FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2020

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Adriana Rodriguez
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CLERGY BLESS THE ANIMALS IN HONOR OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn commemorated the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4) with the Blessing of the Animals outside churches throughout Brooklyn and Queens this weekend.

Saint Francis, who lived in the 12^th century, is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment. Animal owners brought their pets for a special blessing by members of the Diocesan clergy.

The Blessing of Pets calls asks God, the creator of all living creatures, to bless the animal with good health and to keep them safe from all harm.

Photos attached are of events at Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen in the Carroll Gardens section of Brooklyn, and from Our Lady of Angels in Bay Ridge. Monsignor Guy Massie, Pastor of Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, and Father Dragan Pusic, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Angels, presided at the respective Blessing of the Animals events.

Photos labeled Blessing Animals 1, 2, 3, and 4 are from Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen.

Photos labeled OLA and Rocky Blessed at OLA, are from Our Lady of Angels.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS SET TO START NEW SCHOOL YEAR

The Diocese of Brooklyn and the Office of the Superintendent ~ Catholic School Support Services will welcome back students to the 66 Catholic Schools and Academies throughout Brooklyn and Queens tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9, 2020, to officially start the 2020-2021 academic year, with staggered arrivals through Friday, September 11, 2020.

In accordance with all Coronavirus safety guidelines, 90% of the schools will be offering full-time in-person learning, and 10% of the schools will offer a hybrid model due to capacity. The Superintendent’s office has worked with each individual school throughout the planning for a safe return to school.

Additionally, over 2,400 students have enrolled in the Diocese’s full remote learning St. Thomas Aquinas Program, created to give parents concerned about in-person learning an option to continue to give their children a Catholic education. This program begins on September 16^th.

“We look forward to welcoming our students back to school. Principals, board members, teachers, and the entire school staff at our Catholic Academies and Parish Schools have worked tirelessly this summer to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment is in place for all. Our re-opening plans are in compliance with the current mandates and guidance from government and health officials, and we will continue to update them as necessary throughout the school year,” said Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools.

The Office of the Superintendent ~ Catholic School Support Services has been working with the New York City Department of Education to ensure that the City fulfills its obligations to the Catholic Academies and Parish Schools throughout Brooklyn and Queens. According to New York City Education Law, the Department of Education must provide essential services such as nurses, transportation, meals, and special education and related services.

Additionally, services such as school security and crossing guards will be provided through other agencies. The NYC Pre-K for All programs, offered at our Catholic Academies and Parish Schools, will start at each site as individually scheduled.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Urges Special Collection in Brooklyn and Queens Churches to Assist the People of Lebanon

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, is announcing his request for a special voluntary collection to take place starting this weekend, August 29 and 30, at parishes throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens for victims of the recent explosion in the port in Beirut, Lebanon.

“We have all seen the painful images of devastation and heard of the deaths caused by the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by this terrible disaster, especially the Christian community which has been struggling,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

The August 4^th explosion killed 180 people, injured thousands, and has displaced more than 300,000 people from their homes. The money collected will be sent by the Diocese of Brooklyn for distribution and direct assistance to the Christian community of Lebanon.

Checks to support this collection should be made payable to the Compostela Fund and mailed to: Compostela Fund c/o Diocesan Finance Office, 310 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Please write Lebanon in the check’s memo section.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 18, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CATHOLIC ACADEMIES AND PARISH SCHOOLS PREPARE TO REOPEN WITH IN-CLASS INSTRUCTION AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN PLACE

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing each of its 66 Catholic Academies and Parish Schools have submitted their 2020-2021 Reopening Plans to the New York State Department of Education. The majority of proposals call for the reopening of Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens with five day a week, 100% in-class instruction.

“We are pleased with the Governor’s recent announcement regarding the re-opening of schools.  This is a great first step in the right direction to helping our children safely return to the classroom,” said Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D., Superintendent of Schools.

The plans submitted by each school/academy to New York State presented one of the following three options:

Plan A – 100% In-Person Model with the following requirements:

• Social Distancing in the classrooms and throughout the school building
• Mandatory Face Coverings while in school with mask breaks
• Hand and Respiratory Hygiene guidance and enforcement
• Signage throughout building promoting hygiene, illness, mask and distance requirement
• Daily health screening of all who enter building per NYS guidelines, including temperature checks
• Procedures in place if positive COVID case detected
• Testing and Tracing policies in place per Department of Health guidelines

Plan B – Hybrid Model with the following requirements:

• Same requirements noted above for in-school instruction
• Hybrid model could be 3/2 – three days in school and two days of remote learning from home. Hybrid models vary by school
• Remote learning with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous with instruction sessions led by teachers of the students’ Catholic Academy or Parish School

Plan C – 100% Distance Learning – Saint Thomas Aquinas Distance Learning Catholic Program

A new Diocesan-wide distance learning program created with a faculty focused exclusively on the development of an academically rigorous, Christ-centered remote learning program. This is an additional option to ensure instructional equity for those who choose 100% remote learning.

