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For stories regarding how the Covid-19 virus is affecting our churches, schools, and communities click here to see The Tablet.

Below you can find all the Diocesan updates, regarding the Covid-19 virus.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Two Additional Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at

Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing it has learned of two confirmed cases of the coronavirus at two church communities in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

One case has been reported at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, Queens. The employee last worked at the rectory on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

One case has been reported at St. Agatha in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The individual is the children’s choir director and last attended the 7 p.m. Mass on Saturday, March 14, 2020.

As a result of this information, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Agatha are undergoing deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider, per guidelines issued by the CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

Diocese of Brooklyn Reports a Parishioner has Died of the Coronavirus

Five Additional Cases Reported in Diocesan Church Communities

The Diocese of Brooklyn regrets to announce an elderly parishioner from Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Jamaica, Queens has died of the coronavirus. The parishioner was last at the church on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at the 1 p.m. Mass. Our hearts and prayers are with this parish family during this difficult time.

Additional coronavirus cases have been reported today in the following church communities:

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Jamaica, Queens – there is a confirmed case of the coronavirus of an individual who last attended Mass on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 11 a.m.

St. Patrick’s Church in Long Island City, Queens – there is a confirmed case of the coronavirus of an individual who last attended 12:10 Mass on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at the chapel in the Church; the individual then attended a meeting in the rectory basement.

St. Michael’s Church in Sunset Park, Brooklyn – there is a confirmed case of the coronavirus of an individual who works at the rectory.  The individual last worked on the evenings of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

St. Therese of Lisieux Convent in Brooklyn – a sister who lives at the convent has tested positive for the coronavirus. She last volunteered at St. Catherine of Genoa – St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Academy on Thursday, March 12, 2020.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Kensington, Brooklyn – a choir member has a confirmed case of the coronavirus. The individual was last at a church fundraising event on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. at the school gym (Brooklyn Prospect Charter School). The choir member last attended Mass at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider, per guidelines issued by the CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

As a result of this information, all of the locations mentioned above are undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Five people test positive for the Coronavirus in the Diocese of Brooklyn including Three Priests

         The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing it has learned three priests have confirmed cases of the coronavirus at churches in Brooklyn and Queens as well as a couple.

 

St. Brigid Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn – the priest who tested positive for the coronavirus last celebrated the 11 a.m. Mass on March 15, 2020.

 

         St. Gabriel’s Church in East Elmhurst, Queens – the priest who tested positive for the coronavirus last participated in the reposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at 7 p.m.

 

         Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary & St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Parish in Ozone Park, Queens – the priest who tested positive for the coronavirus led a trip to the Holy Land that left on March 6, 2020, and returned March 16, 2020.

 

Our Lady of the Angelus Church in Rego Park, Queens – the couple who tested positive for the coronavirus was last at the church for Stations of the Cross and Mass at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020.

 

As a result of this information, the above Churches have undergone or will undergo a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider, per guidelines issued by the CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

 

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

One Coronavirus Case Confirmed at Holy Spirit Church in Brooklyn

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing it has learned of a confirmed case of the coronavirus at Holy Spirit Church in Borough Park, Brooklyn.

 

The individual last attended Stations of the Cross on March 13, 2020, at 7 p.m. and the noon Mass on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

 

As a result of this information, Holy Spirit Church will undergo a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider, per guidelines issued by the CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

 

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

DeSales Media Expands Broadcast Schedule of Masses in the Diocese of Brooklyn

Masses to be Live-Streamed in Seven Languages Beginning Sunday

 

DeSales Media Group, the communications and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, is announcing an expanded broadcast schedule of more than 40 Masses per week, celebrated in seven languages, beginning tomorrow, Sunday, March 22, 2020. The Masses can be viewed live on the Diocese of Brooklyn’s cable channel, NET-TV, or online on the diocese’s website, dioceseofbrooklyn.org/masses.

 

The Sunday schedule, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., includes the broadcast of seven Masses celebrated in the following languages: English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Korean, Creole and Italian.

 

The weekday schedule, between 8 a.m. and noon includes seven Masses celebrated in English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Korean, Creole and Italian.

 

“The celebration of Mass in so many languages reflects the diversity of our city and a reminder that even during a time of social distancing, Christ and His Church are very close to us,” said Reverend Monsignor Kieran E. Harrington, President & Chairman of DeSales Media Group and Vicar for Communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

 

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and FIOS (Channel 48).  A graphic of the Mass schedule is below and attached.

