Press Releases

BISHOP BRENNAN ORDAINS HIS FIRST THREE PRIESTS TO SERVE THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

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The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, ordained three men as priests during a Mass of Ordination, on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. This was the first ordination Bishop Brennan presided over since being installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn on November 30, 2021.

“I was blessed to ordain three men to the priesthood who will serve in our parishes faithfully for many years to come. We are so proud of them – and grateful to their family and seminary faculty who have helped bring them to the altar,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

The following were ordained and their assignments announced at the conclusion of the Mass:

Father Andrew Tsui – assigned to St. Bartholomew in Elmhurst.

Andrew Tsui will be the first American-born Chinese priest to serve the Diocese of Brooklyn. Tsui credits the Catholic Church for helping to save his family. His great-grandmother faced such extreme poverty that her daughters became indentured servants; his father was orphaned in Hong Kong and helped by priests from the Salesian order. His spirituality increased during his high school and college years. Andrew later spoke with Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio about the need for Chinese-speaking priests and from there, he received a strong calling to serve the Chinese people. Tsui enjoys fishing, hiking, and especially cooking.

Father Alexander Olszewski – assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas in Flatlands.

Alexander Olszewski is a former businessman wanting to help redevelop a passion for the faith among people. Alex was born in Bangkok, Thailand to Richard and Vivian Olszewski of Brooklyn.  His father was stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Thailand during the Vietnam War. The family was later transferred to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he became an altar boy at his local church. He credits his attendance at Sunday Mass as a contributing factor in his vocation, as well as the sickness and eventual passing of his parents for accelerating his discernment.

Father Dung (Vincent) Vu – assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes in Queens Village.

Dung (Vincent) Vu is a native of Vietnam who started to feel the calling to the priesthood while attending college in Ho Chi Minh City. At the time, he was serving as an altar server and Catechist at Holy Family Parish and asked the pastor about a vocation to the priesthood. After graduating college, he traveled to the United States to continue his vocational discernment. He was admitted to the House of Formation in Douglaston by former Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and completed his studies at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut, and Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts.

The attached photos are courtesy of DeSales Media.

Prior to their being ordained, the three candidates lay prostrate on the floor during the Litany of Saints.
Father Alexander Olszewski, Father Dung (Vincent) Vu, and Father Andrew Tsui at the ordination.
Father Alexander Olszewski, Father Andrew Tsui, and Father Dung (Vincent) Vu at their ordination.
(Left to right) Retired Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez, Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio, Father Andrew Tsui, Father Alexander Olszewski, Bishop Robert Brennan, Father Dung (Vincent) Vu, Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski, and retired Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros.
(Left to right) Retired Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez, Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio, Father Andrew Tsui, Father Alexander Olszewski, Bishop Robert Brennan, Father Dung (Vincent) Vu, Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski, and retired Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros.

INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE REMEMBERS VICTIMS OF RECENT MASS SHOOTINGS

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The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, and the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns led an Interfaith Prayer Service for the victims of the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, this afternoon at Immaculate Conception Church, located in the Jamaica Estates section of Queens.

“How right we are to talk about gun violence and racism. How right we are to see the human dignity of each and every one of us, made in the image and likeness of God. We united our voices and let us proclaim The Gospel of Life amidst such violence and hatred,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

The prayer service featured the musical performance of “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” “God Has Smiled on Me,” “The Prayer,” and “We Shall Overcome.”

The names of each of the 31 victims who died in the mass shootings at the Tops Supermarket in Buffalo, New York, and Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, were read in between the ringing of the church bells on the altar.

Michele Guerrier, a membe of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Commission on Racism and Social Justice was among the speakers, as was Detective Mohamed Amen an NYPD Clergy Liaison who represented the Department’s Muslim Chaplain.

Father Alonzo Q. Cox is the Vicar of the Office of Black Catholic Concerns for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.

VIMEO is courtesy of DeSales Media: https://vimeo.com/717372170

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Bishop Brennan at the Interfaith Prayer Service to remember the victims of the recent mass shootings.
Father Alonzo Cox the Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns for the Diocese of Brooklyn who was among the organizers of the memorial service.

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN TO BLESS ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH FOLLOWING LAST WEEKEND’S DESECRATION

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2022

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN TO BLESS ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH
FOLLOWING LAST WEEKEND’S DESECRATION

The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, will bless St. Augustine Church following last weekend’s desecration and burglary of the church’s tabernacle. The blessing is part of a Penitential Rite of Reparation that will take place during the 5 pm Mass on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, located at 116 6th Avenue in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn.

