Statement of Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio on Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2014

STATEMENT OF BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO
ON BISHOP FORD CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Despite the best efforts and diligent work of the Board of Directors and Faculty of Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School, the school was faced with what became insurmountable challenges. On April 13th, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to close the school at the end of the 2013-2014 academic year.

The Diocese of Brooklyn is committed to assisting the Board of Directors in placing students in the schools of their choice.

This Holy Week, the Bishop Ford Community has a share in the passion of Christ. Our Easter celebration is a reminder that despite suffering, the darkness never overcomes the light.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Stefanie Gutierrez
917-587-2784
sgutierrez@desalesmedia.org

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Over 300 Legal Permanent Residents to Receive Free Legal Assistance in Becoming U.S. Citizens at Queens ‘Mega Workshop’

Catholic Migration Services (CMS) will conduct a “mega workshop” on Saturday April 5,
2014 at Immaculate Conception Parish in Astoria to assist hundreds of eligible individuals
and families complete naturalization applications, a critical step toward becoming United
States citizens. This event is a major component of the recently announced Cambia Tu Vida
(“Change Your Life”) campaign through which CMS aims to promote naturalization and raise
awareness of the benefits of citizenship. To schedule an appointment and to be screened
for eligibility, green-card holders are encouraged to call the Cambia Tu Vida hotline at 855-
622-6242.

The event is also part of the New Americans Campaign (NAC), an unprecedented
nonpartisan national network of more than 80 organizations who have come together to
encourage and assist eligible legal permanent residents (LPRs) in becoming U.S. citizens.
Catholic Migration Services is bringing the NAC’s message to New York City through a
series of English and Spanish language public service announcements to air on local
television stations, print and social media and grassroots publicity efforts.

There are over 8 million legal permanent residents in the United States who are eligible to
become U.S. citizens. It is estimated that that more than half a million people in the New
York City area are eligible to naturalize. The myriad benefits of naturalization include an
increase in economic opportunity, access to full civic participation, ability to travel with a
U.S. passport and greater pathways to family reunification. It will also be noted that these
new citizens bring fresh talent pools and skills to the country’s workforce and enhance the
cultural richness of U.S. society.

Through its efforts in March and April, CMS aims to assist over one thousand eligible
individuals to complete and submit applications for naturalization. This assistance will be
provided in a series of “mega workshops” staffed by CMS attorneys, counselors and pro
bono volunteers. Adopting an innovative model of service provision developed by the NAC,
CMS hopes to aid immigrants in overcoming the barriers and confusion often experienced
by those who seek to apply for naturalization.

CMS is a non-profit affiliate of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. For over forty
years, it has served the needs of immigrants and refugees in Brooklyn and Queens. For
more information, please contact CMS at 347-472-3500 (Queens), 718-236-3000 (Brooklyn)
or www.catholicmigration.org.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Robert McCreanor
347 472 3500 ext. 103
rmccreanor@catholicmigration.org

Cardinal Dolan, Labor Leaders, Faith Leaders, Business Leaders, Parents and Students Unite Behind Education Investment Tax Credit

With labor leaders representing more than 255,000 working women and men, group urges Gov. Cuomo and Legislature to include plan in new state budget

WHO: Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archdiocese of New York
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn
32BJ/SEIU
Patrick J. Lynch, President, NYPD PBA, nation’s largest law enforcement union
Steve Cassidy, President, FDNY UFA, representing over 7000 FDNY fire fighters
Tom Mungeer, President, NYS Troopers PBA, representing over 5000 State Troopers
Dennis Quirk, President, NYS Court Officers Assn., with over 3,600 court officers
Ed Mullins, NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Assn., with 11,000 active and retired sergeants
Patrick Cullen, President, NYS Supreme Court Officers Assn., with 2,400 active and retired members
Rabbi Yehiel M. Kalish, Agudath Israel
Robert Catell, former Chairman, New York City Partnership, Key Span
Parents and student beneficiaries of scholarship programs

WHEN: Today, March 10, 2014 – 10AM
WHAT: News conference urging Gov. Cuomo and Legislature to support bill that will strengthen public
school programs and support scholarships for low-income and working families, by creating a state
tax credit for charitable donations.
WHERE: CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM, 350 E. 56TH STREET (NEAR 1ST AVENUE)

MEDIA CONTACT: Joseph Zwilling, joseph.zwilling@archny.org, 646-794-2997
Bob Bellafiore, bob@stanhope-ny.com, 518-928-8471
More than 55 organizations support the Education Investment Tax Credit.

Read more »

FILIPINO APOSTOLATE TO HOLD MASS OF HEALING AND HOPE AFTER TRAGEDY OF TYPHOON HAIYAN (YOLANDA)

FILIPINO APOSTOLATE TO HOLD MASS OF HEALING AND HOPE

AFTER TRAGEDY OF TYPHOON HAIYAN (YOLANDA)

 On Sunday, November 17th at 4 p.m., the Filipino Apostolate of the Diocese of Brooklyn, along with the Filipino Apostolate of St. Michael’s Church, 138-25 Barclay Avenue in Flushing, will host a Mass of Healing and Hope following the tragedy of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

“We are taking this opportunity to pray as a community for those who have been affected by the Typhoon not just in the Philippines but those living here in the United States,” said Father Patrick Longalong, coordinator for the Filipino Apostolate of the Diocese of Brooklyn. “Many of ourkababayans have already heard good news that their family are alive but some received heart breaking news of the death of their loved ones. However, there are still those who are anxiously waiting for news. We are also coming together to support some of our brethren who might not be able to travel back to the Philippines and attend religious services for their loved ones because of immigration issues.”

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has asked that a voluntary second collection be taken up in each of the parishes as soon as possible. “The whole Diocese is mourning with those who lost loved ones and praying for those who are still awaiting word from their family and friends,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “We pledge to pray and support our brothers and sisters in need.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Stefanie Gutierrez
917-587-2784
sgutierrez@desalesmedia.org

Rosemarie Santiago
718-517-3118
rsantiago@desalesmedia.org

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