Diocesan News

Posted on

 

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

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.

###

Bishop Robert Brennan has named Deacon Kevin McCormack as the new Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn effective July 1, 2022.

Death Notice of a Priest – Reverend Monsignor Peter V. Kain

Posted on

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Monsignor Peter V. Kain, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Monsignor Kain was born on April 28, 1940, was ordained to the Priesthood on May 29, 1965 and died Thursday, April 21, 2022.

Monsignor Kain served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Pastor of the Parishes of Saint Ephrem (Brooklyn), and Our Lady of Lourdes (Queens Village). He also served as Chaplain for the Newman Center of Queensborough and Kingsborough Community College, and Parochial Vicar of the Parishes of Saint Catherine of Sienna (Saint Albans). He was named Chaplain of His Holiness in 1989, and Prelate of Honor in 2007.

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:                        Saint Ephrem R.C Church
929 Bay Ridge Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11228
Tel: (718) 833-1010

Monday, April 25, 2022
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

 

VIGIL MASS:              Saint Ephrem R.C Church
929 Bay Ridge Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11228
Tel: (718) 833-1010

Monday, April 25, 2022
7:30 PM

 

FUNERAL MASS:      Saint Ephrem R.C Church
929 Bay Ridge Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11228
Tel: (718) 833-1010

Tuesday, April 26, 2022
10:30 AM

 

BURIAL:                     Mount Saint Mary Cemetery
Flushing, 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 to his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Flanagan, 17 Pond Lane, Darien, Connecticut 06820.

 

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

Death Notice of a Priest-Rev. Pablo Sans

Posted on

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Pablo Sans, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Sans was born on June 6, 1927, in Spain, was ordained to the Priesthood on March 15, 1953, and died Sunday, April 10, 2022.

Father Sans served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the parishes of Our Lady of the Cenacle (Richmond Hill), Saint Rita (Long Island City), Our Lady of Sorrows (Corona), Saint Agnes and Sacred Heart Chapel (Brooklyn), Saint Gabriel the Archangel (Brooklyn), and Saint Peter-Saint Paul-Our Lady of the Pilar (Brooklyn).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:               Our Lady of the Cenacle
136-06 87th Avenue
Richmond Hill, New York 11418
Tel: (718) 291-2540

Tuesday, April 19, 2022
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

VIGIL:                           Our Lady of the Cenacle
136-06 87th Avenue
Richmond Hill, New York 11418
Tel: (718) 291-2540

Tuesday, April 19, 2022
7:00 PM

FUNERAL:                  Our Lady of the Cenacle
136-06 87th Avenue
Richmond Hill, New York 11418
Tel: (718) 291-2540

Wednesday, April 20, 2022
10:30 AM

BURIAL:             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 to Our Lady of the Cenacle Parish, 136-06 87th Avenue, Richmond Hill New York 11418.

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

 

Death Notice of a Priest – Reverend Monsignor Raymond J. Kelly

Posted on

 

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Pablo Sans, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Sans was born on June 6, 1927, in Spain, was ordained to the Priesthood on March 15, 1953, and died Sunday, April 10, 2022.

Father Sans served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the parishes of Our Lady of the Cenacle (Richmond Hill), Saint Rita (Long Island City), Our Lady of Sorrows (Corona), Saint Agnes and Sacred Heart Chapel (Brooklyn), Saint Gabriel the Archangel (Brooklyn), and Saint Peter-Saint Paul-Our Lady of the Pilar (Brooklyn).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:               Our Lady of the Cenacle
136-06 87th Avenue
Richmond Hill, New York 11418
Tel: (718) 291-2540

Tuesday, April 19, 2022
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

VIGIL:                           Our Lady of the Cenacle
136-06 87th Avenue
Richmond Hill, New York 11418
Tel: (718) 291-2540

Tuesday, April 19, 2022
7:00 PM

FUNERAL:                  Our Lady of the Cenacle
136-06 87th Avenue
Richmond Hill, New York 11418
Tel: (718) 291-2540

Wednesday, April 20, 2022
10:30 AM

BURIAL:             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 to Our Lady of the Cenacle Parish, 136-06 87th Avenue, Richmond Hill New York 11418.

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

 

FROM ITALY TO BROOKLYN: RELIC OF FIRST POSSIBLE MILLENNIAL SAINT TO ARRIVE IN DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN FOR SPIRITUAL EVENTS NEXT WEEK

Posted on

Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino, Bishop of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino and of Foligno in Italy will be welcomed to the Diocese of Brooklyn for two special spiritual events next week as part of his visit to the United States with a First-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Acutis is the first millennial to be considered for Sainthood in the Catholic Church.

