Press Releases

Diocese of Brooklyn Churches and Rectories Closed ; Two priests test positive for Coronavirus

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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Diocese of Brooklyn Churches and Rectories Closed

Two priests test positive for Coronavirus

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn has closed all churches in Brooklyn and Queens effective Noon today, Friday, March 20, 2020. The decision was made so to prevent the ever-present possibility of the virus spreading. All rectories were also closed for business today at noon, and parish office business will continue by telephone only.

 

As a result of the closures, funerals, weddings, and baptisms will not be permitted in church. This is because limiting them to 10 people is proving not to be feasible. Graveside services outdoors will be permitted, maintaining the recommendations of the CDC regarding social distancing and at the discretion of the cemetery administration. A memorial Mass for the deceased can be celebrated later. Weddings and baptisms will be postponed to a later date.

 

“We want to ensure that there cannot be any more possible exposure to the virus at one of our Churches in Brooklyn and Queens. This was not an easy decision to make, however, the safety of our parishioners and our priests, deacons, and religious and parish staff weigh heavily on my mind. Already, we have received word that two of our priests have tested positive. With the celebration of Masses on NET-TV in different languages and live-streamed on our website (dioceseofbrooklyn.org/masses), we can still experience a sense of solidarity that we feel at Church, knowing we are all in this situation together. United in prayer to our Lord, He will guide us out of the desert,” said the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

 

One priest with a confirmed case of Coronavirus is from Sacred Heart of Jesus in Glendale, Queens. He last celebrated Mass on Sunday, March 15 at 8 am and 11:30 am. He was also at the soup supper on Saturday, March 14 in the church basement. The other priest with Coronavirus celebrated Mass at St. Matthew’s Church in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 11:30 am. Both churches and rectories now will undergo a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be limited to emergencies only, and while it is necessary for the confession to be one-on-one and in-person, social distancing measures will be observed. A Confession could be held outdoors during this time so that the priest and penitent can be at some distance from each other. Spiritual counseling will be provided over the phone.

 

The Diocese is committed to serving the faithful in Brooklyn and Queens during this difficult time. While contact in person is limited at this time, the pastors and priests at our parishes are available by phone and via social media to help the faithful get through this trying time.

Ten Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
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Ten Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at

Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

 

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

At Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Queens Village, Queens there are four confirmed cases. One individual last attended Mass on Sunday, March 1, 2020. The other three individuals are from the same family. They last attended Mass on Sunday, February 23, 2020. One of them also attended a bible study group on Monday, February 24, 2020, in the Bethsaida Spirituality Center.

There is one confirmed case of Coronavirus at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Fresh Meadows, Queens. The individual was last at the parish on March 4, 2020, at a soup supper in the Holy Family Catholic Academy school hall.

There are two confirmed cases at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Jamaica, Queens. One individual was last at the 11 am Mass on Sunday, March 8, 2020. The other individual has not been at the Church for the last few weeks.

One case of Coronavirus has been reported at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in Jackson Heights, Queens. The individual was last at the Church on Wednesday, March 5, 2020, for a funeral.

We have one reported case of a parent at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy in Rockaway Beach, Queens. The parent visited the school for a short time to speak to the principal on March 11, 2020, but there was very limited exposure to the rest of the academy.

There is one confirmed case at Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn. The individual came from another parish to a meeting of a faith-based group that was held in the convent hall on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

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

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.

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, until further notice.

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.

 

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BISHOP DIMARZIO RELEASES VIDEO MESSAGE TO THE FAITHFUL FROM HIS HOME

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
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jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

BISHOP DIMARZIO RELEASES VIDEO MESSAGE TO THE FAITHFUL FROM HIS HOME

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, on this the Feast of St. Joseph, Patron Saint of the Universal Church, has issued the following video statement to the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens.

 

Bishop DiMarzio, speaking from the Chapel in his residence, addresses the Coronavirus and speaks to the need at this time for people to not be far from the Word of God.

