Restored Opera House Hosts “Spirit of Christmas” Concert

The “Spirit of Christmas Concert,” hosted by Futures in Education to raise money to support scholarships for Catholic education in the Diocese of Brooklyn, took the stage last night at the newly renovated Emmaus Center in Williamsburg.

The concert featured a selection of Christmas and spiritual songs performed by contemporary Christian music artist and songwriter Matt Maher, and American operatic tenor Danny Rodriguez.  The show also featured entertainment from one of the three New York Tenors, Christopher Macchio, as well as movie star Daniel Roebuck.  Anthony Mangano, star of film and song, served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The newly refurbished and named 600-seat Emmaus Center is housed in the historic Williamsburg Opera House which was built in 1897. Many of the historical details of the theater were maintained in the renovation.

“This is a place that has strong history and tradition. I love the name Emmaus, because this is to be a place of encounter. People are going to encounter Jesus Christ through the arts and through encounters with one another.  I am so proud to be part of this grand opening, and for all of those who support Futures in Education, as students will have the chance to encounter Jesus and His love through the gift of a Catholic education,” said The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn.

To learn more about the history, mission, and upcoming events at The Emmaus Center, visit emmausbrooklyn.org.

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO CELEBRATE OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Brooklyn’s New Bishop to deliver Homily in Spanish

The Diocese of Brooklyn will mark the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a special Mass this afternoon to be celebrated by Brooklyn’s new Bishop, Robert Brennan, at 1:30 p.m., at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street, in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. Retired Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros will concelebrate the Mass.

This joyous cultural celebration, organized every year by the Mexican Apostolate, will include Mariachis singing “Las Mañanitas” and the spectacular Lighting of the Torches at 2:30 p.m. in front of the Co-Cathedral. After the lighting, the torch-lit pilgrimages will begin heading to 38 churches in Brooklyn and Queens.

The Mass will be broadcast live on NET-TV beginning at 1:15 p.m. (Channel 30-Optimum, Channel 97-Spectrum, and Channel 548-Verizon FIOS) and live-streamed on www.netny.tv.

Members of the media are invited to attend. To RSVP, please email Adriana Rodriguez at arodriguez@desalesmedia.org or text at 646-241-9805.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2021

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BISHOP ROBERT J. BRENNAN INSTALLED AS THE EIGHTH BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

Bishop Robert J. Brennan was installed as the Eighth Bishop of Brooklyn at a Mass of Installation at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn Tuesday afternoon.

Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, presided at the Installation Mass. Bishop Brennan, who has led the Diocese of Columbus since 2019, was named by Pope Francis to succeed Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio on September 29, 2021.

In attendance for the celebration were 45 Bishops, including 2 Cardinals, more than 300 priests and 100 deacons.

“The world is found in Brooklyn and Queens, every language, every nationality, we truly are the Diocese of Immigrants; and together with the Joy of the Gospel, we are all called to be like Andrew and work together to share the Good News, to tell others about Jesus; to share the loaves and the fish that we have, so that God will use what we have and miracles will take place.  Each community renews and reinvigorates this local church with the freshness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” preached Bishop Brennan in his homily.

Highlights of the Mass included Bishop Brennan knocking on the doors of the Co-Cathedral, and being let in by the rectors of both the Cathedral Basilica of St. James and the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, who received the new bishop at the doors of the Co-Cathedral.  Bishop Raymond Chappetto, Vicar General, presented Bishop Brennan with a crucifix to be kissed.  Bishop Neil Tiedemann, Auxiliary Bishop, then presented him with the aspergillum, the liturgical implement used to sprinkle holy water, first on himself and then on those present.

Bishop DiMarzio then welcomed everyone to St. Joseph’s for this joyful occasion. The ceremony then began with Cardinal Dolan greeting the people and inviting the apostolic letter to be read by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Pierre. After the reading, Bishop Brennan showed the letter to the College of Consultors, the Chancellor, the Curia, and the faithful.

Bishop Brennan then sat in the Cathedra, the Bishop’s teaching chair, and was presented with the Crozier (a hooked staff).  The cathedra now bears Bishop Brennan’s coat of arms. After this, Bishop Brennan greeted various representatives of the diocese, both clergy and laity.  Then the celebration of the Eucharist began.

