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ACCEPT
The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, has issued the following statement on the death of Pope Benedict XVI:
“Please join me in prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict XVI. Joseph Ratzinger, the late Pope, was a man of tremendous intellect and holiness who deeply loved God and served the Church generously throughout his whole life, first serving in Germany and then the Universal Church.
He made tremendous contributions to the Second Vatican Council as a priest and theologian. Many of his contributions made their way into the documents of the Council, which charted the course for the Church in the modern era.
Pope Benedict XVI had a great mind, and his books have inspired me. He was a great teacher who helped us to understand and live our faith more profoundly.
On a personal note, ten years ago, in 2012, he appointed me an auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Later that year, he received the newly ordained bishops. There was a genuine kindness and gentleness about him. He gave us his full attention and encouraged us in our ministry as bishops.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”
BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN LIGHTS CHRISTMAS TREE AND BLESSES NATIVITY SCENE IN GRAND ARMY PLAZA
The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, joined DeSales Media at the official Diocesan Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and blessing of the Nativity Scene, in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch located at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn this evening.
“We are going to push back the darkness in the light of this glorious Christmas tree so that all of Brooklyn can see what we are celebrating, that Brooklyn can see our joy, Brooklyn can see our love, Brooklyn can see our unity. And there, in the center of it all – God came to live among us, to bring us peace, to draw us together, to help us along the way,” said Bishop Brennan.
The 28-foot Norway Spruce tree is decorated with 16,000 multi-colored LED lights to represent the diversity of the Diocese of Brooklyn, often referred to as the “Diocese of Immigrants.” The event featured a Christmas musical presentation as well.
Christine Persichette, the anchor of Currents News on NET-TV, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.
THOUSANDS OF CATHOLICS MAKE ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO HONOR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
The Diocese of Brooklyn celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe today with two Spanish masses at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. About 3,000 pilgrims filled the pews to pray to Our Lady as they were serenaded by Mexican mariachis singing cultural and liturgical songs. The Mass for Queens Catholics took place at 9:30 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. for Brooklyn Catholics.
During his homily in Spanish, the Most Reverend Robert Brennan, the Bishop of Brooklyn, told the faithful that Mary tells us, like she told Juan Diego in an apparition, not to fear, not to be afraid, for God is always with us, but especially during the difficult times. He also preached to a huge audience of young people, asking them to listen for God’s call as He may ask them to serve the Church as priests or religious.
The annual lighting of the torches followed the Mass on the steps of the Co-Cathedral. Bishop Brennan lit the torches carried by representatives from 44 parishes. After the torch lighting, the pilgrims marched the streets of Queens and Brooklyn to their respective parishes.
The group of pilgrims represents, in its vast majority, the Mexican Catholic population of Brooklyn and Queens. An estimated 175,000 Mexicans live in Brooklyn and Queens.
Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.The Mariachis at the Mass celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe added to the festivities of the celebration.Thousands of the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens participated in two Masses at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.Bishop Brennan lighting one of the 44 torches carried throughout Brooklyn and Queens in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.A floral shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe.Bishop Robert Brennan outside the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph greeting the marchers as they embark on their torch journey in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.Following the Mass and the lighting of the torches, the faithful begin their journey back to their home parishes.
The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, celebrated Mass this morning at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, where one year ago today, he was installed as the eighth Bishop of Brooklyn. The Co-Cathedral is located at 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.
“Today marks a complete year of our time being together as the Church of Brooklyn here in Brooklyn and Queens. It was a year ago today the co-cathedral was filled with people from all over the diocese as we celebrated our unity in faith. Your beautiful welcome to me lifted me up,” preached Bishop Brennan.
“Having met so many of you through the course of this year, I am constantly inspired and lifted up. I thank you for helping me to know Jesus Christ better and to be more convinced of His love on fire and to share that with one another. I thank God for the gift of being here in Brooklyn and Queens and I thank God for the rich vibrant church he has brought together,” continued Bishop Brennan.
In the first year of his ministry, Bishop Robert Brennan visited 127 parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens, celebrated 25 Confirmations, and visited 25 schools. In June, Bishop Brennan ordained three priests to serve in the Diocese of Brooklyn, and earlier this month, ordained six transitional deacons on the path to the priesthood; three for the Diocese of Brooklyn, two for the Archdiocese of New York, and one for the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Earlier this year, Bishop Brennan also launched a weekly podcast, “Big City Catholics,” to communicate with the faithful. Big City Catholics is available on popular podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or on the Diocese of Brooklyn website, podcast.dioceseofbrooklyn.org.
