Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor James F. Spengler

Posted on October 16, 2023October 16, 2023

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor James F. Spengler, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Spengler was born on November 17, 1942 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on June 1, 1968 and died Thursday, October 12, 2023.

Monsignor Spengler served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Rose of Lima (Brooklyn), Saint Gerard Majella (Hollis), and Our Lady of Mercy (Brooklyn). He also served as Administrator of the Parish of Holy Cross (Brooklyn); and as Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Saint Ambrose (Brooklyn). Monsignor Spengler was also Episcopal Vicar for Queens South.

On February 25, 1988, Monsignor Spengler was named Prelate of Honor.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Immaculate Conception Center

7200 Douglaston Parkway

Douglaston, New York 11362

Tel: (718) 229-8001

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

VIGIL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center

7200 Douglaston Parkway

Douglaston, New York 11362

Tel: (718) 229-8001

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

7:30 PM

FUNERAL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center

7200 Douglaston Parkway

Douglaston, New York 11362

Tel: (718) 229-8001

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

11:00 AM

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery

Middle Village, 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 niece, Mrs. Teresa Spinosa, 113 Clover Drive, Massapequa Park, New York 11762.

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

Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor Joseph L. Cunningham

Posted on October 13, 2023October 13, 2023

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor Joseph L. Cunningham, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Cunningham was born on March 4, 1937, was ordained to the Priesthood on June 1, 1963, and died Thursday, October 12, 2023.

Monsignor Cunningham served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of Saint Gregory the Great (Bellerose). He also served Temporary Ministry at Saint Joan of Arc (Jackson Heights); also as Temporary Administrator of Saint Andrew the Apostle (Brooklyn); and as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mercy (Forest Hills). Monsignor Cunningham was also the Executive Secretary of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, Liturgy Advisor for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, and a board member of the Diocesan Pastoral Institute. He also served as Principal at the Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, and as Rector at the Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Florida.

On December 19, 2019, Monsignor Cunningham was named Chaplain of His Holiness.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home

125 Hillside Avenue

North New Hyde Park, New York 11040

Tel: (516) 354-0634

Sunday, October 15, 2023

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Monday, October 16, 2023

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

VIGIL: Our Lady Queen of Martyrs R.C. Church

110-06 Queens Boulevard

Forest Hills, New York 11375

Tel: (718) 268-6251

Monday, October 16, 2023

7:30 PM

FUNERAL: Saint Gregory the Great R.C. Church

242-20 88th Avenue

Bellerose, New York 11426

Tel: (718) 347-3707

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

11:00 AM

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery

Middle Village, New York

Monsignor Cunningham 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. Mary O’Donnell, 57 Sylvia Lane, New Hyde Park, New York 11040.

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

Announcement of Death – Rev. Msgr. Anthony F. Sherman

Posted on October 10, 2023October 13, 2023

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor Anthony F. Sherman, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Sherman was born on March 13, 1945, was ordained to the priesthood on February 28, 1970, and died Sunday October 8, 2023.

Monsignor Sherman served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of Saint Anastasia (Douglaston) and Saint Matthias (Ridgewood). He served as parochial vicar of Saint Anastasia (Douglaston), Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (Richmond Hill) and Saint Matthias (Ridgewood). Monsignor Sherman was a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Committee, Diocesan Education Office, and the Committee for Sacramental Guidelines. He was an adjunct professor of liturgy at the Immaculate Conception Seminary. Monsignor Sherman was named Prelate of Honor in 1986. He served as Director of the Liturgy Office at 75 Green Avenue and the Director for Liturgy at the USCCB in Washington, D.C.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Saint Anastasia Church
45-14 245th Street
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: (718)-631-4454
Thursday October 12, 2023
3:00 PM-7:00PM

VIGIL MASS: Saint Anastasia Church
45-14 245th Street
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: (718)-631-4454
Thursday October 12, 2023
7:30 PM

FUNERAL: Saint Anastasia Church
45-14 245th Street
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: (718)-631-4454
Friday October 13, 2023
11:00 AM

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Monsignor Sherman 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 niece Terri Gendron, c/o Saint Anastasia Church, 45-14 245th Street, Box 472, Douglaston, New York 11362.