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Photos 1-7 – Courtesy: Diocese of Brooklyn/Jeffrey Bruno

Photos 8-10 – Courtesy: Diocese of Brooklyn/John Quaglione

*** If you need a higher resolution photo, please reach out to me directly ***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 23, 2021

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BISHOP ROBERT J. BRENNAN TO BE INSTALLED AS THE EIGHTH BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

Bishop Robert J. Brennan will be installed as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn at a Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, will officiate as Bishop Brennan, who has led the Diocese of Columbus since 2019, was named by Pope Francis to succeed Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio on September 29, 2021. Bishop DiMarzio’s mandatory letter of resignation sent to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, on his 75^th birthday was accepted on that day.

Bishop Brennan will hold a 20-minute press conference at 10:30 a.m. inside the Co-Cathedral. Invited guests will begin arriving at 12:30 p.m. and the entrance procession will begin at 1:30 p.m.  The Mass of Installation will begin at 2 p.m.

Brooklyn’s new Bishop will lead a Diocese of more than 1.3 million Catholics, known as the Diocese of Immigrants. Bishop Brennan has pledged to strengthen the Catholic schools and academies in Brooklyn and Queens, work with and support the immigrant communities, and focus on evangelizing Catholics through various means of communication and social media.

 

Information about Bishop Robert J. Brennan

Bishop Brennan was born on June 7, 1962, to Robert and Patricia Brennan in the Bronx and was raised on Long Island, in Lindenhurst, New York. Bishop Brennan attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Lindenhurst and St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and computer science from St. John’s University in Queens.

Bishop Brennan completed his studies for the priesthood at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York, and was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre on May 27, 1989, by then-Bishop John McGann. His first parish assignment was at the Church of St. Patrick in Smithtown.  In 1994, he was appointed Secretary to the Bishop and served in such capacity for three bishops: Bishops John McGann, James McHugh, and William Murphy. He has previously served as the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Rockville Centre and was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre on July 25, 2012.

Bishop Brennan was appointed the 12^th Bishop of Columbus on January 31, 2019, and was installed on March 29, 2019.  Among the highlights of his time in Columbus was the institution of the Diocesan-wide Real Presence, Real Future evangelization and planning initiative, a process involving clergy, lay ecclesial ministers, parish volunteers, and the faithful. The objective was to determine the best path forward to increase the presence of the Church in the Diocese of Columbus.

Bishop Brennan has served with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a member of the Committee for Catholic Education, the Administrative Committee, and the Priorities and Plans Committee.

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Information for Media Covering the Installation on November 30th

There will be a press hospitality room open starting at 10:30 a.m. in the Bishop Daily Residence behind the Co-Cathedral at 683 Dean Street in Prospect Heights.  A parking area for news trucks has been designated on Dean Street between Vanderbilt and Underhill Avenues.

A designated press area will be set up across the street from the Co-Cathedral for the purposes of exterior video and interview opportunities facilitated by DeSales Media staff. A layout graphic is attached.

Media covering the event must have valid NYPD issued press credentials.

There will be no cameras permitted inside the Co-Cathedral during the Installation Mass. A pool feed will be provided through The Switch.

The following feeds will be available on The Switch:

DeSales1:  Regular NET Programming (NET Programming/Full Grfx / Bug)

DeSales3:  Mass Cln Feed (Mass Video / No Grfx / No Bug)

DeSales4: NET Cln Feed (NET Programming / Full Grfx / No Bug)

An SDI feed will be available in the press room and it will be a clean feed with no graphics.

There will be no media availability with Bishop Brennan following the Installation Mass, which is expected to last about two hours.

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Co-Cathedral Updated Layout

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 22, 2021

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY LEADS  TO REMOVAL OF PRIEST FROM MINISTRY FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION 

A claim of alleged sexual abuse of a minor, dating back to the 1970s, against 86-year-old Peter Mahoney has been investigated by the independent Diocesan Review Board (DRB) and found to be credible. Credible means the DRB believes the allegations may be true.

