00 AM

BURIAL:
Calvary Cemetery
Woodside, New York

Father Lewkiewicz 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 Deacon Matthew Oellinger, Immaculate Conception Center, 7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362.

Death of Msgr. Terrence J. Mulkerin

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor Terrence J. Mulkerin, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Mulkerin was born on September 29, 1935, was ordained to the Priesthood on June 3, 1961, and died Monday, October 24, 2022.

Monsignor Mulkerin served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the parishes of Incarnation (Queens Village), Saint Paul (Brooklyn), and Our Lady of Lourdes (Queens Village). He was also in residence at the parishes of Holy Name of Jesus (Brooklyn) and Saint Joseph Labre (Richmond Hill). Monsignor Mulkerin served as the director of the Missions Office and was also Military Chaplain of the U.S. Navy.

He received the honor of Chaplain of His Holiness in 2012.

The arrangements are as follows:

VIEWING:

Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Thursday, October 27, 2022 9:00 AM- 10:30 AM

FUNERAL:

Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston,New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001

Thursday, October 27, 2022 11:00 AM

BURIAL:

Saint Charles Cemetery Farmingdale, 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 Deacon Matthew Oellinger, Immaculate Conception Center, 7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362.

Rosary Recited in Five Languages in the Diocese of Brooklyn to Mark the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2022

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

Rosary Recited in Five Languages in the Diocese of Brooklyn

to Mark the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

 

In celebration of today’s Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, DeSales Media, the communications arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, is debuting the 2022 Rosary Rally. However, this is no ordinary recitation. The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, prayed the Rosary with school children from the Diocese in five languages: English, Spanish, Creole, Polish, and Mandarin.

Filmed at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, New York, students across several grade levels gathered to pray the Rosary in their native languages. Students from Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy prayed the Rosary in English; Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy students prayed in Spanish; Students from Saints Joachim & Anne School recited the Rosary in Creole; St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy (Queens) students prayed in Polish, and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy students prayed in Mandarin.

“It was moving to see the students in the large round sanctuary, who created a living, multicultural rosary. It showed the international flavor of our schools as the students prayed in the language of their heritage with confidence,” said Bishop Robert Brennan. 

“What struck me is the Catholic identity of who we are is in our prayer. It’s in the extra things that we do. The Rosary has such power, literal power to transform, heal, and help. These kids knew that, and they were comfortable with it, and it bolstered my faith watching them,” said the new Superintendent of Schools, Deacon Kevin McCormack.

Bishop Brennan reminds the faithful what he told the students “pray what you can, not what you can’t.” The Rosary is a powerful tool, whether you pray the entire thing, one decade, or none of it. “When you can’t pray, when you are so lost, when words can’t come to you, just hold the Rosary in your hand, treat it like a lifeline, hold it, and let yourself be held by God. That in itself is a prayer.”

The Rosary Rally is scheduled to air on the Diocesan cable network NET TV beginning today at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. NET-TV can be found on Spectrum channel 97, Verizon Fios channel 548, and Optimum channel 30.

 

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PHOTOS AND VIDEO – must courtesy DeSales Media

Diocese of Brooklyn Rosary Rally2022 – YouTube 

Human Rosary wide shot Students pray rosary 1 Students pray rosary 2 Students pray rosary 3 Students pray rosary 4 Closeup student holds rosary Boy holding rosary Bishop Brennan talks about rosary Bishop Brennan rosary medium shot

BISHOP DIMARZIO DENOUNCES VANDALISM OF STATUE IN MCCARREN PARK DEDICATED TO POLISH PRIEST WHO FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP DIMARZIO DENOUNCES VANDALISM OF STATUE IN MCCARREN PARK DEDICATED TO POLISH PRIEST WHO FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, is releasing the following statement in response to the vandalism discovered late Tuesday in Brooklyn’s McCarren Park, to the statue of Father Jerzy Popieluszko, a Polish priest killed for his resistance to communism:

