BISHOP BRENNAN TO IMPLEMENT GOVERNANCE CHANGES FOR THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

Posted on June 23, 2023June 23, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2023

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, today announced the appointment of four Regional Episcopal Vicars and the restructuring of the 22 parish deaneries throughout Brooklyn and Queens. The new structure highlights Bishop Brennan’s commitment to enhancing the role of the deaneries and collaboration among parishes.

Reverend John J. Costello (Queens East), Reverend Joseph M. Hoffman (Brooklyn East), Most Reverend Witold Mroziewski (Brooklyn West), and Very Reverend Peter J. Purpura (Queens West) have each been selected as Regional Episcopal Vicars. We anticipate the celebration of a Mass of Installation at the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph in the fall.

“In an effort to increase the involvement of the Vicars at the parish and deanery level, I have decided to expand the number of such positions from two to four in the Diocese. I am asking a lot of these priests taking on this new role, all while remaining parish pastors, and so expanding the number of regional vicariates will make the responsibilities more manageable,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

“We have been working hard during the last year to reinvigorate the deaneries, and I am very satisfied with the progress made towards a more proactive working relationship among parishes. As we move forward, aware of the changing demographics and with the reality of fewer priests, we must look in this direction as we plan for the continued vitality of the Church here in Brooklyn and Queens in the future,” continued Bishop Brennan.

The Regional Vicars will have a general delegation, permission to grant confessional faculties, and permission to dispense from matrimonial impediments within the confines of the Diocese of Brooklyn. The Regional Vicars will meet with Bishop Brennan regularly to report on and discuss matters within their vicariate. They will serve as an ex-officio member of the Presbyteral Council, will serve on the Diocesan Assignment Board, and represent Bishop Brennan at civic and religious functions as requested.

The Regional Vicars will attend deanery meetings and meet individually with the deans in their vicariate a minimum of four times per year. They will provide input and encouragement on Diocesan initiatives, install and assist new pastors in their region, provide investigation and reconciliation to concerns made to the Bishop, assume a key role in Diocesan Pastoral Planning, address parish communities when allegations are made related to the Dallas Charter and/or Adult allegations, and in situations involving priests or deacons, collaborate with the Vicar of Clergy and Consecrated Life to address the situation and determine a proper remedy.

“The bishop has established these four vicariates in order to facilitate and enhance future pastoral initiatives in the Diocese. These well-respected members of the presbyterate bring with them extensive service as parish leaders. Their efforts will help advance conversations and plans to best serve the Catholic community within their region of the Diocese,” said Monsignor Joseph Grimaldi, Vicar General of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

The current Territorial Vicars are Most Reverend Neil Tiedemann (Brooklyn) and Most Reverend Witold Mroziewski (Queens). Bishop Tiedemann, who turned 75 years old earlier this year, has submitted his letter of resignation to Pope Francis as Canon Law requires, and his retirement is pending. Upon the Holy Father’s acceptance of Bishop Tiedemann’s resignation, these appointments will become effective.

Biographical information and photos of the new Regional Episcopal Vicars, and the composition and leadership of the new deaneries follow. The previous Diocesan deanery map divided Brooklyn and Queens by north and south. Parishes will now be categorized as east and west within each borough.

Reverend John J. Costello

Reverend John J. Costello was ordained to the priesthood on June 24, 1989. Father Costello has served as a priest for more than 34 years, assigned as a Parochial Vicar at both Our Lady of Miracles and St. Athanasius, and as Pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Holy Trinity, St. Kevin (Administrator), and presently as Pastor of St. Luke Roman Catholic Church. Father Costello served four years as the Director of Family Life for the Diocese of Brooklyn and then as the Director of Jubilee 2000. He has also served on the Diocesan Evangelization Commission, as Associate Vicar for Clergy, and as a mentor for the newly ordained.

Father Costello served at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and later as the Vice Rector of the former Cathedral Seminary House of Formation in Douglaston. Father Costello is a former Spiritual Advisor to the Pro Sanctity Movement in Brooklyn, and a past member of the Holy Cross High School Board of Directors.