 

In the video, Bishop DiMarzio calls on St. Joseph, the protector of Jesus and Mary, to protect us from this virus and reminds the faithful to adhere to the precautions.

 

The video of the message, recorded in English, Spanish and Italian, follows:


ENGLISH

https://vimeo.com/398863371

SPANISH

https://vimeo.com/398875036

 

ITALIAN

https://vimeo.com/398876742

 

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 3-18-20

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

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

 

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 3-18-20

 

As a follow-up to the directive to suspend all Public Masses until further notice, the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has issued a number of additional guidelines, governing the practice of the faith as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, to all parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

To comply with the government recommendation to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, the following has been implemented in the Diocese of Brooklyn effective immediately:

 

PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK SERVICES

  • There will be no Masses open to the public on Palm Sunday. Priests throughout Brooklyn and Queens will bless palms and will be asked to leave them on tables in the back of the Church for pickup.
  • Reconciliation Monday, a special time devoted to confession at the start of Holy Week, has been canceled.  However, Priests will be available for individual confessions throughout the remainder of the Lenten season and during this period of crisis.
  • The Chrism Mass will not be celebrated publicly. The Bishop will celebrate the Mass from the Cathedral and the oils will be available for distribution at designated sites around the diocese. Further information will be released at a later date.
  • The Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion (Good Friday) the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, will not be celebrated publicly. A broadcast schedule of the services with no congregation, to air on NET-TV, the cable channel of the Diocese of Brooklyn, will be announced at a later date.

 

CONFIRMATIONS/FIRST COMMUNIONS

  • All Confirmations and Communions have been postponed until May 15, 2020.

MASS INTENTIONS

  • All intentions will be satisfied in private Masses.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

  • The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be administered to individuals as needed, with Priests visiting those with COVID-19 taking extra precautions.

COMMUNION

  • Priests will try to make Communion calls, adhering to necessary health precautions.

PARISH SERVICES

  • Parish food pantries may remain open, but those in need are asked to contact their specific parish for schedule and procedural updates.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous groups will continue to meet but only with less than 10 people and adhering to the social distancing practice.
  • Churches may remain open for silent adoration but in adherence to capacity guidelines.
  • All parish meetings and parish events will be canceled.
  • Bulletins will be posted on parish websites.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

  • The Diocese of Brooklyn’s administrative offices will be closed to the public due to the Coronavirus beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, for an undisclosed amount of time. The diocesan staff will be working remotely. You can reach the Diocese by calling 718-965-7300.

“In the days and weeks ahead, let us ask God to watch over the people of our Diocese and all of His people; those who are sick, those who will fall ill, and those who are caring for them,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

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SEVEN CORONAVIRUS CASES CONFIRMED AT TWO QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCHES

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

SEVEN CORONAVIRUS CASES CONFIRMED AT TWO QUEENS CATHOLIC CHURCHES

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn today is announcing they have learned of a combined seven confirmed cases of the Coronavirus within the parish communities of Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church in Woodside and St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in East Elmhurst.

At St. Gabriel’s Church, there are six confirmed cases emanating from three gatherings of a church community group on Tuesday, March 3, Saturday, March 7 and Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

At Corpus Christi, there is one confirmed case. The individual last attended Mass on Saturday, February 29, 2020. The individual is a Eucharistic Minister and last participated in the distribution of Holy Communion on Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2020.

As a result of this information, both parish Churches are undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anyone who was at the above Churches during the noted times should contact their doctor if they exhibit any Coronavirus symptoms like fever or cough.

The Diocese of Brooklyn has canceled all Masses, as of yesterday Monday, March 16, 2020, until further notice. Churches will be open for private prayer but the faithful are being asked to contact their church’s rectory regarding parish scheduled hours.