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

Announcement of Death – Reverend Robert P. Vitaglione

Posted on October 5, 2023October 5, 2023

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Robert P. Vitaglione, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Vitaglione was born on July 17, 1949, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 8, 1976, and died Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

Father Vitaglione served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Mary of Nazareth (Brooklyn) and Saint Joseph (Brooklyn). He also served as Administrator of the Parishes of Mary of Nazareth – Sacred Heart (Brooklyn), Saint Michael the Archangel – Saint Edward the Confessor (Brooklyn), and Saint Joseph (Brooklyn); and as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Our Lady of Loreto (Brooklyn) and Transfiguration (Brooklyn).

The arrangements are as follows:

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

Friday, October 6, 2023
11:30 AM

BURIAL:
Saint Mary’s Cemetery
Washingtonville, 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 Mr. John Nicelli, 225 Broadway Suite 1040, New York, New York 10007.

Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.

Announcement of Death – Reverend Jerome E. Nadine

Posted on October 3, 2023October 3, 2023

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Jerome E. Nadine, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Nadine was born on June 10, 1933, was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1958, and died on Saturday, September 30, 2023 in California where all arrangements will take place. Father Nadine served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar at the Parishes of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Ridgewood), Saint Catherine of Sienna (St. Albans), and Holy Rosary (Brooklyn). He also served as Military Chaplain at the U.S. Air Forces. 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 Mr. Sam DeSanctis, 318 Mason Road, Vista, California 92084.

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

Catholic Foundation hosts its first-ever Hispanic Stewardship Conference

Posted on September 27, 2023

This past Saturday the Catholic Foundation hosted its first-ever Hispanic Stewardship Conference for Parish Leaders held at the Emmaus Center. With inspiring speakers, enriching talks, and heartfelt discussions, attendees were empowered to embrace the spirit of stewardship and strengthen the bonds of their Spanish-speaking faith community. The Conference concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert J. Brennan. This unforgettable weekend was a resounding success, fostering a deeper commitment to service, generosity, and the enthusiasm to promote stewardship in their respective parish communities.

BISHOP BRENNAN ANNOUNCES THE DEATH OF MONSIGNOR PAUL JERVIS, A CHAMPION OF RACIAL HARMONY

Posted on September 8, 2023October 5, 2023

The Diocese of Brooklyn has announced the passing of Monsignor Paul W. Jervis, who served as a priest for more than 40 years in parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

Born in Guyana on December 1, 1953, Monsignor Paul Jervis immigrated to the United States at the age of 19. He was ordained to the Priesthood on May 21, 1983. On September 4, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI bestowed the title of Prelate of Honor to His Holiness upon Monsignor Jervis. He died Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the age of 69.

For nearly 10 years, Monsignor Paul Jervis served as the postulator in the Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God Bernard Quinn. Through research and interviews, a case for the canonization of Monsignor Quinn was presented to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in 2019. The documents remain under review at the Vatican office.

“Monsignor Paul Jervis saw the dignity of every human being and worked tirelessly to open the eyes of all people to love one another. Much like Monsignor Bernard Quinn, Monsignor Jervis devoted his life to fostering peace in the face of hatred. He made a lasting impression on those he met, especially within our African American and Guyanese Catholic communities, and with his brother priests as well. His work will continue in the lives of those he inspired,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

In 2005, Monsignor Jervis authored a book titled, Quintessential Priest: The Life of Monsignor Bernard J. Quinn. The book profiled the life of Monsignor Bernard Quinn who established the first church for Black Catholics in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Quinn served as Pastor of the parish of St. Peter Claver, the patron saint of slaves, African missions, and interracial justice.

“Monsignor Paul Jervis was a vibrant pioneer for the Black Catholic community here in Brooklyn and Queens. His leadership inspired not only Black and Caribbean Catholics to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, but also to share their culture with the entire Church of Brooklyn and Queens. Throughout his 40 years of priesthood, Monsignor Jervis made known his love for the Lord and His Church to the souls entrusted to his care,” said Father Alonzo Cox, Pastor of St. Peter Claver Church, and Director of the Brooklyn Vicariate Office of Black Catholic Concerns.

Monsignor Jervis served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Francis Assisi –Saint Blaise (Brooklyn), Saint Martin de Porres (Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Victory, and Saint Peter Claver in Brooklyn), and Saint Paul the Apostle (Corona). He also served as Administrator of the Parishes Saint Catherine of Genoa (Brooklyn), Holy Rosary (Brooklyn), Our Lady of Victory (Brooklyn), and Saint Peter Claver (Brooklyn); and as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Saint Clare (Rosedale), Saint Fortunata (Brooklyn), and Saint Peter Claver (Brooklyn).