Reverend Joseph M. Hoffman

Reverend Joseph M. Hoffman was ordained to the priesthood in October 1979. Father Hoffman has served the Diocese of Brooklyn for nearly 44 years, initially assigned as a Parochial Vicar to St. Martin of Tours. He has also served as Pastor of St. Lucy-St. Patrick Parish, St. Martin of Tours (second assignment), and St. Bartholomew. He is the current Pastor of St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church.

Father Hoffman serves as a Chaplain for the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). He is the former Chaplain of the Pope John II Family Academy in Bushwick.

Most Reverend Witold Mroziewski

Most Reverend Witold Mroziewski was ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 1991, in Poland, and was assigned to the Diocese of Brooklyn in 1992. Then-Father Mroziewski was assigned to Our Lady of Czestochowa–St. Casimir as a parochial vicar in 1993 and began his studies of Canon Law and administration at the Catholic University in Lublin in 1997.

Upon his return to the Brooklyn Diocese, Father Mroziewski was appointed as the administrator of Our Lady of Czestochowa–St. Casimir Parish, and in 2002, was named pastor. In 2013, Father Mroziewski was assigned to his current position as pastor at Holy Cross Church. On July 20, 2015, Father Witold Mroziewski was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Bishop Witold Mroziewski holds a Doctorate in Canon Law and has served in the Diocese of Brooklyn Tribunal as an attorney and judge, working on marriage-related cases. He serves as the Vicar for Migrant and Ethnic Apostolates for the Brooklyn Diocese and serves on the USCCB Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs, and on the Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe Subcommittee. Bishop Witold Mroziewski was named the Episcopal Vicar for Queens in March 2022.

MroziewskiWitold1 — Bishop Witold Mroziewski.

Reverend Peter J. Purpura

Reverend Peter J. Purpura was ordained to the priesthood to serve the Diocese of Brooklyn on June 30, 2007. Father Purpura has served as a Parochial Vicar at St. Bernard and Our Lady of Hope. In 2015, Father Purpura was named the Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of St. James, and presently serves as the Pastor of Our Lady of Hope.

Father Purpura holds a Licentiate of Canon Law degree and is a Vice-Chancellor of the Brooklyn Diocese. He previously served as an Associate Judicial Vicar for the Diocese. Father Purpura is a member of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and is a Chaplain to the Queensboro Chapter of UNICO (Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity, Opportunity) National.

June 2023 Diocesan Vicariate and Deanery Map

Listing of Vicariates and Deaneries including Parishes and Deans, June 2023

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN ORDAINS FOUR MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD

Posted on June 6, 2023June 6, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2023

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn today ordained four men as priests of the Diocese of Brooklyn during a Mass of Ordination, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

The new priests and their parish assignments are as follows:

Father Nnamdi Eusebius Eze, St. Gregory the Great in the Bellerose section of Queens

Father Ernesto Alonso-Aguila, St. Leo in the Corona section of Queens

Father Samuel Mwiwawi, Immaculate Conception in the Astoria section of Queens

Father Thimote Cherelus, St. Matthias in the Ridgewood section of Queens

“Indeed, the Church in Brooklyn and Queens, indeed the whole Church, rejoices in this magnificent gift. We give thanks to God for His grace and the courageous and generous response of these men about to be ordained. We rejoice and implore you to rely on God’s grace; let your friendship with Christ be at the very heart of everything that you do and more importantly, all that you are,” said Bishop Brennan in his remarks prior to ordaining the four new priests.

VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/832936783

Biographical information on each of the four new priests ordained to the Diocese of Brooklyn can be found below.

*Father Nnamdi Eusebius Eze

Nnamdi Eusebius Eze, born in Nigeria, graduated from the University of Nigeria in Nsukka with a degree in mechanical engineering. He has served the Catholic Church since becoming an altar server shortly after his First Holy Communion. In 2015, after the urging of his family, including an uncle who was serving as a priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn, he arrived in New York and entered St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie. Since his ordination as a transitional deacon, he has served at Our Lady of Grace in Howard Beach.

