Press Releases

Live Polish Mass Included in New NET-TV Schedule Courtesy of DeSales Media

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Live Polish Mass Included in New NET-TV Schedule Courtesy of DeSales Media

The DeSales Media Group, the communications and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, has announced an expanded broadcast schedule of live Masses that includes one in Polish. The Mass can be viewed live on the Diocese of Brooklyn’s cable channel, NET-TV, or online on the diocese’s website, dioceseofbrooklyn.org/masses

The Polish Mass is broadcast live on NET-TV weekdays at 9:30 AM, and on Sundays at 12:00 PM, both from the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and Verizon FIOS (Channel 48).

“The faithful have shown so much appreciation and gratitude to NET TV as well as for all employees of diocesan media operation for the undertaken initiative of a Holy Mass for specific ethnic groups.  They are pleasantly surprised that in such a particular situation, they are able to partake in the liturgy on Sundays and other days. They thank priests for their prayers and words of spiritual fortification in homilies.  They are touched by prayers for the sick and suffering due to the pandemic, especially for those who have lost their loved ones.  They are particularly noticing prayers for those working in health services, for doctors and caretakers of the sick. The people praying with us often include family and friends of those caretakers.  In a room, in front of a television screen, or ar a computer, the faithful participate actively in the liturgy including all responses and motions in our home communities.  We receive a spiritual Eucharist here as well.  Thanks to the media today, we are able to stand in solidarity with one another,” said the Most Reverend Witold Mrowzieski, Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn.

“During this time of social distancing, DeSales Media has recognized the need for the faithful to have the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist continue as part of their life. That is why we have enhanced our schedule in these uncertain times, so that the Polish Catholic community may hear the Word of God in their native tongue. We pray for those who have fallen ill and who have perished from the Coronavirus, and for the brave doctors, nurses, law enforcement personnel, and caregivers on the front lines,” said Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington, President & Chairman of DeSales Media Group and Vicar of Communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

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BISHOP DIMARZIO ANNOUNCES BROOKLYN AND QUEENS CHURCHES TO RING “BELLS OF HOPE”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP DIMARZIO ANNOUNCES BROOKLYN AND QUEENS CHURCHES TO RING “BELLS OF HOPE” STARTING FRIDAY

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced that he has asked every parish in Brooklyn and Queens with outdoor bells to ring them every day at 3 PM starting tomorrow, Friday, April 3. This initiative, known as “Bells of Hope,” will continue for the duration of the Coronavirus epidemic throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

Bishop DiMarzio is making this announcement as the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord from the dead and the Easter Season is soon approaching. Bishop DiMarzio has selected 3 PM as the daily time, to coincide with the hour of the death of the Lord and of Divine Mercy.

“The ringing of the church bells will inspire us as New Yorkers and citizens of the world, of all faiths, the strongest of believers and the nonbelievers, to unite in prayer against this virus. As our City, and especially our boroughs, remain the epicenter of this Coronavirus pandemic, each day we will ask Almighty God to bring an end to this illness which has caused great pain and suffering for many people of the Diocese in Brooklyn and Queens,” said the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

“The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest instance of love and hope in the history of the world. In these truly uncertain times, we turn to the Lord ever mindful of this truth, and the power of prayer, to sustain us. We may or may not know for whom these bells will toll, however, we will pause to honor those who are suffering, who have died, and give thanks to God for those putting their lives at risk for others,” continued Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

The Diocese is home to 185 parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

 

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Live Mass Broadcast Schedule To Include Korean Mass Courtesy of DeSales Media Group

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Live Mass Broadcast Schedule To Include Korean Mass Courtesy of DeSales Media Group

The DeSales Media Group, the communications and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, has announced an expanded broadcast schedule of live Masses that includes one in Korean. The Masses can be viewed live on the Diocese of Brooklyn’s cable channel, NET-TV, or online on the diocese’s website, dioceseofbrooklyn.org/masses

The Korean Mass can be seen live on NET-TV weekdays at 11 AM and at 8 AM on Sundays, broadcasted from the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and Verizon FIOS (Channel 48).

