FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN VICAR FOR COMMUNICATIONS

MONSIGNOR KIERAN HARRINGTON APPOINTED

NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington, as the new national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The appointment was made by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The Pontifical Mission Societies are organizations under the direction of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Their purpose is the promotion of a universal missionary spirit among all baptized Catholics.

“I have worked with Monsignor Harrington in many capacities for the past 17 plus years, five of which were spent living at the Bishop’s Residence, and I know his selection for this assignment is the absolute right choice. There has always been an extraordinary desire within him to bring the good news of Jesus Christ, and the Christian faith, to the people not only of his parish, but throughout the world. Monsignor Harrington will excel in this position because of this deep faith and motivation to evangelize. The Universal Church will benefit because of Msgr. Harrington’s devotion to Our Lord, and to the people the Catholic Church is called to serve,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

“I am grateful to Bishop DiMarzio for his tutelage and the confidence he entrusted to me as Rector/pastor of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph and Church of St. Teresa. Moreover, I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as Vicar for Communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn, and President and Chairman of DeSales Media,” said Monsignor Harrington. “I am also thankful to Cardinal Tagle for this opportunity to serve the Universal Church in this national ministry to re-awaken the missionary impulse in each of us, which is at the heart of our baptismal calling.”

Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2001, Monsignor Harrington, was appointed Vicar for Communications in 2006 and Rector of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, in 2008. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the rank of Papal Chaplain with the title of Reverend Monsignor on September 3, 2009. Since 2011, Monsignor Harrington has served as the President and Chairman of DeSales Media Group, the communications, and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn. In this role, Monsignor Harrington has overseen the diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, NET, the cable station of the Diocese, and the diocesan public information and governmental affairs offices. From 2009 through 2018, Monsignor Harrington hosted ‘In The Arena,’ a weekly program on WOR radio, which featured world-renowned guests, intense debates, and compelling interviews on current topics from a Catholic cultural perspective.

“It has been a privilege over these last thirteen years to oversee the restoration and rebirth of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.  During this tenure, I was delighted to witness a springtime of renewal in parochial life. Likewise, drawing together a faith-filled and talented team of professionals to face the myriad and complex challenges of communicating the Gospel message in a rapidly changing, secular, and sometimes hostile media environment has enabled me to grow spiritually and professionally.  I am indebted to colleagues and parishioners for helping me to grow in my faith and life as a Christian,” said Monsignor Harrington.

“Monsignor Kieran Harrington, while serving as Rector of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, where he oversaw the beautiful restoration of the church, and Pastor of St. Teresa of Avila, was able to take on many of the great challenges facing our Diocese. Under his leadership with DeSales Media, he has led efforts to upgrade technology in our schools and churches, has significantly enhanced the digital and social media presence of the Diocese of Brooklyn, and has worked to grow the presence of our local Catholic media. I thank Monsignor Harrington for his years of service which have allowed him to share his many talents with us, as a true pastoral and communications leader. I ask the Lord to bless him as he takes this new role in the Church,” continued Bishop DiMarzio.

Monsignor Harrington graduated with honors from St. John’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. He holds a Masters of Divinity from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception and an MBA from the New York University Stern School of Business.

Monsignor Harrington is a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, a Knight of Columbus, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He serves on the boards of the Futures in Education Foundation, the Catholic Technology Network, and Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Saint Thomas More Award of the Catholic Lawyers Guild, the Father Mychal Judge Award at the Great Irish Fair in Brooklyn, New York, and the John Paul II Distinguished Stewardship Award.

Monsignor Harrington succeeds Father Andrew Small, OMI, who is completing his second five-year term as director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The four societies, the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Holy Childhood Association, the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious each received the title “pontifical” in 1922 to indicate their status as official instruments of the pope and of the universal Catholic Church. The national director heads the four societies in the United States and oversees the World Missions Sunday Collection, which is taken up on the third Sunday of October each year.

Photo of Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington is attached.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

BISHOP DIMARZIO TO MARK GOOD FRIDAY AT BROOKLYN’S ST. JAMES CATHEDRAL

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will preside over the Solemn Liturgy of The Lord’s Passion at The Cathedral Basilica of St. James, located at the corner of Jay Street and Cathedral Place in Downtown Brooklyn, today, Friday, April 2, 2021, at 3 p.m.

Good Friday commemorates the Crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary.

Members of the media are welcome and asked to send an e-mail to John Quaglione at jquaglione@desalesmedia.org regarding their attendance.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

BISHOP DIMARZIO TO LEAD MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER THIS HOLY THURSDAY

On this Holy Thursday, the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will be the main celebrant at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper tonight, Thursday, April 1, at 7 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

The Last Supper established the sacrament of Holy Communion. The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his Disciples in Jerusalem prior to His arrest and Crucifixion.

Members of the media are welcome and asked to send an e-mail to John Quaglione at jquaglione@desalesmedia.org regarding their attendance.