*Father Ernesto Alonso-Aguila

Ernesto Alonso, born in Havana, Cuba, became a missionary serving in the rural areas of the country as a young adult. In 2007, he joined his father in Miami, and began a career as a chef upon earning an associate’s degree from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. After eight years as a restaurant chef in Miami, he moved to New York City. At the age of 29, while living in Astoria, Queens, Ernesto began to consider a vocation to the priesthood, enrolling in the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Since his ordination as a transitional deacon, he has served at Holy Redeemer in East Boston.

*Father Samuel Mwiwawi

Samuel Mwiwawi was born in Kenya and is fluent in American Sign Language which he began to learn to help teach the Gospel to the hearing-impaired among his community. Upon his arrival to the United States, Samuel joined the Dominican Missionaries for the Apostolates of the Deaf and Disabled and spent a summer in a program at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., dedicated to deaf and hard of hearing students. In 2018-2019, the Dominicans recommended him to Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens to help interpret sign language. He completed his priestly studies at the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, and has served as a Transitional Deacon at St. Bernard in Mill Basin.

*Father Thimote Cherelus

Thimote Cherelus was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and became fascinated with the priesthood at the early age of five. His pastor encouraged him to get involved in parish ministries. He attended Catholic primary and high school, was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Port-au-Prince, and began a career as a business owner. He then earned a second bachelor’s degree in philosophy on a scholarship from Divine World College in Epworth, Iowa. Thimote then came to the Diocese of Brooklyn and resided in the St. John Paul II House of Discernment for one year, during which time his vocation to the priesthood was confirmed for him. He entered St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie where he completed his priestly studies. As a transitional deacon, he has served at Our Lady of Fatima in Jackson Heights.

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OrdinationMassCoCathedralStJoseph1 — 2023 Mass of Ordination for the Diocese of Brooklyn celebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan.

LayingProstateontheAltar — The four men ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, June 3, 2023 laying prostrate on the floor of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Brooklyn.

OrdinationMass2023ChurchPhoto — A large crowd gathered to celebrate the ordination of the new priests.

BishopBrennanandNewlyOrdained — The newly ordained Father Samuel Mwiwawi, Father Nnamdi Eusebius Eze (front l to r) and Father Ernesto Alonso, Bishop Robert Brennan, and Father Thimote Cherelus, on the steps of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph after Mass.

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN TO ORDAIN FOUR MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD SATURDAY

Posted on June 1, 2023June 1, 2023

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, will ordain four men as priests of the Diocese of Brooklyn during a Mass of Ordination, on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

The four ordinands are:

*Rev. Mr. Nnamdi Eusebius Eze

*Rev. Mr. Ernesto Alonso

*Rev. Mr. Samuel Mwiwawi

Samuel Mwiwawi was born in Kenya and is fluent in American Sign Language which he began to learn to help teach the Gospel to the hearing-impaired among his community. Upon his arrival to the United States, Samuel joined the Dominican Missionaries for the Apostolates of the Deaf and Disabled, and spent a summer in a program at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., dedicated to deaf and hard of hearing students. In 2018-2019, the Dominicans recommended him to Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens to help interpret sign language. He completed his priestly studies at the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, and has served as a Transitional Deacon at St. Bernard in Mill Basin.

*Rev. Mr. Thimote Cherelus

Thimote Cherelus was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and became fascinated with the priesthood at the early age of five. His pastor encouraged him to get involved in parish ministries. He attended Catholic primary and high school, was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Port-au-Prince, and began a career as a business owner. He then earned a second bachelor’s degree in philosophy on a scholarship from Divine World College in Epworth, Iowa. Thimote then came to the Diocese of Brooklyn and resided in the St. John Paul II House of Discernment for one year, during which time his vocation to the priesthood was confirmed for him. He entered St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie where he completed his priestly studies. As a transitional deacon, he has served at Our Lady of Fatima in Jackson Heights.

The Ordination Mass will air live on NET-TV, the cable channel of the Diocese of Brooklyn. NET-TV can be found on Spectrum channel 97; Optimum channel 30; and on FiOS Channel 548. The Mass will also be live-streamed at netny.tv/watch-now.