“It is disheartening to learn the statue of Father Jerzy Popieluszko, a man who devoted his life to the advancement of freedom and liberty, has been vandalized once again.  This statue has long stood in Greenpoint’s McCarren Park in tribute to a Polish priest who is revered by Catholics, and the Polish community, for his courage and leadership in championing peaceful resistance to Communism.  I definitely consider this despicable act to be a hate crime and would encourage the NYPD to classify it as such,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

Father Jerzy Popieluszko was ordained a priest at the age of 24.  He was captured on October 19, 1984, beat to death with a rock and thrown into the Vistula River at the age of 37. Father Popieluszko utilized Radio Free Europe to spread his message of nonviolence in the wake of the Communist movement. He also served as a chaplain to the Solidarity movement and trade union which opposed the ideas of a Communist government.

During a period of martial law declared by the Communist Party,  Father Jerzy celebrated monthly “Masses for the Homeland,” which advocated for human rights and attracted large crowds. Father Popieluszko was declared a martyr of the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 and was beatified on June 6, 2010. An investigation is ongoing into a miracle that took place in France through the intercession of Father Popieluszko.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-877-577-8477 or you can submit a tip through the NYPD website.

 

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Catholic Schools in Brooklyn and Queens Will Remain Open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 15, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Catholic Schools in Brooklyn and Queens Will Remain Open

The Superintendent of Catholic Schools for Brooklyn and Queens today has announced that all 69 schools and academies will remain open and continue to provide in-person learning, irrespective of any impending decision pertaining to the status of New York City public schools.

Catholic schools in the Diocese in Brooklyn and Queens have provided safe, five days a week in-person learning since beginning this school year, as scheduled, on September 9. The Superintendent has also requested the Department of Education’s Office of Non-Public Schools continue to provide services for Catholic school students, which they are entitled to, including school nurses, transportation, and food, if public schools are to close.

“Every member of our school community has truly dedicated themselves to keeping our schools as safe as possible in the wake of this Coronavirus pandemic, and the results prove these efforts have worked.  For more than eight weeks, we have been able to maintain in-person learning for our students, mostly five days a week, and we intend to keep doing so going forward this school year. We know how critical it is for the development of our students to keep our schools open. Our children want to be in the classroom and we want them to be there for as long as safely possible,” said Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Catholic Schools ~ Office of Support Services.

Diocesan schools have successfully operated for more than two months due to the strict adherence to the important “Core Four” actions to prevent COVID-19 transmission, including maintaining physical distance, wearing a face covering, practicing healthy hand hygiene, and staying home if sick. The schools and academies of the Diocese of Brooklyn continue to work with New York State and City Department of Health officials on a regular basis to maintain the safety of all of our students, faculty, and staff.

For a listing and more information about Catholic Schools in Brooklyn and Queens, please visit catholicschoolsbq.org.

 

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS SET TO START NEW SCHOOL YEAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS SET TO START NEW SCHOOL YEAR

The Diocese of Brooklyn and the Office of the Superintendent ~ Catholic School Support Services will welcome back students to the 66 Catholic Schools and Academies throughout Brooklyn and Queens tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9, 2020, to officially start the 2020-2021 academic year, with staggered arrivals through Friday, September 11, 2020.

In accordance with all Coronavirus safety guidelines, 90% of the schools will be offering full-time in-person learning, and 10% of the schools will offer a hybrid model due to capacity. The Superintendent’s office has worked with each individual school throughout the planning for a safe return to school.

Additionally, over 2,400 students have enrolled in the Diocese’s full remote learning St. Thomas Aquinas Program, created to give parents concerned about in-person learning an option to continue to give their children a Catholic education. This program begins on September 16th.

“We look forward to welcoming our students back to school. Principals, board members, teachers, and the entire school staff at our Catholic Academies and Parish Schools have worked tirelessly this summer to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment is in place for all. Our re-opening plans are in compliance with the current mandates and guidance from government and health officials, and we will continue to update them as necessary throughout the school year,” said Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools.

