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

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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

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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

 

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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

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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

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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

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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.

 

 

 

BROOKLYN CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENT AMONG NATIONAL HANDWRITING CONTEST WINNERS; QUEENS SCHOOL WINS AT STATE LEVEL

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

BROOKLYN CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENT AMONG NATIONAL HANDWRITING CONTEST WINNERS

Queens School Wins at New York State Level for 3rd Year in a Row

            The Diocese of Brooklyn is proud to announce that St. Edmund’s Catholic Academy student Caitlyn Ngo has been selected as the 5th Grade Grand National Champion in the Zaner Bloser 2021 National Handwriting Contest, the most prestigious handwriting contest in the United States.

This year marked the 30th Anniversary of the contest, which recognizes student excellence in manuscript (print) and cursive writing. Student entries from grades K-8 are initially part of a school-only handwriting contest and then best entries are submitted to the state competition. The state winners, one from public school and one from private/parochial school from each grade, are then advanced to the competition’s national level for a chance at being selected as the Grand National Champion for their grade.

“We are so proud of Caitlyn for her outstanding achievement. St. Edmund Elementary School’s yearly participation in the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest exemplifies our dedication to providing our students with a comprehensive educational program that prepares them for success in the future,” said Andrea D’Emic, Principal of St. Edmund’s Catholic Academy.

Additionally, Holy Family Catholic Academy in the Fresh Meadows section of Queens, is proud to announce that Kindergarten student Arron Morocho and 1st Grader Jake Mulryan were selected as state champions for best manuscript/cursive handwriting among hundreds of other students across New York State.

For the third year in a row, Holy Family Catholic Academy has had at least one student recognized as a New York State winner at their grade level. Last year Isabella Ordonez was State Champion for 1st Grade, and in 2019, Philip Saffian was 2nd Grade State Champion and Grand National Championship.

“Holy Family Catholic Academy always wants to see their students do well.  The fact that for three years in a row, we have had a State Handwriting Champion shows that the children care about the quality of their work. The entire HFCA Community is proud of our Champions,” said Mary Scheer, Principal of Holy Family Catholic Academy.

Photos courtesy of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Photo #1 – Caitlyn Ngo of St. Edmund’s Catholic School displays the trophy she was awarded upon being selected as the 5th Grade National Champion in the Zaner Bloser 2021 National Handwriting Contest.

Photo #2 – From left to right: Holy Family Catholic Academy students named State Champions for Kindergarten and 1st Grade, Arron Morocho Kgn and Jake Mulryan, and 2020 1st Grade New York State Champion Isabella Ordonez.

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ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC ACADEMY ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET TO KICK OFF TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

ST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC ACADEMY ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET TO KICK OFF TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

            The parents and students of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy, located in the Rockaway Beach section of Queens, will kick off Teacher Appreciation Week in a special way on Monday, May 3, 2021, beginning at 8:45 a.m.

The students will be lined up in the school’s parking lot, in different grade intervals, alongside an actual red carpet which their teachers will be invited to walk on.  Students will present their teachers with thank you notes and verbal messages, in appreciation for their efforts that have made learning possible throughout the 2020-2021 school year impacted by the Coronavirus.

St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy is located at 154 Beach 84th Street in Rockaway Beach. Mrs. Satti Marchan is the Principal.

Members of the media interested in attending should notify the Diocesan press office. Masks must be worn at all times at the event and social distancing guidelines must be followed.

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Youth and Young Adults Ministry – On Social Media!

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We would like to invite you to follow new social media profiles dedicated to youth and young adults in the Diocese of Brooklyn!

We will post actual information about youth & young adults ministry in the Diocese of Brooklyn, events, and invitations from your parishes, interesting spiritual activities, Church teaching for youth, etc.

You are invited to create content for these profiles too!

