FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

ALL BOYS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL BREAKS
TRADITION WITH FEMALE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

On Friday, May 25 at 7:30 PM, Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary will hold its Commencement Ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James, 250 Cathedral Pl, Brooklyn. The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will present diplomas to the graduates and address them.

Liz Faublas, an award-winning journalist, and anchor of Currents News on NET-TV will deliver the Commencement Address, becoming the first woman in recent memory to address graduates of the all-boys Catholic high school. “I’m honored and I see it as an indication of the changing roles of women in the faith. I think this is a big step for our diocese in that regard,” said Faublas.

Father Joseph Fonti, the Rector & President of Cathedral Prep, says he chose Faublas because he wanted a “strong woman of faith and greatness in terms of her service to the Church.” His choice of a woman comes at a time when the #MeToo movement has led to an increase in female graduation speakers across the country.

Faublas will address 33 young men at the graduation ceremony. “I will share a message that motivates them to continue the journey and I want to remind them that the women in their lives are a source of strength they can turn to, as we need each other in this church and we are bound by this faith,” said Faublas.

Reporters interested in covering the event should contact Carolyn Erstad or Adriana Rodriguez in advance.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN’S WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
HONORING LONGTIME EDITOR OF THE TABLET, ED WILKINSON

On Wednesday, May 9 at 11:30 AM, the Diocese of Brooklyn will celebrate the Vatican’s 52nd annual World Communications Day at 26 Bridge Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

The event will celebrate the diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, and honor its longtime editor, Ed Wilkinson. The Tablet was established in 1908. Mr. Wikinson, who joined its ranks in 1970, has been with the paper for nearly five decades. He has served as editor for 38 years.

Pope Francis’ theme for this year’s World Communications Day is “The truth will set you free – fake news and journalism for peace.” This theme underscores the core mission of The Tablet since its inception: to be a source of information that devout Catholics can depend on for coverage that includes the Church’s point of view.

“In a world where secular journalism can show an uninformed view of the Church, Catholics want to hear a more balanced point of view,” said Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn. “For the faithful, The Tablet is a trusted source of news and information.”

Bishop DiMarzio will present Mr. Wilkinson with the St. Francis DeSales Distinguished Communicator Award for his dedication to Catholic journalism as well as his service to The Tablet and the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Mr. Wilkinson will be the event’s keynote speaker. Father Thomas F. Dailey, from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Pennsylvania, will also speak, addressing the importance of Catholic media.

Reporters interested in covering the event should contact Carolyn Erstad or Adriana Rodriguez in advance.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

BROOKLYN DIOCESE VOLUNTEER GROUP, “CATHOLICS CARE”
HEADING TO PUERTO RICO ON A MISSION RELIEF TRIP

On Sunday, April 22, Catholics Care volunteers are taking off to help our brothers and sisters in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, in the southeastern part of the island. Yabucoa is where Hurricane Maria first made landfall last September, so it bore the strongest part of the storm. There has not been power in the coastal town since the hurricane hit.

The group of 15 Catholics Care volunteers will be working from Monday, April 23 to Friday, April 27 with a relief organization, All Hands and Hearts. The non-profit relief organization addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities post natural disasters. The volunteers will be removing debris, fixing and laying tarps on damaged roofs, and performing minor demolition work as directed by All Hands and Hearts.

This is the second Catholics Care volunteer mission. Last November, the Diocese of Brooklyn led a group of volunteers to help the people of Houston, where lives were severely disrupted by Hurricane Harvey. Those volunteers did “mucking and gutting” of homes, which involves demolition of sheetrock, removing nails from studs and overall debris removal. The group also worked at Catholic Charities headquarters and at their food donation warehouse.

If you would like more information on the Catholics Care mission trip, contact Adriana Rodriguez at 516-238-7565.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

STUDENTS GET TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE “ANGEL” DONORS
WHO HELP FINANCE THEIR CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION

On Thursday, April 19, at 6:00 p.m., Futures in Education will host its 2018 Angel Reception at the New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street, Corona, Queens. The heart-warming event brings together hundreds of students and their “Angels”, donors who sponsor a portion of the child’s tuition for a year. Students get the chance on this special evening to personally thank their educational guardian angels.

“Be an Angel to a Student” is the signature scholarship program for Futures in Education, providing students with need-based scholarships and adults with the opportunity to change the life of a child through the gift of a Catholic education.