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ABOUT BISHOP BRENNAN:
On November 30, 2021, Bishop Robert Brennan was installed as the Eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, serving the people of Brooklyn and Queens. Born in the Bronx and raised in Lindenhurst, Long Island, Bishop Brennan attended St. John’s University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and computer science. He then studied for the priesthood at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York.
Bishop Brennan was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre on May 27, 1989. He was later ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre on July 25, 2012. On January 31, 2019, Pope Francis announced his selection of Bishop Brennan as the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. He was installed as the Bishop of Columbus on March 29, 2019.
On a national level, Bishop Brennan serves on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities. He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced the selection of Robert Boyce, a retired 35-year veteran of the New York City Police Department, who most recently served as Chief of Detectives, as the new Chair of the Diocesan Review Board. Boyce held numerous positions within the NYPD throughout his career and has experience in a magnitude of criminal investigations, including sex and cyber crimes. His appointment became effective last month.
“I am grateful Chief Boyce has answered this call to serve in such a critical position which aligns with his life’s work of seeing justice served. I have every confidence in his ability to manage the investigations based on complaints or lawsuits brought against Diocesan personnel. The Diocesan Review Board will be well served by the leadership and integrity of Chief Robert Boyce,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
Boyce replaces Joseph Esposito, a 45-year veteran of the NYPD, who served as Chair of the Diocesan Review Board since 2013. Esposito also previously served as the Commissioner of the New York City Office of Emergency Management from 2014 through 2018 and was recently named the Deputy Commissioner of Enforcement for the NYC Department of Buildings.
“I am grateful for the voluntary service and dedication of Chief Esposito to the Diocese of Brooklyn. For nearly a decade, Joe was a consummate professional who strived to achieve the true mission of the Diocesan Review Board. As we turn the page on the leadership of this Board, Joe Esposito’s impact will continue to play a role in its operation,” continued Bishop Brennan.
The DRB is comprised of lay independent professionals: former law enforcement officers, lawyers with experience in family law and child abuse, and mental health professionals. The work of the board, mandated by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, is primarily responsible for:
• Advising the Bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and his determination of the accused clergy member’s suitability for ministry
• Reviewing diocesan policies for dealing with sexual abuse of minors
• Offering advice on all aspects of these cases, whether retrospectively or prospectively, upon request
Bishop Brennan has also announced the appointment of Joseph Fox to the Diocesan Review Board. Fox served over 37 years with the NYPD, 21 as a Chief. He retired after serving six years as Chief of Transit, leading a team of 2,600 men and women who patrolled the New York City subway system. Chief Fox holds a Bachelor of Science in Security Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University. He is currently a practicing life coach and trains executive leaders.
Gena Diacomanolis, who earned her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University’s School of Law, has also been named to the Diocesan Review Board. Since 2006 she has been involved in investigations of criminal child abuse cases and the assistance of victims of family violence. She previously served on the Advisory Council of the New York State Office of Victim Services as well as a Board Member of the New York State Children’s Alliance.
Father James Rodriguez, Pastor of St. Rose of Lima in the Rockaways, has also been appointed to the Diocesan Review Board as the clergy representative. He holds a Master of Science in Education in Mental Health Counseling from St. John’s University. Fr. Rodriguez replaces Monsignor John Maloney, who retired earlier this year.
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York, Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn, and Bishop John O. Barres of Rockville Centre today announced the launching of new programs at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, to enhance seminary training beginning next fall as part of their implementation of a new model of priestly formation in the United States.
That model, released earlier this year in the sixth edition of the Program for Priestly Formation, aligns with the 2016 document of the Holy See, Ratio Fundamentalis Institutiones Sacerdotalis, where priestly formation seeks to form “missionary disciples who are ‘in love’ with the Master…” To this end, candidates for the priesthood will journey through four stages accompanied by a community of formators: Propaedeutic, Discipleship, Configuration, and Vocational Synthesis.
“Demands on the priesthood today require a deep friendship with Jesus and a team of mentors willing to journey with the priests of tomorrow, particularly during these years of formation,” said Cardinal Dolan.
St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers (Dunwoodie) will be the new site for the recently created Propaedeutic Year for intensive human and spiritual formation as well as for the study of graduate-level philosophy. The Propaedeutic Stage will seek to give priesthood candidates a firm foundation in prayer, discernment, and personal growth. The Dunwoodie campus will provide a dedicated space in a reflective atmosphere and allow for the engagement of an experienced faculty.
