Press Releases

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN RESPONDS TO SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE SKIT ATTACKING CATHOLIC CHURCH  

Posted on

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN RESPONDS TO SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
SKIT ATTACKING CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Diocese of Brooklyn is demanding an immediate public apology from “Saturday Night Live” and NBC after Saturday night’s disgraceful and offensive skit in which cast member Pete Davidson, during the Weekend Update segment, said: “If you support the Catholic Church, isn’t that the same thing as being an R. Kelly fan?” The statement clearly shocked the studio audience as gasps could be heard off camera.

 

Apparently, the only acceptable bias these days is against the Catholic Church. The faithful of our Church are disgusted by the harassment by those in news and entertainment, and this sketch offends millions. The mockery of this difficult time in the Church’s history serves no purpose.

 

The clergy sex abuse crisis is shameful, and no one should ever get a laugh at the expense of the victims who have suffered irreparably. The Diocese of Brooklyn strives every day to ensure that sexual abuse by clergy never happens again.

 

For nearly two decades, the Diocese of Brooklyn has taken this crisis seriously and instituted widespread changes mandated by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

 

Those changes include a zero-tolerance policy in which any clergy member credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor is permanently removed from ministry. Since 2002, the Diocese of Brooklyn has shared all of its files and allegations against clergy with the District Attorneys of Brooklyn and Queens. In 2004, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio instituted a reporting line that sends reports directly to law enforcement authorities.

 

The charter also mandates sexual abuse awareness training for all clergy members, teachers, parish/academy/school employees, catechists and volunteers who work directly with children. Employees and volunteers also must agree to initial and ongoing criminal background checks and must sign a code of conduct.

 

To help victims, the Office of Victim Assistance provides referrals for therapy, support groups for survivors and an annual Healing Mass to pray for all who have been impacted by sexual abuse.  The diocese also started the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program as another possible mechanism for healing that may help bring closure to victim-survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

 

It is likely that no other institution has done more than the Catholic Church to combat and prevent sexual abuse. The insensitivity of the writers, producers, and the cast of SNL around this painful subject is alarming.

 

Diocese of Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass at Noon

Posted on

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO ASH WEDNESDAY PUBLIC SCHEDULE

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will be celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass and distributing ashes at 12 Noon, today, Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at St. James Cathedral Basilica located at 250 Cathedral Place, in Downtown Brooklyn.

Members of the media are invited to attend.

###

BROOKLYN AND QUEENS CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS TO COMPETE IN DIOCESAN MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH BEE THIS AFTERNOON

Posted on

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

BROOKLYN AND QUEENS CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS TO COMPETE IN
DIOCESAN MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH BEE THIS AFTERNOON

The Diocese of Brooklyn Press Office is announcing a Brooklyn and Queens Catholic School Math Bee taking place this afternoon, Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at 4 PM, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy, located at 179-14 Dalny Road in the Jamaica Estates section of Queens.

The Math Bee will feature the participation of students from Grades 6, 7 and 8, representing 55 Diocesan academies and schools. All schools competing this afternoon had an internal school math bee from which a winner was selected to compete at the Diocesan level.

The Diocese of Brooklyn will also host an Elementary Grade Math Bee in April, featuring 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade students from 54 schools. Details to be announced. Cathy Kenny of St. Frances De Sales Catholic Academy is the Diocesan Math Bee Coordinator.

Members of the media are invited to attend. To RSVP, please send an email to jquaglione@desalesmedia.org.

CATHOLIC ACADEMIES AND PARISH SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW

Posted on

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

CATHOLIC ACADEMIES AND PARISH SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN
WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW

Following the decision by the New York City public schools to close on Monday, March 4, 2019, due to the impending snow storm, all academies and parish schools within the Diocese of Brooklyn will also close tomorrow.

###

SURVEILLANCE VIDEO RELEASED OF STATUE BEING STOLEN FROM BROOKLYN CHURCH; NYPD HATE CRIMES TASK FORCE INVESTIGATING

Posted on

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

SURVEILLANCE VIDEO RELEASED OF STATUE BEING STOLEN FROM BROOKLYN CHURCH;
NYPD HATE CRIMES TASK FORCE INVESTIGATING

The Diocese of Brooklyn is responding to an act of vandalism which took place last week at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church, located at 249 9th Street in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn.

At approximately 12 p.m. noon on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt entered the Church, removed the statue of Our Lady of Cisne and threw it in the trash across the street, causing damage to the statue. A member of the Parish staff later noticed and retrieved the statue, at which time the New York City Police Department was notified.

Our Lady of Cisne is the patroness of the Loja province of Ecuador. This is the second such incident this month at St. Thomas Aquinas and the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation.

“The Diocese of Brooklyn strongly condemns this incident of religious hatred and is fully cooperating with the New York City Police Department’s investigation. This act of vandalism at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church in Park Slope has not deterred, but only strengthened, the resolve and faith of the parishioners,” said Father Willy Kingsley Ndi, Parish Administrator.

