Press Releases

HUNDREDS TO GATHER IN PRAYER FOR GUATEMALA’S VOLCANO VICTIMS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 29, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

HUNDREDS TO GATHER IN PRAYER FOR GUATEMALA’S VOLCANO VICTIMS

Hundreds of Guatemalan Catholics will gather to pray for victims of the Guatemala volcano at a special Mass in Queens on Sunday, July 1, 2018, at 11 am at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, 88-19 Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica. The Fuego Volcano’s eruption on June 3rd killed more than a hundred people. Nearly two hundred people are still missing in the country’s worst natural disaster in recent memory.

Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Vicar for Hispanic Concerns, will be the celebrant. The collections taken will go to help the people of Guatemala.

Earlier this month, a few hundred people attended a Mass held in Brooklyn at Saint Finbar Catholic Church to pray for Guatemalan volcano victims.

Reporters interested in covering the Mass should contact Adriana Rodriguez in advance.

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO ORDAIN FIVE MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO ORDAIN FIVE MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD

On Saturday, June 30, at 11 a.m., the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will ordain five men to the priesthood for the Diocese of Brooklyn. The ordination Mass will take place at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street in Prospect Heights.

The new priests come from all over the world and will add to the diverse tapestry of the diocese. Two were born in New York to immigrant parents. The others were born in Haiti, Vietnam, and Germany. They range in age from 28 to 41.

The men have varied and rich life experience, which helped them in discerning God’s call to serve the Church. One survived cancer, while another lost his sister in the 2010 Haiti earthquake. One speaks four languages. And all are highly educated, with degrees in Theology, Philosophy, Business, and Political Science.

“As these seminarians journey to their day of Ordination, one can sense the joy that they experience as well as the joy of the Diocese and the Presbyterate that welcome these newly ordained into our ranks,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

The Diocese of Brooklyn, the eighth largest diocese in the United States and the only entirely urban diocese in the Nation, serves the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. The combined population of the boroughs stands at 4.9 million residents, of which more than 1.5 million identify themselves as Catholics.

For photos and full bios, please visit this week’s Tablet.

The Ordination Mass will be broadcast LIVE on NET TV at 11 a.m. EST., and will also be streamed live on www.netny.tv.

NET TV is a cable network featuring news and information with a Catholic point of view. It is available in the New York area on Spectrum, channel 97; Optimum, channel 30; and Verizon Fios, channel 48.

Reporters interested in covering the event should contact Carolyn Erstad or Adriana Rodriguez in advance.

A NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK FOR STUDENTS, PRINCIPALS, AND PRIESTS TO CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

A NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK FOR STUDENTS, PRINCIPALS, AND PRIESTS
TO CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION



On Monday, June 25th, hundreds of Catholic School students and their families will take over MCU Park, 1904 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, ahead of the Cyclones game for the second annual Catholic School Night.

Priests will face principals in a “Collars vs Scholars” pre-game before school superintendent Tom Chadzutko presents MVP awards to valedictorians and salutatorians of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s K-8 schools. One lucky valedictorian will get to throw out the first pitch.

At 7:00 p.m. the Brooklyn Cyclones will play ball against the Lowell Spinners. Special discounted tickets ($10 for field box seats) are being sold at www.brooklyncyclones.com/dob. Ticket holders will receive a Brooklyn Cyclone’s baseball hat.

The goal of Catholic School Night is to promote Catholic education and to recognize the outstanding work of top students as they end the school year.

Event Schedule
5:45 p.m. – “Collars vs Scholars” softball game
6:30 p.m. – MVP award ceremony
7:00 p.m. – Cyclones vs Spinners 

Reporters interested in covering the event should contact Carolyn Erstad or Adriana Rodriguez in advance.

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Congressman Crowley, Gutierrez, and Catholic Migration Services speak out against the inhumane separation of families at the U.S. border

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

Congressman Crowley, Gutierrez, and Catholic Migration Services speak out against the inhumane separation of families at the U.S. border

Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Congressman Luis Gutiérrez (D-IL), Fr. Patrick J. Keating, Esq., Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Migration Services, and other faith-based leaders will speak out against the human rights violations at our southern border, while hosting an immigration services forum in Corona today, June 19, at 12:30 p.m.

