Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio said Wednesday that the rights of Catholics in the Diocese of Brooklyn are being violated, following news that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is mandating new COVID-19 restrictions on church attendance across the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Diocesan News
Man Suspected of Vandalizing Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe Arrested
The NYPD has arrested a man accused of smashing a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the property of Shrine Church of Our Lady of Solace last month.
China-Vatican Negotiations Frustrating for Local Chinese Clergy, Parishioners
Chinese Catholics say undisclosed details about negotiations between the Vatican and the Chinese government add to confusion about Church leadership in their native country. The confusion also drives a wedge between Catholics willing to cooperate with government regulators and others who want only to recognize the Vatican’s leadership, local Chinese clergy say.
Columbus Day Goes Virtual; Mother Cabrini to be Honored
COVID-19 is forcing everyone to change their Columbus Day plans. The Columbus Citizens Foundation recently announced that the march will not be held in person but will be a virtual event.
Cuomo’s Threat to Close Churches Stirs Anger
In the wake of his decision to close all schools in nine ZIP code areas in Brooklyn and Queens that have become hot spots for COVID-19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Oct. 5 that he might have to shut down religious institutions, too.
Hispanic Community Is ‘Good Soil’ For Developing Deacons
In the Diocese of Brooklyn, there are 220 deacons, of which 172 are active, and 48 retired. Ninety-two of the total are of Hispanic origin, which is about 42 percent of the total.
Catholic School Parents Voice Frustration During Schoolyard Protest, Following Gov. Cuomo’s Announcement
On Oct. 5, Gov. Cuomo announced all New York City schools within nine hotspot ZIP codes will physically close and pivot to remote learning on Oct. 6. This came after New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a proposal on Oct. 4 to shut down schools and non-essential businesses within the areas with high positivity rates.
Bishop DiMarzio Celebrates Feast Day of St. Jerome at St. Jerome’s Parish
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio celebrated the feast day of St. Jerome with St. Jerome’s clergy and congregants on Sept. 30. The nighttime Mass — celebrated in Creole, Spanish, and English — was the church’s 26th memorial Mass to its patron saint.
Blessed Sacrament Food Ministry Thrives During Pandemic
A prayer group at Blessed Sacrament Church in Jackson Heights, Queens started to deliver a few groceries to people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. But this ministry has flourished into a parish-supported effort, now serving as many as 300 families each week.
Catholic Schools Offer Tuition Aid to Attract Public School Kids
School leaders and education advocates in the Diocese of Brooklyn are going the extra mile to accommodate former public school parents seeking to enroll their children in Catholic schools.