Press Releases

Diocese of Brooklyn announces new Vicar for Clergy & Chairman of the Board of DeSales Media

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

MONSIGNOR SEAN G. OGLE NAMED

VICAR FOR CLERGY AND CONSECRATED LIFE AND

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DESALES MEDIA GROUP

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Monsignor Sean G. Ogle to serve as Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life, effective June 30, 2021. Monsignor Ogle has also been appointed the next Chairman of the Board of DeSales Media Group, the media, communications, and technology arm of the Diocese.

“I do not think there is anyone more qualified than Monsignor Ogle to be the next Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life and Chairman of the Board at DeSales Media. He is an excellent communicator and that will serve him well in both roles,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

Monsignor Sean G. Ogle, a native New Yorker, and son of Irish immigrants, has been the Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, Queens, since 2008. His tenure will end on June 30, 2021. In his role as Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life, Monsignor Ogle will serve to support the priests and religious in their life and ministry of service to Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens. He will succeed Auxiliary Bishop Raymond Chappetto, who has been the Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life since 2009.

“I am exceptionally honored the Bishop has chosen me to succeed Bishop Chappetto, who has done a marvelous job. As priests, we are called to give pastoral care to the people of God, but to do that specifically for priests and deacons is a calling within a calling. I love my fellow priests and deacons and whatever I can do to help them be better shepherds is an honor and privilege,” said Monsignor Ogle.

Ordained to the priesthood in 1977 for the Diocese of Brooklyn, Monsignor Ogle has served as Parochial Vicar at St. Matthias in Ridgewood, St. Margaret Mary in Astoria, and St. Sebastian in Woodside, and as Pastor at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Far Rockaway. Throughout his 44-year priesthood, he has also been a faculty member at Cathedral Preparatory Seminary and has served in various diocesan apostolates, committees, and boards. Monsignor Ogle graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Cathedral College, a Master of Divinity from Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, and a Master of Arts in English from New York University.

Monsignor Ogle’s new role at DeSales Media began May 15, 2021, the date that Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington began his new appointment as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

“I am honored to be asked to continue the ministry of DeSales Media. I deeply believe the whole work of salvation was an act of communication by God to humanity, that he was not giving up on us, despite original sin and actual sin.  And so, it is all about communication, the whole revelation of the Old Testament, the prophets and everything, and then culminating in Jesus Christ, who then gives us the Church to communicate to us the grace of the sacraments. It is all about receiving a message that God is there for us and that he would give us what we need to come back to Him,” said Monsignor Ogle.

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QUEENS CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENT PLACES THIRD IN NATIONAL PATRIOTIC ESSAY CONTEST

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

QUEENS STUDENT PLACES THIRD IN NATIONAL PATRIOTIC ESSAY CONTEST

            The Diocese of Brooklyn today announced that Olivia Mills, an eighth-grade student at Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy, located in the Astoria section of Queens, has won third place nationally in the 2021 Catholic War Veterans Patriotic Essay Contest.

The topic of this year’s essay contest was “What does the Pledge of Allegiance mean to you?” The national winners were selected from entries submitted to local chapters of the Catholic War Veterans by students of grades 6-8.  The judging was based on the essay’s overall patriotic impact as well as skillful writing technique.

“Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy is honored by Olivia’s accomplishment, but we are most proud by how Olivia expressed in her essay her true love and appreciation for our Country,” said Brother Joseph Rocco, Principal.

Olivia Mills was awarded a bronze medal and monetary prize from the Catholic War Veterans, and a Special Citation presented to the school in honor of her achievement.

Photo #1- Olivia Mills of Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy proudly displaying her Catholic War Veterans honors.

Photo #2 – Olivia Mills joined by Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy Principal, Brother Joseph Rocco, and David Crum, the National Commander of the Catholic War Veterans of the USA.

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BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO TO ORDAIN 10 NEW DEACONS FOR THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 28, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO TO ORDAIN 10 NEW DEACONS FOR THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will ordain 10 men to the Permanent Diaconate, for service in the Diocese of Brooklyn this Saturday, May 29, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph located at 856 Pacific Street in Brooklyn.

 

The Ordinards are:

 

*Michael A. Chirichella

Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation of the B.V.M. Parish, Brooklyn

*Robert Fedorowicz, Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Brooklyn

*Antonio Gordon, Our Lady of Grace Parish in Howard Beach, Queens

*John P. Kramer, Holy Trinity Parish in Whitestone, Queens

*Fil Myrong M. Lapinig, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Queens Village

*Dr. Harry W. Lopez, Jr. St. Fortunata Parish, Brooklyn

*Michael J.B. McCarthy, St. Joan of Arc Parish in Jackson Heights

*Edwin A. Rivera, Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary & St. Stephen Parish, Brooklyn

*Jacob Rodriguez, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Astoria, Queens

 

A deacon is a member of the clergy and an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral and burial services outside of Mass, distribute Holy Communion, preach the homily, teach the faith and visit the sick. They are obligated to pray the Liturgy of the Hours each day.