Angel donors make a gift, starting at $1,500, to help fund the Catholic education of one student. The Angel is matched to a specific student at the beginning of the school year. Throughout the academic year, students correspond with their Angels, share schoolwork and report cards to keep the Angel up to date on how things are going at school.

This year, the program has involved 224 Angel sponsors, who have given more than $1.1 million to provide a Catholic education to 650 students. Overall, in the 2017/2018 school year, Futures in Education has awarded $7.1 million to nearly 4,500 students. Since its inception in 1989, Futures in Education has provided over $100 million in scholarship support.

If you are interested in covering Thursday’s Angel reception, call Adriana Rodriguez at 516-238-7565.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

 

HUNDREDS OF ITALIAN AMERICANS TO FILL THE STREETS OF BENSONHURST
TO MARK ONE OF CHRISTIANITY’S HOLIEST DAYS

On Friday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m., hundreds of Italian American Catholics will gather at St. Dominic Church, 2001 Bay Ridge Parkway, and begin a procession through the streets of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. The faithful, led by the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will carry crosses and statues, symbolizing Jesus’ walk to his Crucifixion. The procession is organized by the Italian Apostolate, and along the journey, participants will pray in Italian as they move through 14 stations. The walk will end at St. Athanasius Church, located at 2154 61st Street.

Participants in this procession are celebrating their faith as well as their Italian heritage. Bensonhurst, now a neighborhood in transition, was once an Italian enclave. In the 1960’s an influx of immigrants from southern Italy populated the area bringing this tradition from their homeland. In honor of their ancestors, Italian Americans from near and far gather here on Good Friday to keep the tradition alive.

In accordance with Brooklyn custom, families with ties to Mola di Bari, Italy enjoy the honor of carrying two statues–Our Lady of Sorrows and The Dead Christ. Other parishioners carry large crosses, while the remaining participants hold candles.

This is the 36th year that the parishes of St. Athanasius; St. Bernadette; St. Dominic; St. Finbar; St. Frances Cabrini; St. Mary, Mother of Jesus; Our Lady of Guadalupe; St. Rosalia-Regina Pacis; and Sts. Simon and Jude will join together for one unified event. All members of the public are invited to participate. All are asked to carry a candle.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

BISHOP DIMARZIO TO CONSECRATE HOLY OILS AT MASS OF CHRISM

On Tuesday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m., the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will celebrate the annual Mass of Chrism at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street, Brooklyn. During the Mass, the bishop will consecrate the oils to be used in the coming year for sacramental anointing. He will also lead hundreds of priests and deacons in renewing their promises of service to the Church. The clergy will enter the church in procession at 6:45 p.m.

The Mass of Chrism is one of the most solemn and significant liturgies of the Catholic Church. It is marked by the ceremonial blessing of the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and consecration of the oil of chrism, which will be used in all churches of the Diocese of Brooklyn throughout the liturgical year. The oils are used to anoint the sick, baptize catechumens and infants, ordain priests, and anoint altars. This Mass is celebrated in dioceses around the world.

The Chrism Mass will be broadcast LIVE on NET TV at about 7:30 p.m. EST.

NET TV is a cable network featuring news and information with a Catholic point of view, which is available in the New York area on Spectrum, channel 97; Optimum, channel 30; and Verizon Fios, channel 48. Viewers can also watch the programming live on NET TV’s website at www.netny.tv/watchnow.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@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 this Holy Week, to celebrate the essence of our faith – the passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On Tuesday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m., the Mass of Chrism will be held at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street, Brooklyn. During the Mass of Chrism, Bishop DiMarzio will lead hundreds of priests and deacons in renewing their promises of service to the Church. He will also consecrate the oils to be used in the diocese for the sacraments during the coming year.

On Holy Thursday, Bishop DiMarzio will celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. It will be held at Our Lady of Angels Church, 7320 4th Avenue, Brooklyn at 7 p.m.

On Good Friday, there will be several large events to commemorate the day Jesus Christ died on the cross. The apostolic group Communion and Liberation will sponsor an outdoor procession, “Way of the Cross Over the Brooklyn Bridge” that begins at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James, 250 Cathedral Place in Downtown Brooklyn. Timothy Cardinal Dolan and Bishop DiMarzio will offer the opening prayer and reflection. The group will then process over the Brooklyn Bridge to Ground Zero, symbolically walking the path of Jesus toward His crucifixion.  Along the way, the marchers will stop and pray the Stations of the Cross.

