Passing of Reverend William A. Smith

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend William A. Smith, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, who was residing at the Bishop Mugavero Residence for Senior Priests in Douglaston, after being in residence at Corpus Christi R.C. Church (Woodside) for several years. Father Smith was born on September 18, 1946, was ordained to the Priesthood on March 30, 1974, and died Friday, January 5, 2018 at Long Island Jewish Hospital.

Father Smith served the Diocese of Brooklyn as pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua (Ozone Park), Saint Martin of Tours- Fourteen Holy Martyrs (Brooklyn), Our Lady of Lourdes (Brooklyn), and Saint LucySaint Patrick (Brooklyn). He also served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Solace (Brooklyn), Incarnation (Queens Village), Our Lady of Refuge (Brooklyn), Saint Agnes and Sacred Heart Chapel (Brooklyn), and Holy Name (Brooklyn), and as a Counselor in Canon Law in the Tribunal.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Corpus Christi
31-30 61st Street
Woodside, New York
Tel: (718) 278-8114

Sunday, January 7, 2018
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

VIGIL MASS:
Corpus Christi
31-30 61st Street
Woodside, New York
Tel: (718) 278-8114

Sunday, January 7, 2018
7:00 PM

FUNERAL:
Corpus Christi
31-30 61st Street
Woodside, New York
Tel: (718) 278-8114

Monday, January 8, 2018
12:00 PM

BURIAL:
Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Father Smith was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society. All priests are invited to concelebrate the Liturgy. Please bring your diocesan vestments.

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 Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Winter Storm School Openings And Closings For 01-05-18

Due to Snowstorm Grayson, many schools in the diocese are closed, but some have remained open. Please check this list to find the status of your school. Your individual school may have more information if needed.


** UPDATE **
Additional Closed Schools As of The Morning Of Friday, January 5


Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy in Astoria
Incarnation Catholic Academy
Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy of Howard Beach
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Academy
Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy
Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Academy
Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Academy of Bellerose
Saint Joseph Catholic Academy
Saint Margaret Catholic Academy


Schools Open On Friday, January 5, 2018


Blessed Sacrament Catholic Academy
Saint Brigid Catholic Academy
Saint Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Academy
Saint Patrick Catholic Academy
Salve Regina Catholic Academy


Schools Closed On Friday, January 5, 2018


Divine Mercy Catholic Academy
Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy Douglaston
Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy Bayside
Good Shepherd Catholic Academy
Holy Angels Catholic Academy
Holy Child Jesus Catholic Academy
Holy Family Catholic Academy
Holy Trinity Catholic Academy
Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy
Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Academy
Midwood Catholic Academy
Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Academy
Notre Dame Catholic Academy
Our Lady’s Catholic Academy
Our Lady of Fatima School
Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Academy
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy of Brooklyn
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy
Our Lady of the Angelus Catholic Academy
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Academy
Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy
Our Lady of Trust Catholic Academy
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Academy
Queen of All Saints Catholic Academy
Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy
Resurrection Ascension Catholic Academy
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy (Bayside)
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy (Cambria Heights)
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy (Glendale)
Saint Adalbert Catholic Academy
Saint Andrew Avellino Catholic Academy
Saint Anselm Catholic Academy
Saint Athanasius Catholic Academy
Saint Bartholomew Catholic Academy
Saint Bernadette Catholic Academy
Saint Bernard Catholic Academy
Saint Camillus Catholic Academy
Saint Catherine of Genoa/Saint Therese of Lisieux Catholic Academy
Saint Clare Catholic Academy
Saint Edmund School
Saint Elizabeth Catholic Academy
Saint Ephrem School
Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Academy
Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Academy
Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy
Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy in Astoria
Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Academy
Saint Helen Catholic Academy
Saint Joan of Arc School
Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy
Saint Kevin Catholic Academy
Saint Leo Catholic Academy
Saint Luke School
Saint Mark Catholic Academy
Saint Matthias Catholic Academy
Saint Mel Catholic Academy
Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Academy
Saint Pancras School
Saint Peter Catholic Academy
Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Academy
Saint Saviour Catholic Academy
Saint Sebastian Catholic Academy
Saint Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy
Saint Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy of Queens
Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Academy
Saints Joachim and Anne School
Visitation Academy

PASSING OF Reverend Joaquin Suran

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Joaquin Suran, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Suran was born on February 23, 1922 in Istria, Italy, was ordained for the Salesians of Don Bosco on November 11, 1949, was incardinated into the Diocese of Brooklyn on July 23, 1987 and died Monday, December 4, 2017 in North Shore Hospital Manhasset.

Father Suran ministered in the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Saint Anthony – Saint Alphonsus (Brooklyn), Our Lady of the Angelus (Rego Park), Blessed Sacrament (Brooklyn), Saint Paul the Apostle (Corona) and Saint Leo (Corona).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Edward Guida Funeral Home
4720 104th Street
Flushing, New York 11368
Tel: (718) 424-2000

Wednesday, December 6, 2017
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

FUNERAL:
Saint Leo R. C. Church
104-05 49th Avenue Corona, New York 11368
Tel: (718) 592-7569
Thursday, December 7, 2017
10:30 AM

BURIAL:
Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York 11379

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 Vicar for Canonical Affairs

PASSING OF Reverend Eugene F. McGovern

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Eugene F. McGovern, retired senior priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, who was in residence at the Bishop Mugavero Residence. Father McGovern was born on July 30, 1929 in Brooklyn, was ordained to the Priesthood on June 2, 1956, and died Sunday, November 19, 2017, at Maimonides Hospital.

