Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY – WORLD WAR II HERO TO BE REMEMBERED: BISHOP CHAPPETTO TO PAY TRIBUTE TO HIS UNCLE KILLED IN ACTION 80 YEARS AGO

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 24, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

WORLD WAR II HERO TO BE REMEMBERED: BISHOP CHAPPETTO TO PAY TRIBUTE TO HIS UNCLE
KILLED IN ACTION 80 YEARS AGO

Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Raymond Chappetto of the Diocese of Brooklyn will participate in a memorial service to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the death of his uncle, 2nd Lieutenant Peter Chappetto, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Chappetto Memorial Park located at the corner of Hoyt Avenue North and 23rd Streets in the Astoria section of Queens. This ceremony will mark the 75th Anniversary of the dedication of the park.

Peter Chappetto was born in Astoria in 1912, was a star athlete during high school and would later enlist in the United States Army in 1941. During the Battle of Angaur fought on the Palau Islands, 2nd Lieutenant Chappetto was seriously wounded, but still gave orders to his men to get them to safety. He would later die that same day, September 26, 1944, and was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, Silver Star, and a presidential citation.

Following the memorial service, there will be a presentation by Dr. Erik D. Carlson, an Associate Professor of History at Florida Gulf Coast University. Professor Carlson is a World War II historian. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in the lower church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, located at 23-25 Newtown Avenue in Astoria.

Members of the media are invited to attend.

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BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN JOINS FDNY IN REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11

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DOB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN JOINS FDNY IN REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11

 

Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, was the main celebrant at a Mass in remembrance of the 23rd Anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, dedicated to members of the New York City Fire Department, earlier today at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.

 

“We saw how firefighters went into the crumbling towers, knowing that it was not only dangerous, but that certainly some would end up giving their lives. Yet all went in courageously to shine the light in the darkness. To save all of us, to save those in the building. Just to do what they could. The light shatters the darkness,” said Bishop Brennan.

 

Prior to the Mass, members of the FDNY’s Battalion 57 in Brooklyn led a procession from Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge to the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. The firefighters carried 25 flags, one American flag, and 24 FDNY flags to represent the 23 members of Battalion 57 who died that day, and a Battalion member’s brother who also lost his life in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Bishop Brennan joined the procession on the Brooklyn Bridge.

 

Battalion 57 consists of several fire stations and multiple fire companies including 4 Battalion Chiefs, Engine Companies 217, 219, 230 and 235, as well as Ladder Companies 102 and 105.

 

VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/1008601965

Photos attached are courtesy of John Quaglione/DeSales Media.

 

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Brooklyn Bishop Brennan Statement on President Trump Assassination Attempt

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BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN STATEMENT ON THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP

Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, has issued the following video statement following the assassination attempt against former President Trump:

“I’m at Our Lady of Solace Church in Coney Island for regular Sunday Mass on this July Sunday morning. But how appropriate that I’m here in the Church of Our Lady of Solace.

We call on Our Lady of Solace in this moment when our Nation is in shock at the assassination attempt against former President Trump while he was on the campaign trail. Thank God he is okay, although we mourn the loss of a citizen who was present at the rally, and we pray for those who were injured in that shooting.

What a terrible, terrible act of violence. We have to condemn violence in every form, violence that afflicts our Nation in so many ways. At the same time, we have to condemn the divisions and the rhetoric that raises the level of hatred.

Indeed, we are people of differing viewpoints, and our democratic process is such a gift that we can debate things openly and then place our votes.

Let’s pray for this Nation during this campaign season. Let’s pray for those who govern our Nation. Let’s pray for all peoples of the United States that we will draw together in unity for the common good, seeking always the common good, respect for all life, respect for life at every moment along the way.

And that we will be a Nation that seeks and asks God’s blessings. Our Lady of Solace, pray for us.”

 

VIDEO STATEMENT: vimeo.com/Statement on Pres Trump
COURTESY: DeSales Media

VANDALISM AT A QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCH RULED A HATE CRIME

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2024

DISTURBING ATTACK ON STATUE AT QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing a hateful act of vandalism that took place yesterday, Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, located in the Flushing section of Queens.

At 5:30 a.m. yesterday, video shows a vandal park his NYC Taxi SUV vehicle across the street from the church. He then walked directly towards the Holy Family statue and proceeded to decapitate the Child Jesus. The white marble head of the Child Jesus was found on the ground near the statue. The damage is estimated at $20,000 and the parish is looking to repair the statue.