The First-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis is a fragment of the pericardium, the membrane that surrounded and protected his heart.

The prayer and veneration events scheduled include:

Monday, April 4 – 7:00 p.m. 

Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Hour of Prayer

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

2325 Newtown Avenue, located in the Astoria section of Queens

Wednesday – April 6  – 12:00 p.m.

Diocese of Brooklyn High School Rally with Archbishop Sorrentino

Holy Family Roman Catholic Church

175-20 74th Avenue in the Fresh Meadows section of Queens

Last July, another First-class relic, strands of the hair of the Blessed Carlo Acutis, was received in the Diocese of Brooklyn at the request of then-Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio. Since then, the Diocese has brought that relic to schools and parishes for veneration, in an effort to inspire the youth to deepen their faith.

Members of the media are invited to attend and are asked to respond to this email to confirm their attendance.

A photo of the relic is attached.

###

ABOUT CARLO ACUTIS

Carlo Acutis passed away at the age of 15 in 2006 after his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Acutis, who attended Mass daily from the age of seven, designed a website listing “The Miracles of the Eucharist,” documenting every miracle throughout the world, associated with the bread and wine consecrated at Mass and transformed into the body and blood of Christ.  The website can be found at http://www.miracolieucaristici.org/.

Since his death, Pope Francis has attributed a miracle to Carlo Acutis, which healed a boy with a malformed pancreas after the child came in contact with one of his shirts. Carlo could become a saint if a second verified miracle is attributed to him and is recognized by the Pope.

First-class relic of Carlos Acutis
The First-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis is a fragment of the pericardium, the membrane that surrounded and protected his heart.

POPE FRANCIS ACCEPTS RETIREMENT OF DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN’S AUXILIARY BISHOP PAUL R. SANCHEZ

Posted on

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has accepted the resignation of Diocese of Brooklyn’s Auxiliary Bishop Paul R. Sanchez. The resignation was publicized in Washington on March 30, 2022, by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

As required by Canon (Church) law, at the age of 75, all bishops must submit a letter of resignation from the ecclesiastical office that they hold. It is then a determination of the Holy See as to when to accept the resignation. 

“Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Paul Sanchez has faithfully served God and his people throughout his ministry. The Catholic community of Brooklyn and Queens is better because of Bishop Sanchez’s commitment to teaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for his guidance, and very much appreciate his will to remain as a spiritual leader here in our Diocese,” said the Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn.

“I give thanks to Almighty God for his abundant grace and mercy throughout my almost ten years as an auxiliary Bishop and my 50 years as a priest. I am grateful to Popes Benedict and Francis, and to Bishops DiMarzio and Brennan for their prayers and support. Countless priests, religious men and women, faithful parishioners and my beloved family have inspired and accompanied me in my journey of faith. For all that has been, I say, thank you God.  For all that will be, may God’s will be done,”  stated Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Paul R. Sanchez.

The Most Reverend Paul Sanchez was born November 26, 1946, in Brooklyn. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. Bonaventure’s University, a Master of Arts from the University of Notre Dame, and a Licentiate of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

Paul R. Sanchez was ordained to the priesthood on December 17, 1971, at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Throughout his ministry, he was assigned to a number of parishes throughout the Diocese in both Brooklyn and Queens including Our Lady of Mercy in Forest Hills, St. Michael’s in Flushing, and St. Sebastian’s in Woodside. Then-Father Sanchez also served as pastor at St. Agatha’s in Brooklyn and at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, while also serving as administrator of St. Margaret Mary’s in Long Island City.

Then-Father Sanchez was named Vicariate Coordinator for the diocesan Liturgical Commission in January 1975. He also served as a member of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Presbyteral Council, a member of the diocesan team for ministry to priests, and a sub-committee member of the International Committee on English in the Liturgy.

In 1997, then-Father Sanchez was named a Prelate of Honor (Monsignor) by Saint John Paul II. On July 11, 2012, then-Monsignor Sanchez was ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn. He previously served as an adjunct professor at St. John’s University and at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception.

Bishop Sanchez will remain Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Forest Hills, where he has served since 2012, and serve as an Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

###

Official Photo of Bishop Sanchez
Official Photo of Bishop Sanchez courtesy of DeSales Media.