 

“DeSales Media immediately recognized the need for the faithful to have the opportunity to have the celebration of the Eucharist continue as part of their life, and that is why we have enhanced our schedule in these uncertain times caused by the Coronavirus. This extensive schedule allows many to hear the Word of God in their native tongue, uniting us as a Diocese in prayer for our individual intentions, for those who have fallen ill and who have perished from the Coronavirus, and for the brave doctors, nurses, law enforcement personnel, and caregivers on the front lines,” said Harrington.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Four More Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at

Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn today is announcing it has learned of four confirmed cases of the coronavirus within several parish communities in the Diocese.

St. Kevin’s Church in Flushing, Queens – a choir member has tested positive for the coronavirus. The choir member last attended Mass at noon on Sunday, March 15, 2020, and was at the choir loft during the entire Mass.

St. Rose of Lima Church in Rockaway Beach, Queens – a priest has tested positive for the coronavirus. He last celebrated Mass at 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

Our Lady of Charity in Crown Heights, Brooklyn – a member of the choir tested positive for the coronavirus. The individual was last at 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

Diocesan Headquarters at 310 Prospect Park West in Park Slope, Brooklyn – there is one confirmed case of an individual who attended the Annual Lenten Reflection on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. The individual attended the evening session and the dinner before the session.

Anyone who was at the above locations during the noted dates and/or times and is concerned about exposure, contact your doctor. If you experience symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately.

As a result of this information, all of the locations mentioned above are undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, and closed all churches and rectories until further notice beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020, at noon.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

Diocese of Brooklyn Churches and Rectories Closed

Two priests test positive for Coronavirus

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn has closed all churches in Brooklyn and Queens effective Noon today, Friday, March 20, 2020. The decision was made so to prevent the ever-present possibility of the virus spreading. All rectories were also closed for business today at noon, and parish office business will continue by telephone only.

 

As a result of the closures, funerals, weddings, and baptisms will not be permitted in church. This is because limiting them to 10 people is proving not to be feasible. Graveside services outdoors will be permitted, maintaining the recommendations of the CDC regarding social distancing and at the discretion of the cemetery administration. A memorial Mass for the deceased can be celebrated later. Weddings and baptisms will be postponed to a later date.

 

“We want to ensure that there cannot be any more possible exposure to the virus at one of our Churches in Brooklyn and Queens. This was not an easy decision to make, however, the safety of our parishioners and our priests, deacons, and religious and parish staff weigh heavily on my mind. Already, we have received word that two of our priests have tested positive. With the celebration of Masses on NET-TV in different languages and live-streamed on our website (dioceseofbrooklyn.org/masses), we can still experience a sense of solidarity that we feel at Church, knowing we are all in this situation together. United in prayer to our Lord, He will guide us out of the desert,” said the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

 

One priest with a confirmed case of Coronavirus is from Sacred Heart of Jesus in Glendale, Queens. He last celebrated Mass on Sunday, March 15 at 8 am and 11:30 am. He was also at the soup supper on Saturday, March 14 in the church basement. The other priest with Coronavirus celebrated Mass at St. Matthew’s Church in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 11:30 am. Both churches and rectories now will undergo a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be limited to emergencies only, and while it is necessary for the confession to be one-on-one and in-person, social distancing measures will be observed. A Confession could be held outdoors during this time so that the priest and penitent can be at some distance from each other. Spiritual counseling will be provided over the phone.

 

The Diocese is committed to serving the faithful in Brooklyn and Queens during this difficult time. While contact in person is limited at this time, the pastors and priests at our parishes are available by phone and via social media to help the faithful get through this trying time.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Dispensation from the

Law of Abstinence for the Fridays of Lent

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has granted all the faithful of the Diocese of Brooklyn a dispensation from the law of abstinence for the Fridays of Lent for this year. This is being done to assist people who may have difficulties in shopping for food or other reasons which would make this practice difficult at this time. Parishioners are reminded the Fridays of Lent remain days of penance and prayer, which is needed now more than ever.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Ten Coronavirus Cases Confirmed at

Diocese of Brooklyn Church Communities

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn today is announcing it has learned of ten confirmed cases of the Coronavirus within several parish communities in the Diocese.

At Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Queens Village, Queens there are four confirmed cases. One individual last attended Mass on Sunday, March 1, 2020. The other three individuals are from the same family. They last attended Mass on Sunday, February 23, 2020. One of them also attended a bible study group on Monday, February 24, 2020, in the Bethsaida Spirituality Center.

There is one confirmed case of Coronavirus at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Fresh Meadows, Queens. The individual was last at the parish on March 4, 2020, at a soup supper in the Holy Family Catholic Academy school hall.

There are two confirmed cases at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Jamaica, Queens. One individual was last at the 11 am Mass on Sunday, March 8, 2020. The other individual has not been at the Church for the last few weeks.