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FOR PLANNING PURPOSES: March 31, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN MARKS HOLY WEEK WITH NUMEROUS SERVICES IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will lead the Catholics of Brooklyn and Queens in numerous services during this Holy Week, to celebrate the essence of the Christian faith – the Passion, Death and, Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On Holy Thursday, April 1 at 7 p.m., Bishop DiMarzio will celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist. The Mass will be held at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

On Good Friday, April 2, at 3 p.m., Bishop DiMarzio will preside over the Solemn Liturgy of the Passion and Death of Our Lord on the cross at The Cathedral Basilica of St. James, located at the corner of Jay Street and Cathedral Place in Downtown Brooklyn. It has been the tradition in many parishes to hold outdoor processions, and the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to maintain social distancing, such celebrations will not take place this year.

On Holy Saturday, April 3, the Church commemorates the time Jesus spent in the tomb. Then, after sunset, Easter Vigil Services throughout Brooklyn and Queens will celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the most important liturgy of the year. This year, Bishop DiMarzio will celebrate the Easter Vigil at 7 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

On Easter Sunday, April 4, churches throughout Brooklyn and Queens will continue to celebrate the Resurrection. Bishop DiMarzio will be the main celebrant at Easter Sunday Mass at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James, located at the intersection of Cathedral Place and Jay Street, in Downtown Brooklyn.

The Diocese of Brooklyn is reminding the faithful planning to attend any Mass this Holy Week, that they must wear a mask, maintain social distancing, sit six feet apart in only the rows designated for seating, receive Holy Communion in the hand, refrain from contact with fellow parishioners during the exchange of the sign of peace, and avoid congregating in the church.

 

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO ON THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA IN NEW YORK STATE

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has issued the following statement in response to the New York State Legislature’s approval of a bill legalizing marijuana in New York State, which has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The Bishop has consistently voiced his opposition to the legalization of marijuana as part of this current debate and during previous attempts by New York lawmakers.

“It is extremely disappointing that recreational marijuana will soon be legal in the State of New York. The science is clear, and we are ignoring it. Marijuana is a gateway drug that is not good for your health and has the same carcinogenic effects that cigarettes do. With this law, more young people will start to use marijuana because they think they are invincible and nothing will affect them.

This is not a good thing for our society in New York or anywhere else. Recreational marijuana also deadens the senses and does not allow us to perform at our peak. Our faith says we should not do anything to endanger our health and our lives. So clearly, this is a law that would put many Catholics at odds with their moral obligations.

I pray for all New Yorkers, but especially our children and young people, who we are putting in harm’s way with the adoption of this terrible law.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO ON THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA IN NEW YORK STATE

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has issued the following statement in response to the New York State Legislature’s approval of a bill legalizing marijuana in New York State, which has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The Bishop has consistently voiced his opposition to the legalization of marijuana as part of this current debate and during previous attempts by New York lawmakers.

“It is extremely disappointing that recreational marijuana will soon be legal in the State of New York. The science is clear, and we are ignoring it. Marijuana is a gateway drug that is not good for your health and has the same carcinogenic effects that cigarettes do. With this law, more young people will start to use marijuana because they think they are invincible and nothing will affect them.

This is not a good thing for our society in New York or anywhere else. Recreational marijuana also deadens the senses and does not allow us to perform at our peak. Our faith says we should not do anything to endanger our health and our lives. So clearly, this is a law that would put many Catholics at odds with their moral obligations.

I pray for all New Yorkers, but especially our children and young people, who we are putting in harm’s way with the adoption of this terrible law.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS LEARN BRAILLE AS PART OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH PROJECT

            This year, to mark Women’s History Month at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy in Gravesend, Brooklyn, the fourth-grade students focused on learning about the life and legacy of Helen Keller. To complete the educational experience, teacher Christine Latona introduced the Braille alphabet to the students. The 19 students were then assigned a project to write their first and last names in Braille using green pigeon peas.

“The objective of teaching students about Helen Keller was to highlight the challenges Helen Keller suffered because of her disabilities. The students learned how difficult it is to communicate and write in Braille. They also learned that no matter how difficult their life is, anything can be accomplished with hard work, dedication and perseverance,” said Ms. Latona.

In addition to the Braille name card projects, currently on display in the hallway outside of the classroom, students were asked to prepare reports “All About Helen Keller.” Through their research, students had to explain why Helen Keller is an important historical figure, the obstacles she faced, the impact she had on the world, and identify interesting facts and characteristic traits about her.

“When my teacher told me we were going to learn about Helen Keller, I became very excited and interested. Her life was fascinating. I couldn’t imagine being like her. We learned that Helen used Braille to read and write, so when we did a project on Braille, it gave me a little experience of what it was like. Helen Keller is an inspiration and interesting person to learn about,” said fourth-grader Isabella Vizcarrondo.

Members of the media are invited to visit Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy to view the student work and for interviews. Attached is a photo of the Helen Keller bulletin board displaying the students’ Braille projects. On-site and virtual interviews can be arranged.

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