For what is now called the Discipleship Stage, seminarians pursuing their Master’s in Catholic philosophy will be moving from the Immaculate Conception Center of the Diocese of Brooklyn in Douglaston to the Yonkers campus. Undergraduate seminarians will study philosophy and complete this stage of formation at one of the pre-existing programs out of state.
The Configuration Stage, with the study of theology, will continue at Dunwoodie. The Vocational Synthesis Stage will take place upon the completion of the study of theology and ordination to the Diaconate. During this stage, a transitional deacon will serve in a parish in his respective diocese under the direction of a mentor priest.
Since 2011, the three Diocesan Bishops have worked together in the formation of priests, deacons, and lay leaders for service in the church. This collaboration, known as the St. Charles Borromeo Partnership, has allowed for sharing personnel and governance at each level of priestly formation and theological education.
“Our priority in the implementation of the new Program for Priestly Formation is to assure a high quality of formation for candidates for the priesthood in the twenty-first century,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
“This new paradigm of priestly formation centered at St. Joseph’s Seminary will help cultivate shepherds who will embrace the creative approaches needed today to bring people to the Heart of Christ,” said Bishop John Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
The Cathedral Seminary House of Formation at the Douglaston facility will no longer host seminarians but the Center will continue to offer graduate-level theology courses for candidates for the Permanent Diaconate and lay faithful at the Douglaston campus and serve other offices and programs for the Diocese of Brooklyn, including the Bishop Mugavero Residence for senior priests.
DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO HOST ANNUAL MASS OF HOPE AND HEALING
The Diocese of Brooklyn will host the annual Mass of Hope & Healing tomorrow, Thursday, October 13, at 7:00 p.m. at Resurrection-Ascension Roman Catholic Church, located at 85-25 61st Road in Rego Park, Queens. The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, will be the Main Celebrant and Homilist at the Mass.
This sixth Mass of Hope & Healing is an opportunity to come together as a Diocese and pray for Victim-Survivors of sexual abuse and all those impacted by sexual abuse. This will mark Bishop Brennan’s first Mass of Hope and Healing and the first since 2019, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Mass will be broadcast live on the Diocesan cable channel NET-TV available on Verizon Fios Channel 548, Spectrum Channel 97, or Channel 30 on Optimum. The Mass can also be watched online at https://netny.tv/.
Members of the media are welcomed and are encouraged to respond via e-mail to confirm their attendance.
Rosary Recited in Five Languages in the Diocese of Brooklyn
to Mark the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
In celebration of today’s Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, DeSales Media, the communications arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, is debuting the 2022 Rosary Rally. However, this is no ordinary recitation. The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, prayed the Rosary with school children from the Diocese in five languages: English, Spanish, Creole, Polish, and Mandarin.
Filmed at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, New York, students across several grade levels gathered to pray the Rosary in their native languages. Students from Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy prayed the Rosary in English; Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy students prayed in Spanish; Students from Saints Joachim & Anne School recited the Rosary in Creole; St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy (Queens) students prayed in Polish, and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy students prayed in Mandarin.
“It was moving to see the students in the large round sanctuary, who created a living, multicultural rosary. It showed the international flavor of our schools as the students prayed in the language of their heritage with confidence,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
“What struck me is the Catholic identity of who we are is in our prayer. It’s in the extra things that we do. The Rosary has such power, literal power to transform, heal, and help. These kids knew that, and they were comfortable with it, and it bolstered my faith watching them,” said the new Superintendent of Schools, Deacon Kevin McCormack.
Bishop Brennan reminds the faithful what he told the students “pray what you can, not what you can’t.” The Rosary is a powerful tool, whether you pray the entire thing, one decade, or none of it. “When you can’t pray, when you are so lost, when words can’t come to you, just hold the Rosary in your hand, treat it like a lifeline, hold it, and let yourself be held by God. That in itself is a prayer.”
The Rosary Rally is scheduled to air on the Diocesan cable network NET TV beginning today at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. NET-TV can be found on Spectrum channel 97, Verizon Fios channel 548, and Optimum channel 30.
BROOKLYN’S BISHOP LAUNCHES A NEW PODCAST BIG CITY CATHOLICS
A big city Catholic since he was a boy, Brooklyn’s new Bishop Robert Brennan now hosts a new weekly podcast titled ” Big City Catholics,” where he talks to the faithful through this modern and popular form of communication.