“A horrendous crime has been committed in our church, and that affects the entire community of the parish,” said Bishop Robert Brennan. “In the commission of this crime, the Holy Eucharist, the body of Christ, was strewn all over the altar. That is a grave and hateful act of sacrilege as the Eucharist is central to our life as Catholics. The ritual I ask the community to join me in prayer is for the reparation of the wrong that has been done to them,” continued Bishop Brennan.

The brazen theft was discovered in the afternoon of Saturday, May 28, 2022. The burglar cut through a metal protective casing and made off with the tabernacle, which dates back to when the church was built in the late 1800s. This holy sacramental receptacle is irreplaceable due to its historical and artistic value. The angels which flanked the tabernacle were decapitated and destroyed.

At the start of the Penitential Rite of Reparation, the altar of the church will already be stripped bare. After entering, Bishop Brennan will bless the water and sprinkle the altar, the congregants, and the walls of the desecrated church as a sign of purification. The altar will then be dressed as the offertory of the Mass takes place. Parishioners will vest the altar and light the candles as they prepare for the liturgy of the Eucharist. The Holy Mass will then be celebrated and the desecrated church is restored to divine service.

“The restoration of the church building to its sacred dignity renews the resolve of the local church in Brooklyn and Queens to grow in holiness and in witness to the presence of our Risen Lord in the world today,” said Bishop Brennan.

Members of the media are invited to attend and should respond to confirm.

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Tabernacle dating back to the 1890s stolen from the altar at Brooklyn Catholic Church

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2022

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing the New York City Police Department is investigating a brazen crime of disrespect and hate, which desecrated the most Holy Eucharist and the altar at St. Augustine Catholic Church, located at 116 6th Avenue in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn.

The burglar cut through a metal protective casing and made off with the Tabernacle, which dates back to when the church was built in the late 1800s. This holy sacramental receptacle is irreplaceable due to its historical and artistic value. The angels which flanked the Tabernacle were decapitated and destroyed, and the Holy Eucharist housed inside the Tabernacle was thrown all over the altar.

“This is devastating, as the Tabernacle is the central focus of our church outside of worship, holding the Body of Christ, the Eucharist, which is delivered to the sick and homebound,” said Father Frank Tumino, pastor of St. Augustine. “To know that a burglar entered the most sacred space of our beautiful Church and took great pains to cut into a security system is a heinous act of disrespect,” continued Tumino.

The burglary is suspected to have taken place on Friday, May 27, and was discovered by the pastor on Saturday, May 28. A safe in the sacristy was also cut open, but nothing was inside. Photos of the damage, as well as the video of the original Tabernacle, are attached.

Anyone who may have information that can help police with their investigation is asked to call the NYPD at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

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VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/714923634
Credit: DeSales Media Group

 

BISHOP BRENNAN ANNOUNCES NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS

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The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced the selection of Deacon Kevin McCormack as the new Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn. The appointment is effective as of July 1, 2022.

Deacon McCormack will be replacing Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, who is retiring as of August 31, 2022, after serving as Superintendent for the past 18 years.

“The schools and academies of the Diocese of Brooklyn have been blessed by the many years of steady, strong, and devoted leadership of our Superintendent Dr. Thomas Chadzutko. He truly has championed the growth of our schools and academies through teacher professional development, technology, and curriculum enhancements. Today we see the success of Catholic schools throughout Brooklyn and Queens because of his work. I am confident Deacon Kevin McCormack will expand on that success, given his exemplary work leading Xaverian and his clear commitment to Catholic Identity,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

Deacon Kevin McCormack has served as the Principal of Xaverian for the last 15 years, having previously served there as an English and Religion teacher. For 30 years, he was also an Adjunct Instructor of Theology at Molloy College and was the co-host of the WABC radio program Religion on the Line from 2006 to 2018. Deacon McCormack is a graduate of Cathedral College and holds a Master of Arts in Theology from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Fordham University.

“Over the last 37 years at Xaverian, working with tremendous students and their families, dedicated staff, faculty, administrators, and devoted alumni – and especially with my friend President Alesi, I learned what makes a Catholic School great. I am grateful that Bishop Brennan has placed his trust in me to build upon the formative work of Dr. Chadzutko and continue the blessed tradition of excellence in Catholic education,” said Deacon Kevin McCormack.