 

Of the ten men to be ordained, two are retired and eight are currently working in a variety of roles including: an accountant, a plumber, two Catholic high school teachers, a UPS service provider, a machine operator, a Nurse Manager, and a podiatrist.

 

Members of the media interested in attending should notify the Diocesan press office. Masks must be worn at all times at the event and updated social distancing guidelines must be followed.

 

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ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY OFFICIALLY DEDICATE THE FACULTY ROOM IN HONOR OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY OFFICIALLY DEDICATE THE FACULTY ROOM IN HONOR OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, located at 136-58 41st Avenue in the Flushing section of Queens, honored the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood at a plaque dedication ceremony yesterday, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in the school’s faculty room.

The Sisters of St. Joseph maintained a strong presence at St. Michael’s since shortly after the school opened in 1851, where they served as administrators, teachers, and counselors. Sister Tesa Fitzgerald and Sister Joan Gallagher represented the Sisters of St. Joseph at the ceremony. They were joined by Sister Miriam Blake, the last nun to serve as principal, as well as her former assistant, Sister St. William McMahon. Sister Blake and Sister McMahon are the last Sisters of St. Joseph to serve on the staff at St. Michael’s.

“For over 150 years while ministering at St. Michael’s School, the Sisters of St. Joseph showed strength and courage to face the challenges of the times in Flushing, and globally in their mission as women religious. Their progressive and inclusive approach, not only in education but in social issues, continues to inspire the teaching staff at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy as we are challenged with educational reforms while preparing our students to be responsible global citizens,” said Maureen Rogone, Principal.

Monsignor David Cassato, Vicar for Catholic Schools, and Janet Heed, District Superintendent, were in attendance representing the Office of the School Superintendent for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Photos attached and captions follow.

#1 -Former teachers and administrators from the school.
#2- Sr. Miriam Blake and Sr. St. William who were the last Sisters to staff the school as administrators, were among those in attendance.
#3 – Sr. Mary Ellen Vesey, representing the Sisters of St. Joseph.
#4 – Monsignor John Vesey, Pastor of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Flushing, and Monsignor David Cassato, Vicar for Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn bless the newly dedicated plaque.
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ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY TO DEDICATE FACULTY ROOM IN HONOR OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

ST. MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY TO DEDICATE FACULTY ROOM IN HONOR OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, located at 136-58 41st Avenue in the Flushing section of Queens, will honor the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood at a plaque dedication ceremony on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. in the school’s faculty room.

The Sisters of St. Joseph have had a strong presence at St. Michael’s since shortly after the school opened in 1851, where they served as administrators, teachers, and counselors. Sister Tesa Fitzgerald and Sister Joan Gallagher will represent the Sisters of St. Joseph at the ceremony. They will be joined by Sister Miriam Blake, the last nun to serve as principal, as well as her former assistant, Sister St. William McMahon. Sister Blake and Sister McMahon are the last Sisters of St. Joseph to serve on the staff at St. Michael’s.

“For over 150 years while ministering at St. Michael’s School, the Sisters of St. Joseph showed strength and courage to face the challenges of the times in Flushing, and globally in their mission as women religious. Their progressive and inclusive approach, not only in education but in social issues, continues to inspire the teaching staff at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy as we are challenged with educational reforms while preparing our students to be responsible global citizens,” said Maureen Rogone, Principal.

Monsignor David Cassato, Vicar for Catholic Schools, and Janet Heed, District Superintendent, will represent the Office of the School Superintendent for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Members of the media are invited to attend and required to adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols.

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BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT ERIC ADAMS HONORS DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN COVID-19 EMERGENCY TASK FORCE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT ERIC ADAMS HONORS DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN COVID-19 EMERGENCY TASK FORCE

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing that this past Friday, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams led a ceremony at Brooklyn Borough Hall recognizing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn’s Emergency Task Force, which was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist first responders and frontline workers.

Over the course of the pandemic, the task force was able to coordinate the procurement and delivery of 500,000 masks, 100,000 bottles of hand sanitizer, and 40,000 gloves to police and fire personnel, hospitals, nursing homes, and other entities in need throughout the state. The Emergency Task Force also helped deliver 50,000 pizzas to more than 40 hospitals and medical centers as an expression of gratitude to the health care workers on the front lines of the pandemic. They coordinated with the Catholic Telemedia Network (CTN) and the Schools Office for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn to deliver almost 1,000 iPads to 21 Catholic academies across Brooklyn and Queens.