At 3:00 p.m. Bishop DiMarzio will preside over the Good Friday Service of the Lord’s Passion at St. Athanasius Church, 2154 61st Street, Brooklyn.

At 7:30 p.m., thousands of Catholics will gather at St. Dominic Church, 2001 Bay Ridge Parkway, and begin their procession through the streets of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. The faithful, led by Bishop DiMarzio, will carry crosses and statues, symbolizing Jesus’ walk to Calvary. The procession is organized by the Italian Apostolate, and along the journey, participants will pray in Italian. The walk will end at St. Athanasius Church, located at 2154 61st Street.

On Holy Saturday 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. Services will begin in the dark and dramatically light up to symbolize the Risen Lord. This year, Bishop DiMarzio will celebrate the Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 138-65 Barclay Avenue in Flushing, Queens. That is where 73 candidates will receive the Sacraments of Initiation; 60 will receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion; 13 will receive Confirmation and Communion.

On Easter Sunday, churches throughout Brooklyn and Queens will continue to celebrate the Resurrection. Bishop DiMarzio will preside over Mass at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James, 250 Cathedral Place in Downtown Brooklyn.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

CHURCHES OPEN FOR CONFESSION ON RECONCILIATION MONDAY

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, in partnership with Timothy Cardinal Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York, and Bishop John Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, is reminding New York Catholics that March 26th, the Monday before Easter, is Reconciliation Monday.

From 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., parishes throughout the dioceses and archdiocese will be open for walk-in confessions. The goal of Reconciliation Monday is to encourage Catholics to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Easter Sunday. This day also allows the faithful to confess their sins in anonymity, by offering an opportunity for them to go to a parish other their own. “This enables people to confess their sins with confidence and completeness,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

To promote Reconciliation Monday, the Diocese of Brooklyn, Archdiocese of New York, and Diocese of Rockville Centre launched an ad campaign, in both English and Spanish.  The digital and print ads, created by DeSales Media Group, the communications arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, read: “Lighten Up. Experience the power of forgiveness this Easter.” The idea behind the slogan is that sins can weigh you down, but through confession, your burdens will be lightened. In going to confession, we also experience the light of God.

Pope Francis tells us “Every time we go to confession, God embraces us.”

To find a parish near you, go to https://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/parishes/locator/

Reconciliation Monday English ad:

Reconciliation Monday Spanish ad:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

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

TWO CATHOLIC ACADEMIES IN QUEENS WILL CLOSE THEIR DOORS AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

Our Lady of the Angelus Catholic Academy, located at 98-05 63rd Drive in Rego Park and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Academy, located at 92-80 220th Street, Queens Village, will close in June. Declining enrollment at both K-8 schools has led to severe budget deficits. The declines are due to changing demographics.

At Our Lady of the Angelus, enrollment has dropped from 226 students in 2012 to 130 this school year. That nearly 50% drop has led to a budget deficit that will reach $444,299 by June.

The situation is similar at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Academy. Since 2012, enrollment has dropped from 302 students to 170 this year. For the current school year, the budget deficit is projected at $219,000. Unpaid tuition totals $120,000, and the school building needs repairs estimated at over $1.5 million.

Students at Our Lady of the Angelus are encouraged to enroll in nearby schools like Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Resurrection/Ascension, and St. Leo. Students who enroll in those schools or any other Diocese of Brooklyn Catholic academy or school will automatically receive a $500 tuition assistance grant. There will also be an informational meeting next Wednesday, March 14th at 7:00 pm where administrators from the nearby schools and academies will present their programs and answer any questions.

Invitations to students of Our Lady of Lourdes have been extended by the communities of Incarnation, Saints Joachim and Anne, St. Gregory the Great, and Our Lady of the Snows. An informational meeting was held on March 8, for Our Lady of Lourdes parents.  These families will also be provided an automatic $500 tuition assistance grant if they transfer to an alternative Diocese of Brooklyn Catholic Academy or school. In order to register in a neighboring Catholic academy, families of Our Lady of Lourdes must meet all of their financial obligations.

 

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