Raised on Long Island to a father who was a New York City police officer, he often spent time in Brooklyn and Queens, never thinking one day he would be the Bishop of Brooklyn. Now back home in New York, following a brief tenure as Bishop of Columbus, Bishop Brennan’s podcast shares stories of his travels throughout the diocese and the pastoral joys of his episcopal ministry in the “big city.” Co-host Father Christopher Heanue joins Bishop Brennan as they explore questions of faith that impact the everyday lives of parents, friends, and professionals living in the big city with all its challenges.
“For more than two thousand years, the Catholic Church has shared the message of Jesus Christ in every corner of the world and by all means possible. But we know there are people who either haven’t heard or truly do not understand the love and compassion God has for each of us. I pray that this podcast will both reaffirm the faith of listeners and engage those who have stood on the sidelines. May our new audience come to understand and know the power of God,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
“For me, it is an honor to be asked to participate with Bishop Brennan in this great endeavor. In every role we have, Christ has a special purpose in mind for us, and so we explore what it is that Jesus Christ is calling us to do today,” said Father Christopher Heanue, Rector of the Co-Cathedral of St Joseph.
The latest podcast features Monsignor James P. Shea, author of the ground-breaking book, From Christendom to Apostolic Mission. Monsignor Shea has been the sixth president of the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, since 2009.
Big City Catholics is available on popular podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or on the Diocese of Brooklyn website, podcast.dioceseofbrooklyn.org.
Attached photos: Courtesy: DeSales Media
Bishop Brennan recording in the podcast room
Bishop Brennan with headphonesBishop Brennan – Brooklyn Bridge
4-year-old Robert Brennan at Unisphere 1966 World’s Fair grounds (B&W)
Bishop Brennan – Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Bishop Brennan – Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park (B&W)
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ABOUT BISHOP BRENNAN:
On November 30, 2021, Bishop Robert Brennan was installed as the Eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, serving the people of Brooklyn and Queens. Born in the Bronx and raised in Lindenhurst, Long Island, Bishop Brennan attended St. John’s University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and computer science. He then studied for the priesthood at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York.
Bishop Brennan was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre on May 27, 1989. He was later ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre on July 25, 2012. On January 31, 2019, Pope Francis announced his selection of Bishop Brennan as the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. He was installed as the Bishop of Columbus on March 29, 2019.
On a national level, Bishop Brennan serves on the Pro-Life committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
ABOUT FATHER HEANUE:
Father Christopher Ryan Heanue is the Rector of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.
He was ordained a priest by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio on June 27, 2015. Father Heanue was raised in Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians parish in the Woodside section of Queens, also known as St. Mary’s Winfield.
He is a graduate of Cathedral Prep, spent one year at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and completed his studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a minor in business from St. John’s University and was awarded a Master of Divinity from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Father Heanue was awarded a Master’s in Business Administration from St. John’s University in May 2021.
In January 2018, Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio named him the leader of the Irish Apostolate of the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Former NYPD Detective Appointed to Key Roles in the Office of Child Protection
The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced the selection of Elizabeth Harris, a retired New York City Police Department Detective, to fill two critical roles in the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Office of Protection of Children and Young People – Victim Assistance Coordinator and 1722 Supervisor.
“Detective Harris brings a unique breadth of experience that will further enhance our efforts to protect the faithful with the strong safe environment protocols we already have in place. I am grateful she is now sharing her expertise with the Diocese to assist us in this most important mission,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
Harris served in the NYPD for 21 years, 12 of which she worked in the Manhattan Child Abuse Squad, investigating a high volume of allegations of child sexual abuse. She specialized in interviewing sex assault victims. Before that, Harris spent four years in the NYPD’s sex offender monitoring unit. Since retiring from the NYPD, Harris worked at The Safe Center of Long Island as the Director of Forensic Services, where she worked with victims of physical and sexual abuse.
The Office of Victim Assistance provides pastoral care and assistance to those who have presented themselves to be victims of clergy sexual abuse and is committed to helping them begin the healing process. The 1722 Supervisor is responsible for the monitoring of priests who have been removed from ministry.
Harris received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta, majoring in Sociology and Child and Family Studies.
“I am thrilled to bring my experience to the Diocese of Brooklyn and join their mission to advocate for victims of sexual abuse. It is impressive to witness the level of commitment by Bishop Brennan and the diocese in their work to eradicate any further abuse of children. I am so proud to be a part of this movement,” said Elizabeth Harris.
The above-referenced appointments recently took effect.
The photo attached is courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn.
