FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY OFFICIALLY DEDICATE THE FACULTY ROOM IN HONOR OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, located at 136-58 41st Avenue in the Flushing section of Queens, honored the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood at a plaque dedication ceremony yesterday, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in the school’s faculty room.

The Sisters of St. Joseph maintained a strong presence at St. Michael’s since shortly after the school opened in 1851, where they served as administrators, teachers, and counselors. Sister Tesa Fitzgerald and Sister Joan Gallagher represented the Sisters of St. Joseph at the ceremony. They were joined by Sister Miriam Blake, the last nun to serve as principal, as well as her former assistant, Sister St. William McMahon. Sister Blake and Sister McMahon are the last Sisters of St. Joseph to serve on the staff at St. Michael’s.

“For over 150 years while ministering at St. Michael’s School, the Sisters of St. Joseph showed strength and courage to face the challenges of the times in Flushing, and globally in their mission as women religious. Their progressive and inclusive approach, not only in education but in social issues, continues to inspire the teaching staff at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy as we are challenged with educational reforms while preparing our students to be responsible global citizens,” said Maureen Rogone, Principal.

Monsignor David Cassato, Vicar for Catholic Schools, and Janet Heed, District Superintendent, were in attendance representing the Office of the School Superintendent for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Photos attached and captions follow.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY TO DEDICATE FACULTY ROOM IN HONOR OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, located at 136-58 41^st Avenue in the Flushing section of Queens, will honor the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood at a plaque dedication ceremony on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. in the school’s faculty room.

The Sisters of St. Joseph have had a strong presence at St. Michael’s since shortly after the school opened in 1851, where they served as administrators, teachers, and counselors. Sister Tesa Fitzgerald and Sister Joan Gallagher will represent the Sisters of St. Joseph at the ceremony. They will be joined by Sister Miriam Blake, the last nun to serve as principal, as well as her former assistant, Sister St. William McMahon. Sister Blake and Sister McMahon are the last Sisters of St. Joseph to serve on the staff at St. Michael’s.

“For over 150 years while ministering at St. Michael’s School, the Sisters of St. Joseph showed strength and courage to face the challenges of the times in Flushing, and globally in their mission as women religious. Their progressive and inclusive approach, not only in education but in social issues, continues to inspire the teaching staff at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy as we are challenged with educational reforms while preparing our students to be responsible global citizens,” said Maureen Rogone, Principal.

Monsignor David Cassato, Vicar for Catholic Schools, and Janet Heed, District Superintendent, will represent the Office of the School Superintendent for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Members of the media are invited to attend and required to adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT ERIC ADAMS HONORS DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN COVID-19 EMERGENCY TASK FORCE

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing that this past Friday, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams led a ceremony at Brooklyn Borough Hall recognizing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn’s Emergency Task Force, which was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist first responders and frontline workers.

Over the course of the pandemic, the task force was able to coordinate the procurement and delivery of 500,000 masks, 100,000 bottles of hand sanitizer, and 40,000 gloves to police and fire personnel, hospitals, nursing homes, and other entities in need throughout the state. The Emergency Task Force also helped deliver 50,000 pizzas to more than 40 hospitals and medical centers as an expression of gratitude to the health care workers on the front lines of the pandemic. They coordinated with the Catholic Telemedia Network (CTN) and the Schools Office for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn to deliver almost 1,000 iPads to 21 Catholic academies across Brooklyn and Queens.

“When COVID-19 sprung on our city without warning, everyday heroes sprang into action to help those in need. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn’s Emergency Task Force showed everyone what our borough is all about, helping to facilitate the delivery of hundreds of thousands of PPE, food, iPads for students, and more. I was proud to recognize members of the task force at Borough Hall, and pay tribute to their heroic sacrifices, which should not be forgotten as our city moves toward re-opening,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

“Borough President Adams and his staff took the pandemic seriously early on and we collaborated with us on many of the donations that took place in and around Brooklyn. It’s been an honor to work with him. The Emergency Task Force team and I are grateful for the recognition and his sincere gesture of appreciation,” said Vincent LeVien, Director of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s COVID-19 Emergency Task Force.

At the ceremony, Borough President Adams presented the members of the task force with citations on behalf of the borough of Brooklyn, and thanked them for their tireless efforts to keep New Yorkers safe. City Councilmember Dr. Mathieu Eugene also attended and offered kind words about the efforts of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Emergency Task Force.

Photo #1- Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams presents official proclamations honoring the members of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn’s Emergency Task Force. Left to right: Dr. Victor Masi, Kim Sisto, David Morales, Dennis Fisin, Borough President Adams, Joseph Vega, Matthew McKeon-Slattery, Wilfredo Vega, Jr., Michael Tatsis, Vincent LeVien, Rob Rich. (Photo courtesy of: Erica Krodman/Brooklyn BP’s office).