“During this pandemic crisis, we feel tremendous fear, and yet we find hope in God in order to overcome this crisis together. Thus, the live Korean Mass on Net TV is the hopeful message we have found in the midst of the pandemic crisis. We appreciate the efforts of NET TV to make this possible,” said Father Andrew M. Kim, Pastor of St. Paul Chong Ha-Sang Parish, Flushing.

“전 세계적인 바이러스 위기에 우리는 극도의 공포를 느낍니다. 그럼에도 우린느 하느님안에서 이 난국을 극복할 수 있다는 희망을 발견합니다. NET TV의 각국 언어의 미사는 위기에서 찾아낸 희망의 메세지입니다. 이에 Net TV에 깊은 감사를 드립니다.” -김 문수 앤드류 신부, 성 바로오 정하상 성당 주임신

“During this time of social distancing, DeSales Media has recognized the need for the faithful to have the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist continue as part of their life. That is why we have enhanced our schedule in these uncertain times, so that the Korean Catholic community may hear the Word of God in their native tongue. We pray for those who have fallen ill and who have perished from the Coronavirus, and for the brave doctors, nurses, law enforcement personnel, and caregivers on the front lines,” said Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington, President & Chairman of DeSales Media Group and Vicar of Communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

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Catholic Distance Learning Class Honors First Responders at Notre Dame Catholic Academy of Ridgewood

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Catholic Distance Learning Class Honors First Responders at Notre Dame Catholic Academy of Ridgewood

The students at Notre Dame Catholic Academy of Ridgewood, via the Chromebooks provided by the DeSales Media Group, joined together to show their appreciation for the first responders throughout New York City.

The students gave thanks for the service and courage of so many on the front lines during the Coronavirus outbreak.  The students dressed up as firefighters, doctors, nurses, and utility workers, all who are helping to keep things running.

Notre Dame Catholic Academy is located at 6222 61st Street in the Ridgewood section of Queens.

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La diócesis de Brooklyn anuncia la muerte de un querido sacerdote a causa del coronavirus

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

La diócesis de Brooklyn anuncia la muerte de un querido sacerdote a causa del coronavirus

(English version is posted below, The Diocese of Brooklyn Announces the Death of a Beloved Pastor Due to Coronavirus)

Mons. Nicholas DiMarzio, obispo de Brooklyn, anuncia con pesar la muerte del padre Jorge Ortiz-Garay, de 49 años, párroco de la iglesia de Santa Brígida en Wyckoff Heights, Brooklyn, y coordinador diocesano la pastoral para inmigrantes mexicanos. El sacerdote murió el viernes 27 de marzo de 2020 en el Wyckoff Hospital Medical Center en Brooklyn por complicaciones relacionadas con el coronavirus y todo parece indicar que es el primer sacerdote católico en los Estados Unidos que fallece a causa del Covid-19.

“Este es un día triste y una enorme pérdida para la Diócesis de Brooklyn. El padre Jorge fue un gran sacerdote, querido por la comunidad mexicana y un trabajador incansable para todos los fieles en Brooklyn y Queens”, dijo Mons. DiMarzio. Vea los videos en inglés y en español con las declaraciones del obispo por el fallecimiento del padre Ortiz.

El padre Jorge, como todos lo llamaban, nació el 16 de octubre de 1970 en la Ciudad de México, México. Fue ordenado sacerdote en la Arquidiócesis de Newark como miembro del Camino Neocatecumenal, el 29 de mayo de 2004.

Llegó a la Diócesis de Brooklyn en el año 2009 y ministró por primera vez en la Concatedral de San José en Prospect Heights, mientras también servía como capellán para la misión Ad Gentes en Brooklyn. En 2014, comenzó a servir como Administrador en Santa Brígida y el 13 de julio de 2019, se instaló como párroco. El 10 de diciembre de 2019, fue incardinado en la Diócesis, lo que significa que se convirtió oficialmente en sacerdote de la Diócesis de Brooklyn.

El padre Jorge fue el coordinador de las espectaculares tradiciones de la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en la Diócesis de Brooklyn, que incluyen una misa a la que asisten miles de fieles, seguida de una peregrinación con antorchas por las calles de Brooklyn y Queens.

