Diocesan News

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO ORDAIN NEW DEACONS THIS SATURDAY

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2019

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO ORDAIN NEW DEACONS THIS SATURDAY

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will ordain 18 men to the Permanent Diaconate, and one Transitional Deacon, for service in the Diocese of Brooklyn this Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph’s located at 856 Pacific Street in Brooklyn.

 

Those to be ordained include:

 

Joseph C. Chu                                    St. Anastasia, Douglaston

Francis Cuffie                                     Holy Cross, Brooklyn

Gerard Joseph Devine                         Holy Name, Brooklyn

Michael Brian Fogarty                       St. Fidelis, College Point

Amerito Catiwalaan Gerodias            Most Precious Blood, Astoria

James John Giorgio                            Resurrection, Brooklyn

Francisco González Calderón             St. Mark, Brooklyn

John Charles Hardy                            Resurrection, Brooklyn

Anwar Iqbal                                        St. Rose of Lima, Brooklyn

Gilberto Laboy                                    Our Lady of the Cenacle, Richmond Hill

Andrzej Lewandowski                        Transfiguration-Stanislaus Kostka, Maspeth

Giovanni Messina                               St. Francis of Assisi, Astoria
Hugo Antonio Morel                          Sts. Peter and Paul, Brooklyn

Rachid Murad                                     Holy Trinity, Whitestone

Alfredo Rendón                                  Immaculate Conception, Astoria

Danny Rodriguez                                Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Brooklyn

Phillip Rodriguez                                St. Martin of Tours, Brooklyn

Bill Velasquez                                     St. Mary Gate of Heaven, Queens

Peter Y. Okajima                                 Studying at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary

(Transitional Deacon)

 

A deacon is a member of the clergy and an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral and burial services outside of Mass, distribute Holy Communion, preach the homily, teach the faith and visit the sick. They are obligated to pray the Liturgy of the Hours each day.

 

Members of the media are invited to attend.  To RSVP, please email jquaglione@desalesmedia.org.

DECREE OF RELEGATION-ST. ROCCO

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NICHOLAS DiMARZIO
By the Grace of God and of the Aposcolic See
BISHOP OF BROOKLYN

——+——

DECREE

 

I, the undersigned Bishop of Brooklyn, decree that the Church of Saint Rocco, located at 216 27th Street in the Borough of Brooklyn, which is within the territory of the Parish  of Saint John the Evangelist is hereby RELEGATED TO THE PROFANE BUT NOT SORDID USE according to the provisions of Can. 1222 §2.

 

After a careful consideration of the pastoral and financial needs, a determination was reached that the cost of maintaining Saint Rocco as an additional worship site was prohibitive to both the Parish of Saint  John  the Evangelist as well as to the Diocese  of Brooklyn,  especially in light of the significant financial hardship being experienced by both entities.

 

Taking into consideration  the needs of the entire Diocese  of Brooklyn, especially in light of the shortage  of priests  available  for  ministry  as well  as the significant  financial  burden  that this structure is imposing on the Parish  of Saint John the Evangelist and in view of the current demographical shifts that have resulted in a diminished number of faithful in the surrounding area, I have decided to permanently relegate this space to the profane but not sordid use.

 

Reverend Kenneth J. Grande wrote to request that the Church of Saint Rocco be relegated from the sacred to profane. Prior to the issuance of this decree and in keeping with the universal norms of the Roman Catholic Church, after consultation with parishioners as well as the Episcopal Vicar for Brooklyn, the Reverend Monsignor Joseph Grimaldi,  and after having definitely determined that the care of souls would not suffer because of this decision due to the close proximity of the parish church, I consented to this reduction.

 

After having determined that no other parties can legitimately claim rights for themselves in the Church  of Sai.nt  Rocco,  I presented  this matter for consultation  to the Diocesan  Presbyteral Council  on Tuesday, March  5, 2019.  Having considered the matter carefully, the Council overwhelmingly supported my decision to relegate this structure.

 

Therefore,  having  carefully  followed  the  provision  set  forth  in  Can.  1222  §2  and  having determined with moral certitude that the care of souls would suffer no determent,  I declare that this decree will take effect thirty days (30) after its publication and that by virtue of the same the Church of Saint Rocco will no longer be used for divine worship. In addition, I order that any sacred furnishing and artwork, which the Parish of Saint John the Evangelist does not retain for its own use, be disposed of in a manner befitting their character and the known intentions of any donor. Furthermore, in addition to the usual requirements of law for the valid and licit alienation by the parish of the property concerned, the sale of the church is subject to my approval as being constant with the requirements of Can. 1222 §2.

 

Given in Brooklyn, New York, this 9th day of April in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Nineteen.