The Office of the Superintendent ~ Catholic School Support Services has been working with the New York City Department of Education to ensure that the City fulfills its obligations to the Catholic Academies and Parish Schools throughout Brooklyn and Queens. According to New York City Education Law, the Department of Education must provide essential services such as nurses, transportation, meals, and special education and related services.

Additionally, services such as school security and crossing guards will be provided through other agencies. The NYC Pre-K for All programs, offered at our Catholic Academies and Parish Schools, will start at each site as individually scheduled.

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Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Urges Special Collection in Brooklyn and Queens Churches to Assist the People of Lebanon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Urges Special Collection in Brooklyn and Queens Churches to Assist the People of Lebanon

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, is announcing his request for a special voluntary collection to take place starting this weekend, August 29 and 30, at parishes throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens for victims of the recent explosion in the port in Beirut, Lebanon.

“We have all seen the painful images of devastation and heard of the deaths caused by the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by this terrible disaster, especially the Christian community which has been struggling,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

The August 4th explosion killed 180 people, injured thousands, and has displaced more than 300,000 people from their homes. The money collected will be sent by the Diocese of Brooklyn for distribution and direct assistance to the Christian community of Lebanon.

Checks to support this collection should be made payable to the Compostela Fund and mailed to: Compostela Fund c/o Diocesan Finance Office, 310 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Please write Lebanon in the check’s memo section.

 

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CATHOLIC ACADEMIES AND PARISH SCHOOLS PREPARE TO REOPEN WITH IN-CLASS INSTRUCTION AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN PLACE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 18, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CATHOLIC ACADEMIES AND PARISH SCHOOLS PREPARE TO REOPEN WITH IN-CLASS INSTRUCTION AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN PLACE

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing each of its 66 Catholic Academies and Parish Schools have submitted their 2020-2021 Reopening Plans to the New York State Department of Education. The majority of proposals call for the reopening of Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens with five day a week, 100% in-class instruction.

“We are pleased with the Governor’s recent announcement regarding the re-opening of schools.  This is a great first step in the right direction to helping our children safely return to the classroom,” said Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D., Superintendent of Schools.

The plans submitted by each school/academy to New York State presented one of the following three options:

Plan A – 100% In-Person Model with the following requirements:

  • Social Distancing in the classrooms and throughout the school building
  • Mandatory Face Coverings while in school with mask breaks
  • Hand and Respiratory Hygiene guidance and enforcement
  • Signage throughout building promoting hygiene, illness, mask and distance requirement
  • Daily health screening of all who enter building per NYS guidelines, including temperature checks
  • Procedures in place if positive COVID case detected
  • Testing and Tracing policies in place per Department of Health guidelines

Plan B – Hybrid Model with the following requirements:

  • Same requirements noted above for in-school instruction
  • Hybrid model could be 3/2 – three days in school and two days of remote learning from home. Hybrid models vary by school
  • Remote learning with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous with instruction sessions led by teachers of the students’ Catholic Academy or Parish School

Plan C – 100% Distance Learning – Saint Thomas Aquinas Distance Learning Catholic Program

A new Diocesan-wide distance learning program created with a faculty focused exclusively on the development of an academically rigorous, Christ-centered remote learning program. This is an additional option to ensure instructional equity for those who choose 100% remote learning.

Of the plans submitted, a majority of the 66 Diocesan schools and academies aim to open for instruction under Plan A, with the flexibility to adopt Plan B or Plan C quickly if COVID-19 cases arise.

“Our Principals, teachers, Boards and administrators have been hard at work to ensure all the health and safety protocols will be met at all our Catholic Academies and Parish Schools.  We are prepared and excited for a full reopening in September.  This may be slightly different school by school given the building footprint and student population.  Some schools will need to use a hybrid model if they cannot meet the social distancing standards,” added Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools.

The health of the students, faculty and staff, remains the top priority, so enhanced cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing protocols will be in place at all school buildings.

The Re-Opening Plans for each school can be found on the individual school website. Additionally, parent meetings will take place this week, via ZOOM, to review and discuss the Re-Opening Plans.