Dr. Thomas Chadzutko’s career in Catholic education in the Diocese of Brooklyn began in 1985 when he was named Principal of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn. Following his tenure as Principal, Dr. Chadzutko entered diocesan administration, serving more than seven years as a District Superintendent, and more than two years as a Deputy Superintendent. On July 1, 2003, he was named Interim Superintendent.  On June 4, 2004, then Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio officially appointed Dr. Chadzutko to serve as Superintendent of Schools.

“Leadership and progress never exist in isolation. I have been blessed with pastors, principals, and staff that share the faith and the mission of Catholic education. I am fortunate to be able to reflect on the many joys that this position has afforded me. The greatest joy is the knowledge that our work has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of students over the past three decades. I am honored to have been a piece of the puzzle that has shaped the next generation of the faithful,” said Dr. Thomas Chadzutko.

Xaverian has also issued a press release today pertaining to this announcement as well as the selection of their new principal.  The full release can be found here: https://xaverian.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/765/download/download_7659111.pdf

The Diocese of Brooklyn is home to 70 Catholic elementary academies and schools, as well as 15 Catholic high schools, throughout Brooklyn and Queens, with a combined enrollment of 30,894. There are 19,613 elementary students and 11,281 high school students. For more information regarding Catholic education in the Diocese of Brooklyn, visit catholicschoolsbq.org.

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Bishop Robert Brennan has named Deacon Kevin McCormack as the new Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn effective July 1, 2022.

VIDEO/PHOTOS: BISHOP BRENNAN CELEBRATES EASTER VIGIL IN BROOKLYN

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BISHOP BRENNAN CELEBRATES FIRST EASTER VIGIL AS
BISHOP OF BROOKLYN

         “We are announcing the greatest news of all time. Jesus Christ is Risen,” proclaimed the Most Reverend Robert Brennan, who celebrated the Great Easter Vigil tonight, his first as Bishop of Brooklyn, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street, in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

“He is Risen from the dead, He lives.  He didn’t just rise to make an appearance 2000 years ago, He lives. He lives now forever and we will be with Him one day. We will die with Him, we die with Him in baptism, but by dying with Him in baptism we know that we will rise with Him. This is the greatest news ever and today we celebrate it with tremendous joy,” preached Bishop Brennan.

The Easter Vigil begins in the dark outside the Church. That is where the Paschal candle is lit and that light is shared with all inside the church, which dramatically lights up to symbolize the Risen Lord.

“We come because we need to be reminded every once in a while, and we go forth from here ready to announce, to bring the news to the world by the way we live our lives with joy, with hope and with confidence, because Jesus is Risen, because our lives have meaning and direction, because we are meant to live forever,” added Bishop Brennan.

Bishop Brennan baptized five new Catholics, who now begin their new life in the Church. Six people were also confirmed during the Easter Vigil.

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Video courtesy of DeSales Media: https://vimeo.com/700128379

:00  Ceremony begins outside

:41  Sharing the light inside the Church

1:31 NATS “Que Viva Jesus Resuscitado”

1:42 Quote 1 – We are announcing … He is Risen from the dead

2:19 Quote 2 – We come because ….

2:50 Baptisms

VIDEO AND PHOTOS: BISHOP BRENNAN TO BLESSES EASTER FOOD BASKETS WITH POLISH COMMUNITY

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BISHOP BRENNAN BLESSES EASTER FOOD BASKETS THIS HOLY SATURDAY

         The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, this morning joined the Polish community of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Maspeth for the annual blessing of their Easter food baskets.  Bishop Brennan was joined by Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski.

“This blessing of the Easter baskets, and of all the foods, is so beautiful because it connects the family and the Church. It’s beautiful to see so many of you gathered as families, to see different generations of people here, coming together to the Church to ask for God’s blessing,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

“We remember the works completed during this time of Lent. We thank God for the graces we have received through the season of prayer, fasting, and works of mercy.  Today connects us with the Joy of Easter when we will celebrate that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead,” continued Bishop Brennan.

This morning’s prayer service was attended by more than 300 people. Two children from the parish presented Bishop Brennan with an Easter food basket in appreciation of his visit. Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church is located at 61-21 56th Road in Queens.

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Vimeo link: https://vimeo.com/700054948

Photos attached.
The photos and video are courtesy of DeSales Media.

