FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2021
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Adriana Rodriguez
646-241-9805
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org
John Quaglione
718-576-9180
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org
DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO HOST FORUM ON THE YEAR OF RENEWAL FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS
Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of School Support Services for the Diocese of Brooklyn, has announced the 2021 Catholic Education Year of Renewal Summit will take place on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. The virtual event will celebrate the students, teachers, staff, and parish communities throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens who have made Catholic education possible throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will offer the opening prayer and remarks. A panel discussion will include Monsignor David Cassato, Vicar for Catholic Schools, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Vicar for Development, Father Joseph Gibino, Vicar for Evangelization and Catechesis, and Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of School Support Services.
“Teachers and principals have been so strong, dedicated and present for their students. We opened fully in-person in September and while taking all of the necessary precautions, have supported our students as they adjusted and pushed forward in this new world. The 2021 Catholic Education Year of Renewal Summit will be a special night that will warm your heart,” said Superintendent Thomas Chadzutko.
The 69 Catholic elementary schools and academies in Brooklyn and Queens opened on time and have maintained safe and consistent in-person instruction from Nursery (PreK-3) through the 8th grade. An innovative online program with live instruction is also offered to those needing, or choosing, to keep their children at home. K-8 enrollment has increased at 40% of the elementary schools this year.
The dual-language program at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in Flushing will be among the curriculum highlights of programs taking place within the Diocesan schools. Father Alonzo Cox, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Coordinator of the African-American Apostolate, will speak about cultural integration in the schools and religious education.
The event will also feature interviews with priests, principals, students, teachers, and parents of Diocesan schools and Religious Education programs, both essential to the growth of parishes in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Throughout this pandemic, the Catholic schools, academies, and Religious Education programs have been a source of strength for communities, joining together to help afflicted families.
Members of the media are invited to participate in this virtual event and can receive the event link by emailing jquaglione@desalesmedia.org.
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