Of the plans submitted, a majority of the 66 Diocesan schools and academies aim to open for instruction under Plan A, with the flexibility to adopt Plan B or Plan C quickly if COVID-19 cases arise.

“Our Principals, teachers, Boards and administrators have been hard at work to ensure all the health and safety protocols will be met at all our Catholic Academies and Parish Schools.  We are prepared and excited for a full reopening in September.  This may be slightly different school by school given the building footprint and student population.  Some schools will need to use a hybrid model if they cannot meet the social distancing standards,” added Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools.

The health of the students, faculty and staff, remains the top priority, so enhanced cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing protocols will be in place at all school buildings.

The Re-Opening Plans for each school can be found on the individual school website. Additionally, parent meetings will take place this week, via ZOOM, to review and discuss the Re-Opening Plans.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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QUEENS PRIEST RAISES $20,000 FOR FOOD PANTRY ON 100-MILE BIKE RIDE

            The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing that Father Christopher Heanue, Administrator at Holy Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church, last week completed the “100 Miles of Hope” fundraiser to support the parish food pantry. The bike ride from the church in Richmond Hill, Queens to East Hampton, Long Island, has raised over $20,000.

 

Father Heanue was joined by two parishioners on the journey, Paul Cerni and Tom Chiafolo. The day started with a special 5 a.m. Mass celebrated by Father Heanue. The total bike time for the journey was 7 hours and 45 minutes, and the entire trip was completed over the course of more than 10 hours.

 

“The prayers and generous support of all helped to motivate and make our “100 miles of Hope” a true success.  If this served as an inspiration for any, then all glory be to God. This is needed now, more than ever. With this help, we can continue the good work of our food pantry and other initiatives,” said Father Heanue.

 

Donations are still being accepted through the Go Fund Me Page at www.gofundme.com/f/100-miles-of-hope or by texting ‘miles’ to 718-550-6525.

 

Photos attached.

 

Photo #1- Tom Chiafolo, Father Chis Heanue, and Paul Cerni met in advance of the bike ride for this photo.

 

Photo #2 – Father Chris Heanue, Tom Chiafolo, and Paul Cerni, outside of Holy Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Queens, prior to the start of the of their “100 Miles for Hope” bike ride.

 

Photo #3-Father Chris Heanue is greeted upon his arrival at Most Holy Trinity Church in East Hampton, Long Island.

 

Photo #4 – Tom Chiafolo, Paul Cerni, and Father Chris Heanue posed for a photo upon their arrival in East Hampton.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2020

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Adriana Rodriguez
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BROOKLYN CATHOLIC CHURCH ROBBED: COLLECTION BOX CUT OPEN

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing that a church collection box was robbed late yesterday afternoon inside of St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church located in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn. The incident, which is under investigation by the NYPD, was discovered around 4 p.m. Friday, by a Franciscan Nun who was sanitizing the church pews.

Surveillance video shows the suspect cutting open one of the wooden collection boxes and removing an unknown amount of money before leaving the church. Camera footage shows the perpetrator was in the church for a while, appearing to be praying, however, it is now evident he was waiting to be alone in the church to commit the robbery.

“I am saddened by what happened inside our beautiful church yesterday, but I am grateful to God that no one was injured. I understand in these unprecedented times, many people have lost their jobs and need assistance, but this not how you turn to the church for help. My message to those in need is to ring our doorbell, don’t vandalize and steal, and let us help you,” said Father Willy Kingsley Ndi, Administrator of St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church is located at 249-9^th Street in Brooklyn. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NYPD’s 78^th Precinct at (718) 636-6411 or NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-8477.

A copy of the surveillance footage can be found here: https://vimeo.com/443775056

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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Msgr. David Cassato, Pastor of St. Athanasius Church in Bensonhurst,

Named Vicar for Catholic Schools

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, is pleased to announce the appointment of Monsignor David Cassato, Pastor of the Parish of St. Athanasius-St. Dominic Church in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, as the new Vicar for Catholic Schools, effective immediately.

“I selected Monsignor David Cassato for this key role because he is enthusiastic and has been a true champion of Catholic education. He has a great ability to connect with people and is patient. These attributes will help him greatly as he works collaboratively with the office of Superintendent-Catholic School Support Services, Catholic academies, Boards of Directors, and parishes,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

“Catholic schools are our most beautiful and prized gems, as teaching the faith to our children is critical. We have so much to offer children of all backgrounds, but especially immigrant children, who we have been educating for years. Diversity is in our DNA here in the Diocese, and our students leave our Catholic schools with the important values we hold dear, a foundation for success long after they graduate,” said Monsignor Cassato.

