Press Releases

The Diocese of Brooklyn Announces the Death of a Beloved Pastor Due to Coronavirus

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 28, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn Announces the Death of a Beloved Pastor Due to Coronavirus

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to announce the death of 49-year-old Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay, Pastor of St. Brigid’s Church in Wyckoff Heights, Brooklyn and Diocesan Coordinator of the Ministry to Mexican immigrants. He died Friday evening, March 27, 2020, at Wyckoff Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn from complications related to the coronavirus and is believed to be the first Catholic priest in the United States to die as a result of COVID-19. 

“This is a sad day and a tremendous loss for the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Jorge was a great priest, beloved by the Mexican people and a tireless worker for all of the faithful in Brooklyn and Queens,” said Bishop DiMarzio. A video statement from the Bishop on Father Ortiz’s passing can be found below in English and Spanish.

 Father Jorge, as he was called, was born on October 16, 1970, in Mexico City, Mexico. He was ordained to the Priesthood at the Archdiocese of Newark as a member of the Neocatechumenal Way on May 29, 2004.

He arrived at the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2009 and first ministered at St. Joseph’s in Prospect Heights while also serving as the Chaplain for the mission Ad Gentes in Brooklyn. In 2014, he began serving as Administrator at St. Brigid’s and on July 13, 2019, was installed as the Pastor. On December 10, 2019, he was incardinated into the Diocese, which means he officially became a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Father Jorge coordinated the magnificent Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day traditions in the Diocese of Brooklyn, which include a Mass attended by thousands of pilgrims followed by a torch-lit pilgrimage through the streets of Brooklyn and Queens.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date. Fr. Jorge is survived by his parents, Jorge and Estella Ortiz, siblings, nieces and nephews.

We pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family, friends and all those to whom he ministered to in the Diocese of Brooklyn. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

Bishop DiMarzio’s video statement in English: https://vimeo.com/401710598

Bishop DiMarzio’s video statement in Spanish: https://vimeo.com/401714349

Photos of Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay are attached.

###

Two Additional Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Two Additional Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at

Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing it has learned of two confirmed cases of the coronavirus at two church communities in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

One case has been reported at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, Queens. The employee last worked at the rectory on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

One case has been reported at St. Agatha in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The individual is the children’s choir director and last attended the 7 p.m. Mass on Saturday, March 14, 2020.

As a result of this information, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Agatha are undergoing deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider, per guidelines issued by the CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

 

###

Parishioner has Died of the Coronavirus

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

Diocese of Brooklyn Reports a Parishioner has Died of the Coronavirus

Five Additional Cases Reported in Diocesan Church Communities

The Diocese of Brooklyn regrets to announce an elderly parishioner from Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Jamaica, Queens has died of the coronavirus. The parishioner was last at the church on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at the 1 p.m. Mass. Our hearts and prayers are with this parish family during this difficult time.

Additional coronavirus cases have been reported today in the following church communities:

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Jamaica, Queens – there is a confirmed case of the coronavirus of an individual who last attended Mass on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 11 a.m.

St. Patrick’s Church in Long Island City, Queens – there is a confirmed case of the coronavirus of an individual who last attended 12:10 Mass on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at the chapel in the Church; the individual then attended a meeting in the rectory basement.

St. Michael’s Church in Sunset Park, Brooklyn – there is a confirmed case of the coronavirus of an individual who works at the rectory.  The individual last worked on the evenings of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

St. Therese of Lisieux Convent in Brooklyn – a sister who lives at the convent has tested positive for the coronavirus. She last volunteered at St. Catherine of Genoa – St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Academy on Thursday, March 12, 2020.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Kensington, Brooklyn – a choir member has a confirmed case of the coronavirus. The individual was last at a church fundraising event on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. at the school gym (Brooklyn Prospect Charter School). The choir member last attended Mass at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider, per guidelines issued by the CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

As a result of this information, all of the locations mentioned above are undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

 

###

Bishop DiMarzio Releases New Video Statement: “God Only Wills What Is Good For Us.”