Do you want to share an invitation? Do you want to share a relation? Do you want to help as a volunteer? Just send an e-mail: eparafiniuk@diobrook.org

(If you want to be a volunteer, you have to be 18+)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthMinistryBrooklyn

Instagram: @bklynyouth

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN VICAR FOR COMMUNICATIONS MONSIGNOR KIERAN HARRINGTON APPOINTED NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

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

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN VICAR FOR COMMUNICATIONS

MONSIGNOR KIERAN HARRINGTON APPOINTED

NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington, as the new national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The appointment was made by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The Pontifical Mission Societies are organizations under the direction of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Their purpose is the promotion of a universal missionary spirit among all baptized Catholics.

“I have worked with Monsignor Harrington in many capacities for the past 17 plus years, five of which were spent living at the Bishop’s Residence, and I know his selection for this assignment is the absolute right choice. There has always been an extraordinary desire within him to bring the good news of Jesus Christ, and the Christian faith, to the people not only of his parish, but throughout the world. Monsignor Harrington will excel in this position because of this deep faith and motivation to evangelize. The Universal Church will benefit because of Msgr. Harrington’s devotion to Our Lord, and to the people the Catholic Church is called to serve,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

“I am grateful to Bishop DiMarzio for his tutelage and the confidence he entrusted to me as Rector/pastor of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph and Church of St. Teresa. Moreover, I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as Vicar for Communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn, and President and Chairman of DeSales Media,” said Monsignor Harrington. “I am also thankful to Cardinal Tagle for this opportunity to serve the Universal Church in this national ministry to re-awaken the missionary impulse in each of us, which is at the heart of our baptismal calling.”

Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2001, Monsignor Harrington, was appointed Vicar for Communications in 2006 and Rector of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, in 2008. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the rank of Papal Chaplain with the title of Reverend Monsignor on September 3, 2009. Since 2011, Monsignor Harrington has served as the President and Chairman of DeSales Media Group, the communications, and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn. In this role, Monsignor Harrington has overseen the diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, NET, the cable station of the Diocese, and the diocesan public information and governmental affairs offices. From 2009 through 2018, Monsignor Harrington hosted ‘In The Arena,’ a weekly program on WOR radio, which featured world-renowned guests, intense debates, and compelling interviews on current topics from a Catholic cultural perspective.

“It has been a privilege over these last thirteen years to oversee the restoration and rebirth of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.  During this tenure, I was delighted to witness a springtime of renewal in parochial life. Likewise, drawing together a faith-filled and talented team of professionals to face the myriad and complex challenges of communicating the Gospel message in a rapidly changing, secular, and sometimes hostile media environment has enabled me to grow spiritually and professionally.  I am indebted to colleagues and parishioners for helping me to grow in my faith and life as a Christian,” said Monsignor Harrington.

“Monsignor Kieran Harrington, while serving as Rector of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, where he oversaw the beautiful restoration of the church, and Pastor of St. Teresa of Avila, was able to take on many of the great challenges facing our Diocese. Under his leadership with DeSales Media, he has led efforts to upgrade technology in our schools and churches, has significantly enhanced the digital and social media presence of the Diocese of Brooklyn, and has worked to grow the presence of our local Catholic media. I thank Monsignor Harrington for his years of service which have allowed him to share his many talents with us, as a true pastoral and communications leader. I ask the Lord to bless him as he takes this new role in the Church,” continued Bishop DiMarzio.

Monsignor Harrington graduated with honors from St. John’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. He holds a Masters of Divinity from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception and an MBA from the New York University Stern School of Business.

Monsignor Harrington is a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, a Knight of Columbus, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He serves on the boards of the Futures in Education Foundation, the Catholic Technology Network, and Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Saint Thomas More Award of the Catholic Lawyers Guild, the Father Mychal Judge Award at the Great Irish Fair in Brooklyn, New York, and the John Paul II Distinguished Stewardship Award.

Monsignor Harrington succeeds Father Andrew Small, OMI, who is completing his second five-year term as director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The four societies, the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Holy Childhood Association, the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious each received the title “pontifical” in 1922 to indicate their status as official instruments of the pope and of the universal Catholic Church. The national director heads the four societies in the United States and oversees the World Missions Sunday Collection, which is taken up on the third Sunday of October each year.

Photo of Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington is attached.

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