The statue has been part of the parish for more than 42 years. The statues of Mary and Joseph, which stand with the Child Jesus, were unsuccessfully targeted and not damaged.

“The Holy Family is the foundation of our faith community, and this statue holds special meaning to so many in our parish. This is a very unsettling incident, and those who attended Mass yesterday were shocked and horrified to find out this happened. We must pray for an increase in religious tolerance throughout our city,” said Father Sean Suckiel, the parish Pastor.

Police officers from the 107th Precinct responded and classified the incident as a hate crime. Anyone with information is asked to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Photos of the vandalism to the statue at Holy Family Church are attached.

Video footage can be found here: https://vimeo.com/973479443

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On Sunday, June 30, 2024, this statue of the Holy Family was damaged by a vandal. The NYPD has ruled it a hate crime.
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The vandal damaged the Holy Family statue, decapitating Child Jesus, at Holy Family Parish in Flushing.

 

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN TO ORDAIN FOUR MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD INCLUDING FIRST AMERICAN-BORN VIETNAMESE PRIEST IN THE DIOCESE

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***MEDIA ADVISORY***

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN TO ORDAIN FOUR MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD INCLUDING FIRST AMERICAN-BORN VIETNAMESE PRIEST IN THE DIOCESE

            The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, will ordain four men as priests of the Diocese of Brooklyn during a Mass of Ordination, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. The four ordinands are:


Deacon Caetano Moura de Oliveira
Caetano Moura de Oliveira, 31, was born in the city of Jundiaí, about 60 miles from São Paulo, Brazil. He was raised in a devout Catholic family, who would pray as a family on Sundays at home before attending Mass. However, he also describes his youth as full of rock and roll concerts and mosh pits.  In 2012 on a youth pilgrimage in Brasilia, Brazil, Deacon de Oliveira heard the call of Jesus Christ to follow Him and become a priest.

Deacon de Oliveira attended the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey and completed his studies at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Deacon Luis Marquez
Luis Marquez, 38, was born in Medellin, Colombia, and immigrated with his family to the United States in 2002, settling in New Jersey. Luis would go on to earn a degree in foreign languages and became a Spanish teacher in Englewood, New Jersey, prior to answering the call to the priesthood. His father, also named Luis, had considered the priesthood as a young man, and strongly encouraged him to become a priest.  He attended Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. He is excited to serve in the Diocese of Brooklyn where he will be surrounded by different cultures, languages, and communities.

Deacon Randy Thanh Nguyen
Randy Thanh Nguyen, 38, was born in Minnesota to Vietnamese parents, who brought their family to Elmhurst, Queens. Deacon Randy made his sacraments of first Holy Communion and Confirmation at his home parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, Queens. Deacon Nguyen is a graduate of Hunter College and speaks three languages: Vietnamese, Spanish and English. He completed his theological studies at St. Vincent’s Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Deacon Randy pursued a medical degree for a short time prior to pursuing his vocation to the priesthood.

Deacon Tobechkwu Jude Offiah
Tobechkwu Jude Offiah, 37, was born in Lagos, the former capital city of Nigeria. Faith was always important in his family, and as an incentive to attend Mass, his mom always treated him and his siblings to ice cream after Mass. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Nigeria. Soon after, he first entered the seminary in the Diocese of Akwa in 2011 but would later follow his family to the United States in 2016.  In 2019, Deacon Offiah entered St. Joseph’s Seminary and College in New York, and he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2022.

 

The Ordination Mass will be broadcast live on NET-TV, the cable channel of the Diocese of Brooklyn. NET-TV can be found on Spectrum channel 97; Optimum channel 30; and on FiOS Channel 548. The Mass will also be live-streamed at netny.tv/watch-now.

Members of the media are welcome and asked to confirm their attendance.

The attached photos of the four ordinands are courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

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Deacon Caetano Moura de Oliveira

Deacon Caetano Moura de Oliveira

Deacon Luis Marquez

Deacon Luis Alfredo Marquez

Deacon Randy Thanh Nguyen

Deacon Randy Nguyen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Deacon Tobechkwu Jude Offiah

Deacon Tobechukwu Offiah

AUTHOR SPEAKS TO STUDENTS ABOUT USING THEIR VOICE IN A POSITIVE WAY – “WE ARE MISSING INFORMED SPEECH”

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The Catholic Telemedia Network (CTN) today hosted international bestselling and award-winning novelist Liza Wiemer, author of “The Assignment” at several Catholic academies in Queens including St. Elizabeth, Divine Mercy, and Our Lady of the Snows.