Fr. Patrick J. Keating, Esq., Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Migration Services said, “It is inhumane to rip children from their parents’ arms; to punish innocent children, just to deter immigration.  We have all seen the images and heard the audio of poor, defenseless children crying for their parents.  There has to be a more just way of dealing with the current immigration crisis. The administration has the authority to stop this immediately so that vulnerable children do not suffer any more psychological trauma.  Surely, all people of good will can agree, that separating innocent children from their parents is not the answer.”

The forum is designed to inform immigrant and community members of the resources available to their families.

WHO
Congressman Joe Crowley, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus
Congressman Luis Gutiérrez
Fr. Patrick J. Keating, Esq., CEO, Catholic Migration Services

WHEN
Tuesday, June 19, at 12:30 p.m.

WHERE
St. Leo’s Church
104-05 49th Ave.
Corona, NY 11372

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HUNDREDS TO GATHER IN PRAYER FOR GUATEMALA’S VOLCANO VICTIMS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

HUNDREDS TO GATHER IN PRAYER FOR GUATEMALA’S VOLCANO VICTIMS

Hundreds of Guatemalan Catholics will gather to pray for victims of the Guatemala volcano at two special Masses in Brooklyn and Queens. The Fuego Volcano’s eruption on June 3rd killed dozens. Hundreds are still missing in the country’s worst natural disaster in recent memory.

The first Mass will take place on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at 7:30 pm at Saint Finbar Catholic Church, 138 Bay 20th Street, Brooklyn. The second Mass will be celebrated in Queens on Sunday, July 1, 2018, at 11 am at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, 88-19 Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica. Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Vicar for Hispanic Concerns, will be the celebrant for both Masses.

The collections taken will go to help the people of Guatemala.

Reporters interested in covering the Masses should contact Carolyn Erstad or Adriana Rodriguez in advance.

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ALL BOYS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL BREAKS TRADITION WITH FEMALE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER  

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

ALL BOYS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL BREAKS
TRADITION WITH FEMALE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

On Friday, May 25 at 7:30 PM, Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary will hold its Commencement Ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James, 250 Cathedral Pl, Brooklyn. The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will present diplomas to the graduates and address them.

Liz Faublas, an award-winning journalist, and anchor of Currents News on NET-TV will deliver the Commencement Address, becoming the first woman in recent memory to address graduates of the all-boys Catholic high school. “I’m honored and I see it as an indication of the changing roles of women in the faith. I think this is a big step for our diocese in that regard,” said Faublas.

Father Joseph Fonti, the Rector & President of Cathedral Prep, says he chose Faublas because he wanted a “strong woman of faith and greatness in terms of her service to the Church.” His choice of a woman comes at a time when the #MeToo movement has led to an increase in female graduation speakers across the country.

Faublas will address 33 young men at the graduation ceremony. “I will share a message that motivates them to continue the journey and I want to remind them that the women in their lives are a source of strength they can turn to, as we need each other in this church and we are bound by this faith,” said Faublas.

Reporters interested in covering the event should contact Carolyn Erstad or Adriana Rodriguez in advance.

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN’S WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY HONORING LONGTIME EDITOR OF THE TABLET, ED WILKINSON

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN’S WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
HONORING LONGTIME EDITOR OF THE TABLET, ED WILKINSON

On Wednesday, May 9 at 11:30 AM, the Diocese of Brooklyn will celebrate the Vatican’s 52nd annual World Communications Day at 26 Bridge Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

The event will celebrate the diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, and honor its longtime editor, Ed Wilkinson. The Tablet was established in 1908. Mr. Wikinson, who joined its ranks in 1970, has been with the paper for nearly five decades. He has served as editor for 38 years.

Pope Francis’ theme for this year’s World Communications Day is “The truth will set you free – fake news and journalism for peace.” This theme underscores the core mission of The Tablet since its inception: to be a source of information that devout Catholics can depend on for coverage that includes the Church’s point of view.

“In a world where secular journalism can show an uninformed view of the Church, Catholics want to hear a more balanced point of view,” said Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn. “For the faithful, The Tablet is a trusted source of news and information.”

Bishop DiMarzio will present Mr. Wilkinson with the St. Francis DeSales Distinguished Communicator Award for his dedication to Catholic journalism as well as his service to The Tablet and the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Mr. Wilkinson will be the event’s keynote speaker. Father Thomas F. Dailey, from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Pennsylvania, will also speak, addressing the importance of Catholic media.

Reporters interested in covering the event should contact Carolyn Erstad or Adriana Rodriguez in advance.

