DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN NAMES IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CENTER’S NEW DIRECTOR

Posted on September 20, 2022

The Diocese of Brooklyn has announced that Deacon Andrew T. Mastrangelo has been appointed as the new Director of the Immaculate Conception Center located in Douglaston, New York. Deacon Andrew Mastrangelo replaces Deacon Stanley Galazin whose retirement took effect on August 31, 2022, after serving 19 years in this role.

“I am grateful to God for guiding me to this new position working with the Diocese of Brooklyn. I appreciate Deacon Stanley’s guidance, confidence, and support during the transition, as I assume responsibility for the operations of this building which is central to the Catholic faith in Brooklyn and Queens. I look forward to advancing the mission of the Immaculate Conception Center while supporting the day-to-day work that happens here,” said Deacon Andrew T. Mastrangelo.

“Knowing this position would allow me to assist the retired priests, who were instrumental in my faith and to many in the Diocese, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I also am ready to assist the seminarians as they discern their vocation and calling,” continued Deacon Mastrangelo.

Andrew Mastrangelo graduated from St. John’s University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and completed the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Diaconate Formation Program in May 2015.

Deacon Andrew is a Permanent Deacon at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church in the Howard Beach section of Queens. Deacon Mastrangelo most recently served as the Business Manager for Most Precious Blood-St. Simon and Jude in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn, while working at the Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens Office of Mission ministering to those in need and the homebound during the recent pandemic. He officially took over as the Director of the Immaculate Conception Center on September 6, 2022.

A resident of Howard Beach, Deacon Mastrangelo is married to his wife Linda for 38 years and together, they are the proud parents of three children and they have two grandchildren. He enjoys playing golf in his free time.

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Deacon Andrew Mastrangelo has been named the new Director of the Immaculate Conception Center by the Diocese of Brooklyn.

NEW YORK CATHOLIC CHURCH MILESTONE: LONG ISLAND’S FIRST CATHOLIC CHURCH, BUILT IN BROOKLYN, CELEBRATES 200 YEARS OF WORSHIP

Posted on August 9, 2022February 7, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 8, 2022

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
646-241-9805
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione
718-576-9180
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

LONG ISLAND’S FIRST CATHOLIC CHURCH, BUILT IN BROOKLYN, TO CELEBRATE 200^th ANNIVERSARY

His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, will be the main celebrant and homilist at a special Mass to commemorate the 200^th Anniversary of the parish of St. James, the first Catholic Church to be built on all of Long Island, on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at 2 p.m. Bishop Robert Brennan of Brooklyn, and Bishop John Barres of Rockville Centre, will concelebrate the Mass.

“The same Holy Spirit 200 years ago inspired a generation of people to want to build up the Church. The same Holy Spirit works in the hearts of men and women today,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

Prior to the construction of St. James, there was no established church on Long Island, which back then was comprised of Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties. For residents of the Village of Brooklyn to attend Mass, they had to commute by boat to Manhattan. On July 25, 1822, on the Feast of St. James, New York Bishop John Connolly traveled from St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral to bless the cornerstone of the Church designated as St. James.

The Diocese continued to build churches and schools throughout Long Island from Brooklyn to Montauk. In 1957, the Diocese of Rockville Centre was established, which altered the boundaries of the Diocese of Brooklyn to include the counties of Kings and Queens.

In 1972, Bishop Francis Mugavero officially designated St. James as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Brooklyn. It was the Pro-Cathedral until that time as it was the first Church of the Diocese and there were plans to build a bigger cathedral. Those plans were suspended by Bishop John Loughlin, the first Bishop of Brooklyn, due to financial concerns.

In 1979, Pope John Paul II visited St. James Cathedral and in 1982, officially designated the Cathedral as a Basilica.

St. James is a Neo-Georgian Church that features a spire, a large gallery, and a nave. From above, the church building reflects construction in the shape of a cross, referred to as cruciform. The stained-glass windows of this brick church were made in Germany. The Cathedral Basilica of St. James is located on Jay Street between Cathedral Place and Chapel Street in downtown Brooklyn.