The book “The Assignment” is based on an actual 2017 event involving two teenagers in Oswego, New York. The students refused a controversial assignment to participate in debating the pros and cons of Hitler’s Final Solution.

Ms. Wiemer led the seventh and eighth-grade students in an important lesson on speaking up against all forms of hatred, bigotry, and injustice. She discussed how her novel helps connect the history of the Holocaust with society today. Ms. Wiemer also talked about the impact of popular culture and social media on all forms of hatred.

Ms. Wiemer’s tour throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn included visits to 10 Catholic schools and academies in Brooklyn and Queens. Each student received a copy of the book.

Catholic Telemedia Network is a service of DeSales Media, which provides technology and communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn and beyond. CTN is collaborating with The New York Education Initiative with the support of The Jewish Education Project.

VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/946741224

Photos attached are from St. Elizabeth and Divine Mercy Catholic Academy.

 

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Liza Wiemer, author of “The Assignment,” talking with students at St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy.
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Students join Principal Jeanne Shannon and author Liza Wiemer for a photo with the award winning book “The Assignment.”
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Students from the 7th and 8th Grade at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Academy pose for a group photo with Liza Wiemer.
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Students at Divine Mercy Catholic Academy also were visited by author Liza Wiemer to discuss respect and tolerance.
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Author Liza Wiemer shows a graphic to the students of how two people made a global difference, and they can be a part of the change they want to see in the world.

AUTHOR TO HOST WORKSHOP ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO STAND AGAINST HATRED AND INJUSTICE

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The Catholic Telemedia Network (CTN) will host international bestselling and award-winning novelist Liza Wiemer, author of “The Assignment” tomorrow, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy located at 94-01 85th Street in the Ozone Park section of Queens.

“The Assignment” is based on an actual event involving two teenagers who refused to participate in a controversial assignment; debating the pros and cons of Hitler’s Final Solution. Each student will receive a copy of the book.

Ms. Wiemer will present a workshop for seventh and eighth-grade students on speaking up against all forms of hatred, bigotry, and injustice. Ms. Wiemer will discuss behind-the-scenes information, research, and how her novel helps connect the history of the Holocaust to society today. She will also share how popular culture and social media impact all forms of hatred.

Members of the media are invited to attend and are asked to reply to this email to confirm their attendance.

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Catholic Telemedia Network is a service of DeSales Media, which provides technology and communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn and beyond.

CTN is collaborating with The New York Education Initiative with the support of The Jewish Education Project. Ms. Wiemer’s tour throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn includes visits to 10 Catholic schools and academies in Brooklyn and Queens.

The cover of Liza Wiemer's book "The Assignment."
The cover of Liza Wiemer’s book “The Assignment.”

THREE CATHOLIC ACADEMIES IN THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO CLOSE AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2024

The Diocese of Brooklyn’s Office of the Superintendent – Catholic School Support Services today announced three Catholic academies, two in Brooklyn and one in Queens, will permanently close at the end of this current school year. The decision to close each of these schools was based on unsustainable trends in enrollment and finances over the last five years.

 The following Catholic academies will not reopen in September:

St. Matthias Catholic Academy in Ridgewood, Queens

Salve Regina Catholic Academy in East New York, Brooklyn

St. Catherine of Genoa ~ St. Therese of Lisieux in Flatbush, Brooklyn

“The difficult decisions to close these schools were reached after a thorough review of the pattern of student enrollment and the financial condition of each academy,” said Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools. “These three schools, in the midst of this most difficult time, will focus on celebrating their students and preparing them for the next chapter of their education.”

To help students and families affected by these closures transition to nearby Catholic academies, the Diocesan Schools Office has created the following informational website: https://catholicschoolsbq.org/schooltransitioninformation/.

The website provides information regarding upcoming open houses at neighboring schools, information regarding transferring Futures in Education scholarship assistance, and provides contact information to answer questions and address concerns.