Members of the media are welcome and asked to confirm their attendance.

The attached photos of the four ordinands are courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

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New Priest Ordination 2023

Posted on May 23, 2023June 5, 2023

PRIEST ORDINATION: June 3, 2023

CO-CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOSEPH

Rev. Nnamdi Eusebius Eze

As the eldest of six children, Rev. Eze was born in Nigeria to Linus and Stella Eze, who instilled in him Godly teachings and examples. He lived near a local Catholic church, where he became an altar server after his First Holy Communion, and credits his uncle Kevin Eze for demonstrating a profound passion for prayer, giving him hope and direction. Rev. Eze attended Boys High School in Orba and graduated from the University of Nigeria in Nsukka with a degree in mechanical engineering. His decision to enter the seminary was encouraged by his parents and another uncle, Father Franklin Ezeorah, who already was ordained and serving in the U.S. as the parochial vicar at St. Martin de Porres Parish in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Rev. Eze arrived in New York in 2015. Since his ordination as a transitional deacon last November, he has been serving at Our Lady of Grace, Howard Beach, while remaining in formation at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie.

Rev. Ernesto Alonso

Rev. Alonso was born in 1978 in Havana, Cuba. He became a missionary in rural areas as a young adult, armed with knowledge he learned from Vincentian priests while studying philosophy at a minor seminary. In 2007, Rev. Alonso left Cuba for Miami where his father had become a U.S. citizen. He earned an associate’s degree from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Miami and became a personal chef for the families. Rev. Alonso settled in Astoria, Queens where he became active in St. Joseph’s Parish as a catechist. He then became the director of religious education, which started him thinking about his priestly vocation again as he did when he was 29 years old. Rev. Alonso worked summers in Saints Simon and Jude Parish in far southwest Brooklyn and helped out at Immaculate Conception Parish in Astoria while in formation at the national seminary in Westin. He worked at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in East Boston as well. Rev. Alonso loves teaching students of all ages and ministering to the homebound where he visits the sick daily at Immaculate Conception.

Rev. Samuel Mwiwawi

Rev. Samuel Mwiwawi spent his childhood living all over Kenya, one of six children of Hendrick and Florence Lucy Mwiwawi. He is fluent in American Sign Language as he started learning it in Kenya to help teach the Gospel to hearing-impaired people there. Once he came to the U.S., he joined the Dominican Missionaries for the Apostolates of the Deaf and Disabled. His sign-language skills improved during a summer-long “immersion” program at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. In 2018-2019, the Dominicans referred him to help interpret sign language for Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens. Rev. Mwiwawi completed his studies at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. Since his ordination as a transitional deacon, he has immersed himself in parish life, including helping at Mass and with the administration of sacraments, visiting the homebound, and religious education program at St. Bernard Catholic Academy. He speaks English and Swahili, adding that learning Spanish is “a work in progress.”

Rev. Thimote Cherelus

The youngest of six children, born to Cevelorme and Nostha Cherelus in Portau-Prince, Haiti, Rev. Cherelus was fascinated with the priesthood at the age of 5 and 6. His pastor encouraged him to join a Church group to develop his prayer life and participate in Church ministries and activities. He attended Catholic schools and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Port-au-Prince. He began working as a business owner. While visiting Haiti, Rev. Cherelus met some recruiters from Divine World College in Epworth, Iowa. The college offered him a scholarship and there he earned a second bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Father Suckiel, now pastor of Holy Family Parish in Flushing Queens, made a space for Rev. Cherelus in the St. John Paul II House of Discernment, where he resided for a year. During that time, his vocation solidified. St. Joseph Seminary in Dunwoodie admitted him and he embarked on earning his master’s in theology and attended workshops to teach future priests the business side of running a parish. As a transitional deacon, helped at Our Lady of Fatima, Jackson Heights, Queens.