 

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QUEENS PRIEST RAISES $20,000 FOR FOOD PANTRY ON 100-MILE BIKE RIDE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

QUEENS PRIEST RAISES $20,000 FOR FOOD PANTRY ON 100-MILE BIKE RIDE

            The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing that Father Christopher Heanue, Administrator at Holy Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church, last week completed the “100 Miles of Hope” fundraiser to support the parish food pantry. The bike ride from the church in Richmond Hill, Queens to East Hampton, Long Island, has raised over $20,000.

 

Father Heanue was joined by two parishioners on the journey, Paul Cerni and Tom Chiafolo. The day started with a special 5 a.m. Mass celebrated by Father Heanue. The total bike time for the journey was 7 hours and 45 minutes, and the entire trip was completed over the course of more than 10 hours.

 

“The prayers and generous support of all helped to motivate and make our “100 miles of Hope” a true success.  If this served as an inspiration for any, then all glory be to God. This is needed now, more than ever. With this help, we can continue the good work of our food pantry and other initiatives,” said Father Heanue.

 

Donations are still being accepted through the Go Fund Me Page at www.gofundme.com/f/100-miles-of-hope or by texting ‘miles’ to 718-550-6525.

 

Photos attached.

 

Photo #1- Tom Chiafolo, Father Chis Heanue, and Paul Cerni met in advance of the bike ride for this photo.

 

Photo #2 – Father Chris Heanue, Tom Chiafolo, and Paul Cerni, outside of Holy Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Queens, prior to the start of the of their “100 Miles for Hope” bike ride.

 

Photo #3-Father Chris Heanue is greeted upon his arrival at Most Holy Trinity Church in East Hampton, Long Island.

 

Photo #4 – Tom Chiafolo, Paul Cerni, and Father Chris Heanue posed for a photo upon their arrival in East Hampton.

 

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A Letter to the faith community of Saint Pancras – Aug 1 & 2, 2020

 

Office of the Bishop
Diocese of Brooklyn

310 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, New York 11215

 

 

August 1 and 2, 2020

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

 

I have asked Bishop Paul Sanchez and Monsignor Joseph Calise to read this letter to you on my behalf at the close of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is with profound regret that I must advise you that this letter contains information that will trouble you as members of the faith community of Saint Pancras. You are undoubtedly aware of the deep suffering and hurt that surround any instance of inappropriate behavior, especially when allegations involve a member of the clergy. It can damage, often irreparably, the innocence, the trust and the reputations of all who are in any way affected by it.

Unfortunately, I write to you about such incidents involving the Pastor of Saint Pancras. As many of you may know, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, Father Francis Hughes was arrested by the federal authorities due to allegations of inappropriate behavior with minors. In keeping with our Diocesan Policy and the 2002 Bishops Charter and Norms for the Protection of Children and Youth, he has been removed as Pastor of Saint Pancras, and from all priestly ministry. I have assigned Father Wladyslaw Kubrak as the Temporary Administrator in the interim.

I am aware that this news has been devastating to many. With this in my mind, the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Jasmine Salazar, LMSW, has arranged to make virtual and telephone meetings available for different groups in your parish, to provide you with pastoral care, information and clarification where needed. Often just having a place to speak about such matters are the beginning steps to addressing the strong impact such news can have.

Once again, I encourage each of us in our resolve to protect our children and youth from all forms of abuse. I invite anyone who is the victim of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy to inform the Diocese of Brooklyn. To facilitate making such a call, when I arrived in the Diocese in Brooklyn and Queens in 2003, I established the toll-free number of 888-634-4499. A specially trained and caring layperson, who is not affiliated in any way with the Diocese, will treat you with courtesy and respect. This number will be published in the bulletin and also appears on the posters in the back of the Church.

With an assurance of my continued remembrance of you in prayer, and asking for your prayers for all victims and survivors of abuse, I am

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D., D.D. Bishop of Brooklyn

Letter to the faith community of St. Pancras Aug.2020