One case of Coronavirus has been reported at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in Jackson Heights, Queens. The individual was last at the Church on Wednesday, March 5, 2020, for a funeral.

We have one reported case of a parent at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy in Rockaway Beach, Queens. The parent visited the school for a short time to speak to the principal on March 11, 2020, but there was very limited exposure to the rest of the academy.

There is one confirmed case at Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn. The individual came from another parish to a meeting of a faith-based group that was held in the convent hall on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

As a result of this information, all of the locations mentioned above have undergone or are undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anyone who was at the above locations during the noted dates and/or times and is concerned about exposure, contact your doctor. If you experience symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately.

The Diocese of Brooklyn canceled all Masses, as of Monday, March 16, 2020, until further notice.

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

 

As a follow-up to the directive to suspend all Public Masses until further notice, the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has issued a number of additional guidelines, governing the practice of the faith as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, to all parishes throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

To comply with the government recommendation to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, the following has been implemented in the Diocese of Brooklyn effective immediately:

 

PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK SERVICES

• There will be no Masses open to the public on Palm Sunday. Priests throughout Brooklyn and Queens will bless palms and will be asked to leave them on tables in the back of the Church for pickup.
• Reconciliation Monday, a special time devoted to confession at the start of Holy Week, has been canceled.  However, Priests will be available for individual confessions throughout the remainder of the Lenten season and during this period of crisis.
• The Chrism Mass will not be celebrated publicly. The Bishop will celebrate the Mass from the Cathedral and the oils will be available for distribution at designated sites around the diocese. Further information will be released at a later date.
• The Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion (Good Friday) the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, will not be celebrated publicly. A broadcast schedule of the services with no congregation, to air on NET-TV, the cable channel of the Diocese of Brooklyn, will be announced at a later date.

 

CONFIRMATIONS/FIRST COMMUNIONS

• All Confirmations and Communions have been postponed until May 15, 2020.

MASS INTENTIONS

• All intentions will be satisfied in private Masses.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

• The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be administered to individuals as needed, with Priests visiting those with COVID-19 taking extra precautions.

COMMUNION

• Priests will try to make Communion calls, adhering to necessary health precautions.

PARISH SERVICES

• Parish food pantries may remain open, but those in need are asked to contact their specific parish for schedule and procedural updates.
• Alcoholics Anonymous groups will continue to meet but only with less than 10 people and adhering to the social distancing practice.
• Churches may remain open for silent adoration but in adherence to capacity guidelines.
• All parish meetings and parish events will be canceled.
• Bulletins will be posted on parish websites.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

• The Diocese of Brooklyn’s administrative offices will be closed to the public due to the Coronavirus beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, for an undisclosed amount of time. The diocesan staff will be working remotely. You can reach the Diocese by calling 718-965-7300.

“In the days and weeks ahead, let us ask God to watch over the people of our Diocese and all of His people; those who are sick, those who will fall ill, and those who are caring for them,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

CORONAVIRUS CASE CONFIRMED AT QUEENS CHURCH; ALL CATHOLIC MASSES CANCELED IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 

The Diocese of Brooklyn late yesterday, Saturday, March 14, 2020, learned of a confirmed case of the Coronavirus within the parish community at Incarnation Roman Catholic Church, located in the Queens Village section of Queens.

 

The individual attended the Noon Mass last Sunday, March 8, 2020.

 

As a result of this information, Incarnation Church is closed and undergoing a deep cleaning and sanitization, with approved disinfectants, following guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Masses today have been held in the Auditorium.

 

Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, the Diocese of Brooklyn has canceled all Masses until further notice. However, Churches will be open for private prayer, but Catholics are urged to check with parish rectories regarding a specific parish’s schedule.

 

The Celebration of the Eucharist within the Diocese of Brooklyn can be seen on NET-TV, the 24/7 cable channel of the Diocese. The Mass schedule is as follows:

 

Weekdays:

• 8 am Live from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (English)
• 9 am Live from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)
• Noon Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
• 5 pm Replay of the Noon Mass from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
• 6:30 pm Pre-recorded Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral

 

Weekends:

• 6 pm Saturday Vigil Pre-recorded Passionate Mass from Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica (English)
• 11 am Sunday Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
• 1:30 pm Sunday Pre-recorded from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)

 

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and FIOS (Channel 48). Viewers can also tune in online at www.netny.tv.

 

At all times, but especially now, the safety and well-being of our faith community is our primary concern. The Diocese of Brooklyn will continue to deliver important information in a timely manner.

 

Let us pray for all those who have been diagnosed with Coronavirus and those who have died here in our country and around the world.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

BROOKLYN BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO DISPENSES THE FAITHFUL FROM MASS OBLIGATION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 

In an effort to be proactive in our response to the spread of the Coronavirus, the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, has dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice for Catholics of Brooklyn and Queens.