Más adelante se celebrará una misa en su honor. Al sacerdote le sobreviven sus padres, Jorge y Estrella Ortiz, sus hermanos, sobrinas y sobrinos.

Rezamos por el descanso de su alma y el consuelo de su familia, amigos y toda la comunidad a la que sirvió en la Diócesis de Brooklyn. Que descanse en la paz de Cristo resucitado.

 

Declaración en video de Mons. Nicholas DiMarzio en español: https://vimeo.com/401714349

Se adjuntan fotos del padre Jorge Ortiz-Garay.

Foto 1: Cortesia DeSales Media Group

Foto 2: Cortesia The Tablet

Foto 3: Cortesia The Tablet

Celebración de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, 12 de diciembre de 2019. Cortesía de Currents News/NET-TV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OEntTZV_Lo&feature=emb_logo

Celebración de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, 12 de diciembre de 2018. Cortesía de Currents News/NET-TV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H8d0l14oVk&feature=emb_logo

 

 

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The Diocese of Brooklyn Announces the Death of a Beloved Pastor Due to Coronavirus

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 28, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn Announces the Death of a Beloved Pastor Due to Coronavirus

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to announce the death of 49-year-old Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay, Pastor of St. Brigid’s Church in Wyckoff Heights, Brooklyn and Diocesan Coordinator of the Ministry to Mexican immigrants. He died Friday evening, March 27, 2020, at Wyckoff Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn from complications related to the coronavirus and is believed to be the first Catholic priest in the United States to die as a result of COVID-19. 

“This is a sad day and a tremendous loss for the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Jorge was a great priest, beloved by the Mexican people and a tireless worker for all of the faithful in Brooklyn and Queens,” said Bishop DiMarzio. A video statement from the Bishop on Father Ortiz’s passing can be found below in English and Spanish.

 Father Jorge, as he was called, was born on October 16, 1970, in Mexico City, Mexico. He was ordained to the Priesthood at the Archdiocese of Newark as a member of the Neocatechumenal Way on May 29, 2004.

He arrived at the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2009 and first ministered at St. Joseph’s in Prospect Heights while also serving as the Chaplain for the mission Ad Gentes in Brooklyn. In 2014, he began serving as Administrator at St. Brigid’s and on July 13, 2019, was installed as the Pastor. On December 10, 2019, he was incardinated into the Diocese, which means he officially became a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Father Jorge coordinated the magnificent Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day traditions in the Diocese of Brooklyn, which include a Mass attended by thousands of pilgrims followed by a torch-lit pilgrimage through the streets of Brooklyn and Queens.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date. Fr. Jorge is survived by his parents, Jorge and Estella Ortiz, siblings, nieces and nephews.

We pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family, friends and all those to whom he ministered to in the Diocese of Brooklyn. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

Bishop DiMarzio’s video statement in English: https://vimeo.com/401710598

Bishop DiMarzio’s video statement in Spanish: https://vimeo.com/401714349

Photos of Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay are attached.

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Two Additional Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Two Additional Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at

Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing it has learned of two confirmed cases of the coronavirus at two church communities in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

One case has been reported at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, Queens. The employee last worked at the rectory on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

One case has been reported at St. Agatha in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The individual is the children’s choir director and last attended the 7 p.m. Mass on Saturday, March 14, 2020.

As a result of this information, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Agatha are undergoing deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider, per guidelines issued by the CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

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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Parishioner has Died of the Coronavirus

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

 

Diocese of Brooklyn Reports a Parishioner has Died of the Coronavirus

Five Additional Cases Reported in Diocesan Church Communities

The Diocese of Brooklyn regrets to announce an elderly parishioner from Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Jamaica, Queens has died of the coronavirus. The parishioner was last at the church on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at the 1 p.m. Mass. Our hearts and prayers are with this parish family during this difficult time.

Additional coronavirus cases have been reported today in the following church communities:

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Jamaica, Queens – there is a confirmed case of the coronavirus of an individual who last attended Mass on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 11 a.m.