Father McGovern served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of St. Aloysius (Ridgewood) and as Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament (Jackson Heights) and Our Lady of Angels (Brooklyn). He served as Assistant Spiritual Director at Cathedral College (Douglaston) and as the Diocesan Sodality Deanery Director of Southwest Brooklyn.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Leone Funeral Home
696 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11232
Tel: (718) 768-4000

Tuesday, November 28, 2017
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

VIGIL MASS:
Immaculate Heart of Mary R.C. Church
2805 Fort Hamilton Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11218
Tel: (718) 871-1310

Tuesday, November 28, 2017
7:30 PM

FUNERAL:
Immaculate Heart of Mary R.C. Church
2805 Fort Hamilton Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11218
Tel: (718) 871-1310

Wednesday, November 29, 2017
10:30 AM

BURIAL:
Holy Cross Cemetery Brooklyn, New York

Father McGovern was a member of the Priests’ Purgatorial Society. All priests are invited to concelebrate the Liturgy. Please bring your diocesan vestments. If you wish to send condolences, please mail to his cousin, Ms. Peg Jordan, 84 Fordam Road, South Hampton, New York 11968.

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 Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Diocese Christmas Tree Lighting

The Christmas Tree and Nativity Creche are world-wide symbols of the holidays in New York City. This year, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s 2018 Christmas Tree will be lit for the first time on Tuesday, December 11th at 5:00 PM at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

Join Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and parishioners from all over Brooklyn and Queens for this special occasion. The Tree will remain lit and can be viewed until January 2019.

 

Official Statement of the Diocese of Brooklyn

The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that James Lara, aka Jaime Lara, who was ordained in 1973 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1992, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized by the Holy Father.  This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric.  This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is consistent with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

_________________

The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Joseph P. Byrns, who was ordained in 1969 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2002, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

_________________

The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that William E. Finger, who was ordained in 1962 and was in active ministry until his departure in 1980, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship, which at the time was the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

_________________

The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Stephen Placa, who was ordained in 1995 and was in active ministry until his departure in 2002, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

_________________

The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Thomas O. Morrow, who was ordained in 1971 and was in active ministry until his departure in 1987, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

_________________

The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Romano J. Ferraro, who was ordained in 1960 and was removed from active ministry in 1988, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

_________________

The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Charles M. Mangini, who was ordained in 1968 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1993, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

_________________

The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Christopher Lee Coleman, who was ordained in 1994 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2011, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Robert McConnin, who was ordained in 1973 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2007, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

_________________

The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Thomas Nohilly, who was ordained in 1981 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2002, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Barry E. Ryan, who was ordained in 1976 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1994, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Patrick Sexton, who was ordained in 1977 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1990, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Daniel J. Sheehan, who was ordained in 1979 and was in active ministry until his departure in 1998, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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Bishop DiMarzio’s Statement on Texas Massacre

News of yet another mass shooting in our country, this one inside a church, is devastating. To know that men, women, and children, in the midst of prayer and worship, met such violence and pain, is unfathomable. While it is so difficult to understand a tragedy like this, we must not waver in our faith. We must strengthen our prayers. And as we pray for the victims, their families, and for the perpetrator, we should take comfort in knowing that all of those who lost their lives in this tragedy are in God’s Merciful hands.

 

Passing of Reverend Joachim B. Fernando

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Joachim B. Fernando, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Fernando was born on March 10, 1935 in Sri Lanka, was ordained to the Priesthood on August 31, 1962, was incardinated into the Diocese of Brooklyn on November 6, 1989 and died Sunday, October 22, 2017 in Sri Lanka, where all arrangements have taken place.

Father Fernando ministered in the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Holy Cross (Brooklyn), Saint Malachy (Brooklyn) and Saint Pius X (Rosedale).

The Memorial Mass information is as follows:

MEMORIAL:
Saint Pius X R.C. Church
MASS 148-10 249th Street
Rosedale, New York 11422
Tel: (718) 525-9099

Sunday, November 5, 2017
11:00 AM

If you wish to send condolences, please mail to the Fernando Family, 91 Basiyawatta, Thalahena, Negombo, Sri Lanka.

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 Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Passing of Very Reverend Vartan (Thomas) Garabedian

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Very Reverend Vartan (Thomas) Garabedian, J.C.D., a priest of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg in the USA and Canada, formerly ministering in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Garabedian was born on July 26, 1973 in Lebanon, was ordained to the Priesthood on July 6, 2003, and died Sunday, October 1, 2017.

Father Garabedian served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Judge and Adjutant Judicial Vicar for the Tribunal, with residence at the Parish of Saint Ann, Flushing.

The arrangements are as follows:

MEMORIAL:
Mary’s Nativity – Saint Ann R.C. Church MASS (Mass at Saint Ann Worship Site)
142-30 58th Avenue Flushing, New York 11355
Tel: (718) 359-5996

Thursday, November 9, 2017
7:30 PM

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 Vicar for Canonical Affairs