 

Click here to view full Decree

Diocese of Brooklyn to Host Catholic Youth Day Rally

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
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jquaglione@desalesmedia.org


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Diocese of Brooklyn to Host Catholic Youth Day Rally

 

            The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing plans to host the 2019 Brooklyn and Queens Catholic Youth Day Rally this Saturday, March 30, at 500 19th Street in Brooklyn. The theme for this year’s event is “Ignite,” as in igniting the faith.

 

Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros will celebrate Mass at 10:30 am as part of the schedule of activities. The event will also feature live music, an opportunity for confession, and adoration.

 

The keynote speakers include Stephen Eguino of The Bosco Beats who will talk to the young adults about encountering their faith through music and social media. Will Smith, a nationally recognized speaker and youth minister, will also address those in attendance.

 

Members of the media are welcome to attend. To RSVP, please e-mail jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

St. Anselm Catholic Academy Students To Let Their Imagination Run Wild at STEM/Science Fair

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2019

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Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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St. Anselm Catholic Academy Students To Let Their Imagination Run Wild at STEM/Science Fair

            Brooklyn – St. Anselm Catholic Academy Principal Kevin Flanagan has announced that the school’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Science Fair will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at 7:00 pm at 365-83rd Street, Brooklyn. Projects from students of all grade levels will be on display.

 

Students from Pre-K 3 through 3rd grade will present class projects such as “Gummy Bear Science”, “Color Absorption” and “Colorful Carnations.”

 

Students in Grades 4-8 will compete individually on their grade level with projects such as a dancing robot, a solar car, fluorescent food, dance pad mania, a hydraulic hand and an experiment to discover which kind of wrapping prevents apples from browning.

 

Members of the media are invited to attend and encouraged to RSVP.

 

Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio to Officially Rededicate Historic Williamsburg Catholic Church

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 22, 2019

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Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio to Officially Rededicate Historic Williamsburg Catholic Church

 

            The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will officially rededicate and consecrate the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Williamsburg, located at 259 N. 5th Street, Brooklyn, this Sunday, March 24, 2019, at the 11 am Mass.

 

Highlights of the restoration include the altar, the baptismal font, the ambo, the ceiling and lighting, the murals and the 100-year-old pipe organ brought to the Church in 1930. These renovations have taken place over the last year. The church, opened in 1870, will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year.

 

The Mass will also officially mark the merger of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Our Lady of Mount Carmel parishes. Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello is the Pastor.

 

Members of the media are welcome to attend.

 

Diocese of Brooklyn’s First Hispanic Auxiliary Bishop René A. Valero Laid To Rest

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
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John Quaglione 
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Diocese of Brooklyn’s First Hispanic Auxiliary Bishop René A. Valero Laid To Rest

          The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, presided over the funeral Mass for the Most Reverend René A. Valero. The 88-year old was the first Hispanic to serve as an Auxiliary Bishop within the Diocese of Brooklyn, a position he held for more than 25 years. The funeral this morning was held at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, where Bishop Valero was laid to rest in the Bishops Crypt.

 

“He helped many people, but especially those most in need, like immigrants and senior citizens. He was a social worker and did that in order to help more people. His Episcopal ministry was one of service to people. He died after a very difficult, long illness that he never complained about; he took it in stride and always had a smile on his face,” said Bishop DiMarzio.

 

“He did his ministry with great love, with great compassion, humility, and simplicity. He gave himself to those who needed him. He was Venezuelan, that was his origins, but he did not just minister to Hispanics. He ministered to all in the Diocese. Hispanics in the Diocese will feel the loss because he touched so many lives and families with his smile, his love, and his care. So we say goodbye to a good friend, we say goodbye to a good priest of God, an example to all of us,” said Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros.

B-roll of this morning’s funeral for Retired Auxiliary Bishop René A. Valero in Douglaston can be found on this link:

https://vimeo.com/user70568130/review/325493647/83b31c5b02

BROOKLYN DIOCESE JOINS “40 DAYS FOR LIFE” PRAYER CAMPAIGN FOLLOWING NEW YORK STATE PASSAGE OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2019

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BROOKLYN DIOCESE JOINS “40 DAYS FOR LIFE” PRAYER CAMPAIGN FOLLOWING NEW YORK STATE PASSAGE OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACT

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, is announcing the support of the Diocese of Brooklyn, and churches throughout Brooklyn and Queens, for the 40 Days For Life campaign this Lenten season.  New York State’s passage of the horrific Reproductive Health Act earlier this year has inspired the Diocese of Brooklyn to join in this global pro-life mobilization.

 

The 40 Days For Life campaign has proven to be effective in increasing awareness of God’s gift of life through prayer, fasting, peaceful vigil and community outreach.