Promoting Diocesan Catholic schools is one of the roles for the Vicar for Catholic Schools. Monsignor Cassato will also serve on the member board of all Catholic Academies in Brooklyn and Queens, provide guidance to the Pastors of those Academies, and work to engage donors in supporting the mission of Catholic Education through Futures in Education scholarships.

“I believe as we look to grow our schools, the biggest outreach we need to make is in the Hispanic community. At the same time, we must look to grow our scholarship programs so we can offer the opportunity of Catholic education to as many students as possible who need tuition assistance. The Catholic education we offer in our schools and academies is of the highest quality, and I will continue to promote that message,” said Monsignor Cassato.

Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn on May 27, 1972, Monsignor Cassato has served at Saint Rita’s in Long Island City and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg, where he opened a middle school and oversaw the merger of two other schools. In June 2001, he was appointed a New York City Police Chaplain and promoted in 2017 to Deputy Chief Chaplain.

Monsignor Cassato has been Pastor at St. Athanasius since 2001. He was a former chaplain at Bishop Kearney High school and is the Diocesan Coordinator of Ministry to Italian Immigrants. Monsignor Cassato is also Administrator of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Bensonhurst since 2015.

“Monsignor Cassato is stepping into this role at a uniquely challenging time for our Catholic schools. I am confident he will be successful because he handles his multiple responsibilities with effect and grace. His experience will provide him the opportunity also to be a great leader in this new role,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

“We have experienced a pandemic this spring like never before. In the face of that, our Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens surpassed expectations with very successful remote learning programs. While we see the online lessons work in our schools, I believe that as we look to start the new school year in September, it is absolutely critical that we open our network of Catholic schools. Children learn best in the classroom. Of course, a lot is going to depend on the decisions made by government and health officials,” said Monsignor Cassato.

Monsignor Cassato holds a Master of Science degree in Education from Mercy College and a Master of Divinity from Niagara University. He succeeds Auxiliary Bishop James Massa, who was recently appointed the Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary and College in Dunwoodie, New York.

The photo of Monsignor David Cassato is attached.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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QUEENS PRIEST TO EMBARK ON 100 MILE JOURNEY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PARISH FOOD PANTRY

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing that Father Christopher Heanue, Administrator at Holy Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church, will undertake a special fundraising effort next week to support the parish food pantry. He will bike 100-miles from the parish in Richmond Hill, Queens to East Hampton, Long Island. Father Heanue is calling the ride “100 Miles of Hope.”

Throughout the course of the Coronavirus pandemic, donations to Holy Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church have maintained the operation of the food pantry. Two parishioners will join Father Heanue on the journey which they plan to complete in approximately 10 hours.

“These have been difficult months. It is vital that the food pantry continues to serve those in need, and I am committed to doing all I can to keep bringing hope to our people through its service,” said Father Heanue.

To donate to the 100 Mile Ride to benefit the Holy Child Jesus’ food pantry, visit the Go Fund Me Page at www.gofundme.com/f/100-miles-of-hope or Text ‘miles’ to 718-550-6525.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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VIDEO:  vimeo.com/439036494 Courtesy: DeSales Media Group

:00 Bishop DiMarzio blessing the faithful at the start of the Procession

:07 Procession video

 

MASS AND PROCESSION TODAY TO HONOR OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL

COVID-19 Cancels Traditional Williamsburg Feast and Giglio Lift, But Not Faith

 

A mass in English and Italian will take place today, Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 12 p.m. to celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Patron Saint of the parish church located at 275 N. 8^th Street in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. A procession will follow at the conclusion of the mass at 1:00 p.m.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Pastor of Brooklyn’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, earlier this week presided over a virtual celebration of the annual Williamsburg tradition, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, on the first of what was scheduled to be two Giglio Sundays. The event, broadcast on Facebook from the parish hall, was watched live by 63,000 people.

At today’s Mass, Monsignor Gigantiello will offer prayers to Our Lady of Mount Carmel for her continued watch over the parish and protection of its people, and for those lost to the Coronavirus. He is also hopeful that this will be the first and last time the feast will be canceled and the Giglio Sunday celebrations conducted virtually.

“This is the first time in seventy-five years the Giglio will not rise, the first time in the lifetime of many people, that the feast will not take place and the Giglio not lifted. The feast has taken place in Brooklyn for more than one hundred years, and is very much a part of our faith community and summer in New York,” said Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello.

 Members of the media are invited and welcome to attend.

PHOTOS ATTACHED: Courtesy: DeSales Media Group

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