Diocesan News

Announcement of Death – Reverend Daniel S. Murphy

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Daniel S. Murphy, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Murphy was born on October 27, 1944 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 30, 1970 and died Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Daniel S. Murphy, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Murphy was born on October 27, 1944 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 30, 1970 and died Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Father Murphy served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Saviour (Brooklyn), Holy Child Jesus (Richmond Hill), and Saint Andrew the Apostle (Brooklyn). He served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Our Lady Help of Christians (Brooklyn), Resurrection-Ascension (Rego Park), Saint Brigid (Brooklyn), and Saint Mary Star of the Sea (Far Rockaway). Father Murphy served as Chaplain of Saint Saviour High School, Stella Maris High School, and team Chaplain for the New York Mets.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:

Joseph P. Clavin Sons, Inc.
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11209
Tel: (718) 745-1445

Wednesday, December 18, 2024
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Saint Saviour R.C. Church
611 Eighth Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11215
(718) 768-4055

Thursday, December 19, 2024
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

VIGIL MASS:

Saint Saviour R.C. Church
611 Eighth Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11215
(718) 768-4055

Thursday, December 19, 2024
7:30 PM

FUNERAL MASS:

Saint Saviour R.C. Church
611 Eighth Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11215
(718) 768-4055

Friday, December 20, 2024
11:00 AM

BURIAL:

Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Father Murphy was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.
Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.
If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his sister, Mrs. Kathleen Bernegger, 10 Sabina Drive, Holliston, Massachusetts 01746.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.
Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor Philip J. Reilly

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor Philip J. Reilly, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Reilly was born on June 21, 1934 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 1960 and died Saturday, November 30, 2024.

Monsignor Reilly served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Chaplain of the Monastery of the Precious Blood (Brooklyn), Faculty and Principal of Cathedral Preparatory Seminary (Elmhurst), and Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Saint Teresa (South Ozone Park) and Saint Thomas More – Saint Edmund (Rockaway Point). He was in residence at Ozanam Hall in Bayside, New York.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001

Sunday, December 8, 2024 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

VIGIL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, NY

Sunday, December 8, 2024 7:00 PM

FUNERAL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, NY

Monday, December 9, 2024 11:00 AM

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery Middle Village, New York

Monsignor Reilly was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to the family of Reverend Monsignor Philip J. Reilly and Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Moore, 57-20 63rd Street, Maspeth, New York 11378.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L. Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Announcement of Death – Reverend Albert Bellantonio

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Albert Bellantonio, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Bellantonio was born on January 10, 1942 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 31, 1969 and died Monday, November 25, 2024.

Father Bellantonio served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parish of Our Lady of Solace (Brooklyn), Administrator of the Parish of Saint Rita (Brooklyn), and Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Most Precious Blood (Brooklyn), Saint Bernadette (Brooklyn) and Saint Jerome (Brooklyn). Father Bellantonio also ministered at the Parishes of Saint Dominic (Brooklyn) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (Brooklyn) while in residence at Bishop Mugavero Residence (Douglaston).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001
Friday, December 6, 2024
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

FUNERAL MASS:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001
Friday, December 6, 2024
11:00 AM

BURIAL:
Saint Charles Cemetery
Farmingdale, New York

Father Bellantonio was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his sister, Mrs. Mildred Maturando, 1640 Sherboune Road, Valley Stream, New York 11580.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.
Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

 

Announcement of Death – Reverend George R. Cowan

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend George R. Cowan, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Cowan was born on July 29, 1938 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 29, 1965 and died Sunday, October 6, 2024.

Father Cowan served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Mel (Flushing), and Saint Rose of Lima (Brooklyn). He served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Our Lady of Miracles (Brooklyn), Nativity of our Blessed Lord (Brooklyn), Saint Joan of Arc (Jackson Heights), and Saints Peter and Paul (Brooklyn). He was in residence at the Parishes of Holy Innocents (Brooklyn), Immaculate Heart of Mary (Brooklyn), and Saint Laurence (Brooklyn). Father Cowan served as Chaplain of Saint Agnes Academy High School, Nazareth Regional High School, and Saint Brendan’s High School.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001
Monday, October 14, 2024
2:00 PM – 7:30 PM

American Martyrs R.C. Church
79-43 Bell Boulevard Bayside, New York 11364 Tel: (718) 464-4582
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

FUNERAL MASS:
American Martyrs R.C. Church
79-43 Bell Boulevard Bayside, New York 11364 Tel: (718) 464-4582
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
11:00 AM