 

“In response to the recent malicious Reproductive Health Act adopted in New York State, I have received dozens of letters and messages from Catholics, throughout Brooklyn and Queens, who are profoundly shocked by this extremist pro-abortion law. As such, I thought it critical that during this season of Lent, our faithful have a greater opportunity to be part of something that places great emphasis on the value of life,” said The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

“Therefore, I have pledged the Diocese’s support for the worldwide 40 Days For Life campaign, and am encouraging a period of prayer, fasting, peaceful vigil and education to take place in the name of the unborn,” continued Bishop DiMarzio.
The Diocese of Brooklyn is encouraging parishes to offer opportunities to pray for an end to abortion during this Lenten season. A number of pro-life church events have already been scheduled, and more are in the planning stages, including an overnight prayer vigil at St. Leo’s Church in Corona, Queens on April 5-April 6 and a pro-life Mass and witness at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Jamaica, Queens on March 30 at 7 a.m.

 

“This year, after the passage of such an anti-life law in New York, it is important that the Diocese of Brooklyn will be participating in this pro-life campaign. Recognizing that with God, all things are possibleour efforts in Brooklyn and Queens will be part of one of the largest internationally coordinated pro-life mobilizations in history,” said Christian Rada, Director of Marriage, Family Formation, and Respect Life Education for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn has published the resource materials relating to the 40 Days For Lifeprogram on their website at dioceseofbrooklyn.org/marriage/marriage-and-family including pro-life rosary prayer intentions, blessings for expecting parents, and a litany of petitions to support life. For a full listing of events happening this Lenten season, visit the Meet Me In Church section of the Diocesan website homepage. 

Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Funeral Arrangements for Retired Auxiliary Bishop René A. Valero

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2019

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Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Funeral Arrangements for Retired Auxiliary Bishop René A. Valero

            The Diocese of Brooklyn has announced the funeral arrangements for Retired Auxiliary Bishop, the Most Reverend René A. Valero, who died on Sunday, March 10. 2019. Bishop Valero served for 25 years as an Auxiliary Bishop and was the first Hispanic to serve in such a role for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

 

The wake will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, March 19, 2019, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church located at 34-43 93rd Street in Jackson Heights. A Vigil Mass will also take place at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church tomorrow evening at 7:30 PM. Bishop Valero previously served as Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish.

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will preside at the funeral Mass on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 10:30 AM at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston at 7200 Douglaston Parkway.

Bishop Valero will be buried in the Bishops Crypt at the Immaculate Conception Center.

STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO ON NEW ZEALAND ATTACKS

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STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO ON NEW ZEALAND ATTACKS

“I strongly denounce the horrific attacks at the two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which were aimed at immigrants and people of faith. On behalf of all Catholics within the Diocese of Brooklyn, I offer my prayers for those who have perished and who have been injured in these mass shootings.  This is an unsettling reminder that the right to religious freedom is under attack throughout the world in nations that allow their citizens to worship the God they believe in,” said The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

Passing of Most Reverend René A. Valero

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OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

310 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, New York 11215 ● 718.399.5990 ● FAX: 718.399-5934 E-mail: curia@diobrook.org

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Most Reverend René A. Valero, Titular Bishop of Vicus Turris and Retired Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Bishop Valero was born on August 15, 1930 in New York City, was ordained to the Priesthood on June 2, 1956, was ordained a Bishop on November 24, 1980 and died Sunday, March 10, 2019, at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

Bishop Valero served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of Blessed Sacrament (Jackson Heights), as well as Parochial Vicar of Saint Agatha (Brooklyn) and Saint Michael-Saint Edward (Brooklyn).

Bishop Valero held numerous curial positions in the Diocese of Brooklyn, including serving as Vicar for Aging Concerns, Chair of the Racism Committee, Regional Bishop of Queens, Vicar for Immigration and Refugees, Coordinator of the Spanish Apostolate, Director of the Family Division of Catholic Charities and as a member of both the College of Consultors and the Diocesan Personnel Board.

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The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:

Immaculate Conception Center

7200 Douglaston Parkway

Douglaston, New York 11362

Tel: (718) 229-8001

Monday, March 18, 2019

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

AND

Blessed Sacrament R. C. Church

34-43 93rd Street
Jackson Heights, New York 11372

Tel: (718) 639-3888

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

VIGIL MASS:

Blessed Sacrament R. C. Church

34-43 93rd Street
Jackson Heights, New York 11372

Tel: (718) 639-3888

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

7:30 PM

 

FUNERAL MASS:

Immaculate Conception Center

7200 Douglaston Parkway

Douglaston, New York 11362

Tel: (718) 229-8001

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

10:30 AM

BURIAL:

Bishops Crypt at Immaculate Conception Center

 

Bishop Valero was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society. All priests are invited to concelebratethe Liturgy. Please bring your diocesan vestments.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Purtell, Family of Bishop René A. Valero, c/o Bishop Mugavero Residence, 7200 Douglaston Pkwy., Douglaston, New York 11362.

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.

Reverend Monsignor Anthony Hernandez, J.C.L.

Chancellor and Moderator of the Curia