Announcement of Death – Reverend Coleman J. Costello

Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, regrets to inform you of the death of Reverend Coleman J. Costello, a retired priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Costello, was born on September 28, 1941, was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1967, and died Saturday, January 21, 2023. 

Father Costello served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of Saint Saviour (Brooklyn), Saint Francis de Sales (Belle Harbor), Saint Anthony of Padua (Brooklyn), Saint Vincent de Paul (Brooklyn), and Saint Andrew Avellino (Brooklyn). He also served as part-time chaplain of Holy Cross High School (Flushing). 

The arrangements are as follows:

WAKE:        Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, NY 11362
Tel: (718) 229-8001
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 – 9:00 AM -10:00 AM

FUNERAL:  Immaculate Conception Center 7200 Douglaston Parkway Douglaston, NY 11362
Tel: (718) 229-8001
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 – 10:30 AM

BURIAL:    Saint John Cemetery – Middle Village, New York

Father Costello 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 them to Reverend Monsignor Joseph J. Bracken, 

129-16 Rockway Beach Boulevard, Belle Harbor, New York 11694. 

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

Chancellor 

Memorial Mass for Deacon Joseph C. Denzler

On Monday, December 12, 2022, our office sent out a notice regarding the  death of Deacon Joseph C. Denzler, a retired deacon of the Diocese of  Brooklyn who served at the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes (Queens  Village). Deacon Denzler died Wednesday, December 7, 2022 in Texas. 

Our office has recently been informed of the following: 

A MEMORIAL MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED: 

Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church 
92-80 220th Street 
Queens Village, NY 11428 
Tel: (718) 479-5111 

Saturday, January 28, 2023 
10:45 AM 

All priests who plan to concelebrate, kindly notify the parish. 

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

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN’S STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF POPE BENEDICT XVI

The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, has issued the following statement on the death of Pope Benedict XVI:

“Please join me in prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict XVI. Joseph Ratzinger, the late Pope, was a man of tremendous intellect and holiness who deeply loved God and served the Church generously throughout his whole life, first serving in Germany and then the Universal Church.

He made tremendous contributions to the Second Vatican Council as a priest and theologian. Many of his contributions made their way into the documents of the Council, which charted the course for the Church in the modern era.

Pope Benedict XVI had a great mind, and his books have inspired me. He was a great teacher who helped us to understand and live our faith more profoundly.

On a personal note, ten years ago, in 2012, he appointed me an auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Later that year, he received the newly ordained bishops. There was a genuine kindness and gentleness about him. He gave us his full attention and encouraged us in our ministry as bishops.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace.”

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DIOCESAN CLASSROOMS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS WELCOME ENHANCED DIGITAL RESOURCES PROVIDED BY THE CATHOLIC TELEMEDIA NETWORK AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION

The Catholic Telemedia Network (CTN) and Discovery Education —the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place—are teaming up to send teachers and students in schools across the Diocese of Brooklyn back to the classroom with award-winning digital resources. These new resources connect the Diocese’s schools and academies to the world outside the classroom, supporting the delivery of a comprehensive academic education that will help students reach their full human potential and contribute to the common good of our nation and the world.

CTN has been serving the educational and spiritual needs of the children in the diocesan schools and academies of Brooklyn and Queens since 1966. CTN’s initiatives fall into three main categories. First, to provide digital content for Catholic school classrooms in Brooklyn and Queens. Second, to offer professional development for teachers and instructional coaches. Third, to bring technology in the form of personal computing devices/tablets, LTE broadband connectivity, and network infrastructure to schools. In addition, CTN services assist teachers in meeting national technology standards established by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Next Generation Standards, enabling students to collaborate with the world around them.

Through this partnership, which is underwritten in part by the generosity of Stanley Black & Decker, 68 diocesan schools will receive access to Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform.

Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education provides educators with an enhanced learning platform that facilitates engaging, daily instruction in any learning environment.

Discovery Education’s team continues adding, contextualizing, and organizing exciting new content, and timely and relevant resources to the platform each month in response to current events and the ever-evolving needs of educators. These resources, sourced from trusted partners, are aligned to state and national standards, and help educators bring the outside world into teaching and learning every day.

The K-12 learning platform is designed to work within the school systems’ existing infrastructure and workflows, and provides safe, secure, simple access methods for educators and students. Through expanded, lasting partnerships with Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Brightspace, and Clever, integrating Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform into existing IT architecture is easier than ever.

“Discovery Education’s resources are unparalleled, and CTN is excited to have this opportunity to support the educators and students of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s schools and academies,” said Gina Krainchich, Director of CTN. “We look forward to seeing the creative ways educators across Brooklyn and Queens will use these digital resources to develop challenging lessons that reflect the New York State Learning Standards in a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment while preparing students for high school and beyond.”

“The Diocese of Brooklyn is at the forefront of creating dynamic digital learning environments supportive of a Catholic education,” said Shayla Rexrode, M.Ed Director of Partner Success at Discovery Education. “We are excited to partner with CTN and the innovative and dedicated team using these services across this school system.”

“These exciting new digital tools from CTN and Discovery Education support the Diocese of Brooklyn’s effort to challenge students to grow through digital learning experiences that thoughtfully integrate technology into instruction,” said Joseph Paniccia, Principal of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy. “These resources will play a critical role in growing each child’s love of learning and deepening their opportunities to see our Catholic faith in action within our local school communities.”