BURIAL:
Calvary Cemetery
Woodside, New York

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his sister, Mrs. Peggy Truncellito, 54 Sunset Boulevard, Massapequa, New York 11758.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.
Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Announcement of Death – Reverend Raymond F. Schmidt

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Raymond F. Schmidt, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Schmidt was born on September 24, 1934 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 1960 and died Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Father Schmidt served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parish of Saint Mary (Long Island City). He also served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Sacred Heart (Bayside), Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Astoria), Saint Mark (Brooklyn), Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (Richmond Hill) and Saint Rita (Long Island City). He was in residence at the Bishop Mugavero Residence in Douglaston, New York. Father Schmidt served as Lieutenant, Colonel, and Chaplain of the U.S. Army.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001

Friday, September 27, 2024
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Saturday, September 28, 2024
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

FUNERAL MASS:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001
Saturday, September 28, 2024
11:00 AM

BURIAL:
Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Father Schmidt was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his sister, Ms. Patricia Schmidt, 440 Lewis Road, New Britain, Connecticut 06053; and to his nephew, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Schmidt, 27 Lee Avenue, Rockville Center, New York 11570.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Announcement of Death – Reverend Gerald J. Fitzsimmons, S.M.M.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn has been informed of the death of Reverend Gerald J. Fitzsimmons, S.M.M., a priest of the Montfort Missionaries – U.S. Province, who served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of Saint Mary Gate of Heaven (Ozone Park).

Father Fitzsimmons died on Friday, July 19, 2024.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Sacred Heart Chapel 1725 Brentwood Road Brentwood, New York 11717 Tel: (631) 273-1187

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM

FUNERAL MASS: Sacred Heart Chapel 1725 Brentwood Road Brentwood, New York 11717 Tel: (631) 273-1187

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 11:00 AM

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord. If you wish to send condolences, please mail to the Montfort Missionaries, 26 South Saxon Avenue, Bay Shore, New York 11706.

Reverend Monsignor Steven Aguggia, J.C.L.

Announcement of Death – Reverend Peter D. Gillen

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Peter D. Gillen, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Gillen was born on August 10, 1951 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on February 11, 1978 and died on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Father Gillen served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Brendan (Brooklyn), Corpus Christi (Woodside), and Saint Rose of Lima (Rockaway Beach). He also served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Brooklyn), Saint Francis of Assisi (Astoria), American Martyrs (Bayside), Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Ridgewood), and Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary & Saint Stephen (Brooklyn); as well as transitional Deacon at the Parish of Saints Simon and Jude (Brooklyn). Father Gillen also ministered as Director of Devotion to the Sacred Heart.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Saint Brendan R.C. Church 1525 East 12th Street Brooklyn, New York 11230 Tel: (718) 339-2828

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Thursday, July 25, 2024 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM

VIGIL MASS: Saint Brendan R.C. Church 1525 East 12th Street Brooklyn, New York 11230 Tel: (718) 339-2828

Thursday, July 25, 2024 7:00 PM

FUNERAL MASS: Saint Brendan R.C. Church 1525 East 12th Street Brooklyn, New York 11230 Tel: (718) 339-2828

Friday, July 26, 2024 11:00 AM

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery Middle Village, New York Father Gillen was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord. If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his sister, Ms. Marie Gillen, 72-28 66 Drive, Middle Village, New York 11379.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L. Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Parish Merger Decree – Saint Augustine – Saint Francis Xavier

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DECREE

Changes in the spiritual practices among the faithful, a decrease in available clergy and men and women in consecrated life, changes in the general population within our Diocese, as well as concerns regarding temporal matters have affected the means by which the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed within the Diocese of Brooklyn. In an effort to respond in the best possible way to the gifts of the Holy Spirit generously given to us in our current situation, I have overseen a comprehensive pastoral plan, which included the whole of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

In an effort to evangelize more effectively the community in Brooklyn, as well to administrate the temporal goods of the faithful more efficiently, Reverend Frank C. Tumino, Pastor of Saint Augustine, located at 116 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11217, and also Pastor of Saint Francis Xavier, located at 225 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11215, petitioned that they be canonically merged.

In keeping with the requirements of the Universal Law of the Church, the Presbyteral Council was consulted on April 11, 2024 (Canon 515 § 2), and after having heard the reasons for the proposed merger its members expressed their support for this action. In addition, after having consulted the territorial Episcopal Vicars, clergy, pastoral ministers and other members of the faithful of the parishes involved, I, the undersigned Bishop of Brooklyn, hereby declare and decree that the Parishes of Saint Augustine and Saint Francis Xavier, both within the Diocese of Brooklyn, shall be merged to form one Parish.