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Bishop DiMarzio Releases New Video Statement: “God Only Wills What Is Good For Us.”

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn today released the following video reflection on the Feast of the Annunciation, commemorating the day in which the Archangel Gabriel told Mary that she was to be the Mother of God.

 

In speaking to the faithful, Bishop DiMarzio speaks of Mary’s acceptance of God’s will for her and explains how we must understand God’s will for us. Bishop DiMarzio importantly reminds us at this time of terrible disease, for which there is no known cure, this is not God’s will for us.  “God only wills what is good for us,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

 

Bishop DiMarzio concludes this video reflection stating, “We seek Mary’s intercession on this Feast Day, when she began the work of the redemption. We ask her to continue it for the lives of all who are stricken by the coronavirus.”

 

The link of the full video can be found at Bishop DiMarzio Reflection-Feast of the Annunciation

 

LONG BEFORE CORONAVIRUS FORCED DISTANCE LEARNING, DESALES MEDIA HAD DISTRIBUTED 10,000 IPADS AND CHROMEBOOKS TO OVER 40 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS

Posted on

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

LONG BEFORE CORONAVIRUS FORCED DISTANCE LEARNING,

DESALES MEDIA HAD DISTRIBUTED 10,000 IPADS AND CHROMEBOOKS TO OVER 40 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS

 

DeSales Media Group, the communications and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, has been equipping faculty and the 22,000 students throughout Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens, with the technology needed to conduct distance learning long before the Coronavirus outbreak forced learning to happen in that manner.

 

St. Anselm Catholic Academy, the future home of Bay Ridge Catholic, is one of the many Diocesan schools that immediately synced with distance learning. This quick transition was due to the availability of the technology provided by DeSales Media which has been rolled out over the past three years, and its incorporation into the curriculum.

 

“The Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens are handling the new normal for learning, sparked by the outbreak of the Coronavirus, in first-rate fashion. With over 10,000 iPADS and Chromebooks in 44 of our schools, the DeSales Media Group has helped make the transition to distant learning almost seamless for our students and their families. Our schools were ahead of the curve in many ways, better prepared for this sudden and dramatic shift in learning,” said Monsignor Kiernan E. Harrington, Vicar of Communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn and President and Chairman of DeSales Media Group.

 

Parents have been sharing positive feedback about the learning adjustment and their child’s enthusiasm for the new way of learning thanks in part to the efforts of DeSales Media. Many parents have expressed their gratitude for the fact that their students already had the necessary technology available to make learning at home immediately possible.

 

St. Anselm’s Principal Kevin Flanagan, who spearheaded the complete implementation to distance learning stated “The iPads and Chromebooks we secured from DeSales Media enabled us to close school for only a single day before moving to online learning. Since we were able to send every K-8 child home with a mobile device, teachers can provide direct instruction through virtual meetings and recorded lessons even for students without internet access. As a principal, I have been able to observe classes in ways that are impossible in a traditional learning environment. Seeing teachers and students from this perspective has been invaluable to my own understanding of their capabilities.”

 

St. Anselm Catholic Academy students who are currently “distant learning” through the use of DeSales Media technology, would also be available for interviews.

 

###

 

Two Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 22, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Two Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn today is announcing it has learned of two confirmed cases of the coronavirus at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, Queens.

One individual last attended a bible study group meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at the parish center. The other, a child, last attended religious education class at the parish center on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

As a result of this information, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and the parish center are presently undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider, per guidelines issued by the CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

 

###

BISHOP DIMARZIO’S VIDEO REFLECTION TO THE FAITHFUL THIS LENTEN SUNDAY

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 22, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP DIMARZIO’S VIDEO REFLECTION TO THE FAITHFUL THIS LENTEN SUNDAY

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has released the following video recorded from the Chapel in his residence, on this the Fourth Sunday of Lent, for the members of the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens and beyond.