Announcement of Death – Reverend Emilio J. Salerno

Posted on May 15, 2023May 15, 2023

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Emilio J. Salerno, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Salerno was born on December 27, 1933 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 30, 1959 and died Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Father Salerno served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Francis of Assisi (Astoria), and Saint Frances Cabrini (Brooklyn). He also served as Administrator of the Parish of Saint John the Evangelist (Brooklyn), and Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Mary Queen of Heaven (Brooklyn), Saint Francis of Paola (Brooklyn), and Saint Blaise (Brooklyn).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Immaculate Conception Center

Sunday, May 21, 2023

3:00 PM – 6:30 PM

7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362

Tel: (718) 229-8001

VIGIL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center

7:00 PM

7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362

FUNERAL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center

Monday, May 22, 2023

11:00 AM

7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362

BURIAL: Mount Saint Mary Cemetery

Flushing, New York

Father Salerno 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. Norma Guidice, 6 Saint James Place, Hempstead, New York 11550.

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

Chancellor

Announcement of Death for Reverend Monsignor George T. Deas

Posted on May 15, 2023May 15, 2023

Screen Shot 2022 11 04 at 12.31.11 PM

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor George T. Deas, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Deas was born on December 16, 1925, was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1951, and died Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

Monsignor Deas served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament (Bayside) and parochial vicar of Saint Francis of Assisi (Brooklyn). He served as Episcopal Vicar and a member of the Diocesan Priests’ Senate, Diocesan Presbyteral Council, Assignment Board, Ministerial Development Committee and Priests Personnel Board. Monsignor Deas received the honor of Prelate of His Holiness in 1976.

The arrangements are as follows:

Thursday, May 18, 2023

WAKE: Immaculate Conception Center

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362

Tel: (718) 229-8001

VIGIL MASS: Immaculate Conception Center

7:00 PM

7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, New York 11362

Friday, May 19, 2023

FUNERAL: Immaculate Conception Center

11:00 AM

7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, New York 11362

BURIAL: Saint John Cemetery

Middle Village, New York

Monsignor Deas 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 Reverend William Rueger, PO Box 472, East Hampton, New York 11937.

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

Chancellor and Vicar for Canonical Affairs

Meet the Ordinandi Class of 2023

Posted on May 3, 2023June 5, 2023

ORDINATION: SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023

CO-CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOSEPH

11:00 AM

Deacon Edwin Arguera – 64, Holy Name of Jesus in Brooklyn. He was born in El Salvador. He is a Financial Counselor for Patients. He is involved in his parish as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, Hospitality, and Choir Ministry, also serving as Acolyte in the Spanish Mass. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on March 28, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

Deacon Heriberto Antonio Cabrera – 65, St. Bernard Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in the Dominican Republic; he has been married to Ramona for 39 years and they have 4 daughters and 3 grandchildren. He is a lawyer. He is involved in his parish’s Spanish Ministry, he is a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and is also involved in the Mission to Dominican Republic. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.

Deacon Alberto Jesus Cordero – 41, Blessed Sacrament – St. Sylvester Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico; he has been married to Cheimaggie for 21 years and they have 3 children. He is a financial advisor. He is involved in his parish as a Catechist, Eucharistic Minister, Food Pantry, Grupo de Parejas, Hermandad de Emaus, Knights of Columbus, Lector, Movimiento Juan XXII, and RCIA. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 7:15 p.m.

Deacon Marcial Alfonso Cordon – 50, Saint Sebastian Parish in Queens. He was born in Guatemala; he has been married to Vivian for 25 years and they have 4 children. He is a software engineer, consultant, and social business entrepreneur. He is involved in his parish as the Spanish Lector Coordinator, Eucharistic Extraordinary Minister Coordinator, Baptism Catechesis, Hispanic Pastoral, and Marriage Hispanic Pastoral. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 12:00 p.m.

Deacon Roberto Cruz – 49, St. Sebastian Parish in Queens. He was born in the Bronx, NY; he has been married to Romelyn for 13 years and they have 3 children. He is a Collections Specialist. He is involved in his parish’s Hospitality Ministry, Baptismal Instructor Ministry, Stewardship Committee, Outreach to the Homeless, is a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.