St. Patrick’s Church in Long Island City, Queens – there is a confirmed case of the coronavirus of an individual who last attended 12:10 Mass on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at the chapel in the Church; the individual then attended a meeting in the rectory basement.

St. Michael’s Church in Sunset Park, Brooklyn – there is a confirmed case of the coronavirus of an individual who works at the rectory.  The individual last worked on the evenings of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

St. Therese of Lisieux Convent in Brooklyn – a sister who lives at the convent has tested positive for the coronavirus. She last volunteered at St. Catherine of Genoa – St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Academy on Thursday, March 12, 2020.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Kensington, Brooklyn – a choir member has a confirmed case of the coronavirus. The individual was last at a church fundraising event on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. at the school gym (Brooklyn Prospect Charter School). The choir member last attended Mass at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider, per guidelines issued by the CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

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

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

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 New Video Statement: “God Only Wills What Is Good For Us.”

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Bishop DiMarzio Releases New Video Statement: “God Only Wills What Is Good For Us.”

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn today released the following video reflection on the Feast of the Annunciation, commemorating the day in which the Archangel Gabriel told Mary that she was to be the Mother of God.

 

In speaking to the faithful, Bishop DiMarzio speaks of Mary’s acceptance of God’s will for her and explains how we must understand God’s will for us. Bishop DiMarzio importantly reminds us at this time of terrible disease, for which there is no known cure, this is not God’s will for us.  “God only wills what is good for us,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

 

Bishop DiMarzio concludes this video reflection stating, “We seek Mary’s intercession on this Feast Day, when she began the work of the redemption. We ask her to continue it for the lives of all who are stricken by the coronavirus.”

 

The link of the full video can be found at Bishop DiMarzio Reflection-Feast of the Annunciation

 

LONG BEFORE CORONAVIRUS FORCED DISTANCE LEARNING, DESALES MEDIA HAD DISTRIBUTED 10,000 IPADS AND CHROMEBOOKS TO OVER 40 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS

Posted on

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

LONG BEFORE CORONAVIRUS FORCED DISTANCE LEARNING,

DESALES MEDIA HAD DISTRIBUTED 10,000 IPADS AND CHROMEBOOKS TO OVER 40 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS

 

DeSales Media Group, the communications and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, has been equipping faculty and the 22,000 students throughout Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens, with the technology needed to conduct distance learning long before the Coronavirus outbreak forced learning to happen in that manner.

 

St. Anselm Catholic Academy, the future home of Bay Ridge Catholic, is one of the many Diocesan schools that immediately synced with distance learning. This quick transition was due to the availability of the technology provided by DeSales Media which has been rolled out over the past three years, and its incorporation into the curriculum.

 

“The Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens are handling the new normal for learning, sparked by the outbreak of the Coronavirus, in first-rate fashion. With over 10,000 iPADS and Chromebooks in 44 of our schools, the DeSales Media Group has helped make the transition to distant learning almost seamless for our students and their families. Our schools were ahead of the curve in many ways, better prepared for this sudden and dramatic shift in learning,” said Monsignor Kiernan E. Harrington, Vicar of Communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn and President and Chairman of DeSales Media Group.

 

Parents have been sharing positive feedback about the learning adjustment and their child’s enthusiasm for the new way of learning thanks in part to the efforts of DeSales Media. Many parents have expressed their gratitude for the fact that their students already had the necessary technology available to make learning at home immediately possible.

 

St. Anselm’s Principal Kevin Flanagan, who spearheaded the complete implementation to distance learning stated “The iPads and Chromebooks we secured from DeSales Media enabled us to close school for only a single day before moving to online learning. Since we were able to send every K-8 child home with a mobile device, teachers can provide direct instruction through virtual meetings and recorded lessons even for students without internet access. As a principal, I have been able to observe classes in ways that are impossible in a traditional learning environment. Seeing teachers and students from this perspective has been invaluable to my own understanding of their capabilities.”

 

St. Anselm Catholic Academy students who are currently “distant learning” through the use of DeSales Media technology, would also be available for interviews.

 

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