Diocese of Brooklyn educators using Discovery Education’s services also enjoy access to the Discovery Education Community. A global network of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.

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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional support, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

About Catholic Telemedia Network
The Catholic Telemedia Network, created over 50 years ago as a member of the Catholic Television Network, is committed to providing curriculum-based instructional media resources that support the educators of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, which also includes Queens. CTN services include a library of on-demand instructional media, online coursework, and T-Mobile Cellular internet service. As technology in the classroom changes and becomes ever more integral, CTN continually upgrades services, committed to providing relevant, engaging resources valued by both teacher and student. The Catholic Telemedia Network is a service of DeSales Media Group, Inc., which provides communications and technology services to the Diocese of Brooklyn and beyond. Learn more at www.ctnbq.org.

BISHOP BRENNAN TO LEAD CELEBRATION OF A SAINT WHO SOUGHT INTERRACIAL JUSTICE THROUGH FAITH

The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, will lead a special Mass in honor of the Feast Day of Saint Peter Claver tomorrow, Friday, September 9, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 856 Pacific Street in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn.

Throughout his life, St. Peter Claver cared for African Americans who arrived on slave ships in Cartagena, Colombia by providing them medical care and food.  Over the course of his 40-year ministry, it is estimated that he baptized 300,000 slaves.

The Mass will also commemorate the 101st anniversary of the founding of Saint Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church in Bedford Stuyvesant, the first African American Church in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The Church was founded by Monsignor Bernard J. Quinn, currently under consideration for sainthood for his efforts to establish racial equality. 

Father Alonzo Cox, Coordinator for Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns for the Diocese of Brooklyn, will concelebrate the Mass. The Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of Saint Peter Claver, who work to promote civic and social justice, award scholarships, and nurture youth and family relationships, will be in attendance.

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

The Mass will be live-streamed on the Diocesan cable network NET-TV which can be found on Spectrum channel 97, Verizon Fios channel 548 and Optimum channel 30. The mass can also be viewed online at www.netny.tv.

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NEW YORK CITY’S ONLY FULLY REMOTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC ONLINE ACADEMY, GRADUATES ITS FIRST CLASS

The Diocese of Brooklyn is proud to announce St. Thomas Catholic Online Academy recently held its first graduation ceremony, where 12 students who completed the eighth-grade were awarded their diplomas.

Each of the graduates was featured individually and offered a reflection and words of encouragement from their classmates. The high school choice of each graduate was also featured as part of the graduation. The graduation ceremony was conducted fully online, and family and friends were able to log in to share in the special event.

 Math teacher Mr. James Mastricovo, a former NYPD Sergeant, encouraged the graduates to take risks as they reach for their goals. MaryAnne Rubino, a graduate of the Class of 2022, delivered a reflection on the meaning of learning together remotely and the value of an online learning community.

Brother Guy Consolmagno, the Director of the Vatican Observatory, also addressed the graduates. The Vatican Observatory is an astronomical research and educational institution established by the Holy See.

In his remarks, Brother Consolmagno stated, “The more you learn, the more you realize there is to learn.” He continued to encourage the students to remember that God devotes all of His attention to each of them, and so in their life, they should, “spend some of your attention on Him and His creation.”

Dr. Stephen J. Haessler is the Principal of St. Thomas Catholic Online Academy. The school was officially launched in September 2020, in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. The K-8 Catholic Online Academy is chartered by the New York State Department of Education. For more information about this online Catholic education, visit stacoa.org or find them on Facebook or Instagram @STACatholicAcademy.

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St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Online Academy 2022 Graduation
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Online Academy 2022 Graduation graphic. This is the first graduating class of the online academy.
The graduates of St. Thomas Aquinas Online Catholic Academy
A screenshot of the eighth-grade graduation of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Academy online graduation on June 24, 2022.

Brother Guy’s full video message can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ACKCaT9K4Y

 

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

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

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

I, the undersigned Bishop of Brooklyn, decree that the Church of Saint Margaret Mary, located at 918 27th Avenue, in the Borough of Queens, which is within the territory of the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel 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 Saint Margaret Mary as an additional worship site was prohibitive to both the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel 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 Our Lady of Mount Carmel 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 Monsignor Cuong Pham, Pastor, wrote to request that the Church of Saint Margaret Mary be relegated from the sacred to profane. Prior to the issuance of this decree and in keeping with the universal norms of the Roman Catholic Church, after consultation with parishioners as well as the Episcopal Vicar for Queens, the Most Reverend Paul Sanchez, 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 Saint Margaret Mary, I presented this matter for consultation to the Diocesan Presbyteral Council on Thursday, December 2, 2021. 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 ce11itude that the care of souls would suffer no determent, I declare that this decree will take effect thirty days (30) after its publication and that by virtue of the same the Church of Saint Margaret Mary will no longer be used for divine worship. In addition, I order that any sacred furnishing and artwork, which the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel 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 the law for the valid and licit alienation by the parish of the property concerned, the sale of the church is subject to my approval as being constant with the requirements of Can. 1222 §2.

Given in Brooklyn, New York, this 2nd day of December in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty One.