The NYPD has released this surveillance video of the vandal removing the statue:
https://vimeo.com/319488016

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact NYPD’s Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Diocese of Brooklyn Releases Names of Clergy Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 15, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Adriana Rodriguez
646-241-9805
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN RELEASES NAMES OF CLERGY CREDIBLY ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ABUSE

The Diocese of Brooklyn is releasing its list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. By credible, diocesan officials believe that the allegation(s) may be true. The comprehensive list spans the 166-year history of the diocese. This list, which can be found here, contains names of clergy who have been convicted, who have admitted to sexual misconduct with a minor or have had allegations determined credible by the Independent Diocesan Review Board.

The list is categorized into two sections:

  • Clergy Members of the Diocese of Brooklyn with Credible Allegations (67)
  • Diocese of Brooklyn Clergy who were Deceased/or Resigned prior to a finding of credibility (41)

The fact that this list contains the names of clergy who are deceased differentiates it from other dioceses.

“We know this list will generate many emotions for victims who have suffered terribly. For their suffering, I am truly sorry,” said The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn. “I have met with many victims who have told me that more than anything, they want an acknowledgment of what was done to them. This list gives that recognition and I hope it will add another layer of healing for them on their journey toward wholeness.”

The list shows the number of incidents of clergy sexual abuse peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, but the reports largely came in post-2002 after the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was enacted and peaked again in 2017 (Graph 1) when the diocese started the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP). This program is administered independently by Kenneth Feinberg, whose firm handled the 9-11 Compensation Fund. The IRCP is another possible mechanism for healing that may help bring closure to victims-survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

Other key points about the list are illustrated in graphs seen below:

  • The 108 names represent less than five percent (5%) of clergy in the Diocese of Brooklyn (Graph 2)
  • About two-thirds of accused priests are deceased (Graph 3)
  • The vast majority of cases involved priests who were ordained between 1930-1979 (Graph 4)

Bishop DiMarzio committed to releasing the list at regional meetings (video below) he held with the lay faithful late last year where he answered parishioners’ questions about the sex abuse crisis. In those meetings, the diocese outlined the numerous programs mandated by the charter, including, but not limited to, a zero tolerance policy in which any clergy member credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor is permanently removed from ministry. Since 2002, the Diocese of Brooklyn has shared all of its files and allegations against clergy with the District Attorneys of Brooklyn and Queens.

The charter also mandates sexual abuse awareness training for children and adults; specifically all clergy members, teachers, parish and academy/school employees, catechists and volunteers who work directly with children. Employees and volunteers also must agree to initial and ongoing criminal background checks and must sign a code of conduct.

To help victims, the Office of Victim Assistance provides referrals for therapy, support groups for survivors and a yearly Healing Mass to pray for all who have been impacted by sexual abuse.

In 2004, Bishop DiMarzio established an Independent Reporting Line for anyone to report allegations of abuse. That phone number is 1-888-634-4499. All reports generated are immediately reported to the Brooklyn or Queens District Attorney.

Evidence to date shows that the Charter has worked. Since 2002, there have been two credible cases involving active diocesan clergy.

“While even one is too many, this shows that we are on the right path to ensuring these horrendous acts of abuse are never repeated,” Bishop DiMarzio said.

The “List of Diocesan Clergy for whom the Diocese received allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor” can be found here.

Video statement by Bishop DiMarzio (English):
https://vimeo.com/317481719

Video statement by Bishop DiMarzio (Spanish):
https://vimeo.com/317482137

Video of Bishop DiMarzio’s Regional Meetings with the Lay Faithful (English):
https://vimeo.com/315322688

Video of Bishop DiMarzio’s Regional Meetings with the Lay Faithful (Spanish):
https://vimeo.com/315895204

Graph 1

Graph 2

Graph 3

Graph 4

THREE CATHOLIC ACADEMIES WILL CLOSE AT THE END OF THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR; TWO CATHOLIC ACADEMIES WILL MERGE

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

                  THREE CATHOLIC ACADEMIES WILL CLOSE AT THE END OF THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR;
TWO CATHOLIC ACADEMIES WILL MERGE

The Board of Members and Board of Directors of Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Academy and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Academy, both in Brooklyn, and St. Camillus Catholic Academy in Queens have voted to close the schools at the end of this school year. The difficult decision was made due to declining enrollment and the severe budget deficits that have resulted.

Two Catholic academies in Bushwick, Brooklyn will merge, effective for the 2019-2020 school year. They are St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Academy and St. Brigid Catholic Academy. The new school, to be located at St. Brigid’s, will be called St Brigid-St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Academy.

The students at all the affected schools will be accommodated at nearby Catholic academies. They will automatically receive a $500 tuition assistance grant if they attend an academy or parish school within the Diocese of Brooklyn, as long as they have met all of their financial obligations. That one-time grant is made possible by the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Trust.

“It’s an emotional time for the diocese when schools have to close because it is affecting the lives of students, parents, and faculty. The decisions come after intense analysis of enrollment trends and the financial picture of each academy,” said Thomas Chadzutko, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools.