As a reminder, the Celebration of the Eucharist within the Diocese of Brooklyn can be seen on NET-TV, the 24/7 cable channel of the Diocese. The Mass schedule is as follows:

Weekdays:

  • 8 am Live from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (English)
  • 9 am Live from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)
  • Noon Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 5 pm Replay of the Noon Mass from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 6:30 pm Pre-recorded Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral

 

Weekends:

  • 6 pm Saturday Vigil Pre-recorded Passionate Mass from Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica (English)
  • 11 am Sunday Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 1:30 pm Sunday Pre-recorded from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and FIOS (Channel 48). Viewers can also tune in online at www.netny.tv.

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.

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Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Catholic Academies and Parish Schools Will close until at least April 20, 2020

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Catholic Academies and Parish Schools

Will close until at least April 20, 2020

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D., has announced today all elementary Catholic Academies and Parish Schools in Brooklyn and Queens will remain closed until April 20, 2020. This follows last week’s announcement that the schools would be closed this week, March 16-March 20, 2020, out of an abundance of caution. The decision mirrors the New York City public schools announcement made last night.

 

“The decision to close is based on the interdependency of services between public schools and Catholic schools,” said Dr. Chadzutko.

 

Many families that attend Diocesan schools depend on the New York City services such as bus transportation, meals, nurses, and crossing and security guards.

 

“If there was a safe way for us to open sooner, we would, but we cannot function without those essential services,” said Joan McMaster, Associate Superintendent for Principal and Teacher Personnel.

 

The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control is to restrict gatherings of 50 or more people. Clearly, the school environment would be in violation.

 

The contingency pandemic plan, which is part of the Office of the Superintendent school crisis management plan, includes digital, distance and alternative instruction for students so that their education is not disrupted. A complete transition to that model of instruction will take place this week.

 

The Office of the Superintendent is in daily communication with city and state officials and is part of the Coronavirus Education Task Force of the NYC Department of Education. During this time, there is a constant reassessment of the situation and the necessary response in an effort to keep our school community safe.

 

CORONAVIRUS CASE CONFIRMED AT QUEENS CHURCH; ALL CATHOLIC MASSES CANCELED IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

CORONAVIRUS CASE CONFIRMED AT QUEENS CHURCH; ALL CATHOLIC MASSES CANCELED IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The Diocese of Brooklyn late yesterday, Saturday, March 14, 2020, learned of a confirmed case of the Coronavirus within the parish community at Incarnation Roman Catholic Church, located in the Queens Village section of Queens.

The individual attended the Noon Mass last Sunday, March 8, 2020.

As a result of this information, Incarnation Church is closed and undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Masses today have been held in the Auditorium.

Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, the Diocese of Brooklyn has canceled all Masses until further notice. However, Churches will be open for private prayer, but Catholics are urged to check with parish rectories regarding a specific parish’s schedule.

The Celebration of the Eucharist within the Diocese of Brooklyn can be seen on NET-TV, the 24/7 cable channel of the Diocese. The Mass schedule is as follows:

Weekdays:

  • 8 am Live from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (English)
  • 9 am Live from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)
  • Noon Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 5 pm Replay of the Noon Mass from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 6:30 pm Pre-recorded Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Weekends:

  • 6 pm Saturday Vigil Pre-recorded Passionate Mass from Immaculate Conception Church in   Jamaica (English)
  • 11 am Sunday Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • 1:30 pm Sunday Pre-recorded from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and FIOS (Channel 48). Viewers can also tune in online at www.netny.tv.

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.

Let us pray for all those who have been diagnosed with Coronavirus and those who have died here in our country and around the world.

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URGENT COVID-19 UPDATE – PUBLIC MASSES TO BE CANCELED

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

URGENT UPDATE FROM THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

 

Given the continuing and growing concern about the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Bishop DiMarzio has determined that all public masses be canceled in the Diocese of Brooklyn beginning Monday, March 16th, until further notice. This includes weekday masses as well as Sunday.

Funerals and Weddings will be permitted but should be limited to family members only. Confirmations should be celebrated with the Rite of Confirmation without Mass if need be, and in consultation with the Bishop scheduled to celebrate the Confirmation.