Bishop Robert Brennan will preside at the funeral Mass for Monsignor Jervis on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi-St. Blaise Church, located at 319 Maple Street in the Prospect-Lefferts Gardens section of Brooklyn.

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Jervis Paul W. min — Msgr. Paul W. Jervis, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, was born in Guyana and ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 1983. He died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at age 69.

Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor Paul W. Jervis

Posted on September 6, 2023October 10, 2023

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor Paul W. Jervis, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Jervis was born on December 1, 1953 in Guyana, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 21, 1983 and died Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

On September 4, 2009, Monsignor Jervis was named Prelate of Honor to His Holiness.

Msgr. Paul Jervis also served as the postulator in the Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God Bernard Quinn.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Saint Francis of Assisi –Saint Blaise R.C. Church
319 Maple Street
Brooklyn, New York 11225
Tel: (718) 756-2015

Monday, September 11, 2023
4:00 PM – 6:45 PM

Tuesday, September 12, 2023
9:00 AM – 10:45 AM

VIGIL MASS: Saint Francis of Assisi –Saint Blaise R.C. Church
319 Maple Street
Brooklyn, New York 11225
Tel: (718) 756-2015

Monday, September 11, 2023
7:00 PM

FUNERAL: Saint Francis of Assisi –Saint Blaise R.C. Church
319 Maple Street
Brooklyn, New York 11225
Tel: (718) 756-2015

Tuesday, September 12, 2023
11:00 AM

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Monsignor Jervis 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 Jervis Family, C/O Saint Francis of Assisi – Saint Blaise R.C. Church, 319 Maple Street, Brooklyn, New York 11225

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

Announcement of Death – Reverend Kenneth J. Calder

Posted on July 21, 2023October 10, 2023

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Kenneth J. Calder, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Calder was born on August 13, 1931, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 1960, and died Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Father Calder served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parish of American Martyrs (Bayside). He also served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Our Lady of Angels (Brooklyn), Saints Joachim and Anne (Queens Village), Mary Queen of Heaven (Brooklyn), and Saint Patrick (Brooklyn).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:

Our Lady of Angels R.C. Church, Tuesday, July 25, 2023

2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

7320 4th Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11209

Tel: (718) 836–7200

FUNERAL:

Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 11:00 AM

Our Lady of Angels R.C. Church

7320 4th Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11209

BURIAL:

Holy Rood Cemetery

Westbury, 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 niece, Mrs. Eileen Ickstadt, 1174 Fortune Court, Wantagh, New York 11793.

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

Chancellor

Announcement of Death – Reverend Thaddeus A. Grzelak

Posted on July 20, 2023July 20, 2023

On Thursday, June 1, 2023, our office sent out a notice regarding the death of Reverend Thaddeus A. Grzelak. Father Grzelak served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Our Lady of Hope (Middle Village), Our Lady Help of Christians (Brooklyn), Saint Nicholas (Brooklyn), Holy Family (Brooklyn), Our Lady of the Cenacle (Richmond Hill), Saint Kevin (Flushing), Holy Innocents (Brooklyn), Saint Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr (Ozone Park), Holy Cross (Maspeth), Saint Joseph (Long Island City) and Saint Charles Borromeo (Brooklyn). Father Grzelak died on Monday, May 29, 2023 in California.

The arrangements are as follows:

FUNERAL:

Monday, July 24, 2023, 11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Center

7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362 Tel: (718) 229-8001

BURIAL:

Saint John’s Cemetery, Middle Village, 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 Ms. Christine Kline, 7229 Columbia Way, Lancaster, California 93536.

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

Diocese of Brooklyn

Diocesan News

Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor James F. Spengler

Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor Joseph L. Cunningham

Announcement of Death – Rev. Msgr. Anthony F. Sherman

Announcement of Death – Reverend Robert P. Vitaglione

Announcement of Death – Reverend Jerome E. Nadine

Catholic Foundation hosts its first-ever Hispanic Stewardship Conference

BISHOP BRENNAN ANNOUNCES THE DEATH OF MONSIGNOR PAUL JERVIS, A CHAMPION OF RACIAL HARMONY

Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor Paul W. Jervis

Announcement of Death – Reverend Kenneth J. Calder

Announcement of Death – Reverend Thaddeus A. Grzelak

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