Deacon Timothy Gladson (Cheriaparampil) – 58, Our Lady of the Snows Parish in Queens. He was born in India; he has been married to Bindu for 27 years and they have 2 children. He is a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Indian Apostolate, Finance Committee, Pre-Baptism Classes, he is the Vice Chair of Our Lady of Snows School Board, he is also a Religious Ed. Teacher (substitute). A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 12:30 p.m.

Deacon Thomas Gleason – 55, St. Columba Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Amy for 27 years and they have 3 children. He is a retired NYC Correction Officer and is an active Plant Manager at St. Columba Parish. He is the president of the St. Columba Holy Name Society, lector, Sacristan, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and altar server coordinator. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.

Deacon John Leo Heyer II – 40, Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary & St. Stephen Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in New York; he has been married to Maria for 14 years and they have 3 children. He is a Funeral Director, Director of Parish Based Stewardship for CFBQ and the Pastoral Associate of Sacred Hearts – St. Stephen Parish. He is involved in Parish-Based Stewardship & Italian Ministry. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 12:00 p.m.

Deacon John Michael Lonie – 59, Good Shepherd Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Lynne for 36 years and they have 3 children. He is a Professor of Pharmacy. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Acolyte, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and Homebound Communion visits. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 12:00 p.m.

Deacon Daniel D. Maher – 55, Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians Parish in Woodside. He was born in Queens, NY; he has been married to Anne Marie for 24 years and they have 2 children. He is an Assistant Professor of Military Science. He is involved in his parish as a Lector. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

Deacon Jose Ismael Muñoz del Cid – 55, Divine Mercy Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Guatemala; he was married to Marisa for 29 years and she passed away in February 2020. They have 4 children and 1 grandchild. He is self-employed. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, and he is the Head of the Ushers, Acolyte. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday May 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish (St. Nicholas).

Deacon Rigoberto Pabon – 62, Ss. Peter and Paul and Epiphany Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Puerto Rico; he has been married to Vivian for 41 years and they have 2 children. He is a Security Systems Installer. He is involved in his parish as a Lector and Acolyte. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

Deacon Yoon (Richard) Pak – 57, Holy Spirit Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in South Korea; he has been married to Sarah for 28 years and they have 2 sons. He is a Finance Manager. He is involved in his parish as an Acolyte, Lector, and Catechist for High School Students. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Deacon Michael Pearce – 65, St. Camillus – St. Virgilius Parish in Rockaway Park. He was born in New York; he has been married to Elizabeth for 21 years. He is retired. He is involved in his parish’s Legion of Mary, Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, he is also a Lector and Extraordinary Minister. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28 at 11:30 a.m.

Deacon Eric Michael Peterson – 46, Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Royal Oak, Michigan. He is a park manager. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Religious Education/Catechesis, he also has been a member of the Parish Council and Liturgy Committee. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.

Deacon Dimitri Santana – 57, St. Michael’s Parish in Flushing. He was born in Puerto Rico. He is a Software Engineer. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Eucharist Minister, Acolyte, Feeding the Hungry & the Homeless by assisting with the packing and distribution of food. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 1:30 p.m.

Deacon Edgar Saucedo Gutierrez – 42, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Mexico; he has been married to Olivia for 12 years and they have 1 child. He is a custodian; he also works as a chef and is in the process of completing his Licenciatura en Teología online program from the Universidad de Mexico. He is involved in his parish’s Catechism Class. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 11:15 a.m.

Deacon Alonzo Torres – 47, St. Agatha Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Consepción for 23 years and they have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. He is an IT Professional. He is involved in his parish as a Catechist, and Sacramental Coordinator. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

Deacon George Louis Velez – 46, Ss. Peter and Paul and Epiphany Parish in Brooklyn. He was born in Brooklyn, NY; he has been married to Amarilys for 25 years and they have 5 children. He is a Coordinating Manager. He is involved in his parish as a Lector, Acolyte and Catechist. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

Want to know more about the role of a deacon? Find out here.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DEATH OF MONSIGNOR MARTIN T. GERAGHTY