All activities and events will continue as planned through the end of this school year. The schools will officially close on August 31, 2024.

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HUNDREDS EXPECTED AT SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER TO GIVE KIDS A CHANCE AT CATHOLIC EDUCATION

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2024

More than 700 people are expected to attend the 2024 Annual Futures in Education Scholarship Fund Dinner, the foundation’s premiere fundraiser, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, starting at 6:00 pm, with the awards presentation at 7:00 pm, at Cipriani Wall Street, 55 Wall Street in Lower Manhattan.

David Ushery, NBC 4 New York anchor, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. This year, Futures in Education will honor Salvatore LaRocca, President of Global Partnerships for the NBA, and Donald Gelestino, President and CEO of Champion Elevator Company.

Bishop Robert Brennan will take part in the awards ceremony which includes special recognition of 50 elementary Catholic school teachers throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn. The Xaverian High School Jazz Band will perform during the cocktail hour and dinner.

“The success of this fundraising event is critical to supporting students and families who want a Catholic education but cannot afford the tuition,” said John Notaro, Executive Director of Futures in Education.  “All proceeds raised will directly benefit thousands of students in our schools as we prepare them today to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

This year, Futures in Education has awarded $7.2 million in scholarships to 4,400 students.  Futures in Education was founded in 1989.

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ABOUT THE HONOREES

Salvatore LaRocca, as President of Global Partnerships for the NBA, oversees the commercial partnerships business for the NBA, WNBA, and USA Basketball. Under his direction, NBA merchandise has grown to global distribution in more than 100 countries on six continents, and sales on NBAStore.com have increased by 100 percent. Mr. LaRocca currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of LaSalle Academy, and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Sports and Fitness Industry Association and Licensing International.

Donald Gelestino, President and CEO of Champion Elevator Corporation, has been a member of the National Association of Elevator Contractors since 1996 and is a past president (2019-2020). Mr. Gelestino currently serves as a member of numerous boards including Cross County Savings Bank and The Maurer Foundation for Breast Health. He is the current Vice-President of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board of Directors of the State University of New York at Old Westbury.

BISHOP BRENNNAN TO RIDE 7 TRAIN WITH HUNDREDS ON WAY TO EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL EVENT AT LOUIS ARMSTRONG STADIUM IN FLUSHING

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Friday, April 19, 2024

BISHOP BRENNNAN TO RIDE 7 TRAIN WITH HUNDREDS ON WAY TO EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL EVENT AT LOUIS ARMSTRONG STADIUM IN FLUSHING

Bishop Robert Brennan will lead a group of faithful aboard the 7 train, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Court Square station (23rd Street and Jackson Avenue), on Saturday, April 20, 2024, to the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Eucharistic Revival event taking place at Louis Armstrong Stadium at the USTA National Tennis Center, located at 124-02 Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing.

At each of the 7-line train stations on the way to the Stadium, including Queensboro Plaza, 61st Street-Woodside, and 74th Street-Broadway, Catholics from throughout Queens will board the train headed to the Mets-Willets Point station, where all will exit the train with Bishop Brennan and process to the Stadium.

“Thousands of people will unite to celebrate the Catholic Church of Brooklyn and Queens and give praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. This Diocesan Eucharistic Revival is a chance for our faithful to strengthen their hearts and minds and recommit to sharing the Good News by their lives. Louis Armstrong Stadium will be full of people who truly love Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead, and is living among us. The Eucharist is the true presence of Jesus Christ and how powerful it will be as we encounter him together,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

The gates of the Louis Armstrong Stadium at the USTA National Tennis Center open at 8 a.m.

Catholic singer and songwriter Alverlis will lead more than 6,000 people gathered in praying the Rosary, and in praise and worship, prior to the start of the entrance procession and Holy Mass, led by Bishop Robert Brennan, beginning at 9 a.m.

Worship, music, and multilingual faith-based talks will continue throughout the day.

DeSales Media will make a feed available of the 9:45 Mass on The Switch on NY Pool-1 in HD/SDI 1080i/59.94.

Viewers can also watch the procession and Mass live on NET-TV, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s cable channel. NET-TV can be seen on Spectrum channel 97, Optimum channel 30,Verizon Fios channel 48, or live on www.netny.tv.

Members of the media are invited to attend.

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Press credentials are required for entry into the stadium. Confirmation of attendance is necessary.