Photo #2 – Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams recognizing the Director of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn’s Emergency Task Force Vincent LeVien. (photo credit: Diocese of Brooklyn)

Photo #3- Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn Emergency Task Force Director Vincent LeVien at Friday’s ceremony outside Brooklyn Borough Hall. (photo credit: Diocese of Brooklyn)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
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BISHOP DIMARZIO ANNOUNCES CHURCHES IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS TO RETURN TO FULL CAPACITY, AMONG OTHER COVID-19 GUIDELINE UPDATES

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced that effective this weekend, May 22-23, all Catholic churches throughout Brooklyn and Queens can return to full capacity.  The change was made among a listing of COVID-19 policy guidance updates.

“It is a good day,” said the Most Reverend Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, citing the forms of limitations on churches that have been in effect since last March. “Our churches are at full capacity once again, though we continue to keep restrictions in place knowing there are people yet to be vaccinated. We are not giving up our guard and as a community, it is very important that we continue to provide the safest environment possible for all to worship.”

The State of New York, following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has relaxed many of the current restrictions due to lower rates of infection, and higher numbers of people being vaccinated against COVID-19. Because of that, with the pastoral care of the people of Brooklyn and Queens in mind, Bishop DiMarzio is issuing the following guidelines:

*Brooklyn and Queens churches may open to full 100% capacity. There is no longer a need to rope off a pew between the occupied rows.

*Social distancing is still required for those who are not vaccinated. Unvaccinated parishioners should distance themselves from others who are not members of the same household.

*Masks are still mandatory in church for those who are not vaccinated. However, everyone is encouraged to wear masks while in church.

*Hymnals and missalettes can once again be used.

*Lectors can read from the main pulpit.

*Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may resume their ministry with proper hand hygiene before and after assisting in the distribution of Holy Communion.

*Collection baskets may resume as normal.

*The Offertory Procession with the gifts of bread and wine can resume.

*Choirs with vaccinated members can operate as normal; unvaccinated choir members must continue to maintain social distancing.

*Altar servers may resume their ministry with proper hygiene protocols.

*Hand hygiene is still required and disinfectant use should be encouraged. Additionally, it is wise to provide disinfectant at church entrances.

The Diocese of Brooklyn is relying on the honesty of the faithful as to their vaccination status. The dispensation from attending Holy Mass, which has been in effect since the start of the pandemic, will be lifted the weekend of June 5-6, on the Feast Day of Corpus Christi (The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord). Although the dispensation will be lifted, those who are feeling ill and those caring for the sick, continue to be dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass.

Parishes are encouraged to continue live-streaming of Mass, and DeSales Media will continue the broadcast of the Holy Mass on the Diocesan cable channel, NET-TV, which can be seen on FIOS by Verizon (Ch. 548), Spectrum (Ch.30), Optimum (Ch. 30), or the channel’s website at netny.tv.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
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jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

VANDALISM DISCOVERED ON GROUNDS OF THE OFFICES OF DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

            The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing that a statue depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus, was vandalized over the weekend on the grounds of the Diocesan administrative offices, located at 310 Prospect Park West in the Windsor Terrace section of Brooklyn.

Jesus, held in the arms of His Mother Mary, was decapitated. The destruction was discovered by a facilities manager and immediately reported to the New York City Police Department. The crime is currently being investigated as a hate crime. The Diocese is already working towards repairing the statue to its original form.

This is the second incident in a matter of three days. During the early morning hours of Friday, May 14, a Crucifix was toppled and damaged, and an American Flag burned, at St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church in Bensonhurst. Parishioners gathered Friday evening in prayer.

“We are definitely concerned that there is a pattern of hate crimes against Catholics. There was a hate crime at a Bensonhurst parish on Friday morning and now, just a few days later, this is act of hatred has been discovered at the Diocesan offices. The Diocese will be notifying our churches to be on alert, and we are asking the NYPD to increase patrols in and around the area of our churches. Hatred and intolerance of the Catholic faith, and for that matter any faith, has no place here,” said Monsignor Anthony M. Hernandez, Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).  A photo of the damaged statue is attached.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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CRUCIFIX OF JESUS TOPPLED AND DAMAGED IN HATE CRIME AT BROOKLYN CATHOLIC CHURCH

            The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing an act of vandalism that occurred in the early morning hours of today at St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church, located in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. The damaged Crucifix was discovered by the parish pastor, Monsignor David Cassato, around 8 a.m. on his walk from the rectory to the academy to greet the students.

The Crucifix displayed in the grass adjacent to the school, located at the corner of 61^st Street and Bay Parkway, was found toppled over and lying face down. The statue of Jesus, the cross, and the display were all damaged in what is being investigated by the NYPD as a hate crime.

“This was truly an act of hatred and today is the saddest day of my twenty years here at this parish,” said Monsignor David Cassato. “I went over and spoke to the students in the school about what happened, telling them that hate never wins.  We are, and must be, a community that continues to share the message of Easter, that which is of love, hope, and forgiveness.”

The Crucifix was installed at the parish in 2010 in memory of Monsignor Cassato’s mother. The parish plans to repair and reinstall the Crucifix in the same location.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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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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