BROOKLYN CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS SEND LOVE AND PRAYERS TO THE CHILDREN OF THE UKRAINE

Posted on

BROOKLYN CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS SEND LOVE AND PRAYERS TO THE CHILDREN OF THE UKRAINE

Students of St. Mark’s Catholic Academy, located in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn, held a special dress-down fundraiser for the children of Ukraine on Monday, March 7, 2022.

The school raised over $2,000 for “Voices of Children,” which provides psychological and psychosocial support for children affected by war.

Photos attached are courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn/St. Mark’s Catholic Academy.

St. Mark’s Catholic Academy students participating in a dress-down fundraiser to benefit the children of Ukraine.
Students from St. Mark’s Catholic Academy send their prayers to the children of Ukraine.

POPE FRANCIS ACCEPTS RETIREMENT OF DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN’S AUXILIARY BISHOP RAYMOND F. CHAPPETTO

Posted on

POPE FRANCIS ACCEPTS RETIREMENT OF DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN’S AUXILIARY BISHOP RAYMOND F. CHAPPETTO

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has accepted the resignation of Diocese of Brooklyn’s Auxiliary Bishop Raymond F. Chappetto. The resignation was publicized in Washington on March 7, 2022, by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

As required by Canon (Church) law, at the age of 75, all bishops must submit a letter of resignation from the ecclesiastical office that they hold. It is then a determination of the Holy See as to when to accept the resignation.

“I share the appreciation of so many in the diocese for Bishop Chappetto’s many years of dedicated service here in Brooklyn and Queens.  Personally, I thank him for staying on beyond the retirement age to assist with the transition, and to Pope Francis for allowing that,” said The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn.

“It has been an honor and a privilege for me to serve for 51 years as a priest, 10 of those years as a Bishop, for the great Diocese of Brooklyn. I am grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and to Bishops DiMarzio and Brennan, for their support of my ministry,” stated Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Raymond F. Chappetto.

The Most Reverend Raymond F. Chappetto, D.D., was born on August 20, 1945, in Astoria. He studied at Cathedral College in Brooklyn and was awarded a Master of Divinity from Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Albany. Bishop Chappetto also holds a Master of Arts in Religious Education from St. John’s University and is certified in Pastoral Counseling.

Raymond F. Chappetto was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1971. Throughout his ministry, he has served in numerous parishes in Brooklyn and Queens, and as an Episcopal Vicar for Brooklyn West. In 1997, then-Father Chappetto was named a Prelate of Honor (Monsignor) by Saint John Paul II.

In 2008, while assigned as Pastor of Our Lady of Snows in Floral Park, then-Monsignor Chappetto was named Pastor of the Year by the National Catholic Education Association. During his ministry at Our Lady of Snows, he was named Minister for Priests. In 2009, he was named Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life, a position held until 2021.

On July 11, 2012, then-Monsignor Chappetto was ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn. In September 2013, Bishop Chappetto was named Diocese of Brooklyn’s Vicar General.

The Most Reverend Raymond F. Chappetto will now serve as an Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Brooklyn effective immediately.

Bishop Chappetto Photo
Photo of Bishop Raymond Chappetto courtesy of DeSales Media.

###

Death Notice of a Priest -Reverend Dehua (Edward) Zhang, C.S.J.B.

Posted on

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Dehua (Edward) Zhang, C.S.J.B., a retired religious priest of the Roman Catholic Congregation of Saint John the Baptist who ministered in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Zhang was born on October 24, 1931, was ordained to the Priesthood on December 19, 1986 and died Thursday, February 3, 2022.

Father Zhang served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Saint John Vianney (Flushing), and Our Lady of China Chapel (Elmhurst).

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:     
Saint John Vianney R.C Church
140-10 34th Avenue
Flushing, New York 11354
Tel: (718) 762-7920 

Friday, February 11, 2022
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

VIGIL MASS:
Saint John Vianney R.C Church
140-10 34th Avenue
Flushing, New York 11354
Tel: (718) 762-7920

Friday, February 11, 2022
6:00 PM

FUNERAL MASS:
Saint John Vianney R.C Church
140-10 34th Avenue
Flushing, New York 11354
Tel: (718) 762-7920

Saturday, February 12, 2022
9:00 AM

BURIAL:
Gate of Heaven Cemetery
Hawthorne, 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 to his Provincial Superior, Brother Peter Li, C.S.J.B., 5417 90th Street, Elmhurst, NY 11373.

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