As a result of the DRB’s determination that the allegation is credible, Rev. Peter Mahoney, who had been ministering part-time to the Hispanic community at Saint Anne Catholic Church in Flushing, Queens, and St. Nicholas of Tolentine in Jamaica, Queens, has been removed from all public ministry. That means he is not permitted to celebrate Mass publicly, cannot exercise any public ministry, and cannot live in an ecclesiastical residence. His name will also be added to the List of Credibly Accused Priests on the Diocese of Brooklyn website.

The allegation came into the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Reporting Line on October 2, 2020, and was referred for investigation and forwarded to law enforcement on that date.

The alleged abuse took place between 1975 and 1978 while Rev. Mahoney was serving at St. Martin of Tours in Brooklyn.

It should be understood that such action by the Diocese is not to be interpreted as a judgment of the guilt of the priest. However, it is recognition of the possibility that wrongdoing may have taken place, and therefore, out of concern for the safety of the faithful, it was determined necessary to remove the priest from ministry.

On April 8, 2021, a lawsuit was filed against Rev. Mahoney under the Child Victims Act with an allegation from another claimant.

The Diocese of Brooklyn is committed to providing pastoral care to victims. The Office of Victim Assistance Ministry provides supportive initial counseling, referrals for therapy, and pastoral resources for the victims of sexual abuse.  The Diocese hosts a yearly Mass of Hope and Healing where the faithful come together and pray for victims of clergy sexual abuse.

The Diocese of Brooklyn has instituted significant programs to prevent sexual abuse and protect children. They include a Zero Tolerance policy which states that any clergy member credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor is permanently removed from ministry. The Diocese also conducts initial and ongoing background checks of all employees and volunteers and provides age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness training for children and adults.

Anyone who has been the victim of clergy sexual abuse is encouraged to report it to law enforcement or to the Toll-Free Reporting Line established by the Diocese at 1-888-634-4499. All calls are forwarded to law enforcement officials.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CREATES OFFICE FOR

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn has created the new Office for Protection of Children and Young People to enhance its strong safe environment protocols. This newly established office under its umbrella will oversee the Safe Environment Office, the Office of Victim Assistance Ministry, and the newly created 1722 Supervisor.

 

Jasmine Salazar, LMSW, currently the Diocese of Brooklyn Victim Assistance Coordinator and Vice-Chancellor, has been named the Director of the Office for Protection of Children and Young People. Salazar’s responsibilities include tracking all allegations of misconduct, ensuring their referral to the Diocesan Review Board for investigation, and tracking the progress and results of those investigations. She will serve as the liaison with the New York City Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.  Salazar will also oversee the 1722 Supervisor, who will be central in monitoring priests who have been removed from ministry.

 

“After having gone through the IRCP and the CVA, and after listening sessions I held with the faithful, I wanted to strengthen the work of the Diocese with respect to these issues, so I felt a reorganization was in order. The Diocese of Brooklyn has worked hard to implement the requirements of the Dallas Charter since 2002 and has been nationally recognized for its robust Victim Assistance Ministry. This move will solidify our ability to continue to provide safe environments for the faithful of the Diocese of Brooklyn and pastoral care for survivors of abuse,” said The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

 

“The work as Victim Assistance Coordinator has been both challenging and deeply fulfilling. Being able to work with those who are survivors of abuse and accompanying them on their journey has been a true honor and privilege.  This new role will enable me to continue with this work as well as collaborate with other committed individuals who seek to bring hope and healing to the faithful,” said Salazar, who has been the Victim Assistance Coordinator since 2013.

 

Salazar’s new role became effective November 5, 2021.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 2021

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FUTURES IN EDUCATION, BROOKLYN AND QUEENS CATHOLIC SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND, RAISES $2.1 MILLION

The 2021 Futures in Education Annual Scholarship Fund Dinner was recently held at Cipriani’s Wall Street. The event raised $2.1 million to financially make possible Catholic education for students in Brooklyn and Queens. During the past 2020-2021 school year, Futures in Education awarded over $7 million in scholarships to more than 4,000 students.

Rosanna Scotto, the co-host of Good Day New York on Fox 5 New York, a Diocesan Catholic school graduate herself, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Students of St. Stanislaus-Kostka Catholic Academy in Queens performed “I Lived” by One Republic to kick off the event.