Sunday Public Masses will still be celebrated; however, the faithful are urged to exercise caution if they are to attend. The Diocese of Brooklyn will comply with the State’s regulations about large public gatherings. This dispensation remains in effect until further notice. 

Additionally, weekday masses will continue as usual with the normal precautions people should take when gathering in public places. Other celebrations (such as weddings and funerals) may take place but attendance should be limited. In these extremely difficult and challenging times, it is the primary duty of the Diocese to keep the faithful safe and healthy.

When gathering, the faithful are urged to take the necessary precautions, including remaining at a safe distance from others and receiving Holy Communion in the hand. The distribution of the Precious Blood has previously been suspended as well as the Sign of Peace with a handshake. Holy Water Fonts may also be emptied in Churches as a precaution.

Those who do not attend Mass can tune in to the Celebration of the Eucharist within the Diocese of Brooklyn on NET-TV, the 24/7 cable channel of the Diocese. The Mass schedule is as follows:

• Saturday – 6 pm Vigil Pre-recorded from Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica (English)
• Sunday – 11 am Live from St. James Cathedral in Downtown Brooklyn (English)
• Sunday – 1:30 pm Pre-recorded from Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights (Spanish)

NET-TV can be seen in the New York City area on Spectrum (Channel 97), Optimum (Channel 30), and FIOS (Channel 48). Viewers can also tune in online at www.netny.tv.

Additionally, all in-person parish religious education classes, all youth ministry classes, group meetings, CYO activities, and adult faith formation sessions will be canceled until further notice.

The health of all the faithful of the Diocese is of utmost concern, and the Diocese of Brooklyn joins in prayer to the Lord who is a healer, to protect us and to quickly bring about an end to this current public health crisis.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

Diocese of Brooklyn Catholic Academies and Parish Schools to Close Next Week

 

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D., has announced all elementary Catholic Academies and Parish Schools throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes Brooklyn and Queens, will close next week, Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20.

“Monday will be used as a professional day for teachers to develop their distance learning plans.

The Schools Office anticipates that beginning on Tuesday, students of the Diocese of Brooklyn Catholic schools and academies will have access to online learning. While we understand that not all families may have access to online learning, we have directed all academies to utilize alternative instructional processes,” said Dr. Chadzutko.

In addition, the leadership of all Catholic Academies and Parish Schools are committed to following CDC guidelines regarding deep cleaning and sanitization of buildings.

The decision to close schools was made out of an abundance of caution due to the rapidly changing situation surrounding the Coronavirus and after further consultation with representatives of city and state agencies. For your information, there are no confirmed cases in our schools reported to us by the New York City Department of Health.

Please continue to monitor your Catholic Academy and Parish school websites next week for further updates, or the Diocesan Coronavirus section of our website: https://catholicschoolsbq.org/coronavirus/

The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is of the utmost importance. Our continued quest is to maintain safe and clean environments.

 

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Letter to the Faithful

March 11, 2020

Dear Parishioners:

During this time of uncertainty surrounding the spread of the Coronavirus, the Diocese of Brooklyn is advising parishioners to take the following precautions at Mass out of an abundance of caution.

• Holy Communion: It is very strongly suggested that Holy Communion be received in the hand at this time. All involved in the liturgy should disinfect their hands before the distribution of Holy Communion.
• Precious Blood: The distribution of the Precious Blood has been suspended during this time. This policy has been in place all winter during the height of the flu season and will continue due to the Coronavirus.
• Sign of Peace: The priest/pastor should go from “The peace of the Lord be with you,” straight to the “Agnus Dei” which is the Lamb of God. During this time the exchange of peace with a handshake has been suspended.
• Holy Water: You may notice Holy water fonts may be empty. If not, you should not feel obligated to use Holy water upon entering or leaving church at this time.
• Greetings: It is highly recommended that you avoid a handshake when greeting the celebrant (or one another) before or after Mass.
• Illness: It is important that Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens use common sense when deciding whether or not to come to Mass. If you are not feeling well, you should stay home so as not to risk getting yourselves even sicker or spreading germs to others in the church.

The Diocese of Brooklyn is closely monitoring the Coronavirus and continues to maintain communications with city and state officials, as well as emergency and health officials.  For information on the Coronavirus, visit the CDC website.

The health and well-being of our priests, parishioners, and personnel is the top priority in any decisions being made.  As we continue to adjust practices to reduce the risk of the virus in our churches, we pray for the victims who have both fallen ill and perished from the Coronavirus.

Sincerely,

 

Office of the Vicar General

Diocese of Brooklyn

310 Prospect Park West

Brooklyn, NY 11215