“When COVID-19 sprung on our city without warning, everyday heroes sprang into action to help those in need. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn’s Emergency Task Force showed everyone what our borough is all about, helping to facilitate the delivery of hundreds of thousands of PPE, food, iPads for students, and more. I was proud to recognize members of the task force at Borough Hall, and pay tribute to their heroic sacrifices, which should not be forgotten as our city moves toward re-opening,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

“Borough President Adams and his staff took the pandemic seriously early on and we collaborated with us on many of the donations that took place in and around Brooklyn. It’s been an honor to work with him. The Emergency Task Force team and I are grateful for the recognition and his sincere gesture of appreciation,” said Vincent LeVien, Director of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s COVID-19 Emergency Task Force.

At the ceremony, Borough President Adams presented the members of the task force with citations on behalf of the borough of Brooklyn, and thanked them for their tireless efforts to keep New Yorkers safe. City Councilmember Dr. Mathieu Eugene also attended and offered kind words about the efforts of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Emergency Task Force.

Photo #1- Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams presents official proclamations honoring the members of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn’s Emergency Task Force. Left to right: Dr. Victor Masi, Kim Sisto, David Morales, Dennis Fisin, Borough President Adams, Joseph Vega, Matthew McKeon-Slattery, Wilfredo Vega, Jr., Michael Tatsis, Vincent LeVien, Rob Rich. (Photo courtesy of: Erica Krodman/Brooklyn BP’s office).

Photo #2 – Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams recognizing the Director of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn’s Emergency Task Force Vincent LeVien. (photo credit: Diocese of Brooklyn)

Photo #3- Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn Emergency Task Force Director Vincent LeVien at Friday’s ceremony outside Brooklyn Borough Hall. (photo credit: Diocese of Brooklyn)

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BROOKLYN CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENT AMONG NATIONAL HANDWRITING CONTEST WINNERS; QUEENS SCHOOL WINS AT STATE LEVEL

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BROOKLYN CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENT AMONG NATIONAL HANDWRITING CONTEST WINNERS

Queens School Wins at New York State Level for 3rd Year in a Row

            The Diocese of Brooklyn is proud to announce that St. Edmund’s Catholic Academy student Caitlyn Ngo has been selected as the 5th Grade Grand National Champion in the Zaner Bloser 2021 National Handwriting Contest, the most prestigious handwriting contest in the United States.

This year marked the 30th Anniversary of the contest, which recognizes student excellence in manuscript (print) and cursive writing. Student entries from grades K-8 are initially part of a school-only handwriting contest and then best entries are submitted to the state competition. The state winners, one from public school and one from private/parochial school from each grade, are then advanced to the competition’s national level for a chance at being selected as the Grand National Champion for their grade.

“We are so proud of Caitlyn for her outstanding achievement. St. Edmund Elementary School’s yearly participation in the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest exemplifies our dedication to providing our students with a comprehensive educational program that prepares them for success in the future,” said Andrea D’Emic, Principal of St. Edmund’s Catholic Academy.

Additionally, Holy Family Catholic Academy in the Fresh Meadows section of Queens, is proud to announce that Kindergarten student Arron Morocho and 1st Grader Jake Mulryan were selected as state champions for best manuscript/cursive handwriting among hundreds of other students across New York State.

For the third year in a row, Holy Family Catholic Academy has had at least one student recognized as a New York State winner at their grade level. Last year Isabella Ordonez was State Champion for 1st Grade, and in 2019, Philip Saffian was 2nd Grade State Champion and Grand National Championship.

“Holy Family Catholic Academy always wants to see their students do well.  The fact that for three years in a row, we have had a State Handwriting Champion shows that the children care about the quality of their work. The entire HFCA Community is proud of our Champions,” said Mary Scheer, Principal of Holy Family Catholic Academy.

Photos courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Photo #1 – Caitlyn Ngo of St. Edmund’s Catholic School displays the trophy she was awarded upon being selected as the 5th Grade National Champion in the Zaner Bloser 2021 National Handwriting Contest.

Photo #2 – From left to right: Holy Family Catholic Academy students named State Champions for Kindergarten and 1st Grade, Arron Morocho Kgn and Jake Mulryan, and 2020 1st Grade New York State Champion Isabella Ordonez.

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BISHOP DIMARZIO ANNOUNCES CHURCHES IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS TO RETURN TO FULL CAPACITY, AMONG OTHER COVID-19 GUIDELINE UPDATES

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP DIMARZIO ANNOUNCES CHURCHES IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS TO RETURN TO FULL CAPACITY, AMONG OTHER COVID-19 GUIDELINE UPDATES

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced that effective this weekend, May 22-23, all Catholic churches throughout Brooklyn and Queens can return to full capacity.  The change was made among a listing of COVID-19 policy guidance updates.