Bishop DiMarzio speaks about the practice of spiritual communion which has long been part of the Church. The practice is something the great saints implemented when they could not receive the Holy Eucharist during times when communion was not as available as it is today.

“When it is not possible for us to go to Church, we can ask the Lord to come to our hearts and unite ourselves with the Lord. For many of us it is a great and new practice,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

In the video, Bishop DiMarzio also addresses the Sacrament of Reconciliation, encouraging like the Pope, to make a good act of contrition to prepare for when we have the chance for confession. The Bishop also encourages the faithful to do a personal natural penance, especially in this time of isolation, where there are many things we don’t like but have to do.

“During this time of confinement, we are not far from God’s grace, not far from the Eucharist, and not far even from the forgiveness of our sins. Keep these things in mind as these days go on. Ask the Lord to come to you, to come to your heart, to bring you His Grace, to bring you His Forgiveness,” concluded Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

The link of the full video can be found at https://vimeo.com/399651056

 

###

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Four More Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at

Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn today is announcing it has learned of four confirmed cases of the coronavirus within several parish communities in the Diocese.

St. Kevin’s Church in Flushing, Queens – a choir member has tested positive for the coronavirus. The choir member last attended Mass at noon on Sunday, March 15, 2020, and was at the choir loft during the entire Mass.

St. Rose of Lima Church in Rockaway Beach, Queens – a priest has tested positive for the coronavirus. He last celebrated Mass at 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

Our Lady of Charity in Crown Heights, Brooklyn – a member of the choir tested positive for the coronavirus. The individual was last at 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

Diocesan Headquarters at 310 Prospect Park West in Park Slope, Brooklyn – there is one confirmed case of an individual who attended the Annual Lenten Reflection on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. The individual attended the evening session and the dinner before the session.

Anyone who was at the above locations during the noted dates and/or times and is concerned about exposure, contact your doctor. If you experience symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately.

As a result of this information, all of the locations mentioned above are undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

 

###

DeSales Media Expands Broadcast Schedule of Masses in Seven Languages

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

DeSales Media Expands Broadcast Schedule of Masses in the Diocese of Brooklyn

Masses to be Live-Streamed in Seven Languages Beginning Sunday

 

DeSales Media Group, the communications and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, is announcing an expanded broadcast schedule of 14 Masses per week, celebrated in seven languages, beginning this Sunday, March 22, 2020. The Masses can be viewed live on the Diocese of Brooklyn’s cable channel, NET-TV, or online on the diocese’s website, dioceseofbrooklyn.org/masses.

The Sunday schedule, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., includes the broadcast of seven Masses celebrated in the following languages: English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Korean, Creole and Italian.

The weekday schedule, between 8 a.m. and noon includes seven Masses celebrated in English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Korean, Creole and Italian.

“The celebration of Mass in so many languages reflects the diversity of our city and a reminder that even during a time of social distancing, Christ and His Church are very close to us,” said Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington, President & Chairman of DeSales Media Group and Vicar for Communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and FIOS (Channel 48).  A graphic of the Mass schedule is below and attached.

“DeSales Media immediately recognized the need for the faithful to have the opportunity to have the celebration of the Eucharist continue as part of their life, and that is why we have enhanced our schedule in these uncertain times caused by the Coronavirus. This extensive schedule allows many to hear the Word of God in their native tongue, uniting us as a Diocese in prayer for our individual intentions, for those who have fallen ill and who have perished from the Coronavirus, and for the brave doctors, nurses, law enforcement personnel, and caregivers on the front lines,” said Harrington.

###

Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Dispensation from the Law of Abstinence for the Fridays of Lent

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Dispensation from the

Law of Abstinence for the Fridays of Lent

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has granted all the faithful of the Diocese of Brooklyn a dispensation from the law of abstinence for the Fridays of Lent for this year. This is being done to assist people who may have difficulties in shopping for food or other reasons which would make this practice difficult at this time. Parishioners are reminded the Fridays of Lent remain days of penance and prayer, which is needed now more than ever.