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*DeSales Studios has produced a documentary on the 200^th Anniversary of St. James which will premiere on NET-TV on August 14^th at 5 p.m. To view the trailer, click here:

https://vimeo.com/735611541/fdb168a0d0

Reverend Joseph P. Quigley – Announcement of Death

Posted on July 29, 2022July 29, 2022

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Joseph P. Quigley, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Quigley was born on September 15, 1933 in New York, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 1960, and died Friday, July 29, 2022.

Father Quigley served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Saint Mark (Brooklyn), Our Lady of Sorrows (Corona), and Saint Augustine (Brooklyn). He also served as Chaplain for the Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE: Saint Mark R.C Church
2609 East 19th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11235
Tel: (718) 891-3100

Sunday, July 31, 2022
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

FUNERAL: Saint Mark R.C Church

2609 East 19th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11235
Tel: (718) 891-3100

Monday, August 1, 2022
11:00 AM

INTERNMENT: Saint John Cemetery
Middle Village, New York

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends. May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.

If you wish to send condolences, please mail them to his brother, Mr. Patrick Quigley, P.O. Box 417, Poconos Pines, PA 18350.

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

Posted on June 16, 2022June 16, 2022

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Leonard F. Badia, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who was exercising priestly ministry in the Diocese of Palm Beach in Florida. Father Badia was born on August 23, 1934, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 1960, and died Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

Father Badi served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parish of Saint Francis Assisi, and Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Saint Margaret (Middle Village), Saint Andrew Avellino (Flushing), and Saint Kevin (Flushing). On March 25, 2001, he was named a canon of the Roman Catholic Church in the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Lowicz, Poland.

The arrangements are as follows:

Emmanuel Catholic Church
15700 South Military Trail Delray Beach, Florida 33484 Tel: (561) 496-2480
Monday, June 20, 2022
11:00 AM

Emmanuel Catholic Church
15700 South Military Trail Delray Beach, Florida 33484 Tel: (561) 496-2480
Monday, June 20, 2022
12:00 PM

INTERNMENT:
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 them to his niece, Madeline Turan, 1289 Roosevelt Way, Westbury, NY 11590.

A Memorial Mass will be held in the diocese in the near future.

Reverend Monsignor Steven Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor

Death of Reverend Michael J. Himes

Posted on June 16, 2022June 16, 2022

On Saturday, June 11, 2022, our office sent out a notice regarding the death of Reverend Michael J. Himes, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who was released from Diocesan Assignment and had been a Professor of Theology at Boston College. Father Himes served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Saint Jerome (Brooklyn). Father Himes died Friday, June 10, 2022 in Massachusetts. Our office has recently been informed of the following:

A MEMORIAL MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED:
Immaculate Conception Center
7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, New York 11362
Tel: (718) 229-8001
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
11:00 AM

Priests who wish to concelebrate are asked to wear their diocesan vestments.
Reverend Monsignor Steven J. Aguggia, J.C.L.

Chancellor

Death of Reverend Michael J. Himes

Posted on June 13, 2022June 13, 2022

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Michael J. Himes, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn who was released from Diocesan Assignment and had been a Professor of Theology at Boston College. Father Himes was born on May 12, 1947, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 27, 1972, and died Friday, June 10, 2022.

Father Himes served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Saint Jerome (Brooklyn).

Funeral arrangements will follow shortly.

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

BISHOP BRENNAN ORDAINS HIS FIRST THREE PRIESTS TO SERVE THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

Posted on June 6, 2022

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, ordained three men as priests during a Mass of Ordination, on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn. This was the first ordination Bishop Brennan presided over since being installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn on November 30, 2021.