BISHOP BRENNAN TO MARK FIRST EASTER TRIDUUM AS BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2022

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP BRENNAN TO MARK FIRST EASTER TRIDUUM AS BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

            The Most Reverend Robert Brennan will mark his first Easter Triduum as the Bishop of Brooklyn with a number of Masses, prayer services and processions beginning tonight, Holy Thursday, April 14, 2022, and continuing through Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022.

Members of the media are invited to attend any of the following:

Thursday, April 14, 2022,

7:00 P.M. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Washing of the Feet

Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street, Brooklyn

*This Mass will be live-streamed at: https://netny.tv/watch-now/

Good Friday, April 15, 2022

10:00 A.M. – The Way of the Cross Good Friday Procession

Starting at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James and continuing over the Brooklyn Bridge

3:00 P.M. – The Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

Cathedral Basilica of St. James, 250 Cathedral Place, Downtown Brooklyn

Saturday, April 16, 2022

10:00 A.M. Blessing of Easter Food Baskets with the Polish community

Bishop Brennan will be joined by Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski

Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, 61-21 56th Road, Queens

7:30 P.M. The Great Easter Vigil

The Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street, Brooklyn

*This Mass will be live-streamed at: https://netny.tv/watch-now/

Sunday, April 17, 2022

11:00 A.M. Easter Sunday Mass

Cathedral Basilica of St. James, 250 Cathedral Place, Brooklyn

*This Mass will be live-streamed at: https://netny.tv/watch-now/

*Arrangements can be made through the press office for media coverage of Easter Sunday Masses at parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

BISHOP BRENNAN SPEAKS ON BROOKLYN SUBWAY ATTACK IN HOMILY DURING TONIGHT’S BROOKLYN DIOCESE CHRISM MASS

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BISHOP BRENNAN SPEAKS ON BROOKLYN SUBWAY ATTACK IN HOMILY DURING TONIGHT’S
BROOKLYN DIOCESE CHRISM MASS

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, tonight celebrated the annual Diocese of Brooklyn Chrism Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. During the Mass, the bishop consecrated the oils to be used in the coming year for sacramental anointing. He also led hundreds of priests and deacons in renewing their promises of service to the Church.

In his homily, Bishop Brennan spoke of this morning’s attack on the subway at 36th Street in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn.

“We were shaken to our core this morning, right here in the borough of Brooklyn, when violence hit us at home. Tonight, we pray very earnestly for those who were injured, passengers on the train, and the police who went in. We pray for their healing and restoration of their health.  We pray for all of those out there every day watching over, protecting us, in so many ways,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

“We see that sometimes evil prevails, but we know it is not the final answer. And always, this morning, no exception, do we see that when evil prevails the goodness of people becomes even stronger. The power of Jesus risen from the dead is always, always at work, reminding it is not the final answer,” continued Bishop Brennan.

The Chrism Mass is one of the most solemn and significant liturgies of the Catholic Church. It is marked by the ceremonial blessing of the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and consecration of the oil of chrism, which will be used in all churches of the Diocese of Brooklyn throughout the liturgical year. The oils are used to anoint the sick, baptize catechumens and infants, ordain priests, and anoint altars. This Mass is celebrated in dioceses around the world.

The video is courtesy of DeSales Media.

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VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/698852180

:00 Bishop Brennan Homily quote from above

1:14 B-roll of Chrism Mass

1:46 Blessing of Oils and Consecration of the Chrism

VIDEO UPDATE-BISHOP BRENNAN LEADS PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION TO MARK START OF HOLY WEEK

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2022

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP BRENNAN LEADS PROCESSION THIS PALM SUNDAY IN BROOKLYN 

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, began his first Holy Week as leader of the Diocese of Brooklyn with a special Palm Sunday procession which began at Noon at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn.

Hundreds of Catholics took part as Bishop Brennan began with an opening prayer before he blessed the palms. Then the faithful began to walk, pray, and sing down Vanderbilt Avenue, making their way to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street.

The procession commemorated 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.

“Here in Brooklyn we are commemorating that solemn entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem by walking with a procession down Vanderbilt Avenue. I am thrilled to be entering into Holy Week in such a dramatic way,” said Bishop Brennan.

He added, “It is important to live our faith publicly, what we believe. We are walking one with Jesus, on His road to Calvary. He came to walk with us and share our burdens to help us along the way and to guide us to the Resurrection, which we will celebrate next week.”

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VIDEO – Courtesy of DeSales Media:

https://vimeo.com/697957662