“We surpassed our fundraising goal this year and I am grateful on behalf of our students, to the generous and committed Futures in Education donors. As our supporters grappled with the devastating effects of the pandemic on our lives, they never gave up on our children or on Catholic education. Our Catholic schools have been a beacon of hope, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we can make sure that no student will be denied a Catholic education because of financial hardship. The mission of Futures in Education continues because the children need you,” said Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Vicar for Development for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

The honorees included Lidia Bastianich, world-renowned Italian-American chef, television host, and author; Brooklyn attorney Frank Carone of Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf and Carone, LLP; and John Loconsolo (posthumously), who passed away last year at 101 years of age. Each year, John sponsored over 100 students and became known as the face of the Angel Program.

Manuel Hernandez, an Angel Program student since the second grade, spoke about his Catholic school experience, spotlighting the Futures in Education Foundation’s Be An Angel to a Student program. To learn more about Futures in Education, or to donate, visit futuresineducation.org.

The photos attached are courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Photo #1 – Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Vicar for Development for the Diocese of Brooklyn, speaking at the 2021 Futures in Education Gala.

Photo #2 – Students of St. Stanislaus-Kostka Catholic Academy on stage at the Futures in Education gala for their performance.

Photo #3 – Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello honor the life and legacy of John Loconsolo, and present an award to his family.

Photo #4 Honorees Frank Carone and Lidia Bastianich are joined by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Rosanna Scotto, and Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2021

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO HOST POLISH HERITAGE MASS

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will lead a special Mass in honor of Polish Heritage this Sunday, October 17, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street, located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

The main celebrant will be the Most Reverend Andrzej Zglejszewski, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.  The Most Reverends Witold Mroziewski and Octavio Cisneros, Auxiliary Bishops of the Diocese of Brooklyn, will concelebrate the Mass.

This year, the Polish Heritage Mass is being offered in celebration of last month’s beatification of Stefan Cardinal Wyszynski. Blessed Stefan Cardinal Wyszynski led the Catholic Church of Poland during the Communist era and fought for the free exercise of faith. Cardinal Wyszynski was imprisoned for his resistance from 1953-1956.  He served as a mentor to Pope St. John Paul II.

        The Polish Ambassador to the United Nations, Krzysztof Szczerski, and the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York, Adrian Kubicki, are scheduled to attend the Mass.

Polish American Heritage Month is celebrated during the month of October, to highlight the contributions that Polish Americans have made to the United States. This year, the theme of the Pulaski Day Parade was the commemoration of the 100^th Anniversary of the birth of St. John Paul II.

Members of the media are invited to attend and are asked to respond to this email to confirm their attendance.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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***MEDIA ADVISORY***

BISHOP DIMARZIO TO JOIN STUDENTS IN PRAYER BEFORE RELIC OF FIRST POSSIBLE MILLENNIAL SAINT

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will preside over a Rosary Rally with the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, displayed for veneration, tomorrow, October 7, 2021 at 11 a.m., at Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, located at 215-35 38^th Avenue in the Bayside section of Queens.

The students of grades 5-8 of Sacred Heart Catholic Academy will participate in the service. This is the first Catholic elementary academy to have the opportunity to pray before the first-class relic, strands of the hair of the Blessed Carlo Acutis, in the Diocese of Brooklyn. 

Bishop DiMarzio requested the relic for the Diocese of Brooklyn from Bishop Domenico Sorrentino, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, in central Italy. The relic was received in July, and at that time, the Diocese announced plans to bring the relic to schools and parishes, in an effort to inspire the youth to deepen their faith.

Monsignor Thomas Machalski, the Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, and Monsignor David Cassato, the Vicar of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, will be in attendance.

Members of the media are invited to attend and are asked to respond to this email to confirm their attendance.

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ABOUT BLESSED CARLO ACUTIS

Carlo Acutis passed away at the age of 15 in 2006 after his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Acutis, who attended Mass daily from the age of seven, designed a website listing “The Miracles of the Eucharist,” documenting every miracle throughout the world, associated with the bread and wine consecrated at Mass and transformed into the body and blood of Christ.  The website can be found at http://www.miracolieucaristici.org/.

Since his death, Pope Francis has attributed a miracle to Carlo Acutis, which healed a boy with a malformed pancreas after the child came in contact with one of his shirts. Carlo could become a saint if a second verified miracle is attributed to him and is recognized by the Pope.