“I was blessed to ordain three men to the priesthood who will serve in our parishes faithfully for many years to come. We are so proud of them – and grateful to their family and seminary faculty who have helped bring them to the altar,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

The following were ordained and their assignments announced at the conclusion of the Mass:

Father Andrew Tsui – assigned to St. Bartholomew in Elmhurst.

Andrew Tsui will be the first American-born Chinese priest to serve the Diocese of Brooklyn. Tsui credits the Catholic Church for helping to save his family. His great-grandmother faced such extreme poverty that her daughters became indentured servants; his father was orphaned in Hong Kong and helped by priests from the Salesian order. His spirituality increased during his high school and college years. Andrew later spoke with Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio about the need for Chinese-speaking priests and from there, he received a strong calling to serve the Chinese people. Tsui enjoys fishing, hiking, and especially cooking.

Father Alexander Olszewski – assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas in Flatlands.

Alexander Olszewski is a former businessman wanting to help redevelop a passion for the faith among people. Alex was born in Bangkok, Thailand to Richard and Vivian Olszewski of Brooklyn. His father was stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Thailand during the Vietnam War. The family was later transferred to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he became an altar boy at his local church. He credits his attendance at Sunday Mass as a contributing factor in his vocation, as well as the sickness and eventual passing of his parents for accelerating his discernment.

Father Dung (Vincent) Vu – assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes in Queens Village.

Dung (Vincent) Vu is a native of Vietnam who started to feel the calling to the priesthood while attending college in Ho Chi Minh City. At the time, he was serving as an altar server and Catechist at Holy Family Parish and asked the pastor about a vocation to the priesthood. After graduating college, he traveled to the United States to continue his vocational discernment. He was admitted to the House of Formation in Douglaston by former Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and completed his studies at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut, and Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts.

The attached photos are courtesy of DeSales Media.

Prior to their being ordained, the three candidates lay prostrate on the floor during the Litany of Saints.

Father Alexander Olszewski, Father Dung (Vincent) Vu, and Father Andrew Tsui at the ordination. — Father Alexander Olszewski, Father Andrew Tsui, and Father Dung (Vincent) Vu at their ordination.

(Left to right) Retired Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez, Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio, Father Andrew Tsui, Father Alexander Olszewski, Bishop Robert Brennan, Father Dung (Vincent) Vu, Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski, and retired Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros.

INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE REMEMBERS VICTIMS OF RECENT MASS SHOOTINGS

Posted on June 6, 2022June 6, 2022

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, and the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns led an Interfaith Prayer Service for the victims of the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, this afternoon at Immaculate Conception Church, located in the Jamaica Estates section of Queens.

“How right we are to talk about gun violence and racism. How right we are to see the human dignity of each and every one of us, made in the image and likeness of God. We united our voices and let us proclaim The Gospel of Life amidst such violence and hatred,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

The prayer service featured the musical performance of “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” “God Has Smiled on Me,” “The Prayer,” and “We Shall Overcome.”

The names of each of the 31 victims who died in the mass shootings at the Tops Supermarket in Buffalo, New York, and Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, were read in between the ringing of the church bells on the altar.

Michele Guerrier, a membe of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Commission on Racism and Social Justice was among the speakers, as was Detective Mohamed Amen an NYPD Clergy Liaison who represented the Department’s Muslim Chaplain.

Father Alonzo Q. Cox is the Vicar of the Office of Black Catholic Concerns for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.

VIMEO is courtesy of DeSales Media: https://vimeo.com/717372170

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Bishop Brennan at the Interfaith Prayer Service to remember the victims of the recent mass shootings.

Father Alonzo Cox the Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns for the Diocese of Brooklyn who was among the organizers of the memorial service.

Posted on June 2, 2022June 2, 2022

DECREE

I, the undersigned Bishop of Brooklyn, decree that the Church of St. Lucy – St. Patrick located at 924 Kent A venue, in the Borough of Brooklyn, which is within the territory of the Parish of Mary of Nazareth is hereby RELEGATED TO THE PROFANE BUT NOT SORDID USE according to the provisions of Can. 1222 §2.