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO SPONSOR MASS OF HOPE AND HEALING  WITH SURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO SPONSOR MASS OF HOPE AND HEALING
WITH SURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE

On Wednesday, April 25 at 7:00 PM, the Diocese of Brooklyn, in partnership with survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy, will hold the fourth annual Mass of Hope and Healing. The Mass at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 150-75 Goethals Avenue, Jamaica, Queens is offered for all those affected by sexual abuse. The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will be the main celebrant.

The Mass is organized by the diocesan Office of Victim Assistance Ministry along with survivors, who have come together to pray for the ongoing healing of sexual abuse survivors, for their families, the Church, and for the continued vigilance toward the protection of children and youth.

Survivors who help organize the annual Mass are sharing their stories in a video message, encouraging others who have suffered abuse to come forward and seek support. “The abuse victims have suffered, for many, also severed their relationship with the Church,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “Through God’s grace, we have begun to restore some of these relationships. The survivors have advised us of the need for healing Masses so I hope people will join me in praying for our survivors.”

Clergy, survivors, family members of survivors, and many others committed to the protection and safety of children will be in attendance. Healing Intervention Team members will also be present for anyone wishing to learn about the services provided by the Office of Victim Assistance Ministry.

Media interested in covering the Mass must contact Carolyn Erstad at 323-384-7098 or cerstad@desalesmedia.org. There will be specific guidelines for photography and filming.

New Evangelization Television (NET TV) will broadcast the Mass for Hope and Healing LIVE. The Mass will also be LIVE streamed on www.netny.tv.

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BROOKLYN DIOCESE VOLUNTEER GROUP, “CATHOLICS CARE”  HEADING TO PUERTO RICO ON A MISSION RELIEF TRIP

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

BROOKLYN DIOCESE VOLUNTEER GROUP, “CATHOLICS CARE”
HEADING TO PUERTO RICO ON A MISSION RELIEF TRIP

On Sunday, April 22, Catholics Care volunteers are taking off to help our brothers and sisters in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, in the southeastern part of the island. Yabucoa is where Hurricane Maria first made landfall last September, so it bore the strongest part of the storm. There has not been power in the coastal town since the hurricane hit.

The group of 15 Catholics Care volunteers will be working from Monday, April 23 to Friday, April 27 with a relief organization, All Hands and Hearts. The non-profit relief organization addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities post natural disasters. The volunteers will be removing debris, fixing and laying tarps on damaged roofs, and performing minor demolition work as directed by All Hands and Hearts.

This is the second Catholics Care volunteer mission. Last November, the Diocese of Brooklyn led a group of volunteers to help the people of Houston, where lives were severely disrupted by Hurricane Harvey. Those volunteers did “mucking and gutting” of homes, which involves demolition of sheetrock, removing nails from studs and overall debris removal. The group also worked at Catholic Charities headquarters and at their food donation warehouse.

If you would like more information on the Catholics Care mission trip, contact Adriana Rodriguez at 516-238-7565.

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STUDENTS GET TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE “ANGEL” DONORS  WHO HELP FINANCE THEIR CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

STUDENTS GET TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE “ANGEL” DONORS
WHO HELP FINANCE THEIR CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION

On Thursday, April 19, at 6:00 p.m., Futures in Education will host its 2018 Angel Reception at the New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street, Corona, Queens. The heart-warming event brings together hundreds of students and their “Angels”, donors who sponsor a portion of the child’s tuition for a year. Students get the chance on this special evening to personally thank their educational guardian angels.

“Be an Angel to a Student” is the signature scholarship program for Futures in Education, providing students with need-based scholarships and adults with the opportunity to change the life of a child through the gift of a Catholic education.

Angel donors make a gift, starting at $1,500, to help fund the Catholic education of one student. The Angel is matched to a specific student at the beginning of the school year. Throughout the academic year, students correspond with their Angels, share schoolwork and report cards to keep the Angel up to date on how things are going at school.

This year, the program has involved 224 Angel sponsors, who have given more than $1.1 million to provide a Catholic education to 650 students. Overall, in the 2017/2018 school year, Futures in Education has awarded $7.1 million to nearly 4,500 students. Since its inception in 1989, Futures in Education has provided over $100 million in scholarship support.

If you are interested in covering Thursday’s Angel reception, call Adriana Rodriguez at 516-238-7565.