STATEMENT OF BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO ON THE PASSING OF FORMER MAYOR ED KOCH

The Catholic community in Brooklyn and Queens joins all New Yorkers in mourning the passing of Edward I. Koch, a compelling leader who became a symbol of New York City as its “mayor for life.”

He never forgot the common folk, even as he transcended to greatness and became a legend. He was as concerned about residents in the outer boroughs as much as he was for those in Manhattan. He brought New York City back from the brink of economic crisis and financial ruin, and managed to foster a sense of small town Americana in our big city. Read more »

STATEMENT FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS REGARDING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN HOWARD BEACH AND THE ROCKAWAYS

Over the course of the past three weeks since Hurricane Sandy, the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Superintendent of Schools office has worked diligently with Local, State and Federal officials to facilitate the reopening of Catholic schools in Howard Beach and the Rockaways. This included securing generators for the sites, assessing the extent of the damage to electrical and heating systems, determining necessary repair time, and taking precautions that included air quality testing.

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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS RELEASES 800 NUMBER FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL FAMILIES IN HOWARD BEACH AND THE ROCKAWAYS

Catholic elementary schools and academies within the Diocese of Brooklyn will re-open on Monday, Nov. 5th, with the exception of the following schools: Ave Maria Catholic Academy, Howard Beach; St. Camillus School, Rockaway Beach; St. Francis de Sales School, Belle Harbor; St. Helenís School, Howard Beach; and St. Rose of Lima School, Rockaway Beach.

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UPDATE REGARDING FIVE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE SANDY

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 2012

Over 1,400 children in Catholic schools have been displaced by Hurricane Sandy from five schools which include Ave Maria Catholic Academy, Howard Beach; St. Camillus School, Rockaway Beach; St. Francis de Sales School, Belle Harbor; St. Helen’s School, Howard Beach; and St. Rose of Lima School, Rockaway Beach. Officials from the Office of the Superintendent have been working closely with the principals and pastors of these schools, other diocesan offices and local officials to create a transition plan designed to meet the immediate needs of these students and their families, ensure their ability to continue to receive a Catholic education and if possible, maintain these school communities intact. Read more »

BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO TO CELEBRATE MASS IN BREEZY POINT ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH, AT 12 P.M.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio will celebrate Mass at St. Thomas More Church, 204-25 Rockaway Point Blvd., this Sunday, Nov. 4th at 12 p.m. Almost every single family in the parish was displaced due to Hurricane Sandy.

“When confronted by natural disasters I am reminded of the words of the Lord found in the prophet Isaiah ‘O afflicted one, storm-tossed, and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in precious metal, and lay your foundations with sapphires.’ While we humans have learned how to mitigate against natural calamity, we cannot despite these advances, change the reality that life is fragile,” Bishop DiMarzio said in a statement in response to the devastation left by the hurricane.

The bishop also announced that all parishes in the diocese will take up a second collection to assist those who are in distress as a result of this natural disaster. “Most of our families throughout Brooklyn and Queens are middle-class or working poor. All are so incredibly generous to those suffering in other parts of our country and world. Now we need to come together to assist our neighbors,” he said.

For information on relief efforts in Brooklyn and Queens, as well as volunteer opportunities, visit www.dioceseofbrooklyn.org.