  • At Mary Queen of Heaven in Mill Basin, enrollment is down almost 60 percent from five years ago. The budget for this school year shows a nearly $250,000 deficit and the Academy’s fund balance is more than $300,000 in the red.
  • The financial situation is similar at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dyker Heights, where the current school year deficit is more than $200,000. Enrollment is down 35% in the last five years.
  • At St. Camillus in Rockaway, the current school year budget is running a deficit of more than $20,000. And with deficits of more than $100,000 the two previous years, the academy has limited funds to meet expenses. Enrollment here is down almost 25% from five years ago.
  • The building repairs at St. Frances Cabrini have continued to increase and last year, the Board of Directors spent over $200,000 in unexpected repairs. That along with declining enrollment at both schools is the reason for the merger.

“I respect the boards’ decisions on these matters,” said Chadzutko. “When resources are constrained, it affects all aspects of the learning environment, which eventually impacts students and their needs. Our children are our first priority.”

Information Night meetings will begin next week at the academies scheduled to close. Administrators and personnel from neighboring Catholic academies will be on hand to present their programs and answer any questions parents may have.

“It is the goal of the office to assist all parents in placing their children in their neighboring school if they so choose as well as working with faculty and staff who have dedicated their lives to Catholic education,” said Chadzutko. “It is our hope that the changing demographics of Brooklyn and Queens stabilizes so that enrollment in Catholic academies throughout the diocese can increase in the future,” he said.

The merged St Brigid-St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Academy will be designated an Embassy School. As a result, it will receive additional funding from the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Trust. The merged academy will also receive technology updates to the infrastructure through DeSales Media Group, the communications, and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

For more information on the school closures, you can contact Adriana Rodriguez at (646) 241-9805 or at arodriguez@desalesmedia.org.

New Communications Director/Press Secretary at Brooklyn Diocese

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2019

NEW COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR AND PRESS SECRETARY
APPOINTED AT THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

DeSales Media Group, the communications and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, is pleased to announce Adriana Rodriguez has been promoted to the position of Director of Communications and Press Secretary, effective January 2, 2019.

In the last year, Ms. Rodriguez has excelled at handling the variety of inquiries that have come into the busy press office. In addition, she organized two volunteer trips to help hurricane victims in Houston and Puerto Rico.

Before joining DeSales Media Group in 2017, she held numerous positions over a 25-year career in local and national TV news. She was an on-air reporter for 12 years, including locally at WNBC and WABC, and covered the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Ms. Rodriguez grew up in Queens and attended Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary elementary school and St. Francis Preparatory School. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism at New York University and is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Public Relations at Hofstra University.

She is a parishioner at St. Anne’s Church in Garden City, where she lives with her husband, Mike, two teenage children, Sophia and Ryan, and their dog, Maddie.

###

CHURCHES OPEN FOR CONFESSION ON RECONCILIATION MONDAY

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
646-241-9805
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

CHURCHES OPEN FOR CONFESSION ON RECONCILIATION MONDAY

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, in partnership with Timothy Cardinal Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York, is reminding New York Catholics that December 17th, the Monday before Christmas, is Reconciliation Monday.

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., parishes throughout the diocese and archdiocese will be open for walk-in confessions. The goal of Reconciliation Monday is to encourage Catholics to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Christmas.

This day also allows the faithful to confess their sins in anonymity. “One of the advantages is that you do not have to go to your own parish, as you can go to another Church and be unknown if there is some embarrassment in knowing the priest who will hear your confession. This is the time when the priest is merely an instrument of God’s grace and that the real absolver is Jesus Christ, Himself,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

To find a parish near you, go to dioceseofbrooklyn.org/parishes/locator

###

THOUSANDS OF BROOKLYN AND QUEENS CATHOLICS MAKE ANNUAL  PILGRIMAGE TO HONOR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Posted on

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

THOUSANDS OF BROOKLYN AND QUEENS CATHOLICS MAKE ANNUAL
PILGRIMAGE TO HONOR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Today the Diocese of Brooklyn celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street, in Prospect Heights, followed by the traditional torch walk to 35 Catholic Churches throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

The day’s events began at 10:30 a.m. with Catechesis. At noon, Mass was celebrated in Spanish by the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, and concelebrated by 20 priests as well as auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros, who delivered the homily.

Following Mass, Bishop DiMarzio blessed and lit about 35 torches of the faithful. After that, more than 2,000 participants departed for their pilgrimage to participating parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens. There are five routes; three will end in Queens, and two will terminate in Brooklyn.

The group of pilgrims represents, in its vast majority, the Mexican-Catholic population of Brooklyn and Queens. According to the 2015 National Census, there are nearly 200,000 Mexicans living in Brooklyn and Queens.

Attached are pictures of the colorful celebration. If you need higher resolution images or a video clip, contact Adriana Rodriguez at (646) 241-9805 or at arodriguez@desalesmedia.org.

###