After careful consideration of the pastoral and financial needs, a determination was reached that the cost of maintaining the Church of St. Lucy – St. Patrick as an additional worship site was prohibitive to both the Parish of Mary of Nazareth 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 Mary of Nazareth 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 Henry Torres, the Administrator, wrote to request that the Church of St. Lucy -St. Patrick be relegated from the sacred to the 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 Most Reverend Neil Tiedemann, 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 St. Lucy – St. Patrick, I presented this matter for a consultation to the Diocesan Presbyteral Council on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. 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 (30) days after its publication and that by virtue of the same the Church of St. Lucy – St. Patrick will no longer be used for divine worship. In addition, I order that any sacred furnishing and artwork, which the Parish of Mary of Nazareth 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, any disposition of the church is subject to my approval as being constant with the requirements of Can. 1222 §2.

Given in Brooklyn, New York, this l 51 day of June in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Two.

BISHOP BRENNAN ANNOUNCES NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS

Posted on May 5, 2022May 5, 2022

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, has announced the selection of Deacon Kevin McCormack as the new Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn. The appointment is effective as of July 1, 2022.

Deacon McCormack will be replacing Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, who is retiring as of August 31, 2022, after serving as Superintendent for the past 18 years.

“The schools and academies of the Diocese of Brooklyn have been blessed by the many years of steady, strong, and devoted leadership of our Superintendent Dr. Thomas Chadzutko. He truly has championed the growth of our schools and academies through teacher professional development, technology, and curriculum enhancements. Today we see the success of Catholic schools throughout Brooklyn and Queens because of his work. I am confident Deacon Kevin McCormack will expand on that success, given his exemplary work leading Xaverian and his clear commitment to Catholic Identity,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.

Deacon Kevin McCormack has served as the Principal of Xaverian for the last 15 years, having previously served there as an English and Religion teacher. For 30 years, he was also an Adjunct Instructor of Theology at Molloy College and was the co-host of the WABC radio program Religion on the Line from 2006 to 2018. Deacon McCormack is a graduate of Cathedral College and holds a Master of Arts in Theology from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Fordham University.

“Over the last 37 years at Xaverian, working with tremendous students and their families, dedicated staff, faculty, administrators, and devoted alumni – and especially with my friend President Alesi, I learned what makes a Catholic School great. I am grateful that Bishop Brennan has placed his trust in me to build upon the formative work of Dr. Chadzutko and continue the blessed tradition of excellence in Catholic education,” said Deacon Kevin McCormack.

Dr. Thomas Chadzutko’s career in Catholic education in the Diocese of Brooklyn began in 1985 when he was named Principal of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn. Following his tenure as Principal, Dr. Chadzutko entered diocesan administration, serving more than seven years as a District Superintendent, and more than two years as a Deputy Superintendent. On July 1, 2003, he was named Interim Superintendent. On June 4, 2004, then Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio officially appointed Dr. Chadzutko to serve as Superintendent of Schools.

“Leadership and progress never exist in isolation. I have been blessed with pastors, principals, and staff that share the faith and the mission of Catholic education. I am fortunate to be able to reflect on the many joys that this position has afforded me. The greatest joy is the knowledge that our work has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of students over the past three decades. I am honored to have been a piece of the puzzle that has shaped the next generation of the faithful,” said Dr. Thomas Chadzutko.

Xaverian has also issued a press release today pertaining to this announcement as well as the selection of their new principal. The full release can be found here: https://xaverian.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/765/download/download_7659111.pdf

The Diocese of Brooklyn is home to 70 Catholic elementary academies and schools, as well as 15 Catholic high schools, throughout Brooklyn and Queens, with a combined enrollment of 30,894. There are 19,613 elementary students and 11,281 high school students. For more information regarding Catholic education in the Diocese of Brooklyn, visit catholicschoolsbq.org.

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