  • This one Parish shall be named Saint Augustine – Saint Francis Xavier parish, with the main Parish office to be located 225 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11215.
  • Reverend Frank C. Tumino shall be the Pastor of the Parish.
  • The territorial boundaries of the new parish shall encompass all of the territory which, up until now, has constituted the territories of Saint Augustine and Saint Francis Xavier.
  • All assets and obligations currently belonging to aforementioned parishes are by this canonical merger, transferred to Saint Augustine – Saint Francis Xavier parish.
  • The parochial registers and the seals of the aforementioned parishes shall be kept at 225 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11215.
  • The Parish shall have two churches for worship: Saint Augustine and Saint Francis Xavier.

This merger shall take effect on July 1, 2024, at which time the public juridic persons of Saint Augustine – Saint Francis Xavier shall be merged. Recourse action may be sought according to the norms of Canons 1732 to 1739 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law.

 

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Merger Decree: Saint Augustine-Saint Francis Xavier parish

Parish Merger Decree – Christ the King-St. Mary Magdalene

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Decree logo

DECREE

Changes in the spiritual practices among the faithful, a decrease in available clergy and men and women in consecrated life, changes in the general population within our Diocese, as well as concerns regarding temporal matters have affected the means by which the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed within the Diocese of Brooklyn. In an effort to respond in the best possible way to the gifts of the Holy Spirit generously given to us in our current situation, I have overseen a comprehensive pastoral plan, which included the whole of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

In an effort to evangelize more effectively the community in Queens, as well to administrate the temporal goods of the faithful more efficiently, Reverend Gordon P. Kusi, Pastor of Christ the King, located at 145-39 Farmers Boulevard, Springfield Gardens, New York 11434, and also Administrator of Saint Mary Magdalene, located at 218-12 136th Avenue, Springfield Gardens, New York 11413, petitioned that they be canonically merged.

In keeping with the requirements of the Universal Law of the Church, the Presbyteral Council was consulted on April 11, 2024 (Canon 515 § 2), and after having heard the reasons for the proposed merger its members expressed their support for this action. In addition, after having consulted the territorial Episcopal Vicars, clergy, pastoral ministers and other members of the faithful of the parishes involved, I, the undersigned Bishop of Brooklyn, hereby declare and decree that the Parishes of Christ the King and Saint Mary Magdalene, both within the Diocese of Brooklyn, shall be merged to form one Parish.

  • This one Parish shall be named Christ the King – Saint Mary Magdalene parish, with the main Parish office to be located 145-39 Farmers Boulevard, Springfield Gardens, New York 11434.
  • Reverend Gordon P. Kusi shall be the Pastor of the Parish.
  • The territorial boundaries of the new parish shall encompass all of the territory which, up until now, has constituted the territories of Christ the King and Saint Mary Magdalene.
  • All assets and obligations currently belonging to aforementioned parishes are by this canonical merger, transferred to Christ the King – Saint Mary Magdalene parish.
  • The parochial registers and the seals of the aforementioned parishes shall be kept at 145-39 Farmers Boulevard, Springfield Gardens, New York 11434.
  • The Parish shall have two churches for worship: Christ the King and Saint Mary Magdalene.

This merger shall take effect on July 1, 2024, at which time the public juridic persons of Christ the King – Saint Mary Magdalene shall be merged. Recourse action may be sought according to the norms of Canons 1732 to 1739 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law.

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Merger Decree: Christ the King-St. Mary Magdalene Parish 

Announcement of Death – Reverend Ralph J. Caputo

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Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Ralph J. Caputo, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Caputo was born on June 29, 1949 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 3, 1975 and died Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Father Caputo served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Our Lady Help of Christians (Brooklyn), Saint Bernard (Brooklyn), and Queen of Peace (Kew Gardens). He also served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Queen of Angels (Sunnyside) and Saint Vincent de Paul (Brooklyn). Father Caputo was in residence at the Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians (Brooklyn).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Saint Bernard R.C. Church
2055 East 69th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11234
Tel: (718) 763-5533

Monday, June 17, 2024
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

VIGIL MASS: Saint Bernard R.C. Church
2055 East 69th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11234
Tel: (718) 763-5533

Monday, June 17, 2024
7:00 PM

FUNERAL MASS: Saint Bernard R.C. Church
2055 East 69th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11234
Tel: (718) 763-5533

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
11:00 AM

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Father Caputo was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his brother, Mr. Gerald Caputo, 6806 Madeline Court, Brooklyn, New York 11220.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs