Diocesan News

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens Hosts Pop-Up Food Distribution in Corona Queens

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens Hosts Pop-Up Food Distribution in Corona Queens for Community Severely Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens hosted a Pop-Up Food Distribution event in the Corona section of Queens today for a community severely impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.  The event was held at the Catholic Charities Therese Cervini Early Childhood Development Center located at 35-33 104th Street in Corona today, Wednesday, April 8th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The grab-and-go style event provided families and individuals with bags of food that will feed a family of three for three days. Catholic Charities prepared 750 bags which included an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, beverages and nonperishable goods. Some additional items consisted of apples, oranges, lemons, raisins, bread, Gatorade, apple juice, instant coffee, rice, cans of fruit, tuna fish, peanut butter, microwaveable macaroni and cheese, cereals, packets of mayonnaise and jelly, applesauce and black beans. Catholic Charities also provided access to additional assistance, information, and resources. 60 percent of the COVID-19 cases in New York City are located in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens.

“Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens was privileged to serve 750 families today. The need is very great, obviously, due to the economic impact of not having jobs. We chose here in Corona, right here at the Therese Cervini Early Childhood Development Center, at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, really to give to an opportunity to the community, and to be able to serve them in this time of great need,” said Richard Slizeski, Senior Vice President, Office of Mission, Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens.

 

“Part of this whole thing has been to really help out people,” continued Slizeski.

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens is responding to the hardworking families in this primarily immigrant neighborhood by providing pop-up food pantries, access to supportive services via our call center and behavioral health services via telehealth.

In the past week, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens has seen a 50 percent increase in the need for hot meals to be delivered to isolated seniors. On average, the agency distributes 5,000 meals, but as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, Catholic Charities is delivering 8,000 meals weekly. Food pantry distributions have also increased. On average, the agency distributes 83,000 meals per month within our food pantry network. Last week Catholic Charities saw a 20 percent increase across our 20 parish-based food pantries.

The Pop-Up Food Distribution is organized and funded by Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens as a direct response to our neighbors in need in both boroughs.

For the video of today’s event, and comments by Richard Slizeski visit: https://vimeo.com/405556239

 

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VIRTUALLY SINGING TOGETHER: QUEENS CATHOLIC SCHOOL THIRD GRADERS SING “THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
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jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

VIRTUALLY SINGING TOGETHER: QUEENS CATHOLIC SCHOOL THIRD GRADERS SING “THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR”

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn this afternoon is releasing a video of the third-grade students at St. Kevin’s Catholic Academy in Flushing, who created a musical collage of 19 students, recorded virtually and individually, singing the words to the classic song “That’s What Friends Are For.”

The idea for the video was suggested by one of the students featured in the video. The student thought recording this project would help the class overcome the loneliness classmates are feeling by not being together at school due to the Coronavirus.

The project was organized by teacher Kristen D’Alimonte. St. Kevin’s Catholic Academy is located at 45-50 195th Street in the Flushing section of Queens.

The video can be found here: https://vimeo.com/403518851

Bishop DiMarzio Says “It’s Time To Make Peace” in Palm Sunday Video Statement

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Bishop DiMarzio Says “It’s Time To Make Peace” in Palm Sunday Video Statement

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has released a video statement today on this Palm Sunday. Bishop DiMarzio reminds us that the blessed palms signify victory and peace, and in order to truly welcome this into our lives at Easter, we must rid ourselves of resentment.

“Forgiveness is something radical in our faith, something Jesus preached so well. He told us when we are attacked, we have to turn the other cheek; we find it so hard to accept that. But it is so true that when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, what did he teach them? The Our Father and the most difficult petition of the Our Father is ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’

We recognize that resentment is a feeling, sometimes we find it hard to control it. The only way we can control resentment, or come to forgiveness, is by an act of the will. We have to strengthen our will and that’s what Lent is all about, strengthening our will by prayer, fasting, by doing good things and giving alms. Yes, this is the only way we can get to Easter without any resentment in our hearts.

I ask you during this last week of preparation for Easter, that we think about anyone we have something against, or some, perhaps they have something against us. It’s time to make peace because we cannot celebrate the victory of Easter if we are not at peace with everyone,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

Bishop DiMarzio concludes his Palm Sunday message with reference to the Lord’s final words on the Cross and asking for the Lord’s to grant us the great grace of forgiveness.

The video can be found at https://vimeo.com/404376298

 

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BISHOP DIMARZIO ANNOUNCES QUEENS PASTOR FALLS VICTIM TO COVID-19

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BISHOP DIMARZIO ANNOUNCES QUEENS PASTOR FALLS VICTIM TO COVID-19

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to announce the passing of Father Gioacchino Basile, a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, who has been ministering as Pastor of Saint Gabriel Church in the East Elmhurst section of Queens. Father Basile is the second priest serving the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn to die as a result of the Coronavirus.

Father Basile was born on February 8, 1960, and ordained a priest on May 27, 1995. He first ministered as Parochial Vicar at Saint Joseph’s in New Jersey, was then released to work in the Diocese of Ponce (Puerto Rico) and then released to the Diocese of Brooklyn, where he was assigned Administrator of Saint Gabriel’s in 2008.

“Father Gioacchino Basile, a native of Calabria, Italy who died today, was small in stature, but mighty in energy for the Lord. Unfortunately, Father’s underlying health conditions made it difficult for him to fight the virus. In addition to English and Italian, Father spoke Spanish fluently and ministered well to all of the people of his parish and the faithful of the Diocese in Brooklyn and Queens,” said the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

Upon his arrival at St. Gabriel’s, Father Basile immediately cultivated a vibrant sense of community in the parish, most notably with the institution of an annual parish celebration of the Feast of St. Gabriel, the Patron Saint of the parish, celebrated on February 25.

Father Gioacchino Basile was trained in the Neocatecumenal Movement and served as the Spiritual Director of Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Douglaston. Father Basile also assisted as a chaplain at LaGuardia Airport.

Father Basile was 60 years old and was to mark his 25th Anniversary of his ordination later this year. Funeral arrangements are private and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later time.

A photo of Father Gioacchino Basile, courtesy of DeSales Media, is attached.

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES PALM SUNDAY PLANS AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES PALM SUNDAY PLANS AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn today is reminding the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens that public celebrations of Mass on Palm Sunday, the final Sunday of Lent and the beginning of the holiest week on the Christian calendar, are prohibited for the safety of all due to the Coronavirus.

The Palm Sunday Liturgy will be aired on the Diocese of Brooklyn’s cable channel, NET-TV, in seven languages, beginning at 8 AM tomorrow, Sunday, April 5, 2020.

 

The complete schedule is as follows:

 

8 AM – Italian

9 AM – Creole

10 AM – Polish

11 AM – English

12 PM – Spanish

1 PM – Korean

2 PM – Mandarin

 

NET-TV can be seen on Channel 97 (Spectrum), Channel 30 (Optimum) and Channel 48 on FIOS by Verizon. The live masses can also be viewed on the Diocese of Brooklyn’s website at www.dioceseofbrooklyn.org/masses

As Brooklyn and Queens remain the epicenter of the Coronavirus pandemic, and mindful of public health, Churches remain closed. The blessed palms are not to be distributed to the faithful at this time.

It was earlier announced that palms would be available outside each church in the Diocese on Palm Sunday for people to pick up, however, those plans have since changed. Palms will be distributed at a later date to be announced by the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

 

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INFECTIOUS DISEASE DOCTOR WILL TAKE QUESTIONS TONIGHT ON CURRENTS NEWS

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

INFECTIOUS DISEASE DOCTOR WILL TAKE QUESTIONS TONIGHT ON CURRENTS NEWS

The DeSales Media Group is announcing that tonight’s edition of “Currents News”, broadcast at

7 PM on NET-TV, will feature Dr. Bob Tiballi, an Infectious Disease Expert affiliated with the Catholic Medical Association. Dr. Tiballi will be answering questions and discussing health-related issues associated with the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Ask The Doctor” is a new segment that will air each Friday as part of the news broadcast. To submit questions, which may be answered on the air, email askthedoctor@desalesmedia.org.

Currents News can be seen on NET-TV which can be found on Channel 97 on Spectrum, Channel 30 on Optimum, and Channel 48 on FIOS by Verizon.

 

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Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Releases Video Statement on “Bells of Hope”

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has released the following video statement tonight, on the first day of the “Bells of Hope” initiative. Bishop DiMarzio has asked every parish in Brooklyn and Queens, with outdoor bells, to ring them daily at 3 PM starting today and continue to do so for the duration of the Coronavirus epidemic.

“We ring the bells each day, calling everyone to prayer, so that in this time of crisis, we can be united with one another.

So, I have asked that at 3 o’clock each day, that our parishes will ring their church bells.  We have chosen 3 o’clock because, for us, it is the time that Jesus died on the cross.

How appropriate in the midst of this pandemic, that we seek God’s mercy upon us.  Yes, we should stop each day and pray at 3 o’clock. Our prayer together can give us hope, which is so important. Hope in the midst of some despair and difficulties that we are experiencing,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

At the end of this video, Bishop DiMarzio describes, and rings, a bell that was given to him when he first was ordained Bishop.

The full statement can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/403870994

 

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

Posted on

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”

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

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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