The faithful of the diocese are reminded that the Bishop has already issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday. The obligation to keep the Lord’s Day holy can be fulfilled by maintaining a prayerful attitude and through personal and family prayer.

The faithful are urged to watch the celebration of the Eucharist on TV, as well.

The celebrations are scheduled as follows:

  • Saturday at 6 pm: Vigil pre-recorded from Immaculate Conception in Jamaica (English)
  • Sunday at 11 am: Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
  • Sunday at 1:30 pm: Pre-recorded from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30) and FIOS (Channel 48). Viewers can also tune in online at www.netny.tv.

In light of the continuing crisis, the situation is being monitored carefully and updates will follow. Let us continue to pray, especially through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, for those who are sick, for medical personnel and for all people who confront this challenge.

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BROOKLYN BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO DISPENSES THE FAITHFUL FROM MASS OBLIGATION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

John Quaglione 
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jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

BROOKLYN BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO DISPENSES THE FAITHFUL FROM MASS OBLIGATION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 

In an effort to be proactive in our response to the spread of the Coronavirus, the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice for Catholics of Brooklyn and Queens.

 

Sunday Public Masses will still be celebrated; however, the faithful are urged to exercise caution if they are to attend. The Diocese of Brooklyn will comply with the State’s regulations about large public gatherings. This dispensation remains in effect until further notice. 

 

Additionally, weekday masses will continue as usual with the normal precautions people should take when gathering in public places. Other celebrations (such as weddings and funerals) may take place but attendance should be limited. In these extremely difficult and challenging times, it is the primary duty of the Diocese to keep the faithful safe and healthy.

 

When gathering, the faithful are urged to take the necessary precautions, including remaining at a safe distance from others and receiving Holy Communion in the hand. The distribution of the Precious Blood has previously been suspended as well as the Sign of Peace with a handshake. Holy Water Fonts may also be emptied in Churches as a precaution.

 

Those who do not attend Mass can tune in to the Celebration of the Eucharist within the Diocese of Brooklyn on NET-TV, the 24/7 cable channel of the Diocese. The Mass schedule is as follows:

 

  • Saturday – 6 pm Vigil Pre-recorded from Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica (English)

 

  • Sunday – 11 am Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)

 

  • Sunday – 1:30 pm Pre-recorded from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)

 

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and FIOS (Channel 48). Viewers can also tune in online at www.netny.tv.

 

Additionally, all in-person parish religious education classes, all youth ministry classes, group meetings, CYO activities, and adult faith formation sessions will be canceled until further notice.

 

The health of all the faithful of the Diocese is of utmost concern, and the Diocese of Brooklyn joins in prayer to the Lord who is a healer, to protect us and to quickly bring about an end to this current public health crisis.

Diocese of Brooklyn Catholic Academies and Parish Schools to Close Next Week

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Diocese of Brooklyn Catholic Academies and Parish Schools to Close Next Week

 

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D., has announced all elementary Catholic Academies and Parish Schools throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes Brooklyn and Queens, will close next week, Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20.

 

“Monday will be used as a professional day for teachers to develop their distance learning plans.

The Schools Office anticipates that beginning on Tuesday, students of the Diocese of Brooklyn Catholic schools and academies will have access to online learning. While we understand that not all families may have access to online learning, we have directed all academies to utilize alternative instructional processes,” said Dr. Chadzutko.

 

In addition, the leadership of all Catholic Academies and Parish Schools are committed to following CDC guidelines regarding deep cleaning and sanitization of buildings.

 

The decision to close schools was made out of an abundance of caution due to the rapidly changing situation surrounding the Coronavirus and after further consultation with representatives of city and state agencies. For your information, there are no confirmed cases in our schools reported to us by the New York City Department of Health.

 

Please continue to monitor your Catholic Academy and Parish school websites next week for further updates, or the Diocesan Coronavirus section of our website: https://catholicschoolsbq.org/coronavirus/

 

The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is of the utmost importance. Our continued quest is to maintain safe and clean environments.