“It is a good day,” said the Most Reverend Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, citing the forms of limitations on churches that have been in effect since last March. “Our churches are at full capacity once again, though we continue to keep restrictions in place knowing there are people yet to be vaccinated. We are not giving up our guard and as a community, it is very important that we continue to provide the safest environment possible for all to worship.”

The State of New York, following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has relaxed many of the current restrictions due to lower rates of infection, and higher numbers of people being vaccinated against COVID-19. Because of that, with the pastoral care of the people of Brooklyn and Queens in mind, Bishop DiMarzio is issuing the following guidelines:

*Brooklyn and Queens churches may open to full 100% capacity. There is no longer a need to rope off a pew between the occupied rows.

*Social distancing is still required for those who are not vaccinated. Unvaccinated parishioners should distance themselves from others who are not members of the same household.

*Masks are still mandatory in church for those who are not vaccinated. However, everyone is encouraged to wear masks while in church.

*Hymnals and missalettes can once again be used.

*Lectors can read from the main pulpit.

*Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may resume their ministry with proper hand hygiene before and after assisting in the distribution of Holy Communion.

*Collection baskets may resume as normal.

*The Offertory Procession with the gifts of bread and wine can resume.

*Choirs with vaccinated members can operate as normal; unvaccinated choir members must continue to maintain social distancing.

*Altar servers may resume their ministry with proper hygiene protocols.

*Hand hygiene is still required and disinfectant use should be encouraged. Additionally, it is wise to provide disinfectant at church entrances.

The Diocese of Brooklyn is relying on the honesty of the faithful as to their vaccination status. The dispensation from attending Holy Mass, which has been in effect since the start of the pandemic, will be lifted the weekend of June 5-6, on the Feast Day of Corpus Christi (The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord). Although the dispensation will be lifted, those who are feeling ill and those caring for the sick, continue to be dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass.

Parishes are encouraged to continue live-streaming of Mass, and DeSales Media will continue the broadcast of the Holy Mass on the Diocesan cable channel, NET-TV, which can be seen on FIOS by Verizon (Ch. 548), Spectrum (Ch.30), Optimum (Ch. 30), or the channel’s website at netny.tv.

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ST. ROSE OF LIMA STUDENTS HEAD TO THE BEACH TO LEARN MATH

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

ST. ROSE OF LIMA STUDENTS LEARN MATH ON ROCKAWAY BEACH

            The 7th-grade students of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy, located in the Rockaway Beach section of Queens, this week took their math lesson outdoors.  The students turned part of the beach into their math and ecology classroom for the day.

“Students collected ecological data on shellfish for their statistics project. Using the skills actual ecologists use, the students were able to take their math class into the real world. This was a wonderful chance to explore their local wildlife. The joys of working in the Rockaways,” said Satti Marchan, Principal of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy.

Along the way, the students found crabs, horseshoe crabs, and sand crabs with eggs. The 7th graders looked at actual mussels, found fish bones, and even discovered a shark egg.

Photos attached courtesy of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy/Diocese of Brooklyn.

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CALLS ON NYPD TO INCREASE PATROL AROUND CHURCHES AS SECOND ACT OF VANDALISM IS DISCOVERED WITHIN THREE DAYS

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

VANDALISM DISCOVERED ON GROUNDS OF THE OFFICES OF DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

            The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing that a statue depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus, was vandalized over the weekend on the grounds of the Diocesan administrative offices, located at 310 Prospect Park West in the Windsor Terrace section of Brooklyn.

Jesus, held in the arms of His Mother Mary, was decapitated. The destruction was discovered by a facilities manager and immediately reported to the New York City Police Department. The crime is currently being investigated as a hate crime. The Diocese is already working towards repairing the statue to its original form.

This is the second incident in a matter of three days. During the early morning hours of Friday, May 14, a Crucifix was toppled and damaged, and an American Flag burned, at St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church in Bensonhurst. Parishioners gathered Friday evening in prayer.

“We are definitely concerned that there is a pattern of hate crimes against Catholics. There was a hate crime at a Bensonhurst parish on Friday morning and now, just a few days later, this is act of hatred has been discovered at the Diocesan offices. The Diocese will be notifying our churches to be on alert, and we are asking the NYPD to increase patrols in and around the area of our churches. Hatred and intolerance of the Catholic faith, and for that matter any faith, has no place here,” said Monsignor Anthony M. Hernandez, Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).  A photo of the damaged statue is attached.

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