Posted on April 11, 2023April 11, 2023

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor Martin T. Geraghty, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Geraghty was born on March 6, 1940 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on December 16, 1964 and died Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Monsignor Geraghty served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Robert Bellarmine (Bayside), and Saint Francis de Sales (Belle Harbor). He also served as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Saint Joan of Arc (Jackson Heights), and Saint Elizabeth (Ozone Park). Monsignor Geraghty was also a faculty member at Cathedral College. On September 11, 1989, Monsignor Geraghty was named Prelate of Honor to His Holiness.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:

Saint Francis de Sales R.C Church 129-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard Belle Harbor, New York 11694

Tel: (718) 634-6464

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Thursday, April 13, 2023

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

VIGIL MASS:

Saint Francis de Sales R.C Church

129-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard Belle Harbor, New York 11694

Tel: (718) 634-6464

Thursday, April 13, 2023

7:30 PM

FUNERAL MASS:

Saint Francis de Sales R.C Church

129-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard Belle Harbor, New York 11694

Tel: (718) 634-6464

Friday, April 14, 2023

11:00 AM

BURIAL:

Saint Peter’s Cemetery

Staten Island, New York

Monsignor Geraghty 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. Alice Graham, 403 Oakland Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10310.

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

Chancellor

BISHOP BRENNAN GIVES DISPENSATION FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Posted on March 15, 2023March 16, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2023

BISHOP BRENNAN GIVES DISPENSATION FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn has issued a dispensation from the Lenten obligation to abstain from eating meat for this Friday, March 17, 2023, which is St. Patrick’s Day. In granting the dispensation, Bishop Brennan acknowledges the day honors St. Patrick, who brought Catholicism to Ireland and celebrates the many Irish immigrants who brought the faith to the Diocese in Brooklyn and Queens.

“I am pleased to grant this dispensation for this Friday of Lent only, so that celebrations of St. Patrick can be fully enjoyed by the faithful of the Diocese, or those who find themselves in Brooklyn and Queens commemorating the day. During this Holy season of Lent, I ask those who do utilize this dispensation to perform a work of charity as an alternative,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

Lent is the 40-day season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes at sundown on Holy Thursday. Catholics abstain from eating meat on all Fridays during the Lenten Season, as well as on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

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Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor John W. Maloney

Posted on February 4, 2023

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor John W. Maloney, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Maloney was born on June 4, 1949, in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on April 19, 1975, and died Thursday, February 2, 2023.

Monsignor Maloney served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Anselm (Brooklyn), Our Lady of Light (Saint Albans), and Saint Mary Magdalene (Springfield Gardens). He also served as Episcopal Vicar for Queens South, and Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Saint Pascal Baylon (Saint Albans). He was also in residence at the Parish of Our Lady of Angels (Brooklyn). On March 1, 2007, Monsignor Maloney was named Prelate of Honor to His Holiness. The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:
Saint Anselm R.C Church, 356 82nd Street, Brooklyn, New York 11209
Tel: (718) 238-2900
Monday, February 6, 2023
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

VIGIL MASS:
Saint Anselm R.C Church, 356 82nd Street, Brooklyn, New York 11209
Tel: (718) 238-2900
Monday, February 6, 2023
7:00 PM

FUNERAL MASS:
Saint Anselm R.C Church, 356 82nd Street, Brooklyn, New York 11209
Tel: (718) 238-2900
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
11:00 AM

BURIAL:
Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Monsignor Maloney 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. Robert Maloney, 7825 4th Avenue, Apartment B10, Brooklyn, New York 11209.

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

Diocese of Brooklyn

Diocesan News

BISHOP BRENNAN TO IMPLEMENT GOVERNANCE CHANGES FOR THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN ORDAINS FOUR MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN TO ORDAIN FOUR MEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD SATURDAY

New Priest Ordination 2023

PRIEST ORDINATION: June 3, 2023

Announcement of Death – Reverend Emilio J. Salerno

Announcement of Death for Reverend Monsignor George T. Deas

Meet the Ordinandi Class of 2023

ORDINATION: SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DEATH OF MONSIGNOR MARTIN T. GERAGHTY

BISHOP BRENNAN GIVES DISPENSATION FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Announcement